Hey Obama! This is TRUE LOVE and it needs to be LEGAL AND RECOGNIZED BY YOU!

[asdjrocky]

This weekend my beautiful niece was married to her beloved, long time butch. Both of these wonderful people voted for you.

"

This is a picture of two families becoming one. That's what happens when two people get married.

"

How do you not believe in something that is right before your eyes?

People danced, people drank, vows were freely given in front of family and friends. How is this not a wedding?

How are Amy and Dawn not married?

[Deep13]

1. I rec'd and the vote total remained the same. nt

[asdjrocky]

5. It happens, there's always a couple of lurkers.

Or people who keep their real feelings hidden.

[gizmonic]

13. Not to worry, I rec'd it too.

That'll show 'em! :P

[Deep13]

18. Hi Sweetie! You're so awesome!

I just want everyone to have what we have. :loveya:

[Brickbat]

2. I love that top picture -- the joy, the delight in each other, are no less valid than what I saw at

my BIL's wedding two weeks ago, when he married his female partner.

Congratulations to all. May the day come.

[asdjrocky]

3. Isn't that just the best picture of them?

If I were to name it I would call it Pure Loves Joy.

[csziggy]

55. That is a beautiful picture

Anyone who is bothered by that kind of love is sick.

[awoke_in_2003]

184. there are people in this country...

who live in fear that someone, somewhere, is having a good time.

[TBF]

4. Congratulations to your family -

they look so happy!

[havocmom]

6. Love, devotion, and dare I say hope are rare enough powers in this life

No loving, devoted, hopeful couple should be denied the full force of law protecting their marriage. Period.

And, thanks for a beautiful post. Best wishes to the lucky couple. May they enjoy a full and beautiful life together.

Damned nice family portrait too! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:

[asdjrocky]

7. Everyone in that photo that was of age voted for Obama.

I checked.

[Stinky The Clown]

8. Thanks for sharing that!

Sad that it gets unreced here for pure bullshit reasons so petty as to be........... :spit: ....... fuck it. You know what I mean.

[asdjrocky]

10. Thanks Stinky,

I grew up a skinny white boy in South Stockton Ca, not much gets under my skin.

But I'll give a ........:spit:........ with you.

[DeSwiss]

9. K&R!

Congrats to the happy couple!!! :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

11. What wonderful pictures!

As far as I'm concerned, they are married! They are a family!

The law must change to reflect their reality.

Recommended.

Long life and much joy for them both!

:toast:

[asdjrocky]

12. Thank you Peggy, it was a wonderful day.

The best part for me was I got to dance 3 whole dances with my 20 year old daughter, who is now in college and I don't get to see nearly enough.

:toast:

[donco6]

244. +1

[Bluenorthwest]

14. They are beautiful!

And yet the President and others from Love Haters Inc. look at them and sneer and smirk. The President thinks Mr and Mrs Vitter are Sanctified by God, and these two newlyweds are strangers to each other. What that says about him, I leave for all to decide for themselves.

[Tailormyst]

15. Congrats to them both!

They look like one really happy couple. Someday their love will be recognized in the whole country and not just tiny pockets of civilization.

[Vickers]

16. K&R for a happy loving couple!

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

[Sheepshank]

17. I gotta add my congrats

to what is very apparently a very happy couple....their expressions made me smile :)

Ture Equality for ALL!!

[upi402]

19. k/r n/t

[yurbud]

20. k & r: great pic too

[cordelia]

21. Many years of happiness to this couple

The joy and love in the top photo is amazing.

[Spheric]

22. K&R for Love. I hear it makes the world go round.

They look pretty darn happy. And, I'm happy for them.

:loveya:

[DaughterOfBilitis]

23. I have a feeling Obama will pull a Clinton

and support marriage equality after his Presidency is over.

I believe he was a supporter when he was a State Senator. I just don't get what happens to Democrats once they start serving on a National level.

[asdjrocky]

24. It helps to continue the myth that the US is a right leaning country.

Welcome to DU, by the way :hi:!

