Obama Declares in Official Proclamation: Same-Sex Couples Are Families Too

[berni_mccoy]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Presidential-Proclamation-Family-Day-2009/

Our family provides one of the strongest influences on our lives. American families from every walk of life have taught us time and again that children raised in loving, caring homes have the ability to reject negative behaviors and reach their highest potential. Whether children are raised by two parents, a single parent, grandparents, a same-sex couple, or a guardian, families encourage us to do our best and enable us to accomplish great things. Today, our children are confronting issues of drug and alcohol use with astonishing regularity. On Family Day, we honor the dedication of parents, commend the achievements of their children, and celebrate the contributions our Nation's families have made to combat substance abuse among young people.

The 21st century presents families with unprecedented challenges. Millions of women and men are struggling to balance the demands of their jobs with the needs of their families. At the same time, our youngest generation faces countless distractions in their social environment. They are coming of age in a world where electronic devices have replaced the playground, televisions have preempted conversation, and pressure to use drug and alcohol is far too prevalent. Parents bear significant stress and burdens to protect their children from harmful influences.

It is our responsibility to talk with adolescents about the risks of abusing alcohol, tobacco, or prescription and illicit drugs, and other harmful behaviors. These substances can destroy the mind, body, and spirit of a child, jeopardizing their health and limiting their potential. Active parents, voicing their disapproval of drug use, have proven themselves to be the most effective preventative method for keeping our children drug-free. A strong and engaged family can make all the difference in helping young people make healthy decisions.

By coming together as a family and discussing the events of the day, parents can foster open communication, share joys and concerns, and help guide their children toward healthy decisionmaking. A strong nation is made up of strong families, and on this Family Day, we rededicate ourselves to ensuring that every American family has the chance to build a better, healthier future for themselves and their children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 28, 2009, as Family Day. I call upon the people of the United States to join together in observing this day with appropriate ceremonies and activities to honor and strengthen our Nation's families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-eighth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth.

BARACK OBAMA

[Taverner]

1. And yet Maher says there's no diference between Bush and Obama

W00t!!!! Obama!

[HamdenRice]

9. OT: I keep seeing that strange picture. Who is it? nt

[Taverner]

11. Andy Warhol, The Velvet Undeground, Edie Sedgewick and a SQUIRREL!

[HamdenRice]

13. Did you just ADD THE SQUIRRELL???

Because I never noticed it before.

Btw, it's a skillful photo because of the charioscuro effect (sp?).

[Taverner]

14. I did add the squirrel on the Squirrelizer

But that was a week ago...tsk tsk tsk :)

What exactly is the charioscuro effect?


Oh and ciao, Edie...

[HamdenRice]

15. It's Italian for light and dark

It was used a lot in Renaissance painting and it make the subject pop out from a dark background. Edie pops from the other models who are all wearing black.

[Soylent Brice]

17. image shack photos are blocked here at work.

:(

[2QT2BSTR8]

93. THE SQUIRRELIZER

http://www.lutralutra.co.uk/

[Cha]

41. maher is an opportunistic cheap

shooter.

[Mari333]

46. Obama and Bush both think marriage should only be between a man and a woman

in that respect, they are alike.

[QC]

47. Shhhhhhhhh! n/t

[berni_mccoy]

63. Bush thinks same-sex couples should have the same rights too? WOW!

:sarcasm:

[ruggerson]

108. actually Bush was on the record supporting civil unions

so he essentially held the same position Obama does: opposes civil marriage, but supports civil unions.

[Hippo_Tron]

116. Bush supported a constitutional amendment to ban same sex marriage

Obama voted against such a constitutional amendment while in the Senate and while he claims he is personally not in favor of same sex marriage, he has said that the states should be free to decide one way or another . I think those positions are a bit different granted Obama's is far from perfect.

[ruggerson]

125. true but I was referring just to the civil union/marriage comparison

Both oppose marriage equality. Both support civil unions.

[Divine Discontent]

71. Maher enjoys his weekly jokes at Gay people's expense, er, I mean, "Gay jokes"

[Joey Liberal]

158. Cut Maher some slack

Bill Maher is one of our strongest weapons against the Faux News crowd.

[VMI Dem]

2. A family of second-class citizens, but a family nonetheless.

[Name removed]

32. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

50. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Brickbat]

3. Now, wait, is this the law that requires me to go to camp for mandatory homosexuality training?

Kidding, of course. Seriously, this is refreshing. Although I think "two parents" covers a same-sex couple quite nicely.

[Orrex]

67. Don't think of it as a requirement---think of it as a benefit!

[Brickbat]

142. Heeeeeeeee. Sign me up!

I could use a little education...

[Rockholm]

148. And one can get a free toaster to boot!

[tomm2thumbs]

94. true 'two parents' IS a same sex couple if married, but this covers domestic partners perhaps?

In a way you could consider it two mentions!

As far as the proclaimation - hearing the train coming does hopefully show promise, just as long as a it isn't just someone playing some sound effects at the end of a long tunnel.

