I've made it to the initial round for favorite progressive blogger in the Air America Cruise Contest. I have to stay in the Top 5 before the second voting round begins, so your vote is appreciated! First voting round:
The Christian Civic League of Maine's Mike Hein calls Pam's House Blend: "a leading source of radical homosexual propaganda, anti-Christian bigotry, and radical transgender advocacy."
He is "praying that Pam Spaulding will "turn away from her wicked and sinful promotion of homosexual behavior."
(CCLM's web site, 10/15/07)
Ex-gay "Christian" activist James Hartline on Pam:
"I have been mocked over and over again by ungodly and unprincipled anti-christian lesbians."
(from "Six Years In Sodom: From The Journal Of James Hartline," 9/4/2006, written from the "homosexual stronghold" of Hillcrest in San Diego).
"Pam is a 'twisted lesbian sister' and an 'embittered lesbian' of the 'self-imposed gutteral experiences of the gay ghetto.'" -- 9/5/2008
Peter LaBarbera of Americans for Truth Against Homosexuality heartily endorses the Blend, calling Pam:
A "vicious anti-Christian lesbian activist." (Concerned Women for America's radio show [9:15], 1/25/07)
"A nutty lesbian blogger." (MassResistance radio show [16:25], 2/3/07)
Pam's House Blend always seems to find these sick f*cks. The area of the country she is in? The home state of her wife? I know, they are everywhere. Pam just does such a great job of bringing them out into the light.
--Impeach Bush
who monitors yours Bevis ?? Just thought I would drop you a line,so the rest of your life is not wasted.
Gee, now why would Barack Obama be the recipient of more threats than say, oh, George W. Bush, a president vilified by a large segment of the public (aside from his 20% base)? Hmmm?
The Boston Globe reports that a new internal Congressional Research Service report and government sources say there are an unprecedented number of death threats against President Obama -- and that the Secret Service is insufficiently funded and staffed to deal with them.
According to The Globe, a report issued by the Congressional Research Service shows that the Secret Service is investigating more threats against government officials than ever before, and questions whether the 144-year old agency should continue probing financial crimes, as was its original mandate.
In total, the Secret Service regularly protects 32 people and arranges security for high-profile events. But the election of Barack Obama has increased threats against the president's life by 400 percent from his predecessor, according to "In the President's Secret Service," Ronald Kessler's account of presidential security.
Do you think this has any corrolation?
The Southern Poverty Law Center issued a report back in August that found that the number of white supremacist militia groups has spiked by 35% since 2000. The Secret Service has, in turn, increased its employees from 6,700 two years ago to a projected 7,055 in the coming fiscal year, almost entirely devoted to protecting national leaders. But that's a staff increase of just 5.3 percent -- nowhere near the 400 percent increase in threats to the president's life.
In response to an inquiry from The Advocate, the White House issued the following statement regarding President Barack Obama's position on same-sex relationship recognition voter referenda in Maine and Washington.
"The President has long opposed divisive and discriminatory efforts to deny rights and benefits to same-sex couples, and as he said at the Human Rights Campaign dinner, he believes 'strongly in stopping laws designed to take rights away.' Also at the dinner, he said he supports, 'ensuring that committed gay couples have the same rights and responsibilities afforded to any married couple in this country.'"
Yesterday's Washington Post might have woken up some within the Beltway to whst has been happening in Maine this year, but will it be enough to garner some attention or even a passing mention from the White House?
President Obama has the perfect context in which to make that case: a clear and unequivocal call on the people of Maine to vote no in November on the anti-gay ballot measure aimed at undoing the freedom to marry enacted earlier this year.
Here is what I'd like to hear the President say to the nation, including the good people of Maine:
"Running for the White House, I told the country, and promised those who shared my vision, that, 'As your President, I will use the bully pulpit to urge states to treat same-sex couples with full equality in their family and adoption laws.'
Today I want to be clear that we have a lot to do here in Washington, in the states, and in the private sector - and a good place to start is repudiating the kind of anti-gay attacks we've seen from state to state, from California to Maine.
