Barack, Get a Klue

If I hear one more pundit say that the choice of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the most historic inaugural of a lifetime sends a message of inclusion I will explode. None of them seem to get it, including Barack Obama. The don't have a Klue.

And yes, I'm spelling "Klue" that way on purpose. When I heard of the choice and the subsequent defense of it, my first response was, well, Mr. Obama, many in the country felt a Black shouldn't be in office. They still feel that way. Where are their views? The views that Whites are better than anyone else? Where is David Duke? Truly, where is he? There are more racists in America than gays; that doesn't need a poll, it simply is a fact. And where are their views?

What about those that feel Obama and his like do nothing but pander to Jews, and the cabal of corrupt Jews who run our government in order to protect Israel? Millions of people feel that way, trust me, and where are their views?

The fact is Rick Warren spits on our Constitutions, both of them, the Constitution of the State of California and the United States. He spits on the question of Equal Protection under the law and calls it "faith" or "morals" and he tries to inflict, successfully, so far, those morals on a people by voting his religious views in to law, which directly violates the Constitution, again.

Rick Warren lied about Proposition 8 in California. He lied to those of faith and told them they would have to accept gays, have to marry them, on and on. Lies, all lies. And Friday, another lie brought forth as those that support Proposition 8 file a lawsuit to nullify the marriages of those loving couples that married in California during the summer of legal love as I call it. They said they would not. They are. Liars.

Rick Warren does not like or support gays or lesbians. He likens their unions to those of animals or pedophiles. He says a woman getting an abortion is like a Nazi killing a Jew. I don't care what he says out of one side of his mouth. If you like someone, you don't say that them getting married is like two dogs screwing or a 30 year old having sex with a six year old. Those are fighting words, not loving, caring, ministerial words.

This man is wrong for America and wrong for religion.

Change would have been letting the preachers that get it right have a voice. Those of faith that know whether they agree with these issues or not they are not for the legislature or the Constitution. People who don't condemn and divide, but unite through love and compassion; who would never legislate their beliefs. That would be change. Change would be silencing the hateful speech of those like Rick Warren and replacing it with true love and joy and inclusion. If Warren said on TV in Canada what he said in the United States he could be prosecuted for a hate crime. That's a fact.

No, if you want inclusion, either include all of America, the UGLY part or leave Rick Warren out. He is part of the Ugly part. He is the same as a member of the Klan. He burns his opponents politically, socially, financially. He does slash and burn campaigns through funding lies, downright lies, and focuses the resources of his tax free mega church on those that need protection under the law from people just like him. He ministers to a White, racist classist ministry (I've been in the church, I know of what I speak, and lived in Orange County, CA for 10 years), is filthy rich, has a church that is an abomination to God (did he not destroy the temple and throw out the money changers?) and should fade in to the last century like all relics. I don't care what book he wrote. As far as I'm concerned, he's a hate monger of the worst kind...the kind with a slick smile and caring glance. They're the worst. Slit your throat every time, and he's trying to kill all gays and lesbian relationships in the California and the Country and crawl inside a woman's woman and put a lock on her uterus until HE says it's OK.

And his reward is be rewarded by the President of the United States?

Barack, you don't have a Klue. And you really blew it. This is not inclusion, this is bashing a minority easily bashed, who will provide you no political fallout because there simply aren't enough of us.

But Obama, NEVER say you support gay and lesbian rights again. You do not. You condone them being bashed, being legislated against. Words are not enough, Obama. Either you're with us, or you're not.

And it's clear, you only are when it helps you. Like every other politician.

So much for change.

Barack, either we get a speaker on why Blacks should not be able to marry whites, either we get a speaker on why Hispanics are destroying our nation by Illegal Immigration (Lou Dobbs would do) or cancel Mr. Warren.

Just because he says he's doing it in the name of God doesn't mean he is. Even the Bible said that Demons will take all forms, and even will even appear as benevolent and just.

