Obama says let’s make nice-nice; Gays vent and organize [video]
”I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on, and I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency. What I’ve also said is that it is important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues…. That’s what America is about. That’s part of the magic of this country is that we are diverse and noisy and opinionated. That’s the spirit in which, you know, we have put together what I think will be a terrific inauguration. And that’s, hopefully, going to be a spirit that carries over into my administration.”
Barack Obama responding to criticism of his choice of pastor Rick Warren to appear at the Presidential Inauguration in January. (ABC News)
”First Donny McClurkin, and now this hate-filled bigot. STOP GIVING MONEY TO THE DEMS until they start showing us respect. Is your representative in favor of equal rights? Good! Give to his/her campaign, NOT to the national organization or national campaign. Once Obama’s folks start to understand who holds the purse strings, maybe they’ll “allow” us a seat at the table.” — Michael, Washington, DC
”I cannot express how disappointed I am at the selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at Mr. Obama’s inauguration. I had been hopeful of the promise of unity and our country moving in a new direction, but now I see that I was deceived yet again. This is a total betrayal….” – Hank, Washington, DC
”Obama will use us to the exten he can and throw us under the bus whenever it’s politically expedient. Unfortunatley that happened before his first day, but remember, Obama was the Poster Boy in the Yes on 8 campaign ads. What do you expect?” — Gregg, Washington, DC
”I am absolutely disappointed in the choice of Rick Warren. This is far more than someone who you have differences with, which would be admirable. This is a person who is using his immense power to take rights away from people – and now the President of the United States is offering him a stage in front of the the entire world. This legitimizes Warren and his views. Rick Warren’s positions say gay people aren’t entitled to the same rights as all other people.” — Ben, Washington, DC
”I hope Rick Warren will surprise me on January 20th, 2009, but his past anti-gay sentiments make me doubtful. Regardless, proud gay people will get past this unfortunate choice quickly and will continue to support President-Elect Obama. To Mr. Warren, I’d quote Maya Angelou’s — who so warmly included gay Americans at first Clinton Inaugural in 1993 — with this passage from her 1978 poem: You may write me down in history / With your bitter, twisted lies, / You may trod me in the very dirt / But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” — Phil, Washington, DC
A few comments by DC-area residents on the Facebook group ”No Rick Warren at Obama’s Inauguration.” The online group has instantly gained 2,000+ members looking for ways to express their dissatisfaction with Obama’s choice of Rick Warren to perform a prayer at the Presidential Inauguration next month. (Facebook)
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