[CocoaBeachCoco]

4. Lovely, will he campaign for equal rights & benefits besides making a proclamation?

[Mari333]

25. yes, when he supports Gay Marriage than I will take him seriously. nt

[Hekate]

5. My president

:toast: to all families

Hekate

[ThatsMyBarack]

54. Mine, too.

:toast:

[ck4829]

6. Very Presidential. K&R.

[triple point]

7. Sorry but it's meaningless blather. I'm waiting for some action.

I have a feeling I'll be waiting for a very very very long time.

[joeycola]

8. Now we need to encourage Obama to stick by his word.

[triple point]

12. Yes. These 'proclamations' are issued by every president and have no effect. Here's W43's

http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/releases/2008/09/20080919-10.html

[Uzybone]

18. Yeah I like how W talked about homosexual couples as well

oh no he didn't.

[triple point]

20. No, of course not...I just meant that these presidential duties are just lip service

and don't mean anything.

[joeycola]

167. yes, lip service.

[stray cat]

16. at least until the GOP comes into power -they may provide some action

[triple point]

21. Perhaps, but not the kind I want to see.

Maybe I'm not 'getting' your point...?

[berni_mccoy]

29. The "point" is that Obama is the first President to recognize same-sex marriage equally

And that he works through Congress and the Constitution, not by making dictatorial edicts. There is a law working through Congress to repeal DOMA if you haven't heard. Obama plans on signing it.

[triple point]

31. I absolutely oppose dictatorial edicts...from -anyone-, I just think we deserve

a little encouragement now and then in a venue where people will notice. Hell, nobody pays any attention to these stupid 'proclamations'...they issue those for everything from Secretary's Day to "Loyalty Day", whatever the hell that is. There are a couple every goddamn week and except for a few wonks like us here, nobody knows anything about them. Look at the ones W43 put out:

http://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/news/proclamations/

But thanks for the info on the legislation, do you happen to know the bill's number(s)?

[berni_mccoy]

34. H.R. 3567, the Respect for Marriage Act. It has 91 co-sponsers and Obama will sign it

if it makes it way through Congress. However, DOMA is Unconstitutional and as Barney Frank points out, it's more likely DOMA will be repealed by a Court than by this Act passing through Congress.

[triple point]

36. Thank you, I wasn't aware of the bill. I'll be pushing my rep for support!

:hi:

[bertman]

103. triple point, I have a pretty good feeling that the right-wing will pay attention to THIS one.

"What does he mean SAME-SEX COUPLES and their kids are families just like me and Edna Mae and ours??"

Surely they won't miss an opportunity like this. Bull, meet red cape!

[Mari333]

42. Has he changed his mind about supporting the rights of gay folks to marry?

Last I heard, he said marriage should only be between a man and woman. I am waiting for him to literally come out and say "I support Marriage between 2 loving adult partners of either gender". I would be glad to hear it.

[HillbillyBob]

141. Well this same sex family has made it known we will not vote for

his re-election, but would support any other dem or independent or green first.

[Cha]

44. I'm really happy that he's

done this..thanks for the news, bernie!

Could use that in GDP, too.:)

[treestar]

88. What would happen if Obama proposed a bill to equalize marriage

to Congress?

[RKP5637]

24. Yep, the GOP would like to take everyone back 100 years+

rather than into the 21st century. And maybe right back into the dark ages... Such a wonderful lot of people the GOP is...

[alp227]

10. Right on Mr. President!

Now will you please repeal the silly ol' Defense of Marriage Act like you promised? Or at least sign the Respect for Marriage Act?

[RKP5637]

19. "ALL" Families Count!!! Glad to see this!!!

[Zix]

22. THAT'S A BIT BETTER!

Well, well, you're looking less and less like Tony Blair by the day, Mr Obama...

[Mari333]

23. then he should be supporting their right to marry with all the benefits of marriage.

get rid of DOMA and DADT, etc.
Until then, its all talk.
The March on DC is coming up.

[Prism]

26. If the President likes same-sex families so much

Maybe he should do something about the federal policies currently wrecking them.

But words, yay!

If this continues, I'm going to imitate the President by sitting in my living room in 2010 and saying aloud to no one in particular "I vote for the Democrat." I won't go out and do anything about it. I'll just say it.

It's the same thing, right?

[berni_mccoy]

27. He's the first President to recognize the fact. Sheesh, talk about hating your own side.

Go ahead and work against him and see what you get.

[Prism]

30. No, you don't get to talk about hate

Not when it comes to the LGBT community's inequality and the gross inaction of this President and Congress. It is hate that creates an entire body of second class citizens, hate that tears LGBT families apart, hate that imperils children, destroys lives, and ruins careers.

Don't ever use the word hate to describe my very serious problems with the political constipation of this administration. You don't know the meaning of that word.

Now begone, before someone drops a well-tailored campaign speech on you, too.

[berni_mccoy]

35. Ooooo... GLBT are the only ones who have felt hate and that entitles you to hate? Ooookaaaay.

[Prism]

45. Clueless

The fact you describe very real and very understandable frustration with an administration that continues to do nothing while second class citizen suffer as "hate" shows that you're not too terribly concerned about the community at all.