Rick Warren is not uneducated, so I can only assume he is, in fact, a bigot who hides it in the name of the Lord. And when he's found with a hooker and drugs or in some bathroom stall everywhere and every acts shocked and then he shepherds himself off to rehab and makes a documentary, don't be surprised. Methinks the lady doth protests too much, methinks, as Shakespeare once said. Not that I have any firsthand knowledge, but we never do until it's over anyway, do we.

In either event, Rick Warren is what's WRONG with America, not what's right. There are plenty of other ministers out there that get it, that know their god is love, not hate, and that their god didn't make mistakes and thus gays and lesbians deserve all the same benefits under the law; or they are at least smart enough to know that even if their god disapproves, they disapprove in their church and not at City Hall, the State House or the White House and their bible when it comes to America is the Constitution of the United States and not a King James version of anything.

Barack, get a Klue.

Comments

[wlloughby]

"The Talmud says we will be held to account for all permitted pleasures we did not enjoy." (page 260 The View from the Center of the Universe, Primack & Abrams) ¨The pleasure of serving justice, serving Nature"s God and helping to answer one of Rick Warren"s prayers all at once is permitted. Could there be a greater purpose or pleasure? ¨Warren looks forward to the Marriage of the Lamb, yet John, even though he was warned, and the hour approaches, continues to misbehave in a way that is sure to spoil the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. (Revelation ch 19 v 9 & 10 & ch 22 v 8 & 9) More cause for concern: Paul finds it necessary to warn the Colossians about someone who might teach them the same unacceptable behavior. (Colossians Ch 2 v 18)¨Rick Warren has become so driven to take away marriage from some people in California, Massachusetts and Connecticut that he doesn"t seem to have any drive to help to prepare for the Marriage of the Lamb. There could be so much unacceptable behavior on account of many centuries of inattention to the very clearly reported problem. Let's help Rick Warren by reminding him of danger he seems to have forgotten and offering suggestions on means of correcting the misbehavior that could spoil that one marriage that lasts forever. Whatever it takes, Rick, we're here for you. It's a pleasure.¨"To fill a gap," Emily Dickinson advised, "Insert the thing that caused it

[Charles Karel Bouley - Huffpost Blogger]

"The gay's happily supported Hillary and now they want to make EVERYTHING about them getting married. If you want to get off the bus then by all means just get off and do whatever it is that you plan on doing."

And you all say Rick Warren doesn't matter. You all say I sound like Hannity, well, you "progressives" sound about as regressed as can be. What did Warren do, drug the water? Let's be clear, it is time to NOT include HATE and it is not INTOLERANT to SHOUT at those who think a large bigot is really a kindly, jolly rotund man of god. You cannot support people like Warren who compares two loving Americans getting married to incest, bestiality and pedophilia simply because of his religious doctrine and then legislates that belief and claim to support the Constitution. The same with his support for changing abortion law or when he told prominent Jewish members of society they will burn in hell unless they accept Jesus. Not an inclusive man.

Voting to equalize things for gays is not support of gay rights, it's support of EQUAL PROTECTION for all Americans. As a Constitutional Scholar Obama is duty bound to support such things or betray his own intellectualism. Warren is a mistake and Obama should concede he made one and move on. If he wants Warren involved, make it in a private moment at one of the parties. NOT at MY HOUSE in DC.

[JimR]

You say it's time to NOT include HATE and INTOLERANCE, but your post does exactly that.

[JayJonson]

Nope. His post does not include hate and intolerance. He is simply pointing out that inviting Warren to give the Invocation includes hate and intolerance as part of the Obama agenda. We hoped for more.