Earlier this year, following public hearings and careful examination of expert evidence and constitutional guarantees, Maine's state legislators passed a law ending the denial of civil marriage licenses to same-sex couples while assuring that clergy could continue to make their own choices about religious marriage. Maine's governor signed this important bill into law, but it now faces challenge in the form of a ballot-measure this November. I urge Mainers to stand up for equality and fairness. We should all treat others as we would wish to be treated - that's the Maine way, and the American way.
Like other Americans, I have wrestled with the question of how we end discrimination against our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters, and provide equal treatment for all families. With time, conversation, and reflection, I have learned a lot more about gay people and their families and lives. I have visited with gay friends, heard their stories, and met with their parents and loved ones. I've watched them raise great kids, struggle to make ends meet, pay taxes, and care for one another in sickness and in health. I've seen gay couples contributing to our communities and building strong families. I've met gay young people who, like others, have the dream of falling in love and finding a partner with whom they can build a life together. These gay people share everyone's hopes and dreams, including the dream of a legal commitment to match the personal commitment they live out day to day with their partner.
The conversation about the freedom to marry and changing attitudes continues throughout the country, with many people of good will thinking it through. We all know that marriage matters, and that love and commitment enrich our lives here on earth. Government has no business putting obstacles in the path of people seeking to care for their loved ones, gay or non-gay. And it is wrong to take away rights from any group of people. We don't do that in America.
Ballot-measures such as Question 1 in Maine do not help families or strengthen communities; rather they undermine basic values and hurt families while helping no one. I oppose Question 1 in Maine and urge Maine's voters to reject this discriminatory effort to strip away rights and dignity from gay and lesbian couples.
Mainers should vote no, and should embrace full equality, including the freedom to marry. And as Maine goes, so goes the nation.
The reality of what President Obama will say about Maine? Frankly, I think it will be a far shorter message, if one even occurs at all.
President Barack Obama's big speech on Saturday awaits and what it will bring is anybody's guess.
A spokesperson for the White House said on Friday evening that the president "looks forward to speaking directly to the LGBT community about the steps his administration has taken thus far and the progress he hopes to achieve in the coming weeks and months."
When I asked Gibbs if the president would highlight anything beyond the recently nominated openly gay ambassador and the nearly sealed hate-crimes legislation, Gibbs said he didn't want to "zoom past" the hate-crimes achievement.
"Hate-crimes protections are long overdue, in the president's opinion," Gibbs said. "He believes that their passage represents an important step, and looks forward to, when that legislation gets to his desk, signing it and making that the law of the land. I think that's certainly part of what he'll discuss on Saturday night."
Based on that response, I think it's safe to say that hate crimes will clearly be a major emphasis of the speech.
Update: I added thumbnails of the two letters that Sen. Reid sent. Selecting the thumbnails will bring up PDF's of the letters so one can read for oneself the letters that Sen. Reid sent to President Obama and Secretary Gates.
~~Autumn~~
Not from, say, military personnel affected by this policy (natch) or families of said personnel, or even American citizens who feel strongly that DADT should be repealed immediately.
No, he wants feedback from President Obama and Robert Gates, as to how to proceed with introducing legislature to finally repeal DADT.
Forgive me for being glib, but isn't this kinda like a carpenter asking his supervisor how to close a door? No wonder jack sh*t ever seems to get done correctly or quickly in Washington...
WASHINGTON - Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid wants to hear from the Obama administration on how to overturn the "don't ask, don't tell" ban on gays serving openly in the military.
The Democratic-led Congress is considering repealing the 1993 law but isn't expected to act on the issue until early next year.
In the meantime, the Nevada Democrat is asking President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Robert Gates to share their views and recommendations on the controversial policy.
In Sept. 24 letters to Obama and Gates, Reid also asked for a review of the cases of two U.S. officers who were discharged from the military because of their sexuality.
A spokesperson for Majority Leader Reid said he had not received a response from either President Obama or Secretary Gates.
