Obama to extend benefits to some federal employees’ same-sex partners.
Obama to extend benefits to some federal employees’ same-sex partners.
Right now, the committed partners of gay employees in the federal government are excluded from receiving benefits afforded to spouses. This evening, the White House said that Obama will be making an announcement on this subject tomorrow, and media reports are saying he will extend benefits to same-sex partners of some of these employees. From the White House daily schedule:
In the evening, the President will deliver brief remarks and sign a Presidential Memorandum regarding federal benefits and non-discrimination in the Oval Office.
Kerry Eleved reports that the signing is scheduled for 5:45 p.m. Last month, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA) pulled a provision from the Foreign Relations Authorization Act that would have given such benefits to foreign service officers, because the Obama administration had reportedly assured him that it would be moving forward on the issue. Last month, ThinkProgress spoke with Amb. Michael Guest, who said that his partner was excluded from receiving services such as medical treatment and effectiveness training while abroad.
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As he should. Bravo!
June 16th, 2009 at 9:25 pmHave the lefties been duped?
June 16th, 2009 at 9:26 pmNot good enough. When Obama denounces the insulting DOMA brief and starts to act on his promises maybe we can talk.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:27 pmThis is a necessary first step…there needs to be major movement on this issue..not just in the law but in the public debate and an official stance can do a lot to move the country toward a more open, equal and just society…
June 16th, 2009 at 9:34 pmOT -
WOO HOO!!!
RACHEL MADDOW giving former TP staffer NICO PITNEY a segment about his live blogging these protests at huffpo!
GOOD ON YA, NICO!
June 16th, 2009 at 9:35 pmDOMA does need to go. No doubt that gem is unconstitutional. If a court strikes it down, that prevents republicans from going in if they retake power and reversing the gains made.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:38 pmGood. It’s a step in the right direction for LGBT civil rights. Change doesn’t happen overnight. I believe that DADT and DOMA will be repealed! When it happens it’s going to be done the right way!
Obama always emphasized that it was going to be a long difficult road ahead on alot of issues that plague our nation. I NEVER felt misled and I ALWAYS know that I voted for the right candidate – Barack H. Obama!
June 16th, 2009 at 9:39 pmIts a start Mr. President, but how about not half-assing this? Let them serve in the military (openly). Let them get married. What is it that people are so afraid of?
In Obama’s case, I’d say he is afraid of a conservative majority in the Senate that is constantly on the edge of throwing a temper tantrum and shutting the legislative process down. Diligent and persistant back-slapping and butt-kissing by Harry Reid (it’s about all he’s good for) is keeping a few important projects moving forward, but other items on the list are being stalled.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:42 pmThis will really help the economy…….
June 16th, 2009 at 9:42 pmYes, it will help the economy. “Benefits” are economic, after all.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:44 pmTap dancing worthy of GW: (via Americablog)
Even the gay community knows Obama is full of sh¡t. I’m tired of pretending that Obama is anything but a pandering, bush-crimes-covering, double-dealing corporate shill.
The dems wait until they see a threat on the horizon and then manufacture some minor bone to throw.
Obullsh¡t: The audacity of “Nope!”
June 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pmBenefits cost tax dollars, einstein.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:46 pmThis is the first step. DOMA will follow as will DADT.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:48 pmLegislation is the way to resolve this, not through executive orders or memoranda — but this puts the issue forward and I believe it is a harbinger of positive things to come.
Perfect timing to move forward with this. With Ensign affair still hot off the presses, the republicans won’t be able to make the same old argument about the left trying to undermine the sanctity of marriage.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:50 pmhanshiro the antlion Says:
You’re entitled to your opinion BUT you remind me of GOPERS and trolls that expect so much out of President Obama in less than 6 months. You obviously did not and do not HEAR what he’s said time and again. Obama never promised to resolve EVERY GD issue as soon as possible. You crazy fockers think the man has a magic easy button that he can press JUST LIKE THAT! As if Obama is the only decision maker in this whole process. OBAMA IS NOT THE MESSIAH and never promised to walk on water!
Hanshiro I thought you were smarter than that!
June 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pmSpot on, hanshiro.
June 16th, 2009 at 9:53 pm16. hormiga brava chavez Says: You’re entitled to your opinion BUT you remind me of GOPERS and trolls that expect so much out of President Obama in less than 6 months.