[AntiSocialite]

I really like this quote, not sure if it is really a quote from ghandi but the site it came from is here:
http://www.gandhimuseum.org/sarvodaya/ethical/intolerance.htm

"Intolerance is a failure of intelligence. It acts upon conclusions without acknowledging the process which produced the conclusions. The Truth taught by the various religions of the world are conclusions. They have been arrived at and transmitted through human experience. The intolerant person neglects the process and proclaims his or her view as the only Truth. But in reality all Truths are products of inductive reasoning. You may start at the beginning of the process or at the end but the process is universal. If you start with the conclusion you use a deductive approach and may claim your Truth as beyond reasoning and thus a revelation. The claim of the intolerant person may, of course, be true but intelligence sees a problem. The Truth proclaimed by the intolerant person is only one of many such claims which differ among themselves. What does one do in this case? To say there is only one Truth-claim is to deny reality. It is unintelligent to do so."

Now ask yourself if that sounds at all like you?

Peace

[SiberianRat]

Already for days I've been commenting about how this was going to backfire on LGTBs and it has. People are fed up with this nonsense and are going to turn away from supporting LGTBs as a result. The gay "community" (I guess I don't get to be part of that community because I won't operate in permanent outrage/victim mode) is doing what it does best: insulting and/or alienating the very people it needs to win over. Too far left is right, and there's very little difference between the over-the-top comments from so many on this blog and those of FOX or Palin or the like.

[McBushMcSame]

I won't turn away from supporting LGBT couples from having the right to marry... but I certainly won't turn my back in fear of the knife waiting to be plunged into it.

[XME]

Obama could invite an active member of the KKK to speak at his inauguration and it wouldn't mean he was condoning that either.

Those who oppose it so vehemently are the ones who don't seem to get the point at all. He is not "rewarding" or "honoring" Warren. Nor is is making a statement of agreement to Warren's views or words. He is making a gesture that could very well help progress this issue, yet many on the left are not tolerant of ANY gestures that give anything to those who don't agree with them or that even treats them with any respect, because they don't "deserve' that...they're "bigots" for not getting your struggle, so there seems to be no interest in any kind of attempt to understand EACH OTHER.

It's not a one way issue.

And for the record, I could very much imagine Obama being equally as open to extending an olive branch to that KKK member. That's just who he is, and I and many others who voted for him truly believe his approach is more effective than condeming and shunning people like Warren, and anyone who tries to understand where THEIR thinking is coming from!

[KNadine]

Mr. Bouley, you sound as delusional and overly dramatic as Sean Hannity. Take out the words gay and insert conservative and you got Hannity. I've got to tell you that all of this theatrical drama over the Rick Warren pick has really soured me to supporting your agenda. Given the chance on Nov 4, I would have voted No on Prop 8. Today, I think I'd sit that one out.

[MrRoboto]

Wow, you're a pretty fickle friend indeed.

I absolutely understand your distate for the shouting, but if that's the sort of thing that would make you think about withdrawing your support for what is truly right, then you are no friend to democracy whatsoever. Essentially, I've got mine, and if the process to get you yours makes me uncomfortable, then I'm going to "sit that one out."

[KNadine]

I'd say the same thing about the fickle support of Barack Obama, who by the way hasn't changed his position at all.

[JayJonson]

Yes, all these drama queens just get on your nerves, don't they. They just ought to shut up and quit whining. The world would be such a better place if Betty Friedan and Gloria Steinem didn't burn any bras and if Rosa Parks had just moved to the back of the bus. It just makes your head hurt to hear all that whining, doesn't it?

[McBushMcSame]

Some of the GLBT community would be prefectly fine with Rosa at the back of the bus, if they even allowed her on it in the first place. Some of the GLBT community don't acknowledge us Blacks as equals until they need a civil rights figure, such as Parks or Dr. King to advance a message of specific equality, not equality for all.

[Manchurian]

Charles, you're letting your emotions get the better of you. Scream if you like, but this IS about inclusion. Obama will be the President of all Americans. He stressed this point on election night, and, historically, came right out and said that included gay Americans. What more do you want? For him to exclude anyone who doesn't think like you?