A White House spokesperson said, "The president appreciates the majority leader's letter and looks forward to working with him and other members of Congress as they move towards a legislative repeal of 'don't ask, don't tell.'" Last week, the White House declined to comment on whether they were discussing introduction of a repeal bill with any senators.
The Pentagon did not respond to inquiries in time for the posting of this article.
Perhaps the White House and Pentagon might comment after next week's scheduled activities:
DADT Events During National Equality March
SLDN will be participating in the National Equality March on October 11. Here are some DADT-focused events to check out:
Repealing DADT: Lobbying Tactics DADT trainings taught by lobbyists from LGBT Military Advocacy groups
Oct 10, 2009 - 10:00am-12:00pm
Wreath Laying at Tomb of the Unknowns Arlington National Cemetery
Oct 10, 2009 - 12:00pm
DADT Protest & Memorial Service Honoring Leonard Matlovich Speakers Span Four Decades of Fighting the Ban on Gays in the Military
Oct 10, 2009 - 2:00pm
Students for the National Equality March Flash Protest Student-led protest calling for repeal of DADT
Saturday, October 10 - time TBA
Cadence Run Run with LGBT service members and veterans military style, around the memorials/monuments
Oct 11, 2009 - 8:00am
National Equality March March for Equality!
Oct 11, 2009 - 12 noon
During a House floor speech on Monday night, Rep. Michele Bachmann gave a dire warning: That President Obama has already begun efforts to limit our energy usage from cars and home heating and air conditioning -- and our food consumption is next:
"President Obama said we can't eat as much food as we want and think the rest of the world will be okay about that -- as if that matters to freedom-loving Americans," said Bachmann. "Well, we just heard last week that the Federal Government now under the Obama administration is calling for a re-ordering of America's food supply. What's that going to mean? Now will the White House decide how many calories we consume, or what types of food we consume?"
The kicker? She was talking to Rep. Steve King of Iowa, himself "a few sandwiches short of a picnic"...
Some people watch dumb comedies on primetime. I get my kicks from C-SPAN...
Any one else remember the good ole days, when politicians who made national asses of themselves quickly and quietly slunk away?Guess we can call this "the Palin-Sanford effect"...
Anyways- looky who Joe "Liar Liar Pants On Fire!" Wilson is having to hang with, in a desperate attempt to staunch the the flow of cash to his opponent.
What's really funny is not just that Joe asks an amazing FIVE TIMES for us to watch his video- but that NONE of the links WORK!
Below please find a special message from one of our advertisers, Congressman Joe Wilson. From time to time, we receive opportunities we believe you as a valued customer may want to know about. Please note that the following message reflects the opinions and representations of our advertiser alone, and not necessarily the opinion or editorial positions of Human Events or Eagle Publishing.
Dear friend,
Today, I need your help more than ever before. I've been under attack by the liberal left for months because of my opposition to their policies, especially government-run healthcare. They've run commercials in my home district and flooded my office with phone calls and protestors. They've done everything they can to quiet my very vocal opposition to more government interference in our lives. Now, it's gotten even worse.
But I will not stop fighting against their policies that will only lead to more government interference, more spending, and higher deficits.
I know that my voice is serving as the voice for Americans across the country who are tired of irresponsible government programs that have only worsened our situation. During the August recess, I listened tothousands of concerned taxpayers who are mad at the rate in which liberal Democrats are spending their hard-earned money. They were shocked distraught by our nation's slide toward extreme liberal big government and the attempts by Democrats to nationalize the auto industry and the banking industry.
I am also frustrated by this, but watching my Democratic colleagues in Congress scoff at the protests of their constituents has made me even more infuriated. Unfortunately I let that emotion get the best of me and I reacted by speaking out during the President's speech. I should not have disrespected the President by responding in that manner.
But I am not sorry for fighting back against the dangerous policies of liberal Democrats. America's working families deserve to have their views represented in Washington, and I will do so with civility. But I will not back down.
