I don't believe President Obama still has to "evolve" on the freedom to marry for gays and lesbians. The president is the most supportive president in history on LGBT issues. This week's historic announcement that the DOJ will no longer defend Section 3 of DOMA is more proof.
I don't buy it, because we have the president on record when he was in the Illinois legislature "unequivocally" supporting marriage.
I don't believe a man with a Harvard education in constitutional law "struggles" with same sex couples marrying. The concept is not a difficult one to grasp for people with even the slightest amount of intellectual curiosity.
I saw him hug members of our community when he signed the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." He was not afraid to embrace gay men in celebration. He is not a homophobic person. As his administration continues to move forward, he continues to prove that he can keep his promises to the LGBT community. Yes, there is more to do like pass a jobs and housing anti-discrimination bill, but I believe he will keep his promise on that when he sees the opportunity to win.
I don't believe his bluff on marriage. I think he always supported the freedom to marry, but he just has not admitted it nationally. Why?
Obama's acting a part for the American public. The elusive movable middle every pro equality campaign director constantly woos is Obama's character.
By speaking publicly about his personal "struggle" with the freedom to marry, others can see themselves in him. "Yes, I'm struggling with that too. I don't quite get it yet," the movable middle can say to themselves.
Then, when the timing is perfect, Obama will reveal his great awakening. Maybe it will be presented with a same gender wedding at the White House, or following a historic win in the courts striking down DOMA for good. Maybe he will make the announcement when he signs legislation repealing the entirety of DOMA. Whenever it happens, it will be one of the greatest acts of theater during his presidency. Through his character of the "struggling American" he will be a living example of how people can change and become supporters of the freedom to marry. "My struggle is over. It is clear to me that love between two men or two women is exactly the same as the love I have for Michelle," he could say.
"If President Obama can change, maybe I can too," people will think.
This strategy of leadership is far more subtle than many of us would like to see, but if it works, then maybe our community should renew our love for theater -- especially when our president is playing the lead role.
Follow Joe Mirabella on Twitter: www.twitter.com/joemirabella
communal statement. Yet we have learned so much from Haite/Ashbury on the Bay.
Monogomous couplings that entail in the society, that no other strife can entertwine
between those of us with "Intrinsic-disorder"; that can and usually is traced to failure
in the Home enviorns. Transgendered leaisons all inclusive. {1+1+1=3} TRI NITY.
A contractual agreement, with stiff penalties such is what a Union between those of
the "God-fearing Christian-Right", Man and Wife...
Distinctive Orders can make the "Same Sex" couple feel obligated, by legal Protocal.
to not cheat on the "Queer Nations" of Yesteryear. Thanks. Don't Ask, Don't Touch!!!
I think you made some really great points on this one.
Our President takes up the agenda in ways that allow him to pursue success, not failure. He also does so in a calculated fashion, to make sure it allows others to consider their positions and possibly "change their ways of thinking" using the tools he puts forth.
Great post and thanks as always for your perspective on issues!
Regards,
Michael
CCO OutMaturity
thanks, Joe
Joe, you almost succeed in making this sound like a BAD thing.
the question is, WHY?
When 4 of the 5 most populated Muslim nations (Indonesia, Turkey, Pakistan and Bangladesh) have voted in female heads of state - and we are still debating whether "Americans" can handle the concept of a female president - I cannot imagine why anyone thinks gays rights are coming anytime soon.
Even if Obama were to publicly endorse love in ALL its manifestations as he should, the next Republican president would reverse gains. This is a fundamentally conservative country, and it seems to be getting worse all the time.
I agree with your article - wish I could feel more positive about things.
Hopefully he eventually will; but it's a disgrace that it hasn't been done a long time ago.
Yes, its a disgrace that it's taking so long, but the onus of that is on the general public, not this President....or Pres Clinton either, who did us a favor by breaking the dialogue wide open.
There are skirmishes remaining, but we've won the war. Gays must stop witlessly trying to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.
The President gets to set military policy in any area not covered by existing law. DADT set the policy on gay people in the military. As long as it was in effect, the President had absolutely no say in the matter. Step 1 for allowing gay people to openly serve was to get rid of the law.
Currently, they're setting up training procedures to tell service members what is the new military policy. While it does not yet seem possible for people to simply be out, that time will come soon.
Thanks Joe.