You’re pulling out the “Give him more time” canard? Do you really want me to beat you up with that tired old myth?
You obviously did not and do not HEAR what he’s said time and again. Obama never promised to resolve EVERY GD issue as soon as possible.
When already confronted with several large timely issues he promised to address, he punted or took bush’s policy position. How exactly does that address the issue? Like DOMA? Habeas Corpus? State Secrets?
Hell, he punted telecom immunity after blatantly asserting he would work against it.
You obviously did not and do not HEAR what he’s said time and again.
I hear him…because that’s all he does: talk. He doesn’t act. He doesn’t walk his talk. The dems don’t act. They cry and whine. The republican passed torture, but the dems, with a dem president can’t do sh¡t. Obama’s DOJ is actually arguing against gay rights. Hiding bush’s torture and detainment practices and calling to cover under ’state secrets.’
Are you even paying attention? You’ve cited no evidence to support your blind devotion, whereas you have no answer to my many and varied charges. (Plus, I haven’t even dragged out the entire list). Answer those and we’ll talk.
No time? Obama DOJ filed to block the case of the lost bush emails the fcuking day after he was sworn in! Don’t give me that ‘time’ bongwater.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:06 pmAmerican Patriot Says:
Benefits cost tax dollars, einstein.
They work for those tax dollars, shithead. It’s called the federal workforce. They’re taking home what the government is already offering.
If it helps you hang on by a thread, however, health benefits may not be provided thanks to the DOMA’s unconstitutional slop.
Read:
June 16th, 2009 at 10:07 pm
***
am. pat.
missed you at the
ensign post.
:)
“einstein”
that’s funny.
:|
…
June 16th, 2009 at 10:08 pmAmerican Patriot looses neurons on a daily basis…it shows in his responses……His IQ….going…going…..gone
June 16th, 2009 at 10:13 pmMy earlier post: DOMA does need to go. No doubt that gem is unconstitutional. If a court strikes it down, that prevents republicans from going in if they retake power and reversing the gains made.
I’m going to have to revise this. The administration has put itself in sort of a rut by arguing to uphold DOMA while crafting an executive order around DOMA to supposedly benefit the same people they’re arguing against. Reportedly, this plan doesn’t include retirement and health benefits, so I’m withholding my praise until an act of congress makes that happen and until the administration actively lobbies for it.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:13 pm22.Megaloptera McWars Says: I’m going to have to revise this. The administration has put itself in sort of a rut by arguing to uphold DOMA while crafting an executive order around DOMA to supposedly benefit the same people they’re arguing against.
You don’t know the half of it. Check Americablog to get a belly full of Obama’s contortions on the issue. The WH website removed the DOMA promise about two months ago, according to John.
This sleight-of-hand administration is beginning to stink to high heaven.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:18 pmHanshiro, Your comments STINK!
As if McCain would’ve done any better – would he have bomb, bomb, bomb, bombed Iran?!
June 16th, 2009 at 10:22 pmWill do, hanshiro.
American Patriot Says:
Spot on, hanshiro.
And what is this idiot praising? There’s no bigoted spewing in hanshiro’s post for you to lick up.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:25 pmNice, however far the benefits go — but definitely not equality.
Remember, gay employees have to pay tax on the value of benefits that are tax-free to straight married workers.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:27 pm…
am. pat.,
speechless?
:)
June 16th, 2009 at 10:27 pmhanshiro
June 16th, 2009 at 10:28 pmAmericablog is one blog I am sure to check every day. I have to say that John has really become a one-trick pony on this issue. I am totally sympathetic to the cause and I want to see progressives win this battle sooner than later, (it IS going to happen) but when I click into Americablog every day and it’s the same topic over and over again, I just click out.
hormiga, McCain would have been those things, certainly. But McCain lost big. And public opinion is ahead of our congressmen/women and senators. They tremble like it’s 1993.
Full rights is a foregone conclusion. Obama does not walk on water and we don’t expect him to. In fact, I fault his staff. I think they have their own views. So do James Jones & Bob Gates. They want to kick the can down the road w/o appearing opposed to equal rights.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:31 pmWell, American Pee, you have gone and otudone yourself. Doesnt war increase costs because of injuries?
June 16th, 2009 at 10:31 pmI’m not going to praise Obama for this. Not when everyone knows the right thing to do is to give equal rights to all regardless.