Now, I need your help. Yesterday, the liberals used my outburst as a rallying cry behind my Democratic opponent. Some of the nation's most liberal online activists have helped him raise over $400,000 in just a few short hours. Many friends and organizations are kindly helping me out, but this is your chance to donate directly to my campaign to ensure that every dollar goes toward fighting back against and defeating my Democrat opponent.
Will you please visit take a few minutes today to watch this video, and make a donation to my campaign? It will take a lot of work, but I know we can match what the liberals poured into my opponent's bank account last night, and fight back against the Democrats' unwavering attacks.
PATRIOT DAY AND NATIONAL DAY OF SERVICE AND REMEMBRANCE, 2009
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION
Through the twisted steel of the twin towers of the World Trade Center, the scarred walls of the Pentagon, and the smoky wreckage in a field in southwest Pennsylvania, the patriotism and resiliency of the American people shone brightly on September 11, 2001. We stood as one people, united in our common humanity and shared sorrow. We grieved for those who perished and remembered what brought us together as Americans.
Today, we honor the lives we lost 8 years ago. On a bright September day, innocent men, women, and children boarded planes and set off for work as they had so many times before. Unthinkable acts of terrorism brought tragedy, destruction, pain, and loss for people across our Nation and the world.
As we pay tribute to loved ones, friends, fellow citizens, and all who died, we reaffirm our commitment to the ideas and ideals that united Americans in the aftermath of the attacks. We must apprehend all those who perpetrated these heinous crimes, seek justice for those who were killed, and defend against all threats to our national security. We must also recommit ourselves to our founding principles. September 11 reminds us that our fate as individuals is tied to that of our Nation. Our democracy is strengthened when we uphold the freedoms upon which our Nation was built: equality, justice, liberty, and democracy. These values exemplify the patriotism and sacrifice we commemorate today.
In that same spirit of patriotism, I call upon all Americans to join in service and honor the lives we lost, the heroes who responded in our hour of need, and the brave men and women in uniform who continue to protect our country at home and abroad.
In April, I was proud to sign the bipartisan Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, which recognizes September 11 as a National Day of Service and Remembrance. Originated by the family members those who lost loved ones on 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance is an opportunity to salute the heroes of 9/11, recapture the spirit of unity and compassion that inspired our Nation following the attacks, and rededicate ourselves to sustained service to our communities.
Throughout the summer, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to lend a helping hand in their communities through United We Serve. As this summer of service draws to an end, we renew the call to engage in meaningful service activities and stay engaged with those projects throughout the year. Working together, we can usher in a new era in which volunteering and more service is a way of life for all Americans. Deriving strength from tragedy, we can write the next great chapter in our Nation's history and ensure that future generations continue to enjoy the promise of America.
By a joint resolution approved December 18, 2001 (Public Law 107-89), the Congress has designated September 11 of each year as Patriot Day, and by Public Law 111-13, approved April 21, 2009, has requested the observance of September 11 as an annually recognized National Day of Service and Remembrance.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim September 11, 2009, as Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance. I call upon all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the United States to display the flag of the United States at half-staff on Patriot Day and National Day of Service and Remembrance in honor of the individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks against the United States that occurred on September 11, 2001. I invite the Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and interested organizations and individuals to join in this observance. I call upon the people of the United States to participate in community service in honor of those our Nation lost, to observe this day with other ceremonies and activities, including remembrance services, and to observe a moment of silence beginning at 8:46 a.m. eastern daylight time to honor the innocent victims who perished as a result of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth 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.
The president referenced this letter in his speech last night- fair warning on the tissues:
Dear Mr. President,
I wanted to write a few final words to you to express my gratitude for your repeated personal kindnesses to me - and one last time, to salute your leadership in giving our country back its future and its truth.
On a personal level, you and Michelle reached out to Vicki, to our family and me in so many different ways. You helped to make these difficult months a happy time in my life.
You also made it a time of hope for me and for our country.
When I thought of all the years, all the battles, and all the memories of my long public life, I felt confident in these closing days that while I will not be there when it happens, you will be the President who at long last signs into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished business of our society. For me, this cause stretched across decades; it has been disappointed, but never finally defeated. It was the cause of my life. And in the past year, the prospect of victory sustained me-and the work of achieving it summoned my energy and determination.