Some of us aren't all about how warm and fuzzy a politician makes us feel on the inside. Some of us have very serious problems that could be ameliorated by an administration that actively refuses to lead on LGBT issues in any meaningful capacity whatsoever.

Actively refuses.

[Sapphocrat]

109. Oh, berni, give it up.

Anyone who's been on DU for more than ten minutes knows your position: Teh Gheyz must shut the fuck up, keep donating, and keep voting. Anything else is treason.

Don't ask me for links to your years of fuck-you-gays posts. It's not worth the waste of my time -- and DU vets (save for you) know I'm right.

How about just coming clean for a change? You don't give a flying fuck, never have, never will. Oh, you'll play all gay-supportive when you think it suits your purpose -- then go on the attack when it dawns on you nobody is buying your act.

If you didn't piss me off so much, I'd feel embarrassed for you: You're the last person blind to the transparency of your own game.

Not that you'd care, but: I'd have a modicum of respect for you if you'd just be honest about it.

[Mari333]

39. a lot of people are sick and tired of talk. and having a POTUS who

refuses to support the rights of Gay folks to marry legally is one of them.
There are gay parents right now who are suffering because of their lack of social rights that are not accorded to them in the country.
Its like saying "Oh, black families are real families too!" and then not allowing them the right to vote.

Throwing a bone to starving people isnt going to get them too excited.

[berni_mccoy]

40. How is Obama supposed to repeal the law then? Show me how he legally and Constitutionally can do it

[Mari333]

43. Id like to see him come out and state out loud

"I fully support marriage of gay people"

so far he only thinks marriage should be between a man and woman.

[berni_mccoy]

49. Here's your quote (LINK)

http://www.ebar.com/news/article.php?sec=news&article=4192

"The president has said all couples should have access to the 1,000-plus benefits and rights and privileges of marriage, so I do not know why Congress wouldn't put that on his desk. I would like to see Nadler's bill include all legally recognized unions. The president has asked for it," said Leno.

[Mari333]

51. he supports civil unions with all the benefits

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6K9dS9wl7U&feature=channel


he does not think the word 'marriage' should apply to gay folks.
that is still a slap in the face to every gay person in america.

[berni_mccoy]

52. And yet, he would repeal DOMA. Sounds like you are slapping yourself in the face.

Or cutting off your own nose to spite it.

[Mari333]

55. for a POTUS to state he thinks marriage should only be between a man and a woman

IS a slap in the face to gay people.
The message it sends is that gay folks are SECOND CLASS CITIZENS, PERIOD.

[QC]

53. But...but...but...GOD is in the mix!

Glory!

[Mari333]

57. MAKES me sick to see him sitting there with Rick the asshole Warren

and people cheering him as he states marriage should only be between a man and a woman.
assholes.

[QC]

62. Yeah, it hurt to watch that.

All of his other responses that night were typically rambling and professorial, but he had no problem giving a concise, direct answer to that question, did he?

[mitchtv]

174. as long as the certain states accept it

He supports the repugnant concept that states can decide wether or not we have equal rights. This thread if full of straits trying to tell us what to think.

[Sapphocrat]

100. If you want to imitate the President...

...memorize this, and repeat, ad nauseum, preferably as a robocall to states in which marriage equality is on the ballot:

"I believe that marriage uh, is the union between a man and a woman. Now for me as a Christian ... (cheers, applause) For me... for me as a Christian it's also a sacred union. Now God-- God's in-- in the mix."

That's what I came home to on my answering machine the afternoon of November 4, 2008.

[FLAprogressive]

28. Such a strongly worded proclamation. I'm sure it will motivate the hell out of congress!

[triple point]

33. Exactly. All we need to do now is sit back, have a beer and wait for equal rights.

They'll be right along...any day now.

[Romulox]

37. We were put here to love one another. k/r nt

[berni_mccoy]

38. Yes, we were. Nicely said.

[Mari333]

48. but only heterosexual couples are allowed 1049 more rights then gay couples

when loving each other via marriage.

[berni_mccoy]

56. Wait a sec... above you acknowledge Obama would give gays equal rights but take umbrage

with the fact he doesn't want to call it marriage? Now you are arguing the opposite. I think you've been caught talking out both sides of your mouth.

[Mari333]

58. he has to say

"I support gay couples to legally marry"

I will be glad if they get those 1049 rights, any way they can.

But he STILL is sending one message

"Gay people are LESS THAN, gay people are SECOND CLASS" as long as he says that marriage should only be between a man and a woman.

[berni_mccoy]

60. So the terminology is more important than the rights? Hmmm.

[Bluenorthwest]

65. It is AS important as the rights

because only equal is equal. Because the law is made of words and terms of art. Because some folks would play word games like implying that there are only two choices more or less important, when clearly there are at least three, more, less, or oddly, equal to.

[Mari333]

73. its still second class citizenship

and its homophobia. and yes, if Obama does not say he is 100 percent for legally sanctioned gay marriage, he is being homophobic and needs to get his shit together.

[berni_mccoy]

92. Even so, if you could only get them done in order, not at the same time, which would you choose?

[JTFrog]

129. Whichever allows her to still hate Obama.

This has been another episode of Simple Answers to Simple Questions.

