"You want to be commander in chief? You can start by standing up for the men and women who wear the

[Pirate Smile]

uniform of the United States, even when it's not politically convenient."

Obama HRC Speech 2011: President Talks Gay Rights At Human Rights Campaign Dinner



WASHINGTON -- President Obama forcefully called for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act on Saturday night at the annual Human Rights Campaign fundraising dinner, but he did not come out in support of marriage equality, as some hoped he would do.
The 3,000 attendees at the dinner, which took place at the Washington Convention Center, gave the president multiple standing ovations, including when he touted the repeal of "don't ask, don't tell" and the establishment of hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples and when he spoke out against the bullying of LGBT youth.

The most electric reaction, however, came when Obama sharply criticized the GOP presidential candidates for staying silent when audience members at a debate booed a gay soldier who asked a question about DADT.
"We don't believe in the kind of smallness that says it's okay for a stage full of political leaders -- one of whom could end up being the president of the United States -- being silent when an American soldier is booed. We don't believe in that," said Obama to loud cheers and a standing ovation.

"We don't believe in standing silent when that happens. We don't believe in them being silent since. You want to be commander in chief? You can start by standing up for the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States, even when it's not politically convenient. We don't believe in a small America. We believe in a big America -- a tolerant America, a just America, an equal America -- that values the service of every patriot."

Notably at Saturday's dinner, there was a table filled with servicemembers -- both active-duty and retired -- wearing their uniforms. HRC spokesman Michael Cole-Schwartz said it was a first for active-duty members to do so, since it's also the first post-DADT dinner.
Last week, Obama also chastised the audience at the GOP debate for booing the soldier, but this is the first time that he forcefully went after the candidates for their silence.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/01/obama-hrc-speech-gay-rights_n_990574.html

Full introduction and speech available here >>> http://www.hrc.org/apps/obama/

[FSogol]

1. K&R. n/t

[Tx4obama]

2. Also the full 28:10 minute intro and speech video is on the link below

http://www.mediaite.com/online/watch-obamas-speech-at-the-human-rights-campaign-dinner-livestream/

[babylonsister]

3. Thanks for posting-love this whole speech-recommend! nt

[steve2470]

4. k&r nt

[Pirate Smile]

5. I love that dog costume. n/t

[steve2470]

6. thanks :) nt

[Pirate Smile]

7. Kick

[ellisonz]

8. Lady Gaga jokes were priceless.

"She was wearing 16 inch heels"

[Major Hogwash]

9. And some wonder why President Obama is dispised in certain circles.

Like the KKK.

He's already one of the greatest Presidents we have ever had, and yet the whining and the sniviling continue daily.

[FedUp_Queer]

12. He's more than a president.

He's like a king. It's like he's above the law.

[Pirate Smile]

10. kick

[Scurrilous]

11. K & R

:thumbsup:

[Cherchez la Femme]

13. Except when they want to marry one another.