There will be struggles - there always have been - and they are already underway again. But as we moved forward in these months, I learned that you will not yield to calls to retreat - that you will stay with the cause until it is won. I saw your conviction that the time is now and witnessed your unwavering commitment and understanding that health care is a decisive issue for our future prosperity. But you have also reminded all of us that it concerns more than material things; that what we face is above all a moral issue; that at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.
And so because of your vision and resolve, I came to believe that soon, very soon, affordable health coverage will be available to all, in an America where the state of a family's health will never again depend on the amount of a family's wealth. And while I will not see the victory, I was able to look forward and know that we will - yes, we will - fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege.
In closing, let me say again how proud I was to be part of your campaign- and proud as well to play a part in the early months of a new era of high purpose and achievement. I entered public life with a young President who inspired a generation and the world. It gives me great hope that as I leave, another young President inspires another generation and once more on America's behalf inspires the entire world.
So, I wrote this to thank you one last time as a friend- and to stand with you one last time for change and the America we can become.
At the Denver Convention where you were nominated, I said the dream lives on.
And I finished this letter with unshakable faith that the dream will be fulfilled for this generation, and preserved and enlarged for generations to come.
As my husband just remarked, it's the first time he's ever heard of a Congressman taking himself to the woodshed...
WASHINGTON - In an extraordinary breach of congressional decorum, a Republican lawmaker shouted "You lie" at President Barack Obama during his speech to Congress Wednesday.
Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., tried to call Obama to apologize in person, but ended up speaking to White House chief of staff Rahm Emanuel.
The contrite congressman, "expressed his apologies" to Emanuel, not the president at whom he had shouted a few hours earlier, Wilson's office said.
By that time, Wilson's House Web site had crashed and he had taken a brutal beating on his Twitter page for breaching protocol and good manners during a presidential speech to a joint session of Congress.
Understand one thing: with my locally famous temper and penchant towards profanity, Rahm Emanuel is a fucking, freakin' hero to me! ;) FoxNews is of course getting comments to the AP same story that Wilson is a hero.
Yahoo has the clip via the link above, at that moment and the shocked look on Speaker Pelosi's face... plus I think she turned quickly to Vice President Biden and said, "Wilson"- looks that way from reading her lips to me and perhaps others can weigh in.
It was certainly the most extraordinary moment I have witnessed in Congress- and will put the death knell on his career representing the state of South Carolina.
Wilson's outburst came after Obama said that extending health care to all Americans who seek it would not mean insuring illegal immigrants.
"You lie!" Wilson shouted from his seat on the Republican side of the chamber.
Republicans froze, with several looking in Wilson's direction.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi directed a fierce frown at him; first lady Michelle Obama pursed her lips and shook her head from side to side. Vice President Joe Biden looked down and shook his head, too.
Obama, meanwhile, looked toward the outburst and replied, "That's not true," and went on with his speech.
Wilson seems to have quickly figured out that he screwed up royally:
Right away, Wilson seemed to sense that he had fouled up. Wilson appeared to consult his Blackberry for much of the rest of Obama's speech. He shook his head defiantly after several of the president's statements. When Obama finished, Wilson bolted from the chamber.
Tucked into my daughter's backpack today was a typed up page of her and a classmate's assessment of the president's speech and boy, is it disturbing stuff!
What was I thinking? I should have pulled her from school for the day.. but NO.
SOB!
First prepare yourself, take a deep breath, and watch this clip of today's horrific event at Wakefield High School in Arlington VA:
Now- Jean and her friend's report:
"President Obama's Speech on September 8, 2009" Written by Bob and Jean
1. Try to keep healthy. Wash your hands. Remember to use sanitizer.
Prepared Remarks of President Barack Obama
Back to School Event
Arlington, Virginia
September 8, 2009
The President: Hello everyone - how's everybody doing today? I'm here with students at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia. And we've got students tuning in from all across America, kindergarten through twelfth grade. I'm glad you all could join us today.