[QC]

135. So which basic rights of a citizen are you being denied? n/t

[Romulox]

I support full marriage equality. nt

[chadmak09]

59. i really wish obama would have waited to start saying these things

i really wish obama would have waited to start saying these things.

the right wing hate machine is growing strong.

Right now we need to focus on healthcare.

Adding same sex marriage into the equation will bring more people against obama.

the reality is, there are more people against it than for it.

I think he should take it one thing at a time.

but thats just my opinion.

[berni_mccoy]

61. *DOUBLE Facepalm*

[Bluenorthwest]

133. co-opt better people

Just fiy both actors in your photo support full equal rights for all human beings, unlike the man you are using them to promote. They would not agree with your message. Face palm that.

[Divine Discontent]

72. you do know Dick Cheney & George Bush are for the same rights, correct?

AND - he wasn't talking 'marriage'. He was talking rights of couples - you may want to think about what "rights" means to you - would you like it if you couldn't adopt?

[Toasterlad]

82. I Wish You Didn't Have the Rights You Do. I Wish It With All My Heart.

You don't deserve them.

[NMMNG]

114. Just come right out and say it instead of pussyfooting around.

"Shut up you f******s and stop ruining things for the Democratic party."

Don't worry, we've heard it all before. You know, like every time there's an election or every time we have the audacity to ask for the rights everybody else has and takes for granted. But don't mind us. We can keep waiting until it's convenient for the rest of you. :sarcasm:

[Starbucks Anarchist]

123. Your opinion sucks.

[evenso]

64. It's about time....we need to join the modern world

and recognize the right of same sex couples to marry and adopt children, and enjoy the full benefits of society. Good for Obama. And while we're at it, abolish "don't ask don't tell".

[Bluenorthwest]

66. But if your parents work for the militiary

he'll fire them. How many people will he fire for being gay this week?
And of course, he opposes equality, favors legal discrimination with federal funds. His health care 'reform' will treat the families he puffs about today as strangers, as does the tax law he enforces in silence. Words are cheap, and of all the words in the world, none are cheaper than a politician's. People get sick of cheap gifts at a certain point.

[Orrex]

68. Sorry. Until Obama personally fixes everything that's wrong with everything, it's meaningless

Isn't that how the meme goes?

[Curtland1015]

70. +12,000,000

He could personally cure cancer and people would rag on the man for not curing AIDS too.

[Toasterlad]

79. He Didn't Promise to Cure Cancer, or AIDS

He promised gay people his half-assed version of equality, and he's not even working on THAT.

[Mari333]

74. Obama has stated he doesnt believe in gay marriage

if Bush said that people would have been up in arms.
No, its not enough.

[berni_mccoy]

78. WRONG. He says he believes in the idea, but doesn't think it should be called marriage.

[Toasterlad]

80. WRONG. He Said He Believes Marriage Is Between a Man and a Woman.

Those were his exact words. You can twist it to make it fit your Obama wreath all you want, but the man does not support equality.

[Mari333]

83. thank you

[berni_mccoy]

84. From JUNE 2009:

But this Presidential Memorandum is just a start. Unfortunately, my Administration is not authorized by existing Federal law to provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples. That's why I stand by my long-standing commitment to work with Congress to repeal the so-called Defense of Marriage Act. It's discriminatory, it interferes with States' rights, and it's time we overturned it.
...
I am also proud to announce my support for an important piece of legislation introduced in both Houses of Congress last month -- the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009. This legislation will extend to the same-sex partners of Federal employees the same benefits already enjoyed by the opposite-sex spouses of Federal employees.

He believes in the same rights, just not calling it marriage.

But I see from your posts that you've already made up your mind on Obama. That much is clear.

[Mari333]

86. and he wont call it marriage,because???

why wont he call it marriage?? thats called seperate but equal. he sends one message : That gay folks are NOT equal to straight people, and cannot call themselves married.

and thats second class citizenship.

if this were black people getting civil unions and NOT being allowed to call it marriage, a lot more people on here would be up in arms.

[berni_mccoy]

91. To be honest, I don't know why. But I believe it is for political reasons.

I believe, don't know, but believe, that he avoids calling it marriage because if he did, he would be unsuccessful in getting anything done on the issue. It's difficult enough passing the the laws and changing the policies he's changed.

Whatever the reason is, I also do not agree with it and I agree with you on this point. I don't see why he can't call it same-sex or gay marriage, as that is what it is. I think he's more interested in righting the wrong first. Then once it is accepted, going after the name issue. But that is only a theory and it's not one I put a lot of merit on either.

[t0dd]

115. LOL..

Let me see if I follow your reasoning.. Obama is secretly for same-sex marriage, and he is advocating it by saying marriage should be between a man and woman.. because.. sorry, it's getting difficult.. because.. he wants to right wrongs first. Oh, I know! The teabaggers.. they are against anything he does. So by him saying marriage is between a man and a woman, they'll believe the opposite. So he's secretly galvanizing support by opposing it by tricking the GOP since they favor everything he is against. That's how he is a fierce advocate too. He ignores the injustices gay people are forced to deal with to overcome those injustices. He promotes same-sex marriage by opposing it. He instructs his DoJ to defend DOMA to defeat it. Wow! What a jedi mastermind he is! Or is it that I used ridiculous reasoning to convince myself otherwise? I'll never tell!