Though I'm not gay and perhaps can't fathom the depth of your disgust for Warren, believe me, I don't like his ideas or messages either. But I'm willing to trust Obama to make the decisions that will move our nation forward. People who are included are much more willing to listen, to consider, and, perhaps, to change their minds.

[SeanGardner]

"Obama will be the President of all Americans"

Absolutely.

Obama can't be "The President of Only Democratic Consituencies". On Nov. 4th, he was elected PRESIDENT of THE UNITED STATES. The 50 States. RED & BLUE. Gay and Straight. Secular and Religious. Urban and Rural...he has to represent all of us.

Mr. Bouley was off the mark when he wrote "Obama, NEVER say you support gay and lesbian rights again. You do not."

Mr. Bouley knows that Obama has a strong record on gay issues. He knows that as a state senator, he helped lead the charge against discrimination of gays in housing and employment and he co-sponsored a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation. He knows that Obama has pledged to review close to 1000 federal laws to make sure they are updated to include gays and lesbians. And, he knows that Obama has hired and vetted a record number of openly gay men and women for his staff. Obama's record is strong and clear.

Mr. Bouley is burning bridges and its pretty despicable.

[Agentprovokatur]

Tolerance for intolerance, like tolernace for injustice - both are oxymorons.

A word three letters longer than the one describing those who argue for either.

[Charmed]

Well at this point I am completey AGAINST you. I'm so tired of people trying to act like the primaries didn't happen. The gay's happily supported Hillary and now they want to make EVERYTHING about them getting married. If you want to get off the bus then by all means just get off and do whatever it is that you plan on doing.

[Agentprovokatur]

And ohh . . . so you were a supporter of Equal Rights for Gays, but now because they are upset you are "completely AGAINST" them.

Right . . . .

[Charles Karel Bouley - Huffpost Blogger]

I love all of the"grow ups.." I truly do. I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who was in actual tears over the lawsuit challenging his marriage. He doesn't know what it means, what will happen. And then, there's the countless that have told me this ruins the day for them. Ruins it. And why?

Rick Warren says he loves gays. I'm quite sure Jefferson loved Sally as well, but she still wasn't free or equal. Nor could they have married even if she were, in fact, Jefferson couldn't have married Ms. Hemmings in some states until the 1970s and beyond. Were the denouncers of that and those that advocated bans on such needing to grow up, too?

Until you've had a millionaire evangelical say you do not deserve equal protection under the law in all things and then legislate that through a deceitful process I suggest YOU grow up.

Equal Equals Equal. It seems neither many of you, nor Warren get that. And make an ally of Warren? Are you crazy? He doesn't get props for helping the poor or persons with AIDS. THAT's WHAT CHRISTIANS ARE SUPPOSED TO DO. He would only get props if he kept his religion out of politics, like AMERICANS are supposed to do.

But keep the debate raging. I love it.

[Micah616]

Um, considering the fact that I'm black, and have already had millionaire politicians say that me and mine don't even belong in this country,and have had preachers use their religion to justify chattel slavery, rape, and murder of my family and extended family, I think I can speak authoritatively when I tell you to grow up. Come to think of it, the guy who was almost President didn't support a state holiday in honor of MLK.

You love to use black suffering to drive your point home to us straights, but where are your blogs on black issues? Where's your written anger when you see or hear about everyday racism? Have you been to an inner city school? Have you donated your money and time to the ghettos of America? Have you done anything to help black folks out? If you have not, then you're just exploiting our suffering for your own gain, and I have no respect for someone who would exploit me.

I support gay rights to the fullest, and I shall continue to. The way you're going, though, leads only to madness. By all means, fight for your rights until the end, but watch who you're alienating.

