Report: Obama To Meet With LGBT Rights Groups In Russia

[ProSense]

Report: Obama To Meet With LGBT Rights Groups In Russia

President Barack Obama is set to meet with Russian LGBT rights groups as well as several other Russian human rights activists at this week's G20 summit in St. Petersburg, BuzzFeed reported Monday.

Obama cancelled a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in August amid tension over the country's offer of asylum to NSA leaker Edward Snowden. The news of Obama's planned meeting with Russian LGBT activists is likely to be viewed as a jab at Putin, who signed an anti-gay law earlier this year.

From BuzzFeed:

Four Russian non-governmental organizations told BuzzFeed Monday they had been invited to the meeting, scheduled for this Thursday at St. Petersburg’s Crowne Plaza Hotel. The groups include veteran human rights activists Lev Ponomarev and Lyudmila Alexeyeva, legal aid NGO director Pavel Chikov, and Coming Out, a St. Petersburg-based LGBT organization. Another local LGBT group, the LGBT Network, is believed to be attending, though director Igor Kochetkov declined to comment to BuzzFeed, saying that he had been “asked not to say anything.”

http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/obama-to-poke-putin-in-ribs-meet-with

[DURHAM D]

1. What a great FU to Putin.

[DeSwiss]

31. Just what one would expect from the leader of the free world, eh?

- Nah-nah-nah-nah-nah. {sighs}

[pnwmom]

114. I would expect and am proud that he's meeting with civil rights activists there.

No other President has met with foreign LGBT leaders.

[DeSwiss]

120. Me too.

Just not why I think he's doing it. He shouldn't use groups for political reasons. A conclusion I draw based on his past history and his pique at all things Putin right now -- which is for Syrian and Snowden support, for starters.

And I'm getting fed up with these games being played by grown men where people have to die because they can't find a way to sit down and talk.

Who the hell are we to punish anyone?

- Why is gassing babies worse and less moral, than droning them to death?

[pnwmom]

122. We didn't purposely aim weapons at school playgrounds. n/t

[DeSwiss]

125. The rockets shown by the UN photos.....

....can barely be aimed at anything. They had no guidance systems. They're crude slapped together pieces of crap and whizz and made all kinds of noise when flying.
Here's more.



Not something you'd expect to see a real military depend upon as a weapon, but maybe a provisional army that has no infrastructure and is fighting a war on the fly. Not to mention the UK selling the rebels potassium and sodium fluoride as far back as 10 months ago, which can be used to make nerve gas.

And lastly, I don't believe a goddamned word that came out of John Kerry's mouth. Or anyone in the government for that matter. They have LIED before and they're LYING now. They want a war because they've been told to provide one.

- If they they do it, heads will roll. And if they don't do it, other heads will roll.....

[pnwmom]

126. I'm talking about the video of the kids who were napalmed (or whatever) by planes that

dropped the stuff from above them.

[DeSwiss]

128. Civil wars are never civil.

I hate ALL war.

And I hate Predator Drones, the weapon of the silent cowards.

I also think that we shouldn't be the world's largest arms supplier, but we are.

So it is we who cause most of the deaths in wars simply by providing the most weapons.

But even that is not the point.

Syria should be dealt with BY. THE. WORLD.

- It is not Barack Obama's job to punish anyone. It's not listed in the Constitution as one of his powers either.....

[pnwmom]

130. So you don't think purposely dropping bombs on a playground

is worse than the way we have used drones?

[DeSwiss]

131. You mean rather than.....

...purposely dropping them on weddings?

- Or funerals?

Like these children here?:
[center]


















[/center]

[Bluenorthwest]

2. That would be nice, hope it happens and with a diverese cross section of GLBT groups

The groups that RT promotes claim the fucked up laws are good for gays. So I'm hoping he hears from more than just the front groups for the status quo....

[Daniel537]

3. I wonder how many DUers and other phony liberals are going to rally behind Putin on this one

since they seem to love rallying behind that thug and bashing Obama when it comes to Syria.