:crazy: :crazy:

[Toasterlad]

87. I Know More About Obama's Position On Gay People Than You Ever Will.

Here are just a few of the things I know:

He issued that "memorandum" in response to the uproar of his Justice Department's overzealous and excessive DEFENSE of DOMA - the law he claims to want repealed. And his response was as tepid as it could possibly be, since the effects of his "memorandum" won't last any longer than his presidency.

I know that Congressman Alcee Hastings was pressured by the White House to withdraw a bill cutting off funds to enforce DADT (a law that Obama is within his rights NOW to suspend until it is repealed by Congress). This, despite Obama's promise to work to get it repealed.

I know that he hired an anti-gay gospel singer to MC a campaign concert and an anti-gay minister to deliver his inaugural prayer. And I know that his response to the uproar in the gay community in both cases was to state that we must find common ground with bigots.

Yes, I've already made up my mind on Obama. Just like he's already made up his mind about me. I've also made up my mind about someone who believes that separate = equal. What part of 1950's Arkansas did you say you came from?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/3375059/Barack-Obama-marriage-is-between-a-man-and-a-woman.html

http://www.advocate.com/News/Daily_News/2008/06/20/Obama_and_One-Man,_One-Woman_Marriage/

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0808/Obama_says_marriage_is_between_man_and_woman.html

[GrimReefa]

99. Barack Obama, in his own words...

"I am a strong believer in civil unions that would provide all the federal rights under federal law that a marriage contract would provide to people. I think that the country is still working through the idea of same-sex marriage and its entanglement, historically, with religious beliefs. My sense is that a consensus has already established itself that when it comes to hospital visitation, the ability to pass on benefts like Social Security, that people shouldn't be discriminated against, everyone should be treated equally. I think that is a STARTING POINT (emphasis mine) - that consensus is what will grow over time. If you want to use the analogy of the civil rights movement, Dr. King and others didn't lead with assaults on ani-miscegenation laws. They focused on voting rights and civil rights. Once those rights were secured, the culture shifts."

Interview with Rolling Stone, July 10-24, 2008

[Toasterlad]

105. Barack Obama, In His Own Words...

“I believe marriage is between a man and a woman."

You can idolize the man all you want, but it still won't make separate = equal. Enjoy your straights-only water fountain.

[Toasterlad]

76. Wonder How You'd Feel If You Couldn't Legally Marry?

Privileged asshole.

[treestar]

90. Hey, I can't

But that's because there aren't enough men for all of us, oh well. :rofl:

But I don't think Obama can fix it alone. This is a society-wide dilemma. I'd say take the focus off Obama and try to get the voters to be more reasonable. Freepers can't be a majority now.

[Orrex]

120. A fine suggestion, but it's more fun to howl about Obama

[Orrex]

122. On second thought, please ignore that post.

I'd have edited it, but I missed the window of opportunity.

[Name removed]

119. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Orrex]

124. You know what? I posted a smart-assed reply to you, but I've been thinking about it since then.

And I've concluded that you're absolutely correct on this matter--not the "privileged asshole" part, but the larger point.

Although I'd like to be encouraged by what could appear to be a step in the right direction, I've realized that it still falls very far short of the kind of statement it needs to be.


As such, I recant my post above and apologize for its snark.

[Bluenorthwest]

137. Hey the changing mind is the living mind

And my earlier words no longer apply to you.

[Orrex]

138. Took me a while to get my head out of my ass, alas

:pals:

[Bluenorthwest]

134. What a self centered tool you are

You know, this allegedly moral man made distinct promises to lead without hesitation on DOMA and DADT. Specific promises and entreaties to be allowed the bully pulpit to use for specific reasons. He said he would not hestitate to do so. He went on and on about how he would be the leadership we need to make progress, from day one.
So all he's being asked to do is live up to his own word. You can snark away from entitled saftey and try to make it something else, but it is about him keeping true to his word, which he has not been doing at all.
So sick of the extreme hubris of your community.

[Orrex]

136. I'm not going to defend my post, because I had a little epiphany last night

I posted about in in reply #124, right above yours.


I regret writing the post to which you replied, but it seemed intellectually dishonest to ask the mods to delete it.

[fascisthunter]

69. glad to hear

he's the first President in American history to publicly recognize same-sex couples as being families to.

[Toasterlad]

77. Second-Class Families.

I wonder how many gay people Obama thinks it takes to equal one straight person?

[fascisthunter]

85. I don't understand your point

[Sapphocrat]

104. 3/5 n/t

[Toasterlad]

75. A Family That Doesn't Deserve the Same Rights As Others.

Thanks but no thanks, Obama. If you're not planning to DO anything to equalize us, please stop fucking TALKING about us.

[Skittles]

81. AWESOME

:thumbsup:

[Political Tiger]

89. K & R! n/t

[Sapphocrat]

95. How do I put this civilly? "Big fucking deal" will suffice.

So he awarded Harvey Milk a posthumous Medal of Freedom. Ain't that special, too?