[terragazelle60]

Well George Bush and Bob Barr said that my religion was not a "real" religion and should not be covered under the first amendment...they also tried to get the Commander of Fort Hood to disallow the Pagan group from being allowed to have First Amendment rights. Then there was the sacreligious actions against a Pagan group on a military base, where what was thought of by them as sacred was thrown in a dumptser...the altar broken (a stone altar) and shat on. When the MP's were called in 20 minutes they could find nothing and case closed.
In Walker, La. a young Pagan Mom with a small business and a young son was chased out of town with the threat of having her home and business fire bombed.
A 12 year old girl bullied because of her religion, until she commited suicide.
A father kept from being able to follow his faith as long as his daughter is in the home.
A young girl kicked out of school because she refused to remove her emblem of religion.
A Mom goes to the school to get help with learning aids for her autistic son..they find out she is Wiccan, they take her son. He dies alone in a institution.
People fired, religion used against spouses in a divorse and child custody...loss of home and family.
There is more...
There will be discrimination as long as there are people who need it to feel better about themselves.

[SethBLiNK]

Equal Equals Equal. Okay, let's have a conversation about that, and since Drama Queen seems to be the flavor of the day. I'll play both rolls in a conversation between Bouley and Warren.

BOULEY - We want equality.
WARREN - You have equality. We can both marry women and neither of us can marry men. We're equal.
BOULEY - But you are married to the person you love but don't want me to marry the person I love.
WARREN - If love were the only criteria for legality, how would we stop a man from marrying two women at the same time; or a 20 year old man from marrying a 16-year old bride. Both will say they are in love. If I change what I believe is the true definition of marriage to allow you to marry the one you love, how can I say no to those other two?
BOULEY - You just called me a pedophile! You are a bigot and anybody who listens to you or gives you an opportunity to speak is a bigot too and my sworn enemy.

Mr. Bouley, we have, for a change, an intelligent and curious President who wants to open up a dialog on important issues for all of America to participate in. That's a good thing. Can you look at the fictionalized conversation above and tell me where it went off the tracks? But cutting off the conversation, you are cutting off the possibility of progress.

[AntiSocialite]

I wonder Mr. Bouley, are you in favor of having talks without preconditions with Iran? I know the question may seem strange but essentially it is the same argument. Those that want us to throw Rick Warren under the bus, to use the parlance of our times (Big Lebowski, anyone?), are using the same justifications that the crowd who say we should not meet Ahmedinijad without preconditions uses. The standard argument usually revolves around a statement like this: "Giving him a platform like that, gives legitimacy to his view," whether that view is a position on gay rights or a position on Isreals right to exist. What I fail to see on both counts is how reaching out to someone who holds different views than you is really legitimizing anything other than your willingness to have a dialog. This is purely political posturing and symbolism, and I think you and many others are taking it too personally. This is not policy, nor political appointment this is only a prayer...and I highly doubt that the content of that prayer will be offensive at all.

Peace

[Space Walker]

I cannot seem to fathom why every fundamental argument about gay rights seems to be averted back to blacks. I have noticed one thing through this proposition 8 suit and that's how prejudice most people of a lighter color are when it comes to entitlement. When me speak of miscegenation, you must now your history, blacks were marrying whites prior to the 17th century, when slavery began to exploit and boom as a cheap form of labor, such miscegenation laws were passed as a medium to further divide between the races to ensure further exploitation. Blacks were despised due to mere color which is something that cannot be hidden as opposed to homosexuality which is a behavior that can be hidden, for an example see Elen, Rosi O'Donnel, Jim Mcgrevy, all of whom i thought were straight. You cannot look at someone and say they are gay, but immediately you can see someone and say they are black, and therefore discriminate. Fact of the matter: Obama is a politician like the rest, he said what he needed to get elected and he pandered like crazy to the Jewish community, expect more surprises from him.

[MarieFara]

"I cannot seem to fathom why every fundamental argument about gay rights seems to be averted back to blacks. "

As an African American woman who voted AGAINST prop 2 (Florida's prop 8 equivalent), I'm repulsed by this post. After 200 YEARS of blacks fighting and dealing with many, many, many legislative disappointments I'm absolutely sick and tired of hearing our fights equal to that of today. The fact that I don't see dogs let loose in the crowd of protestors, I don't see water hoses turned on them shows how NOT alike the 2 situations are. Gays are allowed to peacefully protest because we've come so far in this country, but blacks were arrested and beaten when they tried to peacefully protest.

