Has Obama made a statement on the PropH8 decision yet?

[MountainLaurel]

I've looked around, but haven't seen anything yet.

[JuniperLea]

1. I'm not sure he'd weigh in on a state issue...

I hope he does, but I'm not holding my breath.

[FreeState]

5. Marriage is NOT just a state issue n/t

[JuniperLea]

6. Marriage shouldn't be a state or a federal issue

Marriage is a religious issue and I believe the state should have kept their big nose out of it as well. But for the sake of this particular thread, based on the recent supreme court finding, it's a state issue. The Fed can't do anything about a state issue unless there's already a fed law on the books.

[Bluenorthwest]

33. Marriage is not a religious issue

Marriage is made by the State, not the church. The rights in question are all given or withheld by the State or Federal Government. Not the Church. The Church has no power of legal marriage and can not rule in that regard. Notice that Catholic Church says no divorce and no remarriage, but Catholics go on ahead and get divorced and remarried by the State, and the Church can not do a thing about it.

[JuniperLea]

60. did you read my post?

did you notice the word "should?"

churches (the body of the church, the people) are the reason we're in this mess. there are "laws" about marriage in churches. the laws in the state and fed are about unions between people. the term marriage is the only thing they threw out. think about it. you can call a civil union anything you want, including marriage, and no one can stop you.

ugh... i should just save this for another day.

[Occulus]

77. "Marriage is a religious issue"

Where do you go to get a marriage license?

Take your time.

[JuniperLea]

81. Apples and oranges...

The civil union termed marriage is licensed through the state. Obviously.

[Occulus]

94. Wrong. ALL *marriages* are licensed through every state.

Even when a ceremony is performed in a church.

[Freddie Stubbs]

53. He wieghed in on the issue prior to the November election:

Obama rejects proposed California gay marriage ban

By Aurelio Rojas
[e-mail]
Published: Tuesday, Jul. 1, 2008 - 12:00 am | Page 3A

Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who previously said the issue of gay marriage should be left up to each state, has announced his opposition to a California ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriages.

In a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club read Sunday at the group's annual Pride Breakfast in San Francisco, the Illinois senator said he supports extending "fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law."

"And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states," Obama wrote.

Obama had previously said he opposes same-sex marriage but that each state should make its own decision.

more: http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1051404.html

[JuniperLea]

59. Prior to the election is all about campaigning...

Now is all about keeping on the mark so he's not thrown off by RW arguments.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

74. He's weighed in on states getting gay marriage

to say he disagrees with it.

[readmoreoften]

2. He's keeping his powder dry or planning a chess move or something. /nt

[MountainLaurel]

3. Emphasis on the "or something"

Which is probably going to be "or nothing," unless he feels it's time for Rick Warren to make a visit to the White House.

[ecstatic]

13. so, do you really want to hear from Obama?

:shrug: Doesn't sound like you think much of his opinion.

[MountainLaurel]

14. I want to see him try to justify discrimination n/t

[sipping radicchio]

71. Lawl...n/t

[SammyWinstonJack]

93. .

:evilgrin:

[arcos]

4. Of course not. nt

[CBR]

7. I hope he does but on this issue he is so disappointing and wrong. nt

[La Lioness Priyanka]

8. no, and i think this is why sotomayer was announced today.

so that he would NOT have to address the big news issue of the day

[MountainLaurel]

9. I have no doubt whatsoever

I thought that as soon as I saw CNN this morning.

[Bluenorthwest]

30. Agreed. He's not going to say a thing.

He's the coward of the year on Civil Rights.

[Cali_Democrat]

78. I don't think Obama lets the California Supreme Court control his agenda

Maybe he wanted to announce his SCOTUS nominee today, regardless of the California Supreme Court's ruling.

That is entirely possible.

[frebrd]

12. I think you're exactly right.......

and I don't expect to hear a peep out of him on the subject of Prop. 8.

:(

[EFerrari]

21. At this point, I'm thinking our job would be much easier if high profile politicians

just stay the hell out of it.

[Cha]

15. Bullshit on your paranoia..

and fear:scared:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

16. paranoia?? fear? really?

:eyes:

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

17. That's Obama and his time machine for you.

He went back in the sixties and forced legislation through congress to make the long memorial day weekend coincide with the California SC ruling, which he knew the outcome was on account of his exploits in the near future.

[cboy4]

32. Nobody does a better job than you mocking the loss of

civil rights battles.