Meanwhile, where are my fucking rights?

Talk is cheap.

Flame away.

[Mari333]

96. no flame, just KUDOS : )

[earth mom]

97. Let's cut to the chase here. So President Obama, can gay couples marry or not? nt

[Toasterlad]

98. "No", Says Obama

"But we've got some nice water fountains out back that are just as good as the ones normal people use."

[Mari333]

102. *coughing* LOL

[Toasterlad]

101. My Stars, That Man Does a Lot Of Talking

If words were deeds, this country would be a fucking utopia.

[NMMNG]

106. He talks real pretty

Now when is he going to actually do something useful for us? Following through on his promises re: DOMA and DADT would be a good start.

Sorry, I'm not going to have the vapors every time he mentions us in a speech. Token gestures don't help us in the least.

[bertman]

107. Not enough, of course. But it's another step in the right direction. Yes, we are all

discouraged by the pace of change, but keep pushing anyway. It is coming. And, I think, sooner than many may think.

I'm not sure if I'm all down with the part about "active parents voicing their disapproval of drug use, have proven themselves to be THE MOST EFFECTIVE preventative method for keeping our children drug-free."

Is this documented scientifically anywhere? 'Cause this sounds more like a Public-Service message brought to us by the DEA than factual information based on research. I always thought that the surest way to get kids to do anything was to have their parents voice their disapproval of that thing. But maybe it's just me.

[berni_mccoy]

126. I don't know if the proclamation is quoting a study or not on that point... interesting to find out

though...

[theHandpuppet]

110. Talk is cheap, Mr. President

Action, not platitudes, thank you.

[earcandle]

111. If individuals are agents alone first, then this could really have ramifications across the world to

all of the connections that really matter.

Don't feel bad if your connections are faulty or
disfunctional.
Work on them, is all you can do in this world of no ethics
(character, intelligence and goodwill) at the helm,
no logic (the ability to demonstrate or refute a claim) and no
passion (the ability to arouse and allay the 
emotions of an audience of one or many) to tell the truth and
reinstate the regulations of our great nation 
that direct our course with men and women who uphold our
truths and honor the battles already fought and won.  

We must keep our regulations intact and only grow them (reg:
3206xxx.01), never letting them be de-regulated 
like they have been by this group of criminals. They caused a
staged dupery of the American people and dirtied
our reputations and stole our treasury.   

The American people are too kind.  Or, are they cowardly?  

Bring the children home, those mercenaries and soldiers and
business men and women who are being paid and live
glamourously
wreaking havok, bring them back to have those important
conversations, discussions, goals and actions with intentions
that finally
get us all on the same page and bring the world back to
balance. 

Get the regulations back in place. 

[earcandle]

112. Is it really possible? This is difficult without the help of mainstream support.

[earcandle]

113. Congrats to the Gay and Lesbian community!

[CocoaBeachCoco]

117. Oh? What do they have today that they didn't have yesterday?

Tell me what was gained so I can congratulate too!

[theHandpuppet]

121. I don't think the poster gives a crap about the OP

It just served as a platform for his or her issue and the congrats was a meaningless afterthought by which to bump their own rambling and irrelevant post.

[earcandle]

176. You are entitled to your thoughts, however wrong and unjustified.

I have no platform.  I do believe that it is hard enough to
raise a child with two parents, and given the instability of
relationships, marriage is at least a commitment toward being
together for the long haul.  I am for gay marriage.  I don't
think it is a good idea to turn vulnerable children over to
anyone who is unstable themselves.  Marriage in the gay
community would better stabilize them in their commitments. 
Hey, I was invited to live in San Francisco in 1979 by my gay
friend and I worked in the gay community until he died.  Then
I had no ties.  It is an exclusive club and unless you
volunteer for their programs, you are invisible.  Except for
fundraising events, then you mean a lot.  If you are straight.
 

So, there  you go.  

And as far as my post being rambling and irrelevant, that
also, my dear, is a matter of opinion you are entitled to, but
that frames you as irrelevant regarding my interests,k to say
the least.

You should meditate and let go of your hatred. It will be
better for your biology and physics. 

[David Zephyr]

118. K&R.

:)

[change_notfinetuning]

127. As the president takes another pawn in his chess game of life. Rah. n/t

[Kablooie]

128. Me and my brother happen to be the same sex and we are definitely family!

[Voice for Peace]

130. Not long ago we had family week in Ptown

Everywhere you looked were same sex couples with their children. This kind of family is celebrated by the town itself. Many multi-colored families. A lot of nurturing going on. A lot of fun and generosity of spirit. (Cape Cod, MA) Fun to see two big guys with a hungry baby in a restaurant.

edit to add:

In many cases:
the ones nobody wanted find each other, love each other, have parades, go to the sea,
and later they dance all night when the kids are tucked away

Side note: I recently met an artist who has been hiv positive for 15 years. He told me: every single day I choose to live.


"today I am going to LIVE" he says.

[MadHound]

131. Hmm, let's see here, no repeal of DOMA, no support for full marriage rights,

Just four words in a speech. Call me underwhelmed.