[Bluenorthwest]

6. Wow, nice commentary on this community. Even Prossense would not say shit like that.

Sad for posters of your agenda that there is no more Meta.

[Daniel537]

8. Oh please, don't try to pretend that there isn't a large group of tin-foilers here

and unfortunately across much of the left that buys into the crap being fed to the world by RT, Alex Jones and other sources from the gutter. That type of garbage needs to be called out.

[madinmaryland]

16. *snort*

That's was one of the best back-handed support comments I have seen of someone in a long time (I think the last was cboy4! in the sports forum)

[pangaia]

47. Bravo...

[bluestate10]

51. The poster is right. I wonder also whose side some here on DU will take. My money is on

Putin. Regardless of how good this President is or how much he as accomplished against tough odds, some on DU refuse to give him credit for anything.

[joshcryer]

124. The RT defense here was pretty bizarre.

Particularly when it involved this subject.

I expect this will just fly under the radar though.

The Putin Pumpers know when to keep their mouth out of it because it'll piss off a large chunk of the progressive community if they come to his aid.

[Cha]

7. Oh, they'll find some angle

to bash Pres Obama and praise Putin. Go RT.

[Whisp]

28. and taking a Russian Spy's word over everyone else's.

The Russian Spy and his mouthpiece from Brazil.

crazy people

[DeSwiss]

35. So you think DUers are ''phony'' liberals?

- And more to the point, how does one tell a phony liberal from the real article? Is there a label or special emblem to look for? These are rhetorical questions because I have no interest in your answers.

[Sand Wind]

88. Some of them are phony liberal. How much, can't say. Nt

[Tarheel_Dem]

40. Spot on!

[pangaia]

45. Phony liberal.. Me?

You don't know jack, my friend, hate to say it.
Whether I agree with your opinions, whatever they may be, or not, I do my best to use my head with what information I can get. So don't call me a phony liberal.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

79. Interesting question.

Do you think Obama will meet with LGBT activists in Saudi Arabia?

[Hissyspit]

108. +1

[Divine Discontent]

134. +2

and I like this move of his, nonetheless, but you ask a good question.

[ctsnowman]

144. Nailed it.

[Sand Wind]

86. +1000 Good question !

[LostOne4Ever]

112. No liberal is going to rally behind Putin.

And believe it or not.....some of us leftwing liberals do like Obama.

Do we agree with him on every issue? No. But we do realize how much he has done for this country and the political realities he has to deal with.

[SkyDaddy7]

143. I could not agree more!!

It amazes me that "Liberals" would ever take the side of ruthless blood thirsty dictators...But one does see this sort of thing here on DU. SAD!!

[Drunken Irishman]

4. Nice!

[polichick]

5. This is the same guy who invited Rick Warren to do the prayer at his inauguration...

Everything is political.

[Drunken Irishman]

9. Too bad Obamacare doesn't cover Obama Derangement Syndrome...

Maybe then you could finally get some help.

[polichick]

10. Think back to my last message to you - it fits here too.

[Drunken Irishman]

13. Is that all you got?

C'mon now. Your hatred for Obama and the Syrian people should be strong enough to come up with a better retort than just 'fuck you'.

You can do it!

[polichick]

14. That's not what I posted.

[polichick]

18. Your poor reading comprehension keeps sinking you...

I almost feel sorry for you - but not quite.

[Drunken Irishman]

20. I don't need the pity of someone who is actively rooting for Syrians to die.

I bet you have a poster of Assad with hearts on it above your bed.

[polichick]

36. LOL - the way you make wild assumptions is a riot...

but you'd do better to learn how to comprehend what others actually post.

[Le Taz Hot]

26. Dude.

You need a nap. Now.

[treestar]

53. No worse than comments left stand

About Obama supporters.