Shameful as always!

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

35. Oh, but there's a difference between civil rights...

and loony anti-Obama conspiracy theories which have nothing to do with civil rights.

[cboy4]

39. You must practice at home to be this good.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

48. Whereas you're just working off of a script, right?

It's like a choose your own adventure book, right?

Your idea that Obama planned to reveal the nomination of the next SC nominee in order to distract from a highly charged state court ruling on a proposition he opposed has been questioned on the grounds of logic and common sense.

If you want to accuse this person of mocking the loss of civil liberties, turn to page 32.

If you want to suggest this person practices at home, turn to page 67.

[cboy4]

57. Yes, yes because that's exactly what I accused him of, ha?

I could live to be ah thousand, and still not be as dishonest as you.

But then again, there's not anyone who can challenge you in that department.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

63. So then you agree with me.

:shrug:

[Cha]

61. And, their pettiness..We should all

be celebrating President Obama's choice for SC, instead the poster is trying to lay some kind of blame on his choice of the day Sonia Sotomayer is chosen!..

Unreal. Here's a quote from the Rude Pundit that sums this up..

"Stop acting like the other guy is still President, you poor, traumatized bastards."


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5696214

[EFerrari]

82. And maybe you should stop ragging on traumatized people.

Celebrate Obama's pick. But if you can't empathize with the GLBT community today, the least you could do is leave the scene without comment.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

89. again, just because complex thoughts are hard for you doesnt mean

i am petty. take some credit for your own simplicity

[EFerrari]

19. Stay classy, Cha.

[NorthernSpy]

20. Right. Because appointing a Supreme Court Justice isn't really important or anything.

:banghead:

[La Lioness Priyanka]

23. i dont think you know how to read. its hardly the ONLY day in the whole process this announcement

could have been made.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

27. At least the North Koreans had the good sense to reschedule their bomb test.

Thank you for the sentiment, North Korea.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

28. planning is an important part of being a successful politician. wanting the news

you would like to dominate on the airwaves, rather than the one you don't is good planning.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

31. Damn that Obama and his precogniscent wizardry.

[Toasterlad]

34. It's Been Common Knowledge For Days That the CASC Was Going to Release Their Decision Today.

What part of this theory doesn't your strange little mind comprehend?

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

37. And it was common knowledge that Obama would release his decision today as well.

"What part of this theory doesn't your strange little mind comprehend?"

The part where Obama convinced Souter to resign in perfect timing to allow for a few weeks before memorial day weekend so he could make his announcement to coincide with a controversial ruling he somehow already knew the outcome of.

You know what? Nevermind, that makes perfect sense.

[La Lioness Priyanka]

46. either way this ruling would have gone, obama's commentary on it would be controversial

i am not even really criticizing him. given his views on gay marriage, he could hardly go ahead and cheer if they turned it down. given that most gays vote for dems, he can hardly go ahead and cheer on the fact that prop 8 was not over turned.

i actually think as far as political moves go, this was a smart one.


its not like his commentary one way or the other would have helped.

[Toasterlad]

65. So....Obama Isn't Capable of Taking Advantage of a Situation That Presents Itself?

Wow. He's way more unqualified to be Prez than I thought.

[Starry Messenger]

90. Obama managed to do this on the same day as well--

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 26, 2009

Attached is a proclamation signed by the President today regarding National Hurricane Preparedness Week.



http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/11160/robert-gibbs-on-prop-8-ruling-he-hasnt-talked-to-the-president-about-it

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

75. I agree 100%

And to just distract from the ruling in general.

[Seen the light]

76. You are 100% correct n/t

[ProgressIn2008]

84. I think you're quite right. nt

[Ioo]

10. I am sure he will, he may use this time to toss us under the bus a little more.

Sorry folks, Obama is no friend to me.

[book_worm]

44. And what major politician is a supporter of gay marriage?

[bigwillq]

52. Kucinich (nt)

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

54. The question's about major politicians.

Kucinich is marginal.

[bigwillq]

56. He's major in my book.

At least he has the balls to say how he feels. I wish we could say the same about other politicians, including the President. I'm sick of people saying and doing things to protect them politically.

[Toasterlad]

66. Mine, Too.

I'll never cast a vote again for another politician who doesn't unequivocally support equality.