[DaughterOfBilitis]

29. Thank you for the warm welcome, asdjrocky.

[asdjrocky]

30. And I learned something from your name I did not know.

I just love learning stuff!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daughters_of_Bilitis

Everyday I find cool stuff I didn't know.

[racaulk]

61. Wow, very cool!

Thanks for posting that link. I had never heard of that organization either!

:hi:

[awoke_in_2003]

189. great link...

welcome to DU :hi:

oops- someone else posted the link, but welcome again.

[Unvanguard]

32. Of course he will. He is lying about his view of same-sex marriage.

For political reasons. He'll probably turn around substantially faster than Bill Clinton, too.

[mitchtv]

43. what a lovely portrait (s)

I widh I could have had this, but hubby and I were so old when we tied the knot, parents and most friends were already gone. BEST WISHES to the happy couple

[asdjrocky]

237. You have the most important thing...

each other! Thank you for the kind words.

[TheEuclideanOne]

69. Perhaps Obama will extend DADT to Gay Marriage?

:)

[RainDog]

25. what beautiful pictures of a joyous event!

wishing a lifetime of happiness to the new couple!

[asdjrocky]

27. Aw, thanks RainDog.

An interesting aside, my niece marched in Clinton's inaugural parade in 92. Her Jr. High color guard was picked out of 100s that entered.

Then, nearly 20 years later, her and Chelsey share the same wedding day.

[JohnnyLib2]

26. So simple, so obvious, so right.

Thanks for the pictures.

K & R

[lillypaddle]

28. Gorgeous, such happiness

Recc'd.

[Eyerish]

31. K&R

[derby378]

33. I know of one gay couple who definitely deserves to get married

They've been there for each other and for Ginny and I through thick and thin. Of course, we still need to remove that damned amendment from the Texas state constitution, but maybe someday...

[awoke_in_2003]

190. "but maybe someday"

I would say "no way", but the DFW area is rather purple, and Houston elected an openly gay woman as a mayor- whoda thunkit?

[derby378]

288. Dallas has a gay female sheriff as well

Be afraid, teabaggers, be very afraid... :eyes:

[awoke_in_2003]

351. forgot about that...

"Oh noes, the gay police" :)

[snake in the grass]

34. k&r

They look very happy and I am happy for them.

[Barack2theFuture]

35. how do you expect Obama to overcome hundreds of years of prejudice

in just 18 months?















-*-

[asdjrocky]

36. It would be easy.

If he were brave.

[Barack2theFuture]

38. 'If'

is a powerful and eloquent conditional

[asdjrocky]

40. Whatever that means.

It would be nice to get through this thread without capitulaters and and apologists coming along.

If only.

[Barack2theFuture]

68. Sorry. Sarcasm is a subtle tool

except when it's not.

[asdjrocky]

79. And the key is sincerity,

learn to fake that, you've got it made.

[RainDog]

131. however, your sarcasm is merely an excuse for Obama's social conservative responses

to issues of great importance to democratic voters.

He could overcome that prejudice by refusing to pander to the religious right, by getting them out of positions in his administration, by standing up for a basic issue of civil rights based upon the experience of his own life - with parents whose marriage was illegal in this nation simply because of bigotry and fear of "the other."

It's actually really simple. Obama can stop pandering to social conservatives, something he has done since the day of his inauguration, and recognize that the Republicans get their base to come out and vote because they ACT upon the things their base believes, even if they don't. (for instance, I'm sure Bush isn't anti stem cell research - but he was willing to put lives at risk for votes. Democrats aren't asking Obama to put anyone's life at risk - they're asking him to merely DO THE RIGHT THING in regard to civil rights for a group of people who have fought for those rights for decades.

Why does he choose to align himself with the losing side on this issue? Equal rights are not going to go away. All he does with his refusal to push the issue is alienate the democratic base - on this and other issues.

That's no way to win elections.

[Barack2theFuture]

139. really?

you think my sarcastic response in the form of a patently ridiculous excuse indicates that I am offering an excuse for Obama?

Would not sarcasm indicate I was parodying such an excuse?

This place is crazier than I imagined.

[Fearless]

245. +1000

[treestar]

85. Like how?

What would a bold President do, on his own?

He has already done something for the federal employees, as I recall.