Do NOT compare your fight with ours. You had a legislative disappointment and guess what? I'm sure you'll have some more. I think it's sad that in this day and age people are still fighting for rights, and I will stand by you, I will help you fight for your EQUAL rights but stop comparing your fight to ours. IT'S INSULTING!!!!

[SethBLiNK]

There is obviously some residual resentment between some gays and some blacks, because on the same day of Barack Obama's historical election, Prop 8, passed and exit polls have shown that the percentage of blacks voting for Prop 8 was higher than for any other racial groups.

The feeling, among some gays, is that blacks have felt the sting of racism and should be more compassionate toward gays.

However, what these same gays fail to realize is that there was very little outreach into the black community and particularly the black churchgoing community prior to the vote. Gays assumed that blacks would either sympathize with their plight, or hold fast to their church teachings, but they never realized that opening up a dialog and identifying the common histories might have made a difference.

They are making the same mistake now, forsaking any hope that among Pastor Warren's flock might be some who would be open to at least hearing the argument, and alienating those who are trying to reconcile their desire to see all people treated equally to their relationship with their church. They are choosing bitterness and hostility over communication and hope.

[MarieFara]

Oh and don't tell me "our fight is your fight" because the fact that this post is up shows me that it's not. So Warren will be speaking, you think it's offensive so the best way to go about it is to have David Duke speak as well? "if gays are going to be hurt by the choice, why not let blacks be hurt as well"?? THAT is the brilliant solution??

That's how I know the "our fight is your fight" is all bull because no one who believes that would turn around and say "since I'm hurt I want all the disenfranchised groups to hurt as well".

[SethBLiNK]

We get into a problem whenever we try to compare one form of bigotry with another. Gloria Steinem started a silly debate during the election trying to compare racism to sexism. Now we're seeing comparisons between racism and homophobia. The fact is all forms of bigotry share common traits and yet each is unique unto itself in some ways.

Rick Warren does not compare to David Duke because DD once ran the KKK whereas RW is one of the more open minded and conciliatory of evangelists.

But the one lesson we can take from the election is this. Hillary Clinton and her followers constantly complained of sexism and were seen as playing the victim card. It appealed to some of her base, but in the end, it make her appear weak and it hurt her.

Obama tried to keep race out of it. When finally forced to address it, he did it with a deep and thoughtful speech that avoided the sensationalism of the day and focused on reality. If advocates of gay rights really want to advance their cause, they should look at those two examples and follow the one that worked.

[lovetheworld]

Oh please. Disgustingly dramatic. Way over the top. You want to draw a parallel between racism and homophobia, and you do it by using a "K" in the word "Klue". I get it. KKK. David Duke. Cross burning. So if you're so concerned with how African-Americans have been treated historically and contemporaneously, where was your condemnation of the racism at anti-PROP 8 rallies? Huh?

HUFFPOST blogger and gay activist Pam Spaulding had a piece back on November 11th discussing the disturbing number of African-Americans (gay and straight) who participated in anti-PROP 8 rallies and were called the N-word. Here is a sample of her piece:

"It was like being at a klan rally except the klansmen were wearing Abercrombie polos and Birkenstocks. YOU (N-word), one man shouted at men. If your people want to call me a (F-word), I will call you a (N-word)." Here is the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pam-spaulding/the-n-bomb-is-dropped-on_b_142363.html

So, since you posted something below, why not post something else on this thread that condemns the racist behavior of some white gays at anti-PROP 8 rallies? Are you ready to do that NOW? I'm not African-American, but I find it funny when some white gays like you want to use black achievement to advance themselves, but fail to denounce racism in their ranks

[SeanGardner]