[Le Taz Hot]

76. Not a clue as to what that means.

[NealK]

39. Buh bye now.

[hrmjustin]

21. He also invited Bishop Gene Robinson to give a Benediction at his Inauguration ceremonies.

[bluestate10]

68. You are wasting your time. Haters hate, that is what gives them life. Life is too complex

for them, hate is something they understand. Gene Robinson is iconic as a gay person and a barrier breaker. The boldness that Robinson showed when his entire future could have been taken away from him stands to this day as an outstanding example of bravery. The haters only saw the President Obama invited Warren, they ignored that a person, Robinson, of much larger statue was also invited.

[Link Speed]

27. Sadly, you are spot-on

Anyone who thinks that Obama reflexively jumped up and said, "Hey, let's meet up with some gay folks!" is woefully naive.

This kind of thing is planned to the second. The entrances are rehearsed to the inch.

It's all political.

This isn't about propping up the Russian gay community, but currying votes from ours.

[ProSense]

32. "Anyone who thinks that Obama reflexively jumped up and said

"Anyone who thinks that Obama reflexively jumped up and said, 'Hey, let's meet up with some gay folks!' is woefully naive."

Speaking of "woefully naive," I remember the doubters (including bloggers) making the rounds on TV the day before DADT was repealed. They were gleefully claiming that the President's efforts were going to fail because he didn't have to courage to stand up to the military, and the he really didn't want it.

Turns out he's the President who has done more for the LGBT community than any other, and that's not simply lip service.

Thanks, Obama >> updated, Edith Windsor reacts
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023101179

Still, it's not clear the point you're trying to make. I mean, it appears you're implying this is political, but it's still his call.

[Link Speed]

34. I had no doubt that DADT would be repealed.

Millions of votes were in sway.

It's all political, all of it. That's just the way it is.

Madame Pritzger, anyone?

[Tarheel_Dem]

41. I think you are what's commonly referred to as a "cynic". "It's all political"? Only for those who

post on sites like DU. In the real world, some people still have integrity, and I believe the POTUS is one of 'em.

[Link Speed]

43. You're probably right

My family is neck-deep in Southern politics - both sides. I have pretty much given up on all hope for integrity in the process.

That's why I moved to Wine Country in order to get away from it all.

[creeksneakers2]

44. If its all just to be popular

Why would Obama be for a strike on Syria?

[Iliyah]

46. Uh huh

when? Not with GOPers and Libertarians in control. Political or not, it was still the right thing to do.

Pres O is meeting with the LGBT in Russia and of course without fail the contempt trickles in.

[bluestate10]

73. Millions of votes were in sway when Clinton approved DADT and Bush enforced it.

So, what is your point? President Obama worked to bring a resistant military leadership along until they became advocates for change. You are so sure that DADT would be repealed, I am not sure that would have happened if not for the effort put in by our President, that is a FACT.

[NealK]

42. Please remind me who effectively repealed DOMA.

Oh, that's right, the supreme court.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023469577#post38

[Iliyah]

48. This time they did follow the

United States of America, Constitution huh. At the same time they EFF VRA of 1965, Sections 4 & 5.

[NealK]

55. I have to admit that it was a nice surprise though.

[ProSense]

56. Here, let me post this

"Please remind me who effectively repealed DOMA. Oh, that's right, the supreme court."

...snip from the link I provided:

Thanks, Obama >> updated, Edith Windsor reacts

by kirbybruno

This >>>>>
Obama administration will no longer defend DOMA

and this >>>>>>

Obama Chooses Sotomayor for Supreme Court Nominee

and this >>>>>>

President Obama Nominates Elena Kagan for Supreme Court

has led to this >>>>>
Supreme Court strikes down Defense of Marriage Act.

Thanks Obama!

<...>

Besides, Edith Windsor's opinion is more relevant on this issue.

[NealK]

59. Thanks, supreme court!

[treestar]

57. With two Obama appointees on it nt

[NealK]

63. I'm sure that when Obama says jump they reply: "How high?"

And I thought that he wasn't a dictator!

[treestar]

64. They were liberals

No, he's not a dictator. You mean he gets credit for nothing unless he is? The only person behind it? That's what you're saying, in effect.