Pester some right wing and middle of the road congresspeople. For that matter, pick leftist Congresspeople, what have they done?

Has Obama ever said he'd veto anything? No.

Save the ire for Pat Robertson and that ilk.

[VMI Dem]

37. Could he just throw out his Bible and support it himself?

Would that be a start?

[Barack2theFuture]

39. well, he *could*,

couldn't he?

[donco6]

74. He could start with his own.

That might work.

[Tansy_Gold]

107. Other countries have.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Same-sex_marriage#Country-wide_recognition

Country-wide recognition
Same-sex marriage currently is legal in Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Canada, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland and Argentina.


Yes, including SPAIN, home of the real Spanish Inquisition, somehow or other the leaders of Spain, which is overwhelmingly Catholic, still managed to pass legislation to legalize same-sex marriage. Not benefits for domestic partners. Not civil unions. SAME SEX MARRIAGE.

But here in the land of the free, home of the brave, no one apparently is brave enough to make all of us free to love, honor, cherish and MARRY WHOMEVER WE DAMN WELL PLEASE.


Tansy Gold

[Barack2theFuture]

114. no fair using *civilized* countries as examples.

Civilizing this country would be even harder to overcome than hundreds of years of prejudice and hate.

[LanternWaste]

319. Like the civil rights movements...?

Like the civil rights movements (1955-1968) and its resulting landmark legislation (1965)?

[YOY]

111. The same way that Lincoln, FDR, and Kennedy had to deal with their hundreds of years of -isms.

By embracing the truth whether people like it or not.

[Barack2theFuture]

116. truth?

he's still working on "hope" and "change." Truth is a pretty tall order, don't you think?

I mean he's only President, not some sort of leader.

[laughingliberal]

256. Welcome to DU...

Not nearly enough good parody around here.

[awoke_in_2003]

194. How did Eisenhower desegrate the troops?...

How did LBJ pass the Civil Rights acts? In the case of Eisenhower, he was CIC and told the military to suck it up. Could Obama do the same this with DADT? In the case of LBJ, he took the moral high ground and challenged people to follow him and let the bigots show themselves for what they were. Leadership- something very lacking these days.

on edit- in both cases, hundreds of years of prejudice were overcome. Yes, we still have our bigots, but it is no longer accepted as mainstream.

[whistler162]

230. Eisenhower didn't! Truman did BUT segregation of the troops

WASN'T A LAW!!!!

[Bluebear]

196. He is the prejudiced one here.

He is the one that proclaims "marriage is between one man and one woman".

[Deep13]

290. Press for the passage of ENDA and the repeal of DADT. nt

[myrna minx]

41. Congratulations to the happy couple.

:grouphug:

[GoddessOfGuinness]

42. Congrats!

What a beautiful family!

They are most certainly married. I hope the government soon recognizes that fact.

[laughingliberal]

44. K & R!!! nt

[lb rox]

45. brings a tear of joy to my eyes ...

Stunning couple! Awesomely beautiful family!!!

Congratulations and all the best always!

[asdjrocky]

53. Thank you so much.

And a big welcome to Du :hi:!

[Ignis]

46. K&R. What a lovely couple!

Here's hoping we actually manage to elect a few Democratic politicians, so we can push for marriage equity someday.

What's that? We controlled the Presidency, the House, and the Senate for almost a year, and we're still denying the civil rights of some Americans? Well, that's a crying shame, then. :(

[defendandprotect]

47. What two cuties -- !! Happiness to you all -- and, Obama . . . WAKE UP!!

[BrklynLiberal]

48. Congrats to all. May they have a long and happy life together...

[PufPuf23]

49. Thank you and congradulations!

[Sheepshank]

50. could those two be any smilier?

Congrats to them and the families. They are happy and they deserve it all....just the same as any other married couple.

[lame54]

51. This one's for them...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ucqDoP2FZw

[asdjrocky]

57. Love that video Lame.

Thanks for sharing some of that great love you and you know who have!

I'm touched and they will be too.

[EFerrari]

52. Beautiful!

lol

:party:

[walldude]

54. Huge K&R wish I could do it more than once...

All my best to your niece and her new mate.

