Now, don't get me wrong; I like Clinton and Obama a lot and feel that they are our best hope for civil rights equality... but not for marriage equality.
Remember that when both were campaigning last year and were asked directly whether they supported same-sex marriage, both said no. VERY disappointing. Yet in June of this year, the 40th anniversary of Stonewall, both of them suddenly gush with appreciation over the accomplishments and struggles of the GLBT community, and pledge their support.
Their support of what? Civil rights that do not include marriage, which allow us to remain second-class citizens?
Although I want to, I'm just not sure I'm buying it.
"I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security." - Barack Obama
"As long as the promise of equality for all remains unfulfilled, all Americans are affected." - Barack Obama
"I extend our appreciation to the global LGBT community for its courage and determination during the past 40 years, and I offer our support for the significant work that still lies ahead." - Hillary Clinton
"We are grateful for our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Washington and around the world. Their contributions are vital to our efforts to establish stability, prosperity and peace worldwide." - Hillary Clinton
"Though the road to full equality for LGBT Americans is long, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the United States gives hope to men and women around the world" - Hillary Clinton
In the quotation above, notice that it is NOT the example set by the United States, but rather, the example set by those fighting for equal rights in the US that gives hope. In other words, the gays are doing the work while government officials stand by and applaud their fight.
I'm not cynical by nature, but it almost seems like Clinton and Obama simply decided to capitalize on the 40th anniversary of Stonewall for a "feel good moment" by paying lip service to the gays without really committing to do anything.
I realize Obama has only been in office 5 months and his plate has been full with our country's economic crisis, so I'm cutting him some slack for now. But last years' campaign speeches and this week's Stonewall speech have created some large and necessary expectations of him.
Imagine how devasting it was for Lt. Dan Choi and Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach. Choi was recently discharged from the military and Fehrenbach most likely will be too, due to Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT). Both had long, distinguished careers of medaled service to our country that were ripped away from them due to nothing more than the fact that they are gay. Obama could have stopped this, but didn't.
If you were Secretary of State or President and you did nothing to stop these DADT dismissals, wouldn't you be just a tad bit embarrassed to use the 40th anniversary of Stonewall as an opportunity to pledge your support of the GLBT struggle for equal rights?
Its time for action, people.
Crush du Jour: Reece Karena