PBS is currently showing how the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy has hurt this country.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:34 pm25. hormiga brava chavez Says: Hanshiro, Your comments STINK! As if McCain would’ve done any better – would he have bomb, bomb, bomb, bombed Iran?!
It would have saved you time and typing just to put, “I got nuthin.’”
I’m advocating to hold Obama to his promises and restore the fear of the people back into his two-faced, lying administration. You, on the other foot, are asserting an either-or scenario; “would you rather have McCain??!?) No, I’d rather Obama tackle something besides his teleprompter. He talks ’til he’s blue in the face but what has he, or the dems, delivered on?
Stop the war? Nope!
Close Gitmo? Promise, so Nope!
Deliver on the gay issues? According to John, Nope!
Universal healthcare? Well, the AMA gave him rousing applause, so probably not!
Habeas Corpus? Ask the Bagram detainees. (Nope!) In fact, he’s actually advocating for preemptive detainment….(cue Twilight Zone music)
Prosecuted bush? Bahahahahaha! (Nope!)
Fair Trials for the detainees? Nope!
Transparency? A resounding NOPE!
So, why should I give him a pass? Where’s the ‘change?’ That’s not even the whole list of sidestepping Obama has done when confronted with any of these change-worthy issues.
Oh, he did roll over for the republicans on the stimulus. That’s something…
You truly got nuthin.’
June 16th, 2009 at 10:36 pmHey hanshiro… I got a joke for you… it might resonate.
Q: How many hanshiro’s does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: Hanshiro’s don’t change shit.
And before you tell me I got nothin’ I’ll let you in on a little secret.
What we’ve got is a pragmatic idealist in the White House… by all means, continue to push for your agenda- I agree with you on most of it… but the only one who’s pushing a false either/or choice is you.
Contrary to hanshiro’s opinion, you can both support Obama and his administration and continue to pressure him to deliver more… sorry.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:47 pm30.Marie Says: hanshiro Americablog is one blog I am sure to check every day. I have to say that John has really become a one-trick pony on this issue. I am totally sympathetic to the cause and I want to see progressives win this battle sooner than later, (it IS going to happen) but when I click into Americablog every day and it’s the same topic over and over again, I just click out.
I agree that it’s a broken record, however, so to most people is Cindy Sheehan. The reason is because the issue still hangs out there for no good reason. So John, and Cindy, beat the drum tirelessly because the injustice remains and would be swept aside were it not for (cliche alert) tireless advocates like them.
My hat is off to the Cindys and Johns for being stubborn and dedicated enough to constantly call for attention to such staggering unfairness and injustice. It’s easy for me because I’m not in John’s position; heterosexuals have and always have had those rights, so they don’t fully know and appreciate the frustration and stupidity of being told to wait. Wait outside.
We’ll prosecute bush…just wait.
We’ll get around to the Constitution…just wait.
No more waiting. Congress can trip all over themselves when it’s an issue concerning their paychecks or their big donors…or their Wall Street sugardaddies, but the America people, whom the claim to serve, keep getting the stall, while billions, unaccounted for, disappear.
Time to be as devoted as John and Cindy: I’m for calling bullsh¡t on Obama until he begins to either clue in or loses enough money and support that he finds his motivation again.
That goes triple for the disgrace that is the dem party. A more invertebrate bunch does not exist, until their cushy office jobs and perks are threatened, then watch them jump!
And we need to make them jump…Now!
June 16th, 2009 at 10:49 pm35.belaccifer lacca Says: What we’ve got is a pragmatic idealist in the White House… by all means, continue to push for your agenda- I agree with you on most of it… but the only one who’s pushing a false either/or choice is you.
So, how pragmatic is it to excuse and forever conceal bush’s wiretapping crimes? Eh?
I guess upholding the Constitution is too inconvenient?
He’s no “pragmatist,” he’s a coward that isn’t about to prosecute the biggest war criminal this country has ever seen. You make claims, but don’t knock down any of my points.
Go bring your daddy next time; you suck at this.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:54 pm35.belaccifer lacca Says: Contrary to hanshiro’s opinion, you can both support Obama and his administration and continue to pressure him to deliver more… sorry.
So, what’s he ‘delivered?’
June 16th, 2009 at 10:56 pmHanshiro,
First, laws must pass the House and the Senate and it is not all up to the President to decide what laws will pass in the US. There’s no such thing as cramming legislation through Congress. Bush/Cheney did whatever they wanted, Obama is determined to uphold the law.