[joeybee12]

56. Rec and cheers to the happy couple!!!!

:toast:

[amyrose2712]

58. KnR

[roguevalley]

59. Oh crap, are those two cute. MAZEL TOV! How lovely this is.

[racaulk]

60. Congratulations to the happy couple!

Thank you for sharing these beautiful pictures, asdjrocky! :hi:

K&R!!!

[Fearless]

62. I'm sorry this is considered "a pony"...

:mad:


Congratulations on the happy day though! It's really heartwarming! :grouphug:

[saracat]

63. Congrats! What a wonderful day that must have been!

Congratulations to Amy and Dawn and to Uncle Rocky!

[asdjrocky]

65. Thanks saracat, it was a geat family day! nt

[RetroLounge]

64. What a great picture!

Much love and happiness to them!

RL

[deacon_sephiroth]

66. congrats K&R

[SeattleGirl]

67. Just Obama? What about Congress? Are you demanding

the same from them? Last I knew, Obama didn't make the laws; Congress does. It is disingenuous to place all the blame and all the responsibility solely on him.

Now, as to the happy couple in the pictures, congratulations to them. I absolutely do not disagree with you that they should have the right to be legally married.

[asdjrocky]

70. Obama quote-

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman."

That's why I'm talking to Obama.

[SeattleGirl]

71. You are also asking him to pass a law, which is not what his

job is. I'm saying that you need to take a lot of the anger you have toward Obama and direct it toward Congress. I know you realize he is not a dictator, and I hope you do not want him to be, after the 8 years we had with Bush.

[Arkana]

72. You mean we DIDN'T elect Hugo Chavez????

Well fuck!

[asdjrocky]

80. No, we elected someone against my niece having full and equalt rights.

[JonLP24]

82. It also doesn't help that his Justice Department

defending the constitutionally of DOMA(Which Clinton was an ass for signing) in court.

Obama angers gays with marriage law defense

(06-12) 20:02 PDT SANTA ANA, CALIF. -- President Obama, who said as a candidate that he would seek repeal of a law denying federal recognition of same-sex marriage, has angered gay rights groups with court arguments portraying the law as a nondiscriminatory measure that "preserves scarce government resources."

The Justice Department's filing with a federal court in Santa Ana was the administration's first statement on the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act, the 1996 law that denies federal marriage benefits to same-sex couples. Those benefits include joint tax filing, Social Security survivors' payments and spousal immigration status.

The law also allows states to withhold recognition of same-sex marriages performed in another state or country.

Obama called the law "abhorrent" during the presidential campaign and said he would work to overturn it. He has not presented any such legislation to Congress since taking office, however.

"We ask him to live up to his emphatic campaign promises, to stop making false and damaging legal arguments, and immediately to introduce a bill to repeal (the Defense of Marriage Act) and ensure that every married couple in America has the same access to federal benefits," the National Center for Lesbian Rights said Friday.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/06/12/MND5186EV8.DTL&tsp=1

[asdjrocky]

75. He is against my niece's marriage.

How do you look at these two people and make excuses for his bigotry?

[Political Tiger]

135. Please!

He doesn't know your niece from a hole in a ground and just because he said his personal belief is that marriage is between a man and a woman doesn't automatically translate into him being against your niece's wedding!

And not everyone who believes marriage is between a man and a woman is automatically a bigot! Paul Wellstone voted for DOMA, would you call him a bigot? Tens of millions of people believe as Obama does and Wellstone did and it doesn't make them bigots.

[awoke_in_2003]

200. I think "bigot" is not the proper word...

for anyone who voted for DOMA. I believe the more fitting word is "homophobe"

[ruggerson]

202. Hoiw can you compare 1996 to 2010 and expect anyone to take you seriously

and what Obama "believes" matters a great deal, because he is the leader of the free world and has the bully pulpit that accompanies the job.

[donco6]

208. How could it NOT mean he's against the wedding?

"I believe marriage is between a man and a woman . . . But hey, I think gay marriage is super-duper!"

??

But then, in your world where principles mean nothing, this could make sense.