[ProgressIn2008]

86. Mine too -- he's a major reason I don't think Ds and Rs are equivalent, so that's major for me. nt

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

11. He in fact phoned the california SC and blackmailed them into making this decision.

But I've said to much.

:crazy:

[BolivarianHero]

18. I dunno...

He needs to call Rick Warren for advice before he makes a statement. Doubt he's had time.

[Behind the Aegis]

22. What is it they say about silence?

Perhaps he should put down the chess pieces and join the real game!

[LaPera]

24. Not a chance it's a state ruling...and why stick his neck out...keep looking you won't find it...

He's not going to respond to it, for days at least if ever, and he agrees with the ruling anyway by ALL past indications....

[cboy4]

25. He's much too busy working to help repeal Don't Ask Don't Te;;

:eyes:

[Toasterlad]

26. Don't Hold Your Breath.

Obama's lack of concern for GLBT issues is already legendary.

[mitchtv]

29. Well he hasn't been able to say anything about IA and VT

not a peep, just that nasty reminder from the WH about HIS view on marriage. He'll give the haters another commercial ready statement soon

[Neecy]

36. He may have to.

He's headed for California and no doubt he'll be asked about it there, although I'm sure his handlers will keep him far away from reporters during his stop. He agrees with the essence of Prop 8 and that's all we need to know.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

38. He agrees with the essence of prop 8 and that's all we need to know?

That's funny way of saying everybody knows Obama was against prop 8.

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1051404.html

[Neecy]

41. he certainly agrees with the essence of Prop 8

And he repeated it several times during the campaign - the 'one man, one woman' crap.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

43. Obama's against prop 8, and repeated it several times during the campaign.

Obama is against prop 8, and has nothing to do with this SC decision.

It's interesting to note the priorities of the people trying to make this about Obama using any stretch of the imagination.

[Neecy]

49. sorry my civil rights are a 'priority'

He blathered on about that one-man, one-woman crap front and center during the campaign - and his opposition to Prop 8 was lukewarm at best, and was hardly a blip on the horizon. Interesting that a lot of hate groups are now citing his opposition to gay marriage in justifying their bigotry, isn't it?

But hey, let's talk about the puppy! Let's see some hot new shots of our hunky president! Nothing else matters, I suppose.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

50. Yet you're more interested in making up shit about Obama then civil rights.

Go figure.

[Toasterlad]

67. Obama's Also Against Same-Sex Marriage.

Gee, do you think that might be part of the reason why he's yet to release ANY statement regarding the decisions in Iowa, Vermont, and Maine? Why he's been consistantly silent on DADT and DOMA, letting lackies release conflicting reports about what his administration "intends to do"?

In case you haven't figured it out yet, there's a big difference between CANDIDATE Obama and PRESIDENT Obama. CANDIDATE Obama was opposed to Prop 8. We don't know HOW PRESIDENT Obama feels about it...and we're not likely to find out.

[cali]

47. uh, no. he opposed prop 8

Obama rejects proposed California gay marriage ban
ShareThisBy Aurelio Rojas
[e-mail]
Published: Tuesday, Jul. 1, 2008 - 12:00 am | Page 3A
Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, who previously said the issue of gay marriage should be left up to each state, has announced his opposition to a California ballot measure that would ban same-sex marriages.

In a letter to the Alice B. Toklas LGBT Democratic Club read Sunday at the group's annual Pride Breakfast in San Francisco, the Illinois senator said he supports extending "fully equal rights and benefits to same-sex couples under both state and federal law."

"And that is why I oppose the divisive and discriminatory efforts to amend the California Constitution, and similar efforts to amend the U.S. Constitution or those of other states," Obama wrote.

<snip>

http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/1051404.html

now you can make some other crap up.

[Neecy]

55. so, let me get this straight....

Before I make up 'crap'.

Did more California voters see his Saddleback appearance, when he said he didn't support gay marriage and believes that marriage should be between one man and one woman (something he repeated throughout the campaign), or see a letter he sent to the Toklas Club?

Let's see - I'm guessing his influence was pretty great, and not in our favor.

Look, puppies!

[cali]

58. you made a claim. it was wrong. I provided irrefutable evidence

that you were wrong. he opposed prop 8. that he's done other things I strongly disagree with, isn't the issue. your erroneous claim that he supported prop 8 is the issue.

[Neecy]

62. I didn't say he supported Prop 8

I said that he supported the *essence* of Prop 8, which was 'one man, one woman'.