[NealK]

96. "They were liberals"

And I thought that being a liberal was a bad thing, silly me. Are they all Liberals in the SCOTUS? Because the last time I checked they were not. Also isn't there a little thing about separated Government branches? You know, check and balance and all that stuff. Did Obama ordered the SCOTUS to do what they did? I fail to see why he would deserve any credit about the death of DOMA. Now go back to that silly site and ask the puppet master with 3 accounts on DU what to say next.

[treestar]

106. It's funny there are only other branches

when it suits.

If it weren't for those two liberal justices, it could have turned out very differently.

I should alert on your last but your partisans have taken over the board and it probably won't work.

[NealK]

149. "your partisans have taken over the board"

I have partisans?

[DeSwiss]

30. +1000

[treestar]

54. So what do you suppose is his real intent in this Russian meeting then? nt

[polichick]

62. Perhaps post #1 has it right...

He sure wasn't quick about "evolving" when it came to gay marriage - waited until it was politically safe.

[treestar]

65. He did.

What if the conservatives eventually evolve? It will be too late? One should always be glad to have convinced someone, rather than dwell on how they used to disagree. Isn't it the goal to get the vast majority converted?

[polichick]

67. My point really was that he seems to be using Russian lgbt's....

to stick it to Putin.

[treestar]

69. How does that work?

Putin signed the law, so he's not embarrassed by it. He signed the law, so aren't we for sticking it to him? Since I'm a homophobe for not caring that Warren gave a prayer at the President's First Inauguration, then surely Putin is for signing that law? Doesn't he deserve it? How can any gay rights advocate possibly be suffering from ODS so badly they don't like him sticking it to a leader of another country who is responsible for a law like that?

[polichick]

72. imo a "leader" is someone who leads...

...someone who doesn't wait until it's politically safe to evolve on an issue, someone who might meet with the lgbt community because it's an issue he/she really cares about, not because it might stick it to Putin.

But that's just me.

[treestar]

107. Putin certainly leads

It's hilarious that you are more in his corner on a gay rights issue.

Putin hasn't evolved very far at all.

[polichick]

109. Where did I say I was in Putin's corner?

You missed my point completely.

[Cha]

11. And, why not? This was part of the reason Pres Obama

cancelled his meeting with Putin. Their stance on Human Rights that hacker/tool snowden praised so highly.

"These nations, including Russia, Venezuela, Bolivia, Nicaragua, and Ecuador have my gratitude and respect for being the first to stand against human rights violations."

http://wikileaks.org/Statement-by-Edward-Snowden-to.html

Putin will be pissed.

[sheshe2]

19. +1!

[alp227]

50. does Snowden not know who Pussy Riot is?

does he mean "MY rights" when talking about human rights?

[treestar]

58. Probably

and he'll likely soon be crying about how few he has, considering where he is

[Tarheel_Dem]

52. Thank You!

[Cha]

60. You're Welcome~ Happy Labor Day, Tarheel Dem!

President Obama's Labor Day Message: "Raise the Minimum Wage"

http://www.democraticunderground.com/110214894

[Tarheel_Dem]

66. Thank you Cha! Happy Labor Day to you as well!

[LostOne4Ever]

113. +1000 (nt)

[DevonRex]

12. I hope he talks to them about asylum.

I'm afraid things will only get worse over there after Sochi.

[Rebellious Republican]

23. Agreed, most important! From a heterosexual males point of view.

No different from anyone else seeking political asylum.

[treestar]

61. What I was thinking

Gay people from many repressive countries seek asylum in the US

http://immigrationequality.org/issues/asylum/seeking-asylum/

[sheshe2]

17. Wonderful news!

[William769]

22. Good at least he's meeting with the right people.

[Cha]

24. +1!

[Politicub]

25. Excellent news

And highly symbolic that Obama is meeting with LGBT rights groups instead of Putin.

It's great having an LGBT advocate in the whitehouse!

