Day of Service or Day of Self-Service?

[Bonobo]

Do we serve others in need today as President Obama has asked us to?

Do we put aside our own personal pet issues in the service of a larger goal?

Do we meet on common ground do feed and clothe the hungry (even if the other side is Homophobic?)

OR do we say "not another dime until I get mine"?

[cali]

1. uh oh

this will not go over well. I think people can both register their disappointment and displeasure over what happened with Gene Robinson at the concert and serve others. It's not really an either/or situation. And I think that people do have the right to feel what they feel about this.

[Bonobo]

2. Yes, but it is reflective of the larger issue as well.

For the next few years, we need to find common ground to work together. We need to prioritize the issues and do some serious triage.

Same thing as today. Some here have actually been quite vocal in saying they will not participate or support the President any longer until they get theirs.

So there it is. Serve the larger good or serve yourself. It is a choice that we all need to make every day. Often, very often, to do both at the same time is impossible.

[cali]

4. Those that choose the route you describe, are indeed petty

and shortsighted. I can only hope they're a small minority.

[EraOfResponsibility]

10. Well said, Bonobo

Well said. It's time to stop being selfish and thinking of others (and I include myself in that indictment).

[KittyWampus]

9. funny that those disappointed about Robinson said NOTHING about the Gay Men's Chorus performing

and they were actually PART of the concert.

[terisan]

3. This is America, Human rights are not negotiable, nor are they to be delayed at the behest of

an administrator (president) or followers of same.

You best serve others by championing human rights. There is no larger goal.

[cali]

5. True, but there are goals of equal importance

and I'd say basic access to those things that sustain life are certainly of equal importance. Isn't access to medical care a civil rights issue? How about access to food and housing? Aren't those things as important as marriage equality? If not, why not?

[terisan]

6. Dictators around the world use security issues of food, shelter as excuse to suppress human rights

You have every right to shelter and feed yourself and others but not at the expense of the human rights of any individual.


Imagine how many poor people could be fed by what is being served to the rich political donors at the inaugural balls.

[cali]

7. uh, hate to break this to you but that dictators around the

world use legitimate issues in nefarious ways hardly discredits the legitimacy or vital importance of those issues. I mean really, that's so obvious that it's sad it has to be pointed out. And do try reading for comprehension- it's an important skill. I never said that civil rights should be sacrificed, but that there are other issues as pressing, and sorry, I do consider hunger and poverty as high a priority as marriage equality.

Oh, and just imagine how many children could be fed by Warren Buffet's millions. The inauguration expenses- largely paid by private sources- are not what keeps us from lifting people out of poverty.

[Occam Bandage]

8. I understand what you're saying and appreciate the sentiment.

I don't think it's entirely appropriate in regards to Robinson. While it's true that many are going off the deep end and true that many get wrapped up in their own desire to pick pointless fights, I think there's room for honest disappointment over the Obama team's handling of the Warren and Robinson issues.

[Joe Steel]

11. Progressives must not allow Obama or anyone else to divert us from our goal.

Day of Service or Day of Self-Service?

Do we serve others in need today as President Obama has asked us to?

Do we put aside our own personal pet issues in the service of a larger goal?

Do we meet on common ground do feed and clothe the hungry (even if the other side is Homophobic?)

OR do we say "not another dime until I get mine"?

Subsidies to the poor and the hungry and all the others who need are the People's business. Allowing the need to be filled by private sources diminishes its impact on the public will. It delays the day when the those who need take their full place in our communities. Progressives must not allow Obama or anyone else to divert us from our goal, a public policy which truly promotes the general welfare.