The Attorney General must determine whether The Bush Crime Family gets prosecuted for their roles in allowing the torture of detainees. Republicans would accuse Obama of a Partisan witchhunt if he’d pressed for an investigation and prosecution. It’s not Obama’s job to prosecute Bush/Cheney anyway.
When Obama became President, I do recall a LONG list of issues that needed to be addressed:
1. A deficit that is trillions of dollars,
2. High unemployment rates,
3. High foreclosure rates and bankruptcies,
4. Two wars that costs the US trillions of dollars, one in Iraq and the other in Afghanistan,
5. Planning an exit strategy for the War in Iraq,
6. A broken healthcare system,
7. Failed policies on education,
8. Major corporations like GM filing bankruptcy and laying off thousands of workers,
9.Detainees in Guantanamo Bay, no records showing why they were detained, why they were not prosecuted,
10.Finding places to relocate the detainees,
11. Wall Street bailouts from 2008,
12. Wall Street bailouts continuing into 2009,
13. Other Detainee prisons in Afghanistan and Iraq,
14. Restoring America’s reputation and dealing with torture,
15. Iraq War Veterans returning with physical and mental health disabilities.
16. The Grand Old Party of No
17. DINOs
I’m sure I’ve left off some others.
How can Obama bring CHANGE with the Grand Old Party of NO obstructing legislation that will help Americans?
How can Obama bring about CHANGE with DINOs?
June 16th, 2009 at 10:58 pmHow can Obama bring about CHANGE if we give up and run out on the Obama Administration before they’ve had time to bring about CHANGE?!
Yeah, hanshiro, turns out I didn’t know a tenth of it. This is not even an executive order, but a “presidential directive” that will expire when he leaves office. I’m through expecting a lasting legacy of equal rights from this administration and turning my head to congress. A dismal performance from this administration on this issue from day one.
June 16th, 2009 at 10:59 pmWell, Truman tried to pass public health insurance in the 40’s and I dont expect it to happen in just 6 months.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:01 pmYes, hormiga, all those challenges will take time and prioritizing is a must. But then why waste all that time arguing to uphold parts of Bush’s legacy when there’s no time to waste in cleaning it up?
I’m reluctant to mortgage away time hoping for a better time when they have the clout to get it done before more damage sets in. Lobby congress for progress instead of lobbying the courts to uphold tyranny.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:06 pmI hate to say this hanshiro but did it ever occur to you that maybe some things found on the wiretapping might actually compromise national security? Sure that doesn’t excuse having done it in the first place and if it’s a practice Obama is continuing then yes we should be angry.
Why are you being so hostile to everyone? I normally agree with you but you’ve been on this Obama bashing tirade and what are you actually doing about it other than ranting?
cynatnite Says:
I’m not going to praise Obama for this. Not when everyone knows the right thing to do is to give equal rights to all regardless.
PBS is currently showing how the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ policy has hurt this country.
Yes equal rights need to be given regardless. I agree with you but this is a step in the right direction. Equal rights is not going to happen over night. DADT is a bigger mess than most people even know. I hate having to repeat myself on this but he cannot just overturn this without underlying laws being dealt with. He is not the Legislature in Chief. That is an issue for Congress.
With that being said, I was horrified to see the defense of DOMA and I’ve written several letters to the White House and my state’s senators about it. There’s no use complaining (not accusing you of this cyna) and not actually doing anything. Let the President know you’re mad.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pmThe Obama Administration has a tremendous amount of priorities – the biggest being following the laws already in place until able to make the necessary changes that will be affective and lasting.
LGBT rights are extremely important but I think they’re being pushed back because of a long list of other issues plaguing Americans.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pmLobby congress for progress instead of lobbying the courts to uphold tyranny.
This bears repeating.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:07 pmhanshiro the antlion Says:Go bring your daddy next time; you suck at this.
Let me know when you’re elected! I have a feeling it will be a long wait but I know it will be worth it… you’re gonna deliver! Awesome…
June 16th, 2009 at 11:08 pmHealth insurance is the political equivalent of anti-abortion.