Here was the ballot summary on a YES vote:

A YES vote on this measure means:
The California Constitution will specify that only marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California.

If this is what Obama believes - one man, one woman - then it's hardly a stretch to say that he believes in the essence of Prop 8. He disagreed only with amending California's constitution - a distinction that's a little fine, at least to most casual voters.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

64. You dishonestly suggested he supported prop 8

then appealed to ignorance with the "that's all we need to know" remark.

[Toasterlad]

69. He Said Obama Agreed With the "ESSENCE" of Prop 8

Given that the ESSENCE of Prop 8 is that marriage should be between a man and a woman, I'd say the poster EXACTLY captured Obama's feelings on the subject.

[Neecy]

72. not dishonest at all

I said he supported the essence of Prop 8, and I stand by that because he did.

[MADem]

40. I doubt he'll say ANYTHING about it. It is a state issue. He's schooled in constitutional law.

The guy who wrote the ruling said it wasn't based on "sound" policy, but on the "We, The People" argument:

Chief Justice Ronald George, who authored last year's ruling striking down the state's prior ban on gay marriage, wrote today's majority opinion upholding Prop 8, cautioning that the decision is not based on whether the measure "is wise or sound as a matter of policy,'' but instead "concerns the scope of the right of the people ... to change or alter the state Constitution itself.''

The ruling is likely to shift the battleground over gay marriage back to the political arena, as gay rights advocates already are mobilizing to push another ballot measure to erase Prop 8, approved by voters by a 52 to 48 percent margin.

Civil rights groups are hopeful they can duplicate the political momentum they've gained in Iowa and on the East Coast, where a number of states have moved in recent months to legalize gay marriage.

"While we were hoping the court would rule in favor of equality, we have been building the infrastructure to win marriage equality rights at the ballot box,'' said Rick Jacobs, chair of the pro-gay marriage Courage Campaign.

http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_12451435?source=most_viewed

[book_worm]

42. No and I doubt he will. Nor will any other politician. Since most of them openly support

civil unions and not gay marriage. I think this includes Obama, Clinton, and most other democrats. Of course they are wrong but they won't say anything.

[cali]

45. I'm happy to say that both of my senators and my rep support marriage equality

as do the vast majority of dem pols in my state.

[RetroLounge]

51. Nah...

He's too busy waxing the Hopemobile...

RL

[Jakes Progress]

68. Wait for it... wait for it.

Or just wait, I guess.

[yodoobo]

70. This is something that Obama will take a stand on and strike down

Either through directed legislation, executive order or other means.

There is simply no way he will let this injustice stand.

We'll hear something soon.

[Toasterlad]

83. Oh, My! You Are Absolutely PRECIOUS!

I could just eat you up with a spoon, you're so adorable!

[yodoobo]

88. Emotions are running high I know

and I know that you mean to be insulting.


But I'm putting my faith in my President. He stands with us and I stand with him.

[Toasterlad]

95. Not Really Insulting. But I Do Find Your Naivete Amusing.

Assuming you really believe what you're saying, and you really believe that Obama's going to "do something" about this injustice (and soon!), I fear you are due for a huge disappointment. Those of us who have been paying attention know better than to expect anything from Obama on GLBT issues.

[Comedie]

73. Why would he make a stmt?

Seems he stated before that it was a States issue. If anything, would smack of meddling in State affairs if he did make a stmt.
It would also mean taking a stand on a divisive issue. What politician is going to do that who might want reelection, when CA has the most electoral votes, and Prop 8 passed by a majority of voters?

[Bluebear]

79. Here's his mouthpiece's statement

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5725141&mesg_id=5725141

[Toasterlad]

87. That's Some Serious Leadership, Right There.

[Cali_Democrat]

80. Obama will do the politically expedient thing and stay out of it.

Obama is a politician.

[ruggerson]

85. Here's a LINK TO White House response

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8433675

[harun]

91. Obama does not support gay marriage.

What kind of statement you expect him to make?

[Starry Messenger]

92. No. Obama still has not.

Though despite being busy selecting a candidate for SC he also did this yesterday.

http://www.pamshouseblend.com/diary/11160/robert-gibbs-on-prop-8-ruling-he-hasnt-talked-to-the-president-about-it

THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary

_______________________________________________________________

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 26, 2009

Attached is a proclamation signed by the President today regarding National Hurricane Preparedness Week.