President Obama's HRC Address

I really wanted to give Obama another chance...

I did. I was excited about hearing an actual plan to move toward federal equality... But that's not what I heard. Instead, I heard something about rolling easter eggs. I feel so disappointed yet again. When will we see the change we thought we could believe in?

Want to save marriage equality in Maine? Ask me how! ;-)

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by: atdnext @ Sat Oct 10, 2009 at 20:58:53 PM CDT

Oh yeah, and why no mention of WA & ME by name?

Why? Was that too hard? Especially when he knows Frank Schubert is sitting on his own words from last year that they used in California then and may use in Maine soon?

Want to save marriage equality in Maine? Ask me how! ;-)

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by: atdnext @ Sat Oct 10, 2009 at 21:00:11 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

More words

And words, as we know are not action.  I can't say I'm disappointed, because this is kind of what I expected, but honestly, I'm a little pissed!

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by: SacMatt @ Sat Oct 10, 2009 at 22:55:59 PM CDT

Sigh

I'm a regular reader of all the LGBT blogs... and, frankly, I'm a little disappointed that these voices of our community are so unwilling to celebrate incremental change while seeming to demand everything RIGHT NOW.

I listened to Obama's speech to the HRC -- as I was deeply moved.  Sure... things are not moving fast enough... even for me.  I want my equal rights, and I want them YESTERDAY.

Keeping that in mind though, when is the last time you sat and listened to a President of the United States step-up and say these things?  Repealing DOMA?  Eliminating DADT?  Matthew Shepard?

Obama inherited two wars, a tanked economy, and trashed relations with the rest of the planet.  I'm willing to cut the guy a little slack, even if it means waiting a little longer for what I personally want.

It took real balls to say the things he did.  I was born in '65... and I just can't imagine what it would feel like to be a teenager in high school again -- but this time around hearing the President of my country saying what he was saying.

I NEVER thought I'd live long enough to hear words like these from our President.  He's got a long road ahead to turn these words into reality... and a lot of other very pressing matters to address while trying to do so.

I don't feel cheated.  To the contrary, I feel very, very proud that we finally elected someone who has the guts to say the things he said.

Our move towards civil rights and equality will never feel like it's happening fast enough... but this is a MASSIVE step in the right direction... and we should be celebrating it.

I'm keeping a keen eye on promises versus actual progress.  But, please, don't underestimate the significance of having a President willing to say the things he's said.

Put yourself in the shoes of a 15 year old kid in some small town in the middle of nowhere... and listen with those ears.  

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by: mk-ultra @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 00:49:54 AM CDT

Ugh.

It's 2009, and you think that Obama giving a pro-gay speech to a gay audience "takes balls." Ugh.

You've confused chatter with change.

If you hired me to paint your house, and 10 months later I'm still just yammering on about colors and lusters, would you applaud my efforts as a MASSIVE step in the right direction, something worthy of celebration because one day your house will indeed have paint?

No, I suspect you'd feel cheated.

You were born in 1965. Okay, name one right that you now have as a gay US citizen that you didn't have on the day you were born.

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by: thecrustybastard.blogspot.com @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 04:34:21 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

I can answer that

Having nothing to do with Pres Obama, but since Lawrence v Texas we have the right to have sex legally.  IMO that was the first domino that had to fall, and a very large one.  Only five years later we have marriage in five states, a federal court case to straighten out the mess in California, a decent chance of getting marriage upheld in Maine, and polls showing support for CUs/DPs growing nationwide.  More states and municipalities and businesses and schools have some sort of ENDA or other.  Our issues are all over the MSM and the blogosphere.  We have more positive visibility than ever.

No, it ain't perfect.  Yes, it seems this process is taking light years.  But it's a boiling pot.  First there's a bubble here, then twenty there, then a hundred, and eventually the thing boils over.

I was born in '53.  I am not a patient person.  But I believe I will see these things in my lifetime.

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by: Jake @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 08:11:59 AM CDT

[ Parent ]

Or...

a federal court case to straighten out the mess in California

Or to permanently screw things up for the entire country.

>^..^<

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by: KatRose @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 12:43:23 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

how about a metropolitan 17 year old

I feel disappointed regardless of how much he talks of support. Actually, he really hasn't done anything in any field. The only notable thing I can think of was the Global summit. he has helped a bit on military matters but his generals need to stfu and realize that he's THEIR commander. That should come in handy when he's signing a bill legalizing LGB soldiers (there needs to be trans inclusiveness too!). most teens my age, some of my lgb friends at school seem to think that he needs to get his act together. yeah he may have a full plate but what's the serving size?  

"I am the sledgehammer to your 10,000 mirrors." everyone needs to be open and out of their closets.

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by: TSinGarnNC16 @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 12:08:18 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

Hello mk-ultra. We've met before on another message board, and you were't gay there.

So interesting that you imply that you're gay here. Which is it?

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by: night owl @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 12:09:05 PM CDT

[ Parent ]

I was NOT impressed with his speech

Sure it was inspirational, but it was basically the same fake promises he made when he was President.

The only part of it which was original was the part about Matthew Sherphead, and that was it.

We are done with your speeches Mr. President, and Elvis said it best..

"Little less conversation, a little more action please".

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by: WTFBlog @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 09:47:46 AM CDT

Every time Obama says "I will end DADT" a lot of people think that he has.

That's very convenient for him. Not so much for the men and women who get thrown out of the military on a daily basis.

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by: night owl @ Sun Oct 11, 2009 at 12:07:34 PM CDT