Two wings [canards] of the same vulture [DC]
[My opinion FWIW]
June 16th, 2009 at 11:14 pm39. hormiga brava chavez Says: First, laws must pass the House…(what follows is a very unconvincing raft of excuses…)
So, tell me; even before Obama got into office, he reneged, as party leader, and voted for telecom immunity, effectively covering bush’s crimes. All the above cited excuses were moot at that time.
Please explain.
Please explain why the day after he was sworn in, Obama blocked the lawsuit into forcing recovery, (injecting ‘transparency’) of missing WH emails?
Please explain.
Obama lied about the basis for defending DOMA.
Please explain.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:16 pmhanshiro the antlion Says:
——————————————————————————–
39. hormiga brava chavez Says: First, laws must pass the House…(what follows is a very unconvincing raft of excuses…)
So, tell me; even before Obama got into office, he reneged, as party leader, and voted for telecom immunity, effectively covering bush’s crimes. All the above cited excuses were moot at that time.
Please explain? I can’t explain and neither can you – unless you work in the White House. Are you a part of Obama’s Cabinet? Do you know WHY these emails were not released? Are you in Obama’s brain? How do you know he lied?
June 16th, 2009 at 11:26 pmWith all due respect, hormiga, those are all strawmen.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:27 pmWith all due respect McWars, that’s your opinion. Neither you or Hanshiro have produced anything that proves anything except your opinions. Unless you work in the White House or up close with Obama, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:30 pm43.kdgamergirl Says: I hate to say this hanshiro but did it ever occur to you that maybe some things found on the wiretapping might actually compromise national security? Sure that doesn’t excuse having done it in the first place and if it’s a practice Obama is continuing then yes we should be angry.
It will not serve the Constitution to sweep blatant crimes under the rug for any excuse. Obama did that anyway. Prosecuting bush for illegal wiretapping doesn’t equate to revealing national security secrets. That’s a cop-out. Only by adhering to the law does the populace of any country have any hope of keeping the government abuses reined in. I don’t like mysteries and what bush did is a whopper that should not have been concealed under any circumstances, particularly with this group of scumbag crooks.
Why are you being so hostile to everyone? I normally agree with you but you’ve been on this Obama bashing tirade and what are you actually doing about it other than ranting?
I’ve had my absolute fill of Obama’s slap-in-the-face double-dealing ugly surprises and bush impressions. I loathed every GD moment of bush’s tyranny and to have Obama knowingly make “hopeful” promises to an abused nation, only to continually pull the rug out from under groups of faithful supporters and believers time and again is a travesty and should be mercilessly condemned.
I’m furious because people keep trying to trot out excuses that don’t hold water and Obama catch-phrases instead of doing the homework and realizing we aren’t going to get that magical ‘change’ that Obama is skating on.
It’s a raging disgrace that we still have bush’s legacy embraced and defended by anyone, much less a con artist that promised us something different.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:30 pmThank you hanshiro I appreciate the thoughtful reply. I understand your anger and in some instances I do share it but it’s only been 5 months and I’m not ready to give up on him. Change takes time and as I’ve said I don’t agree with everything he’s done but there are some instances where I can see his side of it with say the torture photos for instance which most disagree with me on.
I just hope you’re letting the administration know how you feel.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:33 pm49. hormiga brava chavez Says: I can’t explain and neither can you – unless you work in the White House. Are you a part of Obama’s Cabinet? Do you know WHY these emails were not released? Are you in Obama’s brain? How do you know he lied?
So you’re content with “just trust us,” despite the bald fact that Obama promised just the opposite: transparency. Even the forefathers knew the folly of consolidating too much power behind closed doors.
I don’t trust liars, nor do I care to listen when they trot out tired rhetoric that begs a better, more comprehensive explanation. (which Obama also promised.) Or when they cite bush policy that they denounced just to get elected.
Obama promised vastly different performance, yet has been a bush defender. I can, in fact, support my positions with informed sources that call expert bullsh¡t on Obama’s claims.
You cannot, otherwise you would not try to float a fallacious pile of crap to escape supporting evidence of your blind devotion to a huckster of a president.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:38 pmhormiga brava chavez Says:
With all due respect McWars, that’s your opinion. Neither you or Hanshiro have produced anything that proves anything except your opinions. Unless you work in the White House or up close with Obama, you don’t know what you’re talking about.
