20 year Gay Activist Don George: I don't care about Donnie McClurkin

[obamian]

AS SOMEONE WHO has been a gay activist for 20 years, I don’t care that Sen. Barack Obama’s campaign chose gospel singer Donnie McClurkin for a concert in South Carolina or that Obama refused to drop McClurkin in response to outrage from certain segments of our community.

Certainly, the Obama camp should have discovered that McClurkin was an “ex-gay” in its vetting.
However, my biggest criticism is with my own community, for how we reacted to Obama’s attempt to create a larger tent. How can we demand tolerance and acceptance from others and not realize this has to be a two-way street? Trying to exclude McClurkin and his supporters because we disapprove of his controversial views puts us in the same league as those who try to shut down gay-straight alliances in schools because they disapprove of the message.

If Americans are ever going to overcome our ungovernable 50–50 stalemate on most issues, we need a leader who can reach across hardened, age-old divisions. Obama is possibly that man. He has a record of talking truth to evangelical churches about HIV and LGBT issues, and now he’s trying to bring evangelicals into his campaign.

Obama believes that no progress will ever be made if the faith and LGBT communities are hermetically sealed off from each other, so instead of yielding to gay demands that he remove McClurkin, Obama invited Rev. Andy Sidden, a South Carolina pastor who is openly gay, to join the tour.

That move should have been welcomed by gays. It makes no sense for the LGBT community to refuse a candidate the latitude needed to pitch a larger tent and to interact with supporters who do not see eye-to-eye with us on gay issues. There are not enough people in the country who think like us and only like us to win a presidential election.

I’M NOT WORRIED that Donnie McClurkin will taint Barack Obama, send the wrong message to the electorate or change Barack’s position on gay issues in any way. I know where Obama stands; the statement he issued in response to the controversy reiterated his unqualified support for gay rights.
Right-wingers often criticized Ronald Reagan for appearing on the same platform with leaders whose views were diametrically opposed to his. They feared that he would send the wrong message to the world. However, I don’t think anyone can argue Reagan’s effectiveness as a spokesperson for conservative values was diminished as a result.

The same holds true for Obama and his progressive views. By refusing to bow to demands by the Human Rights Campaign that McClurkin be dropped from the South Carolina concert, Obama should be seen as an even more attractive candidate for the gay community, rising to a better position to be an advocate for our rights.

This flap demonstrates that Obama is not afraid to tell one of his core constituencies, “Yes, I heard what you said, but we’re not going to agree on this one.”

It may not feel good to hear this, but remember that almost every piece of gay rights legislation waiting to be passed over the next five years is guaranteed to offend one constituency or another. An overly cautious and calculating president—sound like any candidate you know?—will be too afraid to offend constituencies to enact hate crimes and workplace protections, let alone the more difficult legislation.

WE NEED A strong president who is willing to build bridges, spend political capital and stand up to constituencies that will certainly object to our legislative agenda. Obama’s display of backbone in the face of even our pressure is a good sign that he will have the fortitude to resist the demands of our opponents when it comes to more difficult campaign promises, like repealing the Defense of Marriage Act or “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

Whoever becomes president will face a multitude of challenges while trying to chart a path toward a vision. The controversy over McClurkin is an example that shows how Obama might operate. He has proven that he is bold, resolute, inclusive and will stand up to special-interest groups to reach a defined goal.

When repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act is on the table, I want a president who will not hesitate to tell his religious conservative followers, “Yes, I heard what you said, but we’re not going to agree on this one.” Obama is the only presidential candidate who has demonstrated that he can do this for us.

http://www.nyblade.com/2007/11-2/viewpoint/opinion/obamagood.cfm

[Der Blaue Engel]

1. Even a 20-year activist can be a self-hating gay n/t

[obamian]

2. How? For defending the best viable candidate on LGBT rights?

[Der Blaue Engel]

4. For suggesting we need to invite the equivalent of the KKK into the tent

We do not need to reach out to bigots or be understanding of bigots or tolerate bigots.