But the Obama folks jump on this and cheer like the man has actually done something, when all he's done is utter four words.

Wake me up when there is some action.

[berni_mccoy]

140. Wake up then, because Obama has granted equal rights to same-sex couple Fed. Employees

Federal Employees who are same-sex couples will get equal treatment and benefits as married couples. He signed this law in June this year. Supervisors no longer make the decision. It's Federal policy now.

[Toasterlad]

143. No, They Won't.

They get SOME of the rights that straight federal employees get, not anywhere near equal treatment. For instance, same-sex spouses don't get any of the medical benefits that straight spouses get.

You are woefully ignorant about this issue, and should stop talking about it.

[Bluenorthwest]

132. IRS declares, in actucal law, that Obama is full of it

I wonder if the OP is willing to pay the difference in taxes between what we pay and what an actual, Faith Based Approved family pays? Or is he like Obama, all empty words of no value. Will Obama be paying my tax? Can I tell the IRS Obama sez we can file jointly?
The need to co-opt this issue to pad the resume of a politician who is frankly, a religious bigot of the worst, backhanded double speaking kind, is an act of desperation and it is just rude. We are fighting for actual rights that you actually have, Mr OP. You got yours. Would you trade them for pretty words for a Chicago double dealer?
If he keeps this shit up, it is going to be time to bring up Donnie McClurkin point out the fact that his words are as bad as Becks and dump that association back on the President's table. He hired hate speakers to speak hate against us. Now this bs, being pushed with hyperbole as being something it is not.

[berni_mccoy]

139. Wow, your whole post is full of complete nonsense.

Plenty of people are married via non-religious means, i.e. justice of the peace. And gays have had religous ceremonies, so your whole "faith based approved family" is epic fail.

Obama has publicly stated that he:
- seeks to repeal DOMA (via Congressional passing or court overturn).
- seeks to provide same-sex couples the same legal rights as married couples under law (including IRS status)

Obama has granted equal rights and benefits of same-sex couples who are Federal employees and this can no longer be denied by supervisor decision.

Making a proclamation like this is historic and no other President in the history of the U.S. has acknowledged such equality of same-sex couples in a legal document.

If he keeps this up, you may just get the same rights as married couples by the end of his term.

If you keep it up, you may just cut off your nose to spite your face.

[Toasterlad]

145. You Are Not Bright

The only reason gay people can't get married in this country is because of religious persecution. That is what Blue meant by "Faith-based approval". Obama has cited his opposition to same-sex marriage on purely religious grounds. He is a religious bigot.

This would be apparent to anyone of moderate intelligence.

I explained in response to another of your posts how completely clueless you are about Obama's fed employee "memorandum" and the very few "rights" that it actually grants same-sex fed couples...rights that will only last as long as Obama's administration. No future president is obligated to honor Obama's "memorandum". It is not law. It isn't even an executive order. All it is is a meatless bone tossed to attempt to appease justifiably angry gay US citizens.

You have continually demonstrated that you don't understand the difference between words and deeds. You really should shut up.

[berni_mccoy]

150. Your posts above were deleted because they amount to "Your stupid" and "Shut Up".

Just like this response. So, I think you are the one who should think about how you "debate" this topic and consider your words.

[Toasterlad]

151. Which Of My Posts Were Deleted? All Still There.

I'm not TELLING you to shut up. I'm RECOMMENDING that you shut up, because you don't have the slightest idea of what you're talking about, and you're embarrassing yourself.

[berni_mccoy]

152. Now who is parsing words? You haven't posted a meaningful point at all above.

You've only posted pre-election statements by Obama and insults that expose your stance instead of providing meaningful responses. I don't know how to respond to "what part of 1950 Arkansas are you from?" Is that supposed to win me over?

You're full of hate and spite and that's plainly obvious to anyone.

Obama has announced his support for Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009 which is currently in committee. But first on the agenda is Healthcare Reform. Even so, Obama continues to take a very public stance on the issue while Congress works it out. Civil rights didn't just happen over night. This issue is going to take time as well.

Think about it. Congress can't even get agreement on Health Care Reform, something that is ethically and morally obvious to nearly 80% of the population. It's going to take time for these legislative agendas to pass. Should we let up pressure? No? But neither should we attack those who are trying to help.

[Toasterlad]

153. You're Damn Right I'm Full Of Hate.

And you're full of bigotry.

I"m not interested in "winning you over". You clearly have no respect for gay people, and, as such, you are less than dirt to me. The fact that you didn't understand any of the points I made to you underscores how close-minded and ignorant you are.

You are a vile person.

[berni_mccoy]

154. Ah, so because I support Obama and hilight his support of LGBT issues, I'm a bigot?

Whatever. Go play in your hate-filled insanity box then. I'm not going to join you. But you should think twice about attacking those who would further your own cause.

[Toasterlad]

156. Neither You Nor Obama Have Done Anything to Further My Cause.

All you've done is spew ignorance over two threads, and heap ridicule on people who have every right to be angry with their government. I truly, truly wish that I could remove all the rights that you have that I don't. You absolutely do not deserve them.

Pretending to be a GLBT ally while pissing all over us is the oldest trick in the book, BTW. We can spot people like you a mile off. You're despicable, and you're fooling no one.