Nobody should have to work in the WH to know what’s going on with our public officials and policy. We can notice patterns. He issues a memorandum instead of an executive order — policy that expires with his administration. His administration argues for the upholding of a law that limits the scope of that memorandum. You imply that, as citizens, we should have to be narrowed down to finalists get the inner workings of the WH so we really know what’s going on. And you take confidence in that to avoid crafting any criticism of this administration and admonish those who do.
My criticism may not always be on the spot, but I consider myself to be a critic of public officials at heart.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:49 pmHanshiro,
Again, that’s all your opinion. Obama a Bush defender?! That’s BS. Not one time have I ever heard Obama defend Bush’s policies outright. I stand corrected if there is an interview that I missed but I’ve never heard Obama defend Bush’s policies!
Did Obama give a timeframe for when he’d repeal DADT or address DOMA?
If DADT is repealed, where would that leave the LGBT in the military? Out of work? DADT has many facets – so – it’s not as simple as you think to just repeal it!
It’s easy to dole out criticism when you’re on the outside of the situation.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:58 pmI call bullshyte on your claims.
And again, in response to the contention that there are more immediate pressing issues, I tend to agree. But while the administration is on it, why don’t they prepare arguments for fixing up the government’s discrimination against gays to the congress instead of having their arguments ready for upholding unconstitutional laws in the courts?
Equal rights for gays isn’t #1 on the docket, but it isn’t the toughest with the public’s comeuppance on the issue, either. And equal rights for gays adds to the economy and our military readiness. They’d be free to gain skills and contribute without the worry that their status would make their efforts go to waste.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:00 amMcWars,
Constructive criticism of the Obama Administration is good. I just reject mean, unfair commentary from people who do not work in the White House and have only their opinions to offer for proof of why the Obama Administration has made the decisions they’ve made in the past 5 months.
Some information has to be classified and kept secret for purposes of national security. Like it or not – we will not be privy to all information coming in and out of the WH.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:09 amThanks for the spirited debate. Good night.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:16 am56.hormiga brava chavez Says: Again, that’s all your opinion. Obama a Bush defender?! That’s BS. Not one time have I ever heard Obama defend Bush’s policies outright.
Please don’t be lame enough to try to twist this into some semantics claim. Obama is, in fact, defending and perpetuating bush policy.
More:
Obama is embracing and, in court, using bush policy to defend secrecy and who-knows-what-else. The above quote is from a Constitutional litigator, so unless you have some compelling counter (which you don’t, I’ll wager,) you have no basis for your worship of an increasingly secretive and arrogant administration.
“Transparency,” my ass…
June 17th, 2009 at 12:18 amG’nite McWars
June 17th, 2009 at 12:23 amHanshiro,
First, I don’t worship Obama.
Second, your post does not provide any proof that Obama supports Bush’s policies. It’s just an implication that Obama’s embracing Bush’s policies. That’s not proof of Obama embracing or adopting Bush’s policies.
Why is it that Obama’s intelligence is being judged as arrogance? Why? Is it because he’s African-American?
June 17th, 2009 at 12:27 amHonestly, we the LGBT Community have been burnt so much by the administration already. A small token thing like this is very little to get excited over. I would love to see something major happen form the Obama Admin in regards to gay rights like a repeal of DADT or a repeal of DOMA
June 17th, 2009 at 12:30 amAnother thing Hanshiro,
Litigators offer all kinds of opinions, etc.
Yoo and Bybee – both lawyers – wrote and approved memos on torture.
June 17th, 2009 at 12:37 amTo some? Love? Rabbitcore does not think the goverment or their insurance corporations should be able to dictate who one should love protect and benefit. Our President and populace forgets that this country has enslaved huge masses of human beings for a corporate purpose, meaning who they should, breed with for their corporate benefit. The church and goverment has no meaning of love. Corporations of today only want the right wing hillbillys, and illierate to breed, to keep people ensalaved to the dollar, living in their corporate induced twilight. To raise children in this country one has to be a morron. Straight or gay love is the same for all, not just for some. Little bunnys in this country, not one of my seed is going to bow to these super corporations, they can stick their dollar up their ass and light it.
June 17th, 2009 at 1:01 amthis is total BS….
June 17th, 2009 at 1:04 amthe ONLY benefit it covers is RELOCATION…& its taxed!
PLUS, its not even an order, its a MEMORANDUM, meaning it expires when OBAMA™ leaves office!