[SeattleGirl]

210. You know nothing about my world. Nothing at all.

Stop with the personal attacks. Just stop it.

Or if you want, I guess two could play that game, and I could spread lies and innuendo about you. But you know what? I DO have principles, and I would not do that. I wish you follow suit.

[donco6]

211. Just responding to what you wrote.

But then I don't know for sure if that's what's really in your MIND or not. Is it? Or do you often write things you don't mean? This behavior is interesting to me. I'd like to hear more about it. But how can I know if it's REALLY what you're thinking? Do you have some kind of signal for when you REALLY REALLY mean it? Maybe a certain smiley that gives a clue? That could be helpful.

I have an idea. When you're writing something that you mean for ABSOLUTELY SURE, you can put this smiley after it:

:dunce:

Then I'll know for sure it's something you REALLY REALLY mean. Otherwise, I'll know everything you say is just something . . . else.

[SeattleGirl]

212. I'm not cowtowing to you or your like-minded friends.

Your mission here seems to be like that of a child on a playground, jumping around saying nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah or some such rubbish.

Just go be with your friends, and leave me the hell alone.

[donco6]

218. You didn't use the smiley.

So I KNOW you don't really mean it! I'm so glad. All those hurtful things would have made me feel bad.

[NorthCarolina]

300. If not bigots, what does it make them then? eom

[Ignis]

355. Pragmatists

:hide:

[NorthCarolina]

357. So gay marriage is impractical? Love to hear your defense of that. eom

[Ignis]

358. Try reading any other post I've written on DU, ever.

Hell, just look in this thread. :shrug: I think my position is pretty clear, but if not, I'll add this: As a licensed (atheist) minister, I've performed both gay and straight weddings.

The background for the post above is that I think the "pragmatist vs. idealist" framing is ludicrously biased toward the former at the expense of the latter. We might as well say it's a divide between "mature vs. immature" or "smart vs. stupid" or "good vs. bad" or any other of a million lop-sided ways to castigate and belittle one's opponents by declaring their position invalid/lesser/unrealistic. Once you've framed the debate in those terms, who is going to want to be on the side with the pejorative name?

Hope that helps to clarify. :hi:

[NorthCarolina]

359. Yes, your position is clear.

When I read "pragmatist" I reacted, thinking that you were endorsing that definition. Sorry for jumping to conclusions, it's a bit of a touchy subject for me. :hi:

[Ignis]

365. No worries. The term is often misused here, anyway.

I would go back and put the word in quotes, but the edit window had expired by the time I read your post. :(

Don't apologize for challenging what you perceive as homophobia. It's something every single self-respecting Leftist should do, IMHO.

Hang in there. :hi:

[asdjrocky]

81. Frankly, I don't give a fuck what Obama is.

I just want fair and equal treatment for my niece under the law.

Obama doesn't want the same thing.

[SeattleGirl]

94. Once again, Obama doesn't make the laws in the US.

Congress does, and if enough of them wanted equal rights for the GLTB community, it wouldn't matter what Obama thought, because they could (if they really wanted to) pass a law legalizing same sex marriage with a veto-proof vote.

[Political Tiger]

119. Stop making sense! It gets in the way of the phony outrage!

Even though Obama doesn't make the laws, it's still his fault!

And you know he just hates "teh" gays, he's shown that by signing a Presidental Memorandum extending federal benefits to same-sex partners of federal workers and announced his support for the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act of 2009, reversing the U.S. position on LGBT Issues at the UN, pushed for the enactment of Matthew Shepard Act and signed it into law, appointed more openly LGBT persons to positions in the executive branch than the last two administrations combined, extended the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, overturned a 22-year-old travel and immigration ban against people with HIV, invited gay families to the WH annual Easter Egg Roll, issued two Presidential Proclamations for Pride, proclaiming June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month, working with Congress to repeal DADT....I mean, this guy really hates "teh" gays!

[asdjrocky]

122. President Obama-

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman."

[Political Tiger]

133. Who cares?

This may come as a surprise to you, but even President Obama is entitled to have personal opinions that you do not agree with.

More importantly, you seemed to have forgotten he is for the repeal of DOMA, which shows the man is able to separate his personal opinions with his job.