[DeSwiss]

29. This is silly tit4tat like 3rd Graders.

- When Putin comes to America next, he'll no doubt meet with an organization of former homeowners wrongly foreclosed on by Wall Street tycoons.

[ProSense]

33. So you don't think he should meet with the LGBT activists?

"This is silly tit4tat like 3rd Graders."

Do you think the groups that are going to meet with him share your opinion?

[Iliyah]

49. And a child shall lead them

Don't ya'know politicians are nothing but BIG babies.

[hrmjustin]

77. So are you against him meeting with LGBT groups in Russia?

[DeSwiss]

92. He seemed to have a hard time supporting them here.....

...until he realized he needed them to get reelected. I haven't forgotten the 2008 campaign even if others have.

I'm against people being used for political purposes.

I'm against violations of the Constitution like those that Edward Snowden exposed and which is the only reason he's meeting with these groups.

Like I said up-thread, it's a tit4tat BS game like a child would play.

- It is high time we put away childish things and grew the hell up!

[hrmjustin]

95. Aren't you happy when people come over to our side.

Besides LGBT people in Russia need our support and our president meeting them is a huge show of solidarity.

This is not a game.

[DeSwiss]

101. Yes I am.

Particularly considering his overall track record when it comes to human rights isn't all that good. Droning mommies and babies loses him a lot of points.

But I am no one's judge either. Not Obama's. Not Putin's. I'll leave the judging to others. I just call things like I see them.

From all appearances in the way this has unfolded, Obama appears to be wanting to meet with LGBT groups because of his pique with Putin for sheltering Snowden and supporting Syria.

- Yeah, I'll applaud the support. But I won't make nice noises about how great a guy his is for doing it when I suspect its just one more of his political ploys.

[hrmjustin]

104. I think his heart is true on this and we will have to disagree on this.

[DeSwiss]

105. I want to be wrong.

- I'm only afraid that I'm not.....

[LostOne4Ever]

117. Obama's support of the LGBT community is well documented and goes way back

That said, there are political realities we all have to deal with if we want to bring about positive change. When he first ran this country still had not come around on gay marriage and supporting it then would have put his candidacy at risk. His actions as president, however, have always been for in support of equal rights.

If you want to be cynical about it, the only politics he played was when he pretended to oppose it to get elected originally. It goes back to Henry Clay. Would you, like Clay, rather be right and ineffective? Or would you rather be president so that you can actually bring about the change you claim to support?

I personally side with getting things done.

[DeSwiss]

118. ''...the only politics he played...''

That's what I was talking about.

As I said up-thread, I can't judge Obama.

Not my job.

I call them like I recall them, and that's what I did here.

- I'm sure otherwise he's a nice guy.

[LostOne4Ever]

121. Would you rather

He hadn't played politics and risked a President McCain? A man who not only is opposed to gay marriage but opposed revoking DADT and has a long record of such support?

I believe you when you say you call them as you recall them, so what has the president's record been on LGBTQ rights? Not his words, his actions as a whole? Based on that I feel we should assume he is being sincere here.

I don't like the tit4tac either, I would like it alot better if it didn't exist. But that is the reality of the world we live in and if it promotes equal rights I will play this sick game to the bitter end.

[DeSwiss]

127. That's always a nice ploy, I was wondering when it was coming.....

...in fact the whole election was staged to pose that very question. That's how Obama got elected, fear of McCain and the Alaskan hillbilly.

No, I've concluded that it wouldn't have mattered. McCain would've have been stupider and less eloquent in his speeches, but others (MIC) make the big decisions in this country. Not Presidents.

- They don't have the clearance......

[totodeinhere]

37. It would not surprise me if the Russians detain the LGBT rights activists and

put them on ice while President Obama is in Russia. It would be a very easy way to avoid embarrassment over this issue.

[Iliyah]

38. Or not report it on their news cycle since

Russia's control is much more stringent than our (for right now) when it comes to the media - print, air and internet.