Good point. Don't hold your breath on Mr. Bouley issuing anything strong against the racism seen at some anti-PROP 8 rallies. But, thankfully, Katheryn Kolbert, president of People for the American Way wrote a statement condemning the racism and finger-pointing aimed at African-Americans (http://site.pfaw.org/site/PageServer?pagename=issues_equality_prop_8_memo), and Wayne Besen of Truth Wins Out (T.W.O.) wrote a short piece saying essentially the same thing: http://www.truthwinsout.org/blog/truth-wins-out-condemns-racial-intolerance-within-the-lgbt-community-following-proposition-8-defeat/.

Mr. Bouley, Rachel Maddow, and others will continue to be overly dramatic about Warren, but will never, never, never condemn the racism that is clearly hurting the larger cause.

And in California, we're going to see some interesting fireworks in 2010. Democrats want to take back the Govenor's Mansion, but if, if, that Democrat doesn't come out and condemn the racism and finger-pointing by some white gays against African-Americans, then the GOP will retain the governorship.

I don't live in California, but I opposed PROP 8. I favor gay marriage. But its disheartening to even think that if I showed up at a anti-PROP 8 rally, there is a chance I would be called the N-word by...white gay liberals.

This crap needs to end, and end soon.

[SethBLiNK]

A Presidential Candidate has very little power. A President-Elect... only a little bit more. Obama won't be in a position to do anything until he is President.

When he was questioned about his centrist Clinton-administration picks for the cabinet and asked "where is the change" he said, "the change will come from me."

Once Barack Obama is President, he can either choose pro-choice Judges or not. He can either overturn "don't ask, don't tell" or not. He can either push for a more wide acceptance of gay people in our society or not.

Either way, he is going to have his battles, either on the left or the right. If I were a betting man, I would guess that the prominant role he is giving Rick Warren is an indication that on social issues, he plans to go left and is creating an environment where Warren may oppose him, but will be obligated to do it in a respectful manner.

So, here is my suggestion, Mr. Bouley. Grow up. Children cry when they don't get their way. Grown ups have patience and the ability to look at the big picture.

I know that people are either born gay or straight, but I think being foolish is a choice.

[harriscrl3]

I'd like to thank you all for ELEVATING Warren for giving him Power over you that he didnt have. It never fails to amaze me with the left ALMOST ALWAYS shoot themselves in the FOOT.

I certainly WOULD NOT want to be Pastor Lowrey right now. YOu all have done a bang up job of keeping the focus on the right issue and rewarding your supporters.

Pat yourselves on the back. But when YOU SEE what Obama is trying to do I hope you all will have the GUTS to issue an apology I doubt it.

Carol

[SiberianRat]

Yep!

[lovetheworld]

Oh please. Disgustingly dramatic. Way, way, way over the top. You want to draw a parallel between racism and homphobia, and you do it by using a "K" in the word "Klue". I get it. KKK. David Duke. Cross burning. So if you're so concerned with how African-Americans have been treated historically and contemporaneously, where was your condemnation of the racism at anti-PROP 8 rallies? Huh?

HUFFPOST blogger and gay activist Pam Spaulding had a piece back on November 11th discussing the disturbing number of African-Americans (gay and straight) who participated in antiPROP 8 rallies and were called the N-word. Here is a sample of her piece:

"It was like being at a klan rally except the klansmen were wearing Abercrombie polos and Birkenstocks. YOU (N-word), one man shouted at men. If your people want to call me a F*****, I will call you a (N-word)." Here is the link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/pam-spaulding/the-n-bomb-is-dropped-on_b_142363.html

So, since you posted something below, why not post something else on this thread that condemns the racist behavior of some white gays at anti-PROP 8 rallies? Are you ready to do that NOW? I'm not African-American, but I find it funny when some white gays like you want to use black achivement to advance themselves, but fail to denounce racism in their ranks.