[obamian]

5. One more Don George Quote

THE AUTHOR RESPONDS: According to the Random House dictionary, bigoted is defined as "utterly intolerant of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own." It may be that someone else was the bigot first (think Donnie McClurkin), but the minute we decide that we will not tolerate that person or his ideas in return ....guess what, that makes us bigots too. Being intolerant of someone else's beliefs is basically the definition of bigoted. I choose not to be a bigot, and that leaves me with tolerance. Of course there's no obligation to be tolerant of others. I'm just pointing out that to ask other communities for whom we are outside their comfort zone to be tolerant of us, when we refuse to be tolerant of them because they are outside of our comfort zone is hypocritical. I also choose not to be a hypocrite.

http://washingtonblade.com/2007/11-2/view/columns/11504.cfm

[Der Blaue Engel]

7. One more example of Don George being sadly wrong on this

Would he tolerate the KKK? I really want to know.

[KittyWampus]

28. You just compared black evangalists to the KKK. That is so fucked up I don't know how you managed

to type that.

[cuke]

39. Your reading comprehension seems to be fucked up

Yesterday, you were insisting that Bill Clinton said dems were swiftboating Hillary EVEN THOUGH HE DIDN'T. You were so emotional about this, you started at least two threads about it.

Now you think someone compared black evangelists to the KKK. The truth is the comparison was between homophobes and the KKK, and the comparison is valid

[NMMNG]

43. Actually she was comparing homophobes to the KKK

IOW, bigots to bigots.

[Der Blaue Engel]

45. I am comparing hate with hate

If you can't understand that, it isn't my problem.

[Scriptor Ignotus]

41. the ACLU supports the KKK

and their right to protest and speak freely. Do you have a problem with the ACLU?

[cuke]

44. Absurd

The ACLU does not "support the KKK". They support free speech in public forums. The ACLU never sponsored a KKK event

[Der Blaue Engel]

46. The ACLU is not running for president and inviting the KKK to rally for them

Do you have a problem with GLBT people?

[MethuenProgressive]

53. For calling the embrace of an anti-human rights bigot "Obama’s attempt to create a larger tent."

Fuck that. The bigots can stay outside any Democratic Party tent.

[goodgd_yall]

38. Or so smitten with his candidate, he's closed his mind

Love your username, by the way. Does it have anything to do with that wonderful German-version of The Blue Angel with Marlene?

[Der Blaue Engel]

47. It does indeed

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0020697/

:)

[HuckleB]

49. Great response.

You disagree with the mans' stance, so you label him in just as sick a way as any bigot might label him.

Please grow up.

[Der Blaue Engel]

50. Acting against one's own interests and pandering to those who hate you is self-hating

I'm sorry that you find speaking the truth sick, but I don't think I'm the one who needs to grow up here.

As a member of the GLBT community, I do not merely disagree with Mr. George. I find his article sad and hurtful to the community. What is sick is when otherwise liberal and progressive people continue to behave as though bigotry must be tolerated, that one must respect the views of others even when they are calling you subhuman and unnatural, even when they are trying to make sure you never have the right to marry (or even to have children, if they have their way). What is sick is that people are allowed to use "faith" as a bullshit excuse for their hate speech and bigotry, and that that magic, talismanic word earns them an almost superstitious respect from people who should know better.

edited for typos

[HuckleB]

52. And much of the GLBT community disagrees with you, and feels you are being hurtful to the community.

Sorry, but labeling is not "speaking truth." It is sick and demeaning and just as bigoted as anything the RW throws at the GLBT community. It's time to speak true truth, and grow up. Democracy is not a system where black and white is going to accomplish anything. That's what you have yet to figure out. That's the growing up you need to do. In addition to refraining from becoming what you say you despise.

If you can't see that, it's time to take a time out and hit the woods for some deep reflection.

[Der Blaue Engel]

54. You can throw condescending bullshit at me all you like and make up nonsense

about what you think "much" of the GLBT community thinks.

A bigot is still a bigot, and a bigot-enabler is still a bigot-enabler, and whether you like that truth or not it is still true.

[HuckleB]

58. Hogwash.

All I've seen out of you is bigotry. That's truth. It's time to look in the mirror. You are hurting the cause with your blind rants.

[Der Blaue Engel]

59. Hogwash.

Indeed. Keep your sanctimonious rants to yourself. I am doing nothing of the sort, but this conversation has become ridiculously pointless so I won't be responding to anything further. If you feel compelled to add yet another condescending post in response to feel you've had the last word, I hope it makes you feel better, but I'm done with you.

[NMMNG]

61. Please cite your sources for this

And much of the GLBT community disagrees with you, and feels you are being hurtful to the community.


Because from what I've been reading and hearing it's a rare GLBT person who has stood up and said they don't mind the fact that Obama pissed all over them by throwing his gay-bash concert.