Listen to what candidate Obama said on the LOGO network last year
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=73oZ_pe1MZ8
He said he would support the rights of preachers to not be forced to perform wedding ceremonies for same-sex couples. Those preachers believed him and got out the vote for California Prop Hate. Now President Obama has to keep his word to them. Check DOMA (Discriminatory Offensive Marriage Attack) closely and you’ll see that it stops the same-sex partners of any federal employee from having any rights.
Candidate Obama made it very clear in that debate that he is a heterosupremacist, and now he is acting on his belief that only Americans he accepts or approves of are entitled to constitutional rights. He obviously put his hand on the constitution and swore to uphold the bible.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:22 amThis is such a token gesture on the heels of the outrageous brief filed by his DoJ in the California DOMA suit. The outrage is not the filing of the brief itself; that was a fulfillment of his oath of office. But did the brief have to resort to classic right wing talking points i.e. incest as legal argument for upholding DOMA?
OFA chapters are being organized in Washington (my home state) and elsewhere right now. That will be my venue of choice for addressing Pres. Obama’s repeated betrayal of LGBT interests.
No more money for DNC, DCCC, DSCC; direct any $ to progressive candidates, office holders, and organizations.
June 17th, 2009 at 2:27 amThen maybe you should off yourself and save some of those valuable resources your existence on this planet is wasting.
June 17th, 2009 at 4:13 am62. hormiga brava chavez Says: First, I don’t worship Obama.
You unquestioningly defend his positions without even being familiar with their consequences. I’ve cited Obama’s DOJ and their documented defense on two issues already, defenses that mirror bush-established policy and said policy that was roundly denounced by Obama himself….candidate Obama…
There’s no limit to the lies just to get elected.
Second, your post does not provide any proof that Obama supports Bush’s policies. It’s just an implication that Obama’s embracing Bush’s policies. That’s not proof of Obama embracing or adopting Bush’s policies.
Again, (I’ll type more slowly for you since you don’t deem it necessary to acquaint yourself with the clear hyperlinks I posted to my sources.) Obama’s DOJ has already used bush-established policy to defend not only State secrets provision in court, but defending keeping DOMA in place.
Maybe on your planet that’s an merely an “implication,” but here on earth, that’s called, “damning evidence” of alignment with bush policy.
Why is it that Obama’s intelligence is being judged as arrogance? Why? Is it because he’s African-American?
No, you racist dou(hebag, because he is simply running counter to the people’s will (the majority of whom roundly rejected the bush approach in the last two elections) only to have Obama traipse in and fight to perpetuate those very policies.
That’s bluntly arrogant to spit in the face of the very constituents to whom you promised change from bush, then sending your DOJ to keep those policies firmly in place.
That’s bullsh¡t!
June 17th, 2009 at 7:59 am64.hormiga brava chavez Says: Another thing Hanshiro, Litigators offer all kinds of opinions, etc.
Yet, you can’t seem to cough up a single one to defend your take on Obama’s stated positions on the issues I’ve raised. That would make this less of a one-sided discussion. In fact, you’ve offered not one viable reason for Obama’s DOMA capitulation, his telecom immunity collapse, his obstruction and covering up of bush’s crimes, the whole schmear.
You don’t have bupkis…except indignity over a faceful of disillusionment, sourced and informed.
Up to now, you’ve provided no sources, no expertise, no information, no nada; you’ve just employed various ways to say, “Nuh-uh!”
June 17th, 2009 at 8:07 amFile this under: Do tell…
Transparency my ass!
June 17th, 2009 at 8:16 amwho needs trolls when we have impractical impatience from hanshiro?
June 17th, 2009 at 8:49 amyeah. civil rights are *so* impractical.
June 17th, 2009 at 8:51 am74.RantingTommy Says: who needs trolls when we have impractical impatience from hanshiro?
I’ve a longer memory of the last eight years than you, apparently. Pressure needs applying now because the people whose expertise I trust: the ACLU, Greenwald, CREW, Jon’s blog (he’s a lawyer as well), Krugman, Hersh, and others who fought the bush administration tooth and claw, are sounding alarm bells.
What you got?
*crickets chirping*
I’m frankly amazed you can type so well, sitting on your hands….
June 17th, 2009 at 9:08 amHow do you stop roommates from getting coverage… say I have a friend, can I cheat the system and get coverage?
June 17th, 2009 at 4:58 pm