| This flier arrived in my mail on Friday, October 31: 
In the box of text that may not be legible, it says: "When asked to specifically define his views on marriage, Obama has stated that he believes 'that marriage is the union between a man and a woman.' 'Now, for me as a Christian, it's also a sacred union. God's in the mix,' he added. August 16, Saddleback Church Candidates Forum in California" On the other side it says (among other quotes): "Senator Joe Biden affirms his and Barack Obama's support for traditional marriage. 'Barack Obama nor I support redefining from a civil side what constitutes marriage. We do not support that.' Sen. Joe Biden VP Debates 10/2/08" Here it is in bold colored print mailed out to how many - millions? - of California homes 5 days before the election. Obama's image and quotes show how his position on marriage has more in common with the supporters of Prop 8 than it does with the opponents of the measure. Democrats are concerned about Obama being too closely aligned with the marriage equality movement and consequently don't want him to risk campaigning in defense of same sex families. Vocal advocacy of our rights is supposed to be a losing postion for him to take. He has to remain detached. He can't allow himself to get burned by marriage like Kerry did in 2004. He has already done enough by writing a letter - months ago to an LGBT political club - that explains his opposition. To do more than that - to actually say something during a campaign speech - would be too risky to his campaign. Well, his words are now being used to help pass the measure that he supposedly opposes. What is he going to do now? Is it acceptable that he be shown to be a supporter of Prop 8 in such a public way? Does that harm his campaign at all? Will any LGBT organization or individual demand that Obama himself issue a repudiation of this mailer? I do not think he is responsible for this mailer, but he is responsible for the words he has said and hasn't said about marriage. Is it too much to ask that the first African American President of the United States issue a statement in defense of equal protections for all Americans? This is disgusting and he cannot allow this to happen without a response. This mailer will influence the 7% of voters that will decide the fate of marriage in California. He has nothing to lose at this point in the campaign and he has more than enough money; more than he can possibly spend between now and Tuesday. We have to exert our power and demand his support - in words and cash - or we are abdicating our responsibility. He did this to himself. We cannot allow ourselves to be sacrificed for his election. It is unnecessary. He must do something to counter this aggression. |
