On May 9, President Barack Obama became first sitting commander-in-chief to endorse same-sex marriage.
“Kinda,” writes The Nation’s Richard Kim. “Today, by endorsing a ‘state’s rights’ approach to same-sex marriage, Obama essentially preserves the current status quo.”
As Kim points out, while the President failed to mention his intent to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, a law that doesn’t recognize gay marriages performed in other states and adheres to the traditional definition of marriage, the Obama administration has made it clear that it won’t defend the anti-gay aspect of DOMA in court.
Still, what Obama did this morning was what the millions who voted have always demanded from him: he stood by his principles.
“I know what the polls show,” writes The Atlantic’s Ta-Nehisi Coates, “and I know he was pushed into it, but I still credit the president with doing the right thing. So much of this process reminds me of Lincoln weighing emancipation, even as he knew, in his heart, that slavery was a sin.”
That’s exactly right. So what if he was pressured into taking up this position by recent developments in his cabinet? So what if much of his base has been pushing him to defend gay marriage rights for the past four years? At least he finally did it. No amount of pressure or polling would convince someone the likes of Mitt Romney to come out in favor of gay rights. (Well, maybe polling. Mitt’s a sucker for the flip-flop.)
And why should the timing matter? It’s unfortunate that the President waited four years to take the position he has, but he’s first and foremost a politician. (I don’t believe him when he says that his views on gay marriage have “evolved” over time. I believe he was always for gay marriage but saw the issue as political suicide.)
The fight for civil rights doesn’t need one more martyr. It needs a leader, someone who’s going to stand up and say, “This isn’t right.” Sure, the president’s disclosure today will do little to budge Congress one way or the other on the matter, but America is still the better for it. The move is largely symbolic.
And that’s all the Obama presidency has been, really: a symbol, of what America could be if we just appealed to “the better angels of our nature.”
Also, with this move, Obama draws an even clearer distinction between himself and the opposition. That’s not to demonize the Republicans; I’m just saying that they’re unlike Obama and many of the voters in his base.
Obama and Romney want two different Americas, and the American people will march to the polls this November to decide which man has the better vision.
About Hector Luis Alamo, Jr.
If you wish to discriminate based on your beliefs then you forfeit the right to complain when you are the target of discrimination. Equal rights for all citizens. If you worry about the “sanctity” of marriage then protest for the end of divorce and quickie Las Vegas marriages.
Finally, he merely gave his own opinion on gay marriage when asked a question. He did not pass a law, some of you really need to work on your reading comprehension skills.
OMG
Finally. Equal rights for all. Forward.
It still depends on said states to legislate the marriage though.
Latino’s would rather have him pass The Dream Act:)
Breaking News! i just had a wicked good iced coffee.
Amazing SMH….Looks like I will be voting for myself this election.
thanks for the support Barack Obama! This is long overdue…he needs to take this to the House ASAP
Finally!! All the hotos & maricones can marry!!!
More Breaking News…..Our country is still in debt.
Yes!! Now let’s please unite as a group of minorities (gays and Latinos) to fight injustice. There is no need for Latinos to discriminate against LGBT people when we ourselves are one of the most hated and discriminated groups in this country. Let’s stand together! Good job Obama!! Let’s stop the hate and bigotry regardless of your beliefs. Remember that Jesus never discriminated nor denied anyone anything but rather embraced the prostitute and the eunuch who were seen as “sinners.” Love thy neighbor, three words many Christians often forget. Once again, way to go Obama!!
Nothing wrong with equal rights. They do pay taxes just like everyone else!
This is not a step forward.. why do they have to marry.. they can love each other and leave the sanctity of marriage the way God created.. between man and woman.. I am not homophobic but how will this benefit our country..
Happy day for all the hotos, maricones!!!!
OMG, what’s next…sooo glad I didn’t vote for him.
what sanctity of marriage? Have you read any history books as to where marriage came from and why it exist…. its 2012 and people deserve the legal protections and benefits of marriage, believe me we wont be going to your church… so you ask for benefits? well i ask how it affects you?
It’s a matter of human rights Julissa. We are denied certain benefits because of the refusal to allow gay marriage. How would you feel if you were being openly discriminated against?
^^boooooorrrring… Marriage was once a religious institution but the fact it is that today it is political and is not exclusive to christians.
There is so much other important things to worry about!!! How about starting with the economy?
Oh lord. So, what’s going on with the Immigration laws?
not surprised…his ratings are low and the election is coming up.
Do any of the naysayers realize how much money was spent in California during the brief span that gays could marry? While it might be a drop in the bucket, it did the stimulate the economy. As for how does it benefit our country? One step towards less discrimination. Thank you, Pres. Obama!
same sex marriage and the pals struggle is very important but yes…. what about the economy. ahhhhh
He lost my support.
That is what i am saying (as i drink my wicked awesome iced coffee).
how about news that effects everyone…. Jobs,Debt?
So how does this new effect the Latino comunity? it does not. it effects the lgbt comunity.
ask the republicans in the house and senate blocking legislationg to help undocumented people, and why they continue to not raise taxes on certain groups which are not paying proportionally to middle class people. how bout we rejoice over a small step for an oppressed group and then maybe in unity they will help all of us.
It is amazing to me that people tied to a group that have been historically mistreated in this country would turn around and employ the same hate and intolerance to another segment of society. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Civil and equal rights are a constant battle in this country that should be fought for all not just those who feel they are “righteous”. Remember there is only one judge and he is not of this earth. Again, embarrassed to see the intolerance posted here.
Uh….what?