I know that for many of you, today is the first day of school. And for those of you in kindergarten, or starting middle or high school, it's your first day in a new school, so it's understandable if you're a little nervous. I imagine there are some seniors out there who are feeling pretty good right now, with just one more year to go. And no matter what grade you're in, some of you are probably wishing it were still summer, and you could've stayed in bed just a little longer this morning.
I know that feeling. When I was young, my family lived in Indonesia for a few years, and my mother didn't have the money to send me where all the American kids went to school. So she decided to teach me extra lessons herself, Monday through Friday - at 4:30 in the morning. Now I wasn't too happy about getting up that early. A lot of times, I'd fall asleep right there at the kitchen table. But whenever I'd complain, my mother would just give me one of those looks and say, "This is no picnic for me either, buster."
So I know some of you are still adjusting to being back at school. But I'm here today because I have something important to discuss with you. I'm here because I want to talk with you about your education and what's expected of all of you in this new school year.
Maybe the mind-washing of America's Youth (TM) begins below the fold...
LINCOLN, Maine - Students at public schools in Lincoln, Chester and Mattawamkeag will be allowed to watch President Barack Obama's back-to-school address on Tuesday if teachers elect to air it in their classrooms.
RSU 67 Superintendent Michael Marcinkus on Saturday rescinded a memo he sent the day before to teachers, administrative staff and board members that prohibited the airing of the 18-minute noontime address.
Marcinkus said on Sunday that his initial memo was "ill-advised."
"It was a mistake," he said. "There is no way I'm going to impose censorship in my schools."
Before Marcinkus reconsidered his position, RSU 67 was at least the second school unit in Maine to ban the president's address.
This is what I LOVE about Mainers- admitting when you're wrong and making it RIGHT.
Good on you, Mr. Marcinkus!
Maybe there's hope for sanity to prevail in some pockets of the nation after all...
Drake, who had not heard about the broadcast before phone calls from reporters, laughed when he heard about the "honor."
"At least I'm No. 1. He could've hurt my feelings and made me No. 3.," Drake said.
Drake said he has prayed for Obama's death, though "98 percent everything I pray about him is very positive."
However Drake also said he's directed to pray for ill against his enemies by Psalm 109, which asks for punishment for evildoers, and even considers such prayers a "duty."
"If anybody has a problem with the prayer we're praying, they need to take it up with the man who wrote it, because it's not me," Drake said.
He prays for the POTUS to die, but "98% of his prayers towards Obama are positive?" WTF?
These people are nuts, pure and simple- yet they are listened to and not in jail for death threats against the POTUS. Go figure...
BTW, in case anyone thinks this is being blown out of proportion, take a gander at Lil Steven, taking on a heckler:
And if you don't like it, GET THE HELL OUT! DON'T LET THE DOOR HIT YA!!!
And in case anyone things Lil Steven is racist, lemme tell ya he has BLACK FRIENDS and is NO RACIST- here is the proof that YOU ARE WRONG!!!!!!! AND THAT BARACK OBAMA IS WHIIIIIIIIIITE!!!!!!
Wow.
Er, I mean, ZOMG WOOOOOWWWWW!!!!!!!11!!!
And what's worse, those last 2 were from Steve's own website... he's posted 424 of his various screeds and rantings, including suppsoed take-downs of Joel Osteen and Billy Graham.
Between that and his recent endorsement by The Peter, seems Stevie is trying to cash in on the Gravy Train, when he's actually a far better fit for the Westboro Nut House Baptist Church.
NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Cash for Clunkers is just about at the end of the road.
The government-funded rebate program, popular with consumers, comes to its official completion on Monday.
Dealers have until 8 p.m. ET to file claims for any deals. The government will not extend the deadline for filing claims, the Department of Transportation said Monday morning.
The U.S. Department of Transportation had received 625,000 applications from dealers for Cash for Clunkers vouchers totaling $2.58 billion as of Monday morning, the DOT said.
