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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsGlenn Greenwald: "Obama deserves credit for his actions in this civil rights area" (LGBT equality)
Obama evolves on marriage
The president deserves credit for his actions in this civil rights area, regardless of his motives
By Glenn Greenwald
May 9, 2012
President Obama today became the first American president to endorse same-sex marriage, telling ABC Newss Robin Roberts: it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same-sex couples should be able to get married. His record on LGBT equality has not been perfect, but it is one area where he has been quite impressive. He engineered the repeal of Dont Ask, Dont Tell. His Justice Department is refusing to defend the constitutionality of DOMA in court, a very unusual step. He has ushered in a series of important federal spousal benefits for gay employees of the federal government. And now, for the first time, the office of the American President is officially supporting a policy that a mere decade ago was deemed truly radical: same-sex marriage. Those are real achievements. And, as virtually all polls reflect underscored by last nights landslide defeat for marriage equality in North Carolina they carry genuine political risk. He deserves credit for his actions in this civil rights realm.
Its worth making two additional points about this. First, the pressure continuously applied on Obama by some gay groups, most gay activists, and (especially) rich gay funders undoubtedly played a significant role in all of these successes. As David Sirota explained today, this demonstrates why it is so vital to always apply critical pressure even to politicians one likes and supports, and conversely, it demonstrates why it is so foolish and irresponsible to devote oneself with uncritical, blind adoration to a politician, whether in an election year or any other time. When someone who wields political power does something you dislike or disagree with, its incumbent upon you to object, criticize, and demand a different course. Those who refuse to do so are abdicating the most basic duty of citizenship and rendering themselves impotent.
When it comes to assessing a politician, what matters, at least to me, are actions, not motives. If they do the wrong thing, they should be criticized regardless of motive; conversely, if they do the right thing, they should be credited. Ive had zero tolerance over the last three years for people who pop up to justify all the horrible things Obama has done by claiming that he is forced to do them out of political necessity or in cowardly deference to public opinion; thats because horrible acts dont become less horrible because theyre prompted by some rational, self-interested political motive rather than conviction. Thats equally true of positive acts: they dont become less commendable because they were the by-product of political pressure or self-preservation; when a politician takes the right course of action, as Obama did today, credit is merited, regardless of motive.
It should go without saying that none of this mitigates the many horrendous things Obama has done in other areas, nor does it mean he deserves re-election. But just as its intellectually corrupted to refuse to criticize him when he deserves it, the same is true of refusing to credit him when he deserves it. Today, he deserves credit. LGBT equality is one area and its an important area for millions of Americans where he has conducted himself commendably and deserves praise. That was true before today, but even more so now.
Read the full article at:
http://www.salon.com/2012/05/09/e_3/singleton/
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Glenn Greenwald: "Obama deserves credit for his actions in this civil rights area" (LGBT equality) (Original Post)
Better Believe It
May 2012
OP
And Glenn Greenwald thanks Humberto J. Pfeffelminz for his support on this. It was crucial!
Better Believe It
May 2012
#4
DFab420
(2,466 posts)1. Haha such a backhanded compliment.. "regardless of motive"
Jesus fucking christ..
RZM
(8,556 posts)2. Thank heavens Pope Greenwald has bestowed his half-hearted blessing n/t
Better Believe It
(18,630 posts)4. And Glenn Greenwald thanks Humberto J. Pfeffelminz for his support on this. It was crucial!
SidDithers
(44,228 posts)3. Greenwald. LOL...nt
Sid