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anything about civil rights for GLBT's:
Gentlemen--my warmest congratulations to President-Elect Obama on his great victory. I am a contributor, and a life-long Democrat, and I could not be happier.
I do want to say, regarding "The Agenda" portion of this web site: nowhere do I see, especially glaringly absent under "Civil Rights", anything about equal rights for Gays and Lesbians and their families. I'm not necessarily advocating on behalf of same-sex marriage, because at my age I understand that will still take a lot of convincing for people to accept. But we, the GLBT people of America, largely support President Obama because we believe at heart that he supports us and our rights to civil equality. I feel that it is incumbent upon the creators of this site to include something specifically about support for nationwide economic justice for those of whose relationships (mine is 22 years long) have been discriminated against. It's imperative that you understand this is not an issue merely of principle, but of economics. I have been in a stable monogamous and loving relationship for over 22 years, but if my partner dies, I cannot collect survivorship benefits under social security; we cannot file our taxes jointly; there are literally hundreds of economic benefits we're not entitled to that any straight married couple is. And that is not only unfair, it threatens our ability to keep our home, to provide for each other, and to be a part of our community. It's simply not acceptable. I know you agree with that.
In addition, in case you're not aware, according to the 2000 census, one-third of female same-sex households, and one-fifth of male same-sex households had children in them as well adults; so it's not just adults that are being discriminated against here, it's also children who are being victimized by this economic injustice.
Senator Biden said in the debate with Mrs. Palin that under an Obama administration, you would work to ensure that every American receives equal treatment due them under the US Constitution. I took this as a campaign promise, and moreover, an article of faith. I know it's something you both believe in. Please show me that by adding equal treatment for Gays and Lesbians to your Agenda, as expressed on this web site. It's a start.
Once again, my most heartfelt congratulations on your victory!
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