[calteacherguy]

57. You have shown your own bigotry. nt

[calteacherguy]

56. You just proved the OP's point in your ignorance. nt

[cuke]

3. Obama wasnt trying to create a larger tent or reach out

The event was meant to attract votes from black in SC. The blacks in SC already vote Dem by an overwhelming majority that IIRC is greater than 90%

So how does the dem tent get bigger by including people who are already inside the dem's big tent? The answer is "It doesn't" and this line about reaching out is nothing more than BS

[obamian]

6. If he's about pandering, why does Obama speak about gay rights to those same audiences?

From Andrew Sullivan's blog

A reader writes:

Yesterday, I went to see Barack Obama speak at North Carolina Central University, a "Historically Black College" in Durham, North Carolina. The vast majority of the crowd was black. In his riffing on what groups we cannot allow to be scapegoated in the next election, Barack built to and concluded with "homosexuals" ... to the conspicuous (and regrettable) silence of the crowd.

It wasn't the "right" thing to say politically, but it was the right thing to say. The national media certainly wouldn't have reported on it had he left homosexuality out of this particular speech. All he accomplished, by sticking to his principles, was run the risk of alienating people whose support he desperately needs. Though, in fairness, this did cement my support.

Andrew, this man is a strong ally. Anyone for whom sexuality issues are important would be making a grievous error to jump his ship over the Donnie McClurkin fiasco.

Can you imagine Senator Clinton defending "homosexuals" in front of a non-gay crowd? Unimaginable.

http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2007/11/obama-and-the-g.html

[cuke]

8. Way to avoid the point

Obama was not trying to make the dem's big tent bigger because they are already in the dems tent. Nothing you said addresses my point.

"Can you imagine Senator Clinton defending "homosexuals" in front of a non-gay crowd? Unimaginable. "

I don't have to imagine it. I remember it

[cboy4]

11. Obamian, you don't think quoting a gay moran like

Republican Andrew Sullivan, who voted for Bush, holds much water do you?

Gay people who are Republicans are traitors, because they align themselves with a political party that would gladly outlaw homosexuality in three seconds, if it were possible.

[DemocratSinceBirth]

12. You're Being Kind

The Rethugs wouldn't just outlaw homosexuality. They would outlaw homosexuals as would Donnie...

[obamian]

14. He also voted for Clinton and Kerry

[cuke]

15. Did Clinton and Kerry supporters quote him in support of their candidate?

I think not

[dsc]

16. He voted for Kerry

but I would like a citation of his vote for Clinton.

[cboy4]

18. His vote for Bush in 2000, and thus his vote against

the best interests of gay people is unforgivable.

He is a traitor and cannot be trusted.

The damage he helped create has frozen the advancement of gay civil liberties for seven years and counting.

[MonkeyFunk]

26. he didn't vote for anybody

he's not a US citizen.


It's amazing how people just spout stuff and don't acknowledge when they're proven wrong.

[cboy4]

37. Thanks for pointing that out. He's still an asshole.

Anything else?

[cuke]

19. Correction: He says he voted for Kerry

He also says he now believes in Global Warming. Apparently, the evidence for Global Warming became so convincing at around the same time the evidence of *'s crimes became so convincing.

But he does think that there will be some "winners" from Global Warming. If Bareback Andy is to be believed, Greenland is going to make out like a bandit

[MonkeyFunk]

24. If he said that he's a liar

he's not a US citizen.

[cuke]

33. I think we may have confused his "support" with his non-existent "vote"

thanks for pointing that out

[MonkeyFunk]

25. He voted for neither ...

he's not a US citizen.

[MonkeyFunk]

22. Andrew Sullivan is not a US Citizen, and thus can't vote

for anybody.

[jonnyblitz]

27. He can't become a citizen because of his HIV status.

I just read that online somewhere about him recently when researching him after Obama supporters started citing him as a source. I wasn't aware being HIV POZ kept one from becoming a citizen.

[MonkeyFunk]

30. yes that's true...

I guess it's considered a communicable disease, and that's long-been a barrier to citizenship.

[rinsd]

35. Obama wanted to create a larger tent for Obama, not Democrats.

[denem]

9. Obama was trying to wedge black votes from HRC

Using the very same wedge that Republicans have tried on chruches for decades now. For his next act he wants to wedge the young (and "young at heart"!) from the dowdy old 'boomers' fighting their 'wars' from the '60': Conflicts for basic human rights which HAVE STILL NOT BEEN WON" So drive that wedge in HRC's support while all the time talking about healinf and unity? Shame!