[JayJonson]

This is nonsense. Never happened. The level of racism among white gays is infinitesimal compared to the level of racism among white straights, and nowhere near the level of homophobia in the country as a whole.

[McBushMcSame]

Not only did it happen, you are here trying to excuse it... but Obama is the devil here, right? And please, tell me about all the polling you did to determine that only a few white gays are racist. You can't because you haven't.

So tell me, if you are here trying to justify a "small segment" of bigots, how are you on Obama's case for allowing one anti-gay bigot to open his mouth and say a prayer?

[karela]

"Either you're with us or you're not." Sounds very like "You're either with us or you're against us."
I didn't respect it when Bush said it and I don't respect it when you say it either.

Imagine this: It's John McCain's inauguration. He's invited a gay to give the invocation--but before he prays, he has to apologize for seeing the world differently that the people who voted for McCain. Nice huh? All this hate and anger is so far over the top and it's hurting our cause. Rick Warren is not a hater which you would know if you took the time to listen to one whole speech or sermon. I'm not religious but when someone is so much in the news, I like to get a feel for them, so I did just that. The thing that is so prominent about Rick Warren is that he loves people. He may disagree with you, but he won't hate you. How about you? You sound filled with hate and anger and resentment and you're eliciting those emotions in other people. That's how they get into the world. Someone brings them and shares them with others. Ugh!

[M1]

Brave of you to post your position in such raw terms. I understand you may evolve your position and feelings. I am sorry for your hurt and disappointment.

I can not help but believe this entire upset could have been blunted with an simple heads up email from the Obama transition team prior to making the Warren selection. A few reassurances and the selection of Warren would not have been so shocking and upsetting....might have even been interesting. This signals to me that our upset is required for giving the appearance to place Obama in the center. Which is rather a cruel way to use vulnerable people.

Leaving the Gay marriage issue aside, I also found PE Obama's description of Warren's views of gay relationships likened to pedophiles mere policy differences shocking. I would expect that from Warren but not PE Obama.

PE Obama will still likely be a good President for the entire Country and do some good things for the Gay community but the bloom is off the rose. He is a politician first and had no problem sacrificing a vulnerable people for some political gains....a mere email could have made the difference. More violence will befall the Gay community because of it and that seems lost on so many people.

[NCYvonne]

"If only had told us up front that he was inviting Warren, we would have been fine with it." Give me a break! Obama's spokesperson has expalined his thinking. Obama has explained his thinking and reiterated his commitment to gay equality. Biden has explained his thinking. And still they rant saying nothing will suffice except to disinvite Warren.

I am personally tired of hearing how "vulnerable" gays are. You're vulnerable because you insist on making *everthing* about you. This may come as a shock to you but you're not at the center of the world. You're not at the center of Obama's world; you're no more or less important than anyone else so you don't get a veto over his choices. Sorry. Your vote didn't buy "Obama on a string."

[terragazelle60]

NCYvonne...Bravo!

I am so tired of all the "poor me's" from a few of the gay folks. Everyone I know is discriminated against in one forn or another. I as a womancan remember when I could not have credit in my own name. I was told that if my husband did not want me to have my tubes tied I would not get it done, no matter how I felt. I remember when I would make 70 cents to a man's dollar...ooops, that is still going on.

My best friend is a Black, gay man who happens to be Pagan and handicapped, want to try discrimination? Walk through a town with him. He not only does not care that Warren is giving the Invocation at Obama's inauguration...he says that the people that believe Warren is wrong will not change their mind by hearing him Invoke God's blessings on Obama and Biden...and those that believe as he does, will not change their minds by hearing someone that feels differently about gay rights. So the argument is moot.

Obama said he was going to be president of everyone. I suggest everyone stop makeing judgements on Obama...this inaugurial will be inclusive of everyone...So...Grow Up! And stop whining .Do you know that the repubs are set to kill everything he wants to do before he even takes office? It is time for us to stand together. This is devisive and stupid. Obama is no man's sock puppet.