Under Clunkers, which launched July 27, vehicles purchased after July 1 are eligible for refund vouchers worth $3,500 to $4,500 on traded-in cars with a fuel economy rating of 18 miles per gallon or less.
Car buyers trading in a vehicle must prove that the vehicle has been titled to them for at least a year and, in most states, that the car has been insured for a year. Dealers have to provide copies of that paperwork, among other things, to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in order to get their rebates.
The article goes on to discuss NADA's request for a second extension and that many dealerships have dropped out of the program.
But one dealership in Maine has... well, you've gotta read this one! More below...
UPDATE: The text of the memo is available here, and is also printed below the fold.Well here it is. In his comments Obama said he support the Domestic Partners Benefits & Obligations Act which, if passed, would give federal employees full spousal benefits. Tammy Baldwin is an author of that bill, and was present at the event today.
Obama also said he would work with Congress to repeal DOMA, but of course gave no indication that this was going to happen in our lifetimes. He used vague words such as "in the months and years ahead". He failed to say anything even vaguely resembling "I'm going to be pounding on Reid & Pelosi's desks until we get those abominations DADT & DOMA repealed!!!"
THE PRESIDENT: Well, today I'm proud to issue a presidential memorandum that paves the way for long-overdue progress in our nation's pursuit of equality.
Many of our government's hard-working, dedicated, and patriotic public servants have long been denied basic rights that their colleagues enjoy for one simple reason -- the people that they love are of the same sex.
Currently, for example, LGBT federal employees can't always use sick leave to care for their domestic partners or their partners' children. Their partners aren't covered under long-term care insurance. Partners of American Foreign Service officers abroad aren't treated the same way when it comes to the use of medical facilities or visitation rights in case of an emergency.
These are just some of the wrongs that we intend to right today.
In consultation with Secretary of State Clinton, as well as OPM Director John Berry, my administration has completed a long and thorough review to identify a number of areas where we can extend federal benefits to the same-sex partners of Foreign Service and executive branch government employees.
I'm requesting that Secretary Clinton and Director Berry do so where possible under existing law -- and that the heads of all executive departments and agencies conduct reviews to determine where they may do the same.
Hundreds of Fortune 500 companies already offer such benefits not only because it's the right thing to do, but because they recognize that it helps them compete for and retain the best possible talent -- and we need top talent serving their country right now more than ever.
Now, under current law, we cannot provide same-sex couples with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples.
"That's why I'm proud to announce my support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act, crucial legislation that will guarantee these rights for all federal employees.
I want to thank Representative Tammy Baldwin, who is behind me somewhere -- there she is, right there -- for her tireless leadership on this bill and in the broader struggle for equality. I want to thank Senator Joe Lieberman -- Joe is here -- as well as Susan Collins for championing this bill in the Senate; and Representative Barney Frank for his leadership on this and so many other issues -- in fact, this is his second trip to the White House today. (Laughter.)
It's a day that marks a historic step towards the changes we seek, but I think we all have to acknowledge this is only one step. Among the steps we have not yet taken is to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act. I believe it's discriminatory, I think it interferes with states' rights, and we will work with Congress to overturn it.
We've got more work to do to ensure that government treats all its citizens equally; to fight injustice and intolerance in all its forms; and to bring about that more perfect union. I'm committed to these efforts, and I pledge to work tirelessly on behalf of these issues in the months and years to come.
Thank you very much everybody, and with that I am going to sign this executive order.
(The memorandum is signed.) (Applause.)
END 6:08 P.M. EDT
Also present were OPM Director John Berry, Fred Hochberg, the president of the Export-Import Bank of United States, Rea Carey, executive Director of the Gay and Lesbian Task Force, Jennifer Chrisler, executive director of Family Equality, Leonard Hirsch, the president of the Federal GLOBE, Lorilyn "Candy" Holmes, a career federal employee, and Joe Solmonese, the president of the Human Rights Campaign.
Well Blenders, are you satisfied? John Aravosis isn't. here's his evisceration of Obama's civil rights performance to date.