[Bluenorthwest]

172. You are a piece of work

Are you seriously telling that poster that your 'support' of an entire community hinges on an internet snark fest? Such 'support' is what it is, and is not what it is not.
I openly invite you to occupy a neutral corner. You are no help to me and my family, with this sort of vicious hyperbole.
The title of your OP is so offensive to me today, as I prepare to meet our tax person, pay more money, file a state domestic partner return which requires doing s second Fed return called an 'as if'. As if we were humans.
Your community is a bigoted one, which oppresses my community. Your community is the problem, so Bernie Lou, why don't you go clean the hetero house? Go speak to your own, make them cease being bigoted, atavistic hate bags. Someone needs to clean that house, that community of hatred that organizes against their neighbors when they are not beating them with bats. That is who you stand for, and with. I recommend you go deal with your own, the straights. The problems all come from them.

[ruggerson]

146. Then why hasn't he endorsed Nadler's bill which repeals DOMA?

Endorsing a bill does not take much effort.

[berni_mccoy]

159. Well, he *has* endorsed HR 2517, Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009

Why don't I hear your support for him for that?

[ruggerson]

171. that affects a miniscule portion of the population

It's good legislation and I'm glad he endorsed it, but it affects only gay federal workers. It gives them rights and privileges that a lot of corporations have offered for many, many years. So it's a good thing that the feds will catch up to the private sector.

But it's truly a reach to pretend that this is the fulfillment of campaign promiese to the LGBT community. It isn't.

But yes, it's laudable.

[Bluenorthwest]

173. Feel free to put you money where you mouth is Bernie

My accountant has a number that you could have, and you could pay the difference between what we'd pay jointly and as singles. Will you do that? Of course not. Because you are full of hot air and a determination not to understand. Nonsense, Bernie, never contains an exact dollar amount. Numbers do not lie. Care to pay up?
Or are you all talk and no action?

[Nye Bevan]

144. Excellent. So why doesn't he suspend "Don't Ask Don't Tell"

which he could do with the stroke of a pen if he wanted to?

A new study, about to be published by a group of experts in military law, shows that President Obama does, in fact, have stroke-of-the-pen authority to suspend gay discharges. The “don’t ask, don’t tell” law requires the military to fire anyone found to be gay or lesbian. But there is nothing requiring the military to make such a finding. The president can simply order the military to stop investigating service members’ sexuality.

An executive order would not get rid of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” law, but would take the critical step of suspending its implementation, hence rendering it effectively dead. Once people see gays and lesbians serving openly, legally and without problems, it will be much easier to get rid of the law at a later time.

http://www.gaypatriot.net/2009/05/08/can-president-obama-suspend-implementation-of-dadt/

[change_notfinetuning]

149. What? And take something other than a pawn? Who taught you chess? n/t

[joeybee12]

147. And he gave a dead guy an award! Fierce, I tells ya, fierce! n/t

[MidwestRick]

155. Why won't he cross the line...

...and simply say that gay couples should be allowed to have civil marriages. Yes it's semantics, but at the same time, while not allowing the use of the word "marriage" he might as well admit that they are second class citizens imo.

[DuaneBidoux]

157. Yeah, that really sounds like Hitler--when will the pink stars and death camps start for gays?

[Name removed]

160. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[berni_mccoy]

161. Wow, you really need to back off. Calling names is one thing. Threatening violence is another.

[Toasterlad]

162. Who Did I Threaten?

Your reading comprehension skills fail you yet again. How totally useless you are.

[berni_mccoy]

163. "If you actually were acquainted with one, they'd have beaten you senseless by now."

That is a clear projection of your own desire to beat the person you responded to. You have no ability to judge how others will react to that person, but you are exposing how you would.

You've really gone off the deep-end and it's clear that you have from your spammed responses to this thread and others. I certainly hope you get some professional help for your problems.

[Toasterlad]

164. LOL. Tell Me What Else I'm Thinking, Sigmund.

You're a very sad individual. Your suggestion to get some professional help is noted. That help certainly won't be you, you silly, know-nothing clown.

[gordontron]

165. ...wow what civil discourse.

Glad we have the ignore function. Toasted

[Name removed]

168. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[mitchtv]

175. give it up

the bs smells

[DuaneBidoux]

166. I'm not sure if you were responding to my post but if so I think you didn't get it.

Maybe I should have used the little sarcasm symbol but I don't really know how to do it.

I was making the point that with all these crazy right wing people out there he is EXTENDING rights to gay people not taking them away (pink star and death camp) as Hilter did in fact do.

On various occasions I have posted noting that Hitler outlawed communists and socialists even though the right wing calls Obama a socialist and Hitler. Obama defends gay people, even though Hitler gassed them. My point is to make the cognitive dissonance abundantly clear. I am sorry that it was not taken that way.

If it was directed at me I am sorry that I offended you. But I must protest that I was misunderstood.

[Name removed]

169. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[elshiva]

170. Mr. Obama, please end DOMA and DADT NOW!

All families are not safe as long as there is DOMA and DADT.
"As long as one is chained, none of us are freed." :cry: