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A Bad Call on Gay Rights
The Obama administration, which came to office promising to protect gay rights but so far has not done much, actually struck a blow for the other side last week. It submitted a disturbing brief in support of the Defense of Marriage Act, which is the law that protects the right of states to not recognize same-sex marriages and denies same-sex married couples federal benefits. The administration needs a new direction on gay rights.
Mr. President I can fully appreciate that more than likely you knew nothing of this shameful motion made by your justice dept. None the less it has happened under your watch and you need to make this right.
The BackChannel Blog 
I also hope it was done without his knowledge. And just as hopefully, he will correct the brief about DOMA. I understand he has a lot of things on his plate, but like taking Michele to NYC for a Broadway play, this was also one of his promises when he was elected to office. However, it has been 2 days and haven’t heard anything to the contrary. Better get on this one, Barack, or fulling a promise of taking your wife to a Broadway play isn’t going to help you in 2012.
Like Bill Maher, I’ve been concerned about President Obama’s centerist positions for some time now. The unfulfilled promises and right-leaning policies are beginning to pile up. Is this the change we wanted in this president?
In addition to the two setbacks for gays and lesbians in our country, the House Democrats voted today to fund the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan by 226-202. 221 Democrats, a majority of those voting, said yes to a bill that doesn’t have a date certain for ending these wars as well as adding on $9 billion for a new aircraft, which the Secretary of Defense said we don’t need, and $100 billion for the IMF. The wars now belong to Obama!
Morning peeps, up early enough to see morning joe and joe is off, what a shame!
U.S. to Extend Its Job Benefits to Gay Partners
Hi, all! It’s going to take me some time to catch up.
I’m glad you posted this, Brian. Obama needs to sit up and take notice or, as Bev said, keeping a promise to Michelle will not save him in 2012.
I feel much like you, eprof2. I was happy to see Bill Maher call Obama out on this crap. Enough is enough! We progressives won this election for Obama; we’re the ones who worked out butts off him. He needs to keep his word NOW! That DOMA brief is shameful! Whether he knew its contents or not really doesn’t matter; he appointed that AG and it’s not unreasonable to assume that his AG is aware of his positions. If Holder filed that brief without Obama’s knowledge AND Obama disagrees with it, why the hell hasn’t it been revised? And why has there been no word from the White House about it? This little memorandum Obama is issuing tonight is nothing but a small bone to try to appease gay people and their supporters. It won’t work. From what I hear, it doesn’t even extend medical benefits to the partners of gay federal employees. What a sham!
nanny you’re a live!
Fifth day of protests in Iran.
Prior thread: Now is the time for the Democrats to move on whatever they need to move on as the majority in any branch is fleeting indeed. I hope all are well. I am keeping an eye on things down here in the hills.
Steve it’s very frustrating not getting live coverage out of Iran, we are so spoiled in this regard. I hate not being able to see what’s going on in real time.
New Protest Builds as Iran Expands Its Crackdown
“Fire David Letterman” Protest Becomes Hatefest, Draws More Media Than Protesters
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/16/letterman-protest-draws-m_n_216566.html
Just when I thought the streets of NY were safe from PUMA attacks!
All the brief did was send a signal that the AG isn’t going to challenge the constitutionality of DOMA right now. They don’t need do Ted Olson and David Boise are gonna do it for them. I predict the challenge will succeed based on precedent using the Commerce Clause.
The wording of the brief submitted by the govt dnd was disgraceful. Also the govt wasn’t obligated to file any brief, why it did is beyond me.
To those who are upset with Obama for not strong arming progressive legislation, allow me to remind you of two things:
1. It was the independents and crossover Republicans who pushed the vote in Obama and the Congresses’ favor. A recent Gallop poll on political views: 40% conservative, 35% moderate, 21% liberal.
2. The backlash from Bush 43 not vetoing any bill from Republican Congress during the six years they dominated.
This is a time for Obama to prudently pick his battles, lest the Democrats suffer in 2012. The last thing the Democrats want is a resurgence of the Gingrich style of Republicans with their phony populism.
“Power tends to corrupt. Absolute power tends to corrupt absolutely.”
— Lord Acton
Off the soapbox 😉
Brian, I agree. There was no need for this brief to be filed. With all they’ve got on their plate, why add more controversy when you don’t have to?
“With all they’ve got on their plate, why add more controversy when you don’t have to?”
Their plate is not the issue, spitting in the face of some their most loyal supporters is!
Hillary Rosen just said on CNN that the President is going to call for the repeal of DOMA.
From her mouth to god’s ear dnd, the president’s statement later today should be an interesting one to say the least!
What time is he going to issue that statement?
No idea nanny, I thought it was going to be at 5:45, no idea what is going on.
Seems I’m making my mark on yet another blog!
😆
http://trueslant.com/dianedimond/2009/06/17/fed-grand-jury-wants-paper-to-cough-up-names-of-web-commentors/
Nanny! So glad to see you. I hope you’re past your recent illness. We missed you, and as a kindred spirit, as Brian likes to call us, I especially missed you. Welcome back!
Thanks, eprof. It’s good to be up and about. I’m feeling much better, just need to get my energy back.
Want a B12 shot? I have some in the fridge.
Could someone explain to me why p. j. o’rourke has a career in television, this man isn’t funny on any level. And yet he’s frequently on TV.
I responded to Diane Dimond.
http://trueslant.com/dianedimond/2009/06/17/fed-grand-jury-wants-paper-to-cough-up-names-of-web-commentors/#comment-677
Nannymm,
Glad to see you’re feeling better. Stay well. And don’t let Brian give you any shots 😉
Brian,
Did you ever read National Lampoon? O’Rourke is a brilliant satirist. He’s the Al Frankin of the right. In fact he may be the only satirist on the right. They seem to prefer sarcasm to satire.
PETA weighs in on Obama swatting that fly:
http://blog.peta.org/archives/2009/06/obama_and_the_f.php
I knew there was a reason I loved you so much nanny, and btw dnd I have a lot of experience giving shots, I’m a master sticker, even with the thick needle required to give a B12 shot.
Thanks, dnd. I’ve had enough shots to last me for quite some time!
FYI folks, this girl who’s trying to sue because of the stars tattooed on her face is full shit, there is no one anyone could sleep through that unless they were under general anesthesia!
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