[Spitfire of ATJ]

70. Now watch Putin compile a list of all who attend,....for later.

[MotherPetrie]

71. GOOD.

[Cali_Democrat]

74. gotta love some of the posts in this thread

Apparently Obama meeting with LGBT activists in Russia is a bad thing for some folks.

LMAO.

Gawd I love this place....it provides me with nonstop comedy.

[freshwest]

141. If only I could achieve that nirvana-like state of total indifference. I bow to you, sir!

[Jefferson23]

75. I hope Obama continues to embarass Putin. Unfortunately, Russian support for this

disgusting law is pretty overwhelming.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

80. Meanwhile in Saudi Arabia.....

Our "allies" are imprisoning and executing homosexuals, while we sell them weapons. Will Obama meet with LGBT activists in Saudi Arabia also?

[Cali_Democrat]

81. What LGBT organizations can he meet with in Saudi Arabia?

What are their names?

[ForgoTheConsequence]

82. They have to have an organization?

Nice try. It was a cute effort.



When will Obama speak out against human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia? At the very least shouldn't there be a moratorium on selling them arms while they kill, imprison and use corporal punishment on homosexuals?

[Cali_Democrat]

87. Cute effort? I'm genuinely curious of Saudi Arabian LGBT orgs

You're the one who mentioned Obama meeting with these activists in Saudi Arabia.

I didn't think they existed.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

90. You don't think LGBT people/activists exists in Saudi Arabia?

Are you one of those who think that gays don't exist in certain countries? That's very Ahmadinejad of you.

Maybe you don't hear much about them because the state run media doesn't let much news out. Maybe you don't hear very much because those who speak out or those who are caught "promoting" homosexuality are sentenced to years in prison or thousands of lashes, or death. Your ignorance on the subject (willful or not) speaks volumes.

[Cali_Democrat]

94. I was referring to certain organizations, not individual people.

Do LGBT orgs exist in Saudi Arabia?

[ForgoTheConsequence]

97. Do you think they're allowed to?

Quit playing ignorant. Where is your compassion for LGBT people in Saudi Arabia? Quit using LGBT people as pawns in your own politics. You either support LGBT people everywhere, or you don't support them at all.

[Cali_Democrat]

99. So I guess you aren't aware of any LGBT orgs in Saudi Arabia

Why don't you just come out and say so instead of beating around the bush, buddy?

So Obama is supposed to meet with non-existent LGBT organizations in Saudi Arabia?

How exactly does that work?

Funny.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

100. I'm sure they exist.

They exist in secrecy afraid of the government America helps prop up. Wherever we LGBT exist, we exist in communities. Unfortunately (and unbeknownst to you apparently) we don't always get to exist in the open. Thanks for your phony outrage though.


Are you ok with the United States selling arms to Saudi Arabia or is that another thing your afraid to criticize Obama on?

[Cali_Democrat]

102. "I'm sure they exist"

Well then what are their names?

So you want Obama to meet with non-named, non-existent LGBT orgs in Saudi Arabia?

I'm still trying to figure out how that is supposed to work. You got me scratching my head over here.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

103. You're scratching your head because you're playing ingorant.

Instead of meeting with LGBT people in Saudi Arabia Obama could stop the sell of arms to the government that persecutes them. Obama could speak out against the human rights abuses there instead of praising Saudi Arabia's leaders. Maybe this would give said groups courage to come forward. I lowered the bar for you, you're welcome.





I'll give you one more shot to answer this question.

Do you think we should arm dictatorships that persecute homosexuals? And do you think the Obama administration was in the wrong by selling them cluster bombs?


Don't be a coward, answer it.

[Cali_Democrat]

129. So now this isn't about meeting with LGBT orgs in Saudi Arabia?

Now it's about selling cluster bombs to Saudi Arabia?

You're all over the place.

Obama sits down with LGBT rights groups in Russia and you complain he doesn't meet non existent rights groups in Saudi Arabia.

Obama could cure cancer and you'll complain he hasn't cured AIDS.