This afternoon at 5:45 EST, Obama will present The Memo to expand minor benefits for LGBT federal employees. The pre-memo fact sheet is an exercise in low expectations. It tells us that Obama is not going to make change by changing any laws. In fact, the fact sheet states twice that Obama has been scrounging for crumbs for us with the stipulation that they are already...
within the confines of existing laws and statutes
It remains to be seen if he takes the opportunity to push legislation so that he has more to offer us "within the confines" of the law.
You can watch live on C-SPAN.** If you hear of other live viewing or listening locations before it starts, please drop them in the comments.
**Not working for me. Anyone else have luck elsewhere?
UPDATE2: While we wait for details or video, here is some priceless reaction from the fundies Obama thinks he's winning over by hating on Teh Gayz.
Conservative Christians: Obama's Gay Benefits Order Approximates Marriage
Conservative Christian groups criticizing the president's memorandum extending certain benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees are alleging that the president is approximating the benefits of marriage - that he's basically creating "marriage light."...Here's a statement today from Concerned Women for America President Wendy Wright:
"Barack Obama's order...attempts to elevate relationships outside of marriage as if they are the same as marriage...Federal funds should not be a political tool to elevate partner arrangements to be treated similar to marriage."
UPDATE: Press Secretary Gibbs re: Obama's support for the DoJ brief (courtesy ABC News)
TAPPER: Does the president stand by the legal brief that the Justice Department filed last week that argued in favor the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act?
GIBBS: Well, as you know, that the Justice Department is charged with upholding the law of the land, even though the president believes that that law should be repealed.
TAPPER: I understand that, but a lot of legal experts say that the brief didn't have to be as comprehensive and make all the arguments that it made, such as comparing same-sex unions to incestuous ones, in one controversial paragraph...
GIBBS: Well...
TAPPER: ...that's upset a lot of the president's supporters. Does the president stand by the content, the arguments made in that brief?
GIBBS: Well, again, it's the president's Justice Department. And, again, we have the role of upholding the law of the land while the president has stated and will work with Congress to change that law.
Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
The morning of November 5th, 2008, was bittersweet. I awoke that morning, after Barack Obama's historic, with a sense of hope diminished by a nagging despair following the passage of Proposition 8 in California, which attempted to snatch away the equality that that the state Supreme Court granted to same-sex couples just months ago. The Obama campaign slogan, "Yes we can," was transformed into "Yes we did," by revelers in the streets of D.C. and in other locations across the country and around the world. I couldn't honestly join in the celebration without also reminding myself that "No, we didn't."
In many ways, the discussion of race in America, particularly as it relates to today's issues (the economy, health care, education), brings to mind the parable of the blind men and the elephant. Different people have a firm grasp on part of the truth in the middle of the room - be it the tail, the trunk, an ear, or a leg - but no one seems able to look at the thing itself. Three examples of a similar phenomenon reveal some of the difficulties in our national discussion on race.
National Urban League head Mark Morial recently described the state of black America today as "the best of times and the worst of times." He's right. The inauguration of the first African-American president was a moment worth celebrating as an undeniable achievement of the progress we've made regarding race. Many African-Americans from communities across the county traveled to D.C. to witness the moment. Even more of us gathered around radios, television screens and computer monitors.
The inauguration of the first African-American president was a moment worth celebrating as an undeniable example of the progress we've made regarding race. Many African-Americans from communities across the county traveled to D.C. to witness the moment. Even more of us gathered around radios, television screens and computer monitors.
It was a brief respite, savored for as long as the day lasted, and then we all returned home, or turned off the television and returned to reality. For reality the day before and the day after was, and remains, an indicator of how far we are from "the Dream" so often referenced on that day. For just as much as "everything changed" for African Americans on that day, at the same time nothing changed, as one article noted days before Obama's inauguration.
Any one else remember the good ole days, when politicians who made national asses of themselves quickly and quietly slunk away? Guess we can call this "the Palin-Sanford effect"...
This afternoon at 5:45 EST, Obama will present The Memo to expand minor benefits for LGBT federal employees. The pre-memo 