[cboy4]

10. You're a good supporter Obamian trying to bail your

candidate out of the situation he created; and therein lies the problem.

It shouldn't be up to you to defend him, Obama should be defending himself, and all he's done is basically yawn.

And this "activist" is a clown if he seriously thinks Obama is the candidate that will best serve our interests.

The other candidates support the same things this "activist" outlines, and Dennis Kucinich is head and shoulders above everyone.

Always remember Obamian, there are plenty of idiotic gay people in this world, so quoting one doesn't mean he represents the majority of reasonable thinkers on the left.


on edit...typo

[obamian]

17. There's also Citizen Chris

http://citizenchris.typepad.com/citizenchris/2007/10/big-tents-go-bo.html

See all of his Obama posts:
http://citizenchris.typepad.com/citizenchris/barack_obama/index.html

[cuke]

20. Can you explain how getting black dems to vote for Obama creates a bigger tent?

You totally ignored this point when I posted it earlier

[dsc]

13. I might believe some of that if Obama actually had been honest

but he wasn't. He didn't say we will disagree on this. He lied. Repeatedly his campaign claimed, falsely, that McClurkin's role would be limited to singing a few songs. Repeatedly he campaign claimed, falsely, that McClurkin wouldn't speak. Repeatedly his campaign claimed, falsely, that Obama would have no presence at the concerts. Repeatedly, the campaign claimed, falsely, that Obama wouldn't endorse McClurkin. Then Obama lied after the fact to an MTV audience. This isn't honest disagreement. It is total disrespect. Oh, and it isn't bigotry to say that we won't allow people to deliver a message of hate, as McClurkin did, on a stage provided by a Democrat.

[NMMNG]

21. We heard Obama loud and clear

We asked him not to hold his 5 homophobe concert tour. He said:

“Yes, I heard what you said, but we’re not going to agree on this one.”

We asked him not to let McClurkin sermonize. He said:

“Yes, I heard what you said, but we’re not going to agree on this one.”

We asked him not to endorse McClurkin. He said:

“Yes, I heard what you said, but we’re not going to agree on this one.”

We begged him again not to go through with this affront to the LGBT community. He said:

[fightindonkey]

23. And I Don't Care About A 20-Year Self-Hater. NEXT!

[Rowdyboy]

29. How nice for him.....And I should care because.....? Obama stepped in it.....

So far he's made no move to correct or apologize for his behavior.

[jefferson_dem]

31. I applaud Mr. George for his principle and courage.

Apparently, some in the community think people are not allowed to have and express different opinions on Obama and the incident.

[gratuitous]

32. Well, I'm 15 Year Gay Activist gratuitous

And I say it was a colossal blunder compounded by an unwillingness to admit the blunder. Talking to the friends, relatives and other survivors of "ex-gay" ministries, this is every bit as odious, pernicious and deadly as any bigotry dressed up in the language of caring and compassion. In fact, it is made doubly bad by appropriating the forms and language of reconciliation to condemn a person for something he or she can't change. And when the ultimate despair that one's sexual orientation isn't going to change, even through miraculous intervention, there are two choices left, and suicide is the more attractive one, because it absolves everyone else for what a person has come to believe is his or her own fault.

[dsc]

34. absolutely wonderfully said

I can't add a thing.

[NMMNG]

40. McClurkin and Obama apologists: READ THIS POST

I only wish I could recommend it. It deserves it.

[Chovexani]

60. Bravo!

You've got your head on your shoulders, unlike Boy George in the OP who seems to have his head firmly ensconced up his ass.

[goodgd_yall]

36. Oh, brother

[Scriptor Ignotus]

42. well put

obviously a lot of DUers have already made up their minds on this issue, but I agree with everything Don George just said.

The fact that he was IMMEDIATELY called a self-hater actually proves his point.

[HuckleB]

48. You mean he doesn't see that Obama's going to round up gays, and put them in re-education camps?

This guy doesn't get it.

;)

[zulchzulu]

51. Fantastic response...

...and from talking with people I've worked with on LGBT issues like the Fair Wisconsin movement in 2006, everyone I talked to basically said the same thing.

It's an issue here that I hope people find a way to heal over. I've said all I'll say about it for now.

[calteacherguy]

55. This expresses what I've felt about this all along. K&R. nt

[bigwillq]

62. Well I care

and I know many, many more who do too.

Still :mad: at Obama for that.