So predictable.

[revmclaren]

148. infinity X infinity!

"Obama must meet with nonexistent leaders of nonexistent groups because it is important, Damn it!" I would like to see the names of these 'groups' too but I'm afraid that they are just a convenient figment. The B$%^%hit is strong on these posts lately!

[LostOne4Ever]

119. +infinity (nt)

[Iliyah]

110. If they do have organizations

its probably a secret. Arab countries are extremely serious about "not liking" guys.

Anyways, Pres O is meeting with the LGBT in Russia while he's there for the G something.

But alas a few will always find something to criticize him for regardless. LOL

[Jefferson23]

83. Probably not, and is it hypocritcal, yea. Yet in the end, any attention for the

community in Russia, for whatever the motive, is good for those who suffer the
consequences of their new law.

[ForgoTheConsequence]

84. I agree.

I would just like to see some consistency. Hateful laws are always bad, even when they are instituted by our "allies". Obama and the US as a whole have been very soft on human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. We shouldn't sell arms to theocratic states and dictators.


Arming a state like Saudi Arabia which has systematically persecuted women, gays and religious minorities is immoral.

[Jefferson23]

93. Oh please, don't get me started on the Saudi government and US foreign policy.

But of course, you're quite right, we should be using many levels of diplomacy to aid
all human rights.

[Vanje]

85. Good. Thats good news.

[Crimson76]

89. He isn't doing this for any other reason, than to show up Putin, not because he actually cares

On LGBT rights, a day late and a dollar short.

[Bobbie Jo]

91. Uhuh

But hey, welcome to DU!

[hrmjustin]

111. I have to disagree with you on this. I think the president cares about LGBT people.

[Crimson76]

115. I don't doubt he cares about LGBT people

I just believe he is sticking it in the nose of Putin.

[hrmjustin]

116. Well I think it is more that he is showing solidarity with LGBT folk.

[LostOne4Ever]

123. I would say his record and actions on the issue

Say otherwise. Further, since equal rights are far from achieved I would not say hes late either. I will accept any ally at any time if it will help promote equal rights in any way.

But regardless, Welcome to DU!

[Cha]

138. Sorry, but's that's just ignorant bullshit. You have no idea of

President Obama's record on GLBT.

[Cha]

140. Oh, and btw.. Fuck Putin.

[JI7]

132. so this is more about Obama being Aggressive and mean against poor little Putin

some of the comments to this are a fucking joke. you can't take certain people seriously anymore .

[Cha]

137. Fuck Putin and the KGB horse he rode in on. Who

the fuck knew.. some of DU would devolve into protecting and praising Putin like Snowden did.. oh wait! rofl

[ecstatic]

133. All I can do is shake my head over some of the comments here

Instead of trying to read (and control) President Obama's private thoughts and motives, why not just acknowledge that this meeting is a good thing? Full stop. ODS indeed. smmfh

[Cha]

139. I laugh

at their collective ODS. rofl

[NYC Liberal]

135. It's just amazing how Obama can do absolutely no right for some people, and how they have

to do all sorts of gymnastics to find reasons to criticize him even when he does something they would normally support. Even when he does the right thing, it's not good enough for them because they'll claim he's doing it for the wrong reasons (not that there's ever any proof of ulterior motives).

I applaud this move.

[Cha]

136. Yeah, like they know shite about

him or his motives.

I haven't read this thread since I posted this morning but seeing the names at a glance I can imagine. So tired and predictable.

It's a win win situation for them.. they get to whine either way.

NYC

[freshwest]

142. Igor Kochetkov declined to comment to BuzzFeed, saying that he had been “asked not to say anything.”

Well, he sure blew that one, didn't he? I count at least five words there. Five, I tell you! Anyone else hear this?

[SunSeeker]

145. K & R

[countmyvote4real]

146. SFW LGBT are in Syria, too.

This effort is totally cancelled out and offset by Obama's desire to bomb Syria.

[upi402]

147. Good for Obama

Make us proud.