I mean, try to think! Obama has made it clear he believes in Jesus. He is a Christian. Does this mean he hates Jews, Muslims, Hindus and atheists?

Is anti-semitism his fault because he believes Jesus Christ is his Savior?

THINK!!!

[asdjrocky]

136. You're rude and your violent avatar is offensive.

So I don't expect you to understand that the Presidents bigotry hurts wonderful people like my niece and her new partner.

Please don't presume to tell me to think, I think just fine on my own.

[Political Tiger]

146. You must have a real problem with Popeye, Boris Badenov, the Roadrunner, Elmer Fudd

and The Simpsons, to mention a few!

And frankly, what I find offensive is how willing you are to use your niece and her partner as political pawns!

Also, please don't presume to tell me what I understand!

[asdjrocky]

154. A quote from my niece-

I am honored that you would include us in such an important political statement! Please feel free to keep it up!

I am offended by your avatar because it encourages violence against liberals, but I'm sure you realize that.

Don't expect me to respond to you again because I won't add more of your hate to this thread.

[Political Tiger]

163. LOL!

n/t

[SeattleGirl]

178. Woodchucks are liberals?

Wow! Who knew?

[asdjrocky]

229. That's the thing about you guys, you always think you're funny.

And you never are.

[SeattleGirl]

232. "You guys"?

To whom are you referring?

[asdjrocky]

233. People that apologize for the President.

People that only check into GLBT threads if they have something to say about the Presidents backward policy.

People that constantly defend the President no matter what he does, or does not do.

People that would come into a thread about someone's family and insult them.

People that are blind to the fact that love is love and should be recognized by the President.

You know, people like that.

[SeattleGirl]

242. To your points:

"People that only check into GLBT threads if they have something to say about the Presidents backward policy."
I do not come into GLBT threads to defend the President, unless I feel that people are misrepresenting him, like in this thread. In fact, when I see a thread acknowledging the marriage (legal or not) of a same-sex couple, I always congratulate the couple. You would know that if you had seen my responses in such threads. However, I honestly don't expect that you would have done that, and that's fine. Just know that that is what I do.

"People that constantly defend the President no matter what he does, or does not do."
I feel there is plenty to defend the President about, and I will tell you why. There seems to be an element in the DU population who find nothing good about him, and who just flat out don't like him. Well, that's fine; that's their opinion and they are absolutely entitled to it. The things I address are posts that try to pass off opinion as fact. As the saying goes, you are entitled to your own opinion; you are not entitled to your own facts.

"People that would come into a thread about someone's family and insult them."
I did not insult the family in the least. My initial post was asking why the people who are so focused on Obama and their anger at him and what he has and has not done, do not focus some of that anger toward Congress. Yes, I know that a lot of the people who are pissed at Obama are also pissed at Congress, and I think that's great. Obama is not a dictator; Congress has plenty of responsibility on equal rights issues, and in fact, they have more responsibility, because THEY make the laws. So again I say to you, I did not insult the family. I think it's wonderful that these two women and their families had this celebration, and yes, I do wish that it was a legal marriage. I realize that this sounds so tired and old and fake, but it's not: I am 54 years old, and have always had GLTBers in my life, starting with many of the women my mom worked with, on through kids I went to school with, and people I work with, and many of my friends. And I will also share this with you: In 1971 when I was a sophomore in high school, my best friend's boyfriend did not like the time she and I spent together so he decided to tell people I was a lesbian. Many people believed him, and should visibly shudder if we happened to brush against each other in the hallways between classes. It hurt. Not that someone thought I was a lesbian; it didn't, because as I said, lesbians, gays, transgender and bisexual people have always been in my life, and I never thought they were "weird" or "perverted" or whatever word you want to use there. What hurt was the public shunning that that people did. So I think I have some idea of what people in the GLTB community go through. Just some, mind you. I've never been refused visiting rights to my loved one in a hospital. I haven't had many of the things happen to me that have happened, and continue to happen, to people in the GLTB community. I find it interesting now that I am being accused of being a homophobe. Nothing could be further from the truth. I just don't think that all the anger should be focused on Obama. There are plenty of people in the government who deserve blame for the lack of equal rights for GLTBers. My objection is to those who only focus on Obama, and no one else.

"People that are blind to the fact that love is love and should be recognized by the President."
I am not blind to that in the least. I think that Obama has acknowledged that love in ways, such as expanding benefits to same-sex couples. If he were really against the GLTB community, would he have done that? I know he said that he thinks marriage is between a man and a woman, and I will again say that that is his personal opinion. Someone in the thread mentioned Jimmy Carter and how he was not a proponent of abortion; however, that was his personal opinion. He did not use that opinion to try and prevent women from getting legal abortions, and I do not think that Obama is using his opinion to keep GLTBers from having equal rights. He just cannot do it alone. People have suggested or even demanded that he sign an executive order to get rid of DADT and DOMA, but I also recall reading something (in this thread, I believe), that that order would essentially expire when he left office. At the very least, the next person who occupies the White House could do another executive order, and reverse it. What I would rather see is Congress getting rid of it, because it would have more weight, I believe. I have never, and will never, advocate for DADT or DOMA; I think they are absolutely wrong. I think that saying that THIS group of people can have full rights, but THAT group cannot is completely wrong.

Now, you may understand that I am sincere in my response to you, or you may not. I have no control over that. But I've taken the time to address your points, as you took the time to answer my question, which I do appreciate.

[donco6]

234. I guess it's the NOT "like-minded friends" of which you spoke. n/t

[SeattleGirl]

243. I was addressing someone else.

And, your response makes no sense.

[Name removed]

247. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[asdjrocky]

332. Beat me to it.

I just love people who play both sides of a fence, it's so sensibly bipartisan.

[donco6]

361. Can't imagine what was wrong with my reply.

Oh well. Just confirms what a waste of time it is to post here.

[unapatriciated]

366. It is not us that are using our loved once as political pawns.

It started with the inaugural prayer and ended with LT. Choi's firing two things he did have control over.

During his campaign he needed the votes and support of the gay community after the election not so much.

So please don't PRESUME to tell us, when we stand up for our loved ones rights we are using them as "political pawns"

My daughter is not a pawn but someone I love very much. I will continue to stand up for her rights no matter how uncomfortable it makes you to hear that our president doesn't support those rights.

[Name removed]

264. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

281. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[QC]

314. There are plenty of others willing to step in and carry on his "work." n/t

[asdjrocky]

317. You know the thing about the word friend?

You remove one letter and you got a fiend.

[QC]

325. That's certainly true in this case. b/t

[JonLP24]

138. He is vocal about his support for repeal of DOMA

but he is still using his Justice Department to defend the constitutionally of DOMA. He does have a right to his own personal opinions but everyone else has a right to criticize those opinions.

Your last 2 questions don't make any sense and I don't know what they have to do with anything. Christians here on DU don't seem to have a problem with gay marriage.

[Political Tiger]

145. It is the job of the Justice Dept to defend the laws of the United States.

And the questions you don't understand were rhetorical and designed to get people to THINK!

[JonLP24]

150. The arguments they are using are pathetic

It is OK for congress to pass DOMA to save money. Also they are asking for dismissals of people filing lawsuits such as the one that was married before Prop 8 took effect.

However we will see if the appeal which they do not have to do.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jZVhxGXCMRA-mJB4JYXiICP3a6jQD9GRRQEG0

[dogday]

149. Are there no signing statements available? With just

a flick of a pen, he could repeal DADT. I like Obama, but when I see OTT statements such as this, I tend to like him less... Quit defending him, you make him look bad. :thumbsdown:

[Political Tiger]

153. No, Obama can't repeal DADT. He's a president, not a dictator.

Congress passes the laws, like DADT, and Congress repeals the laws. That's government 101. Didn't you ever watch any of those after school specials on how a bill becomes a law?

[JonLP24]

155. He can halt the discharges

in a time of war with an executive order. It has been done before. It is up to congress to pass the law and the President to sign it but he can halt the discharges because he has that authority as CIC.

As explained here by MILITARY LAW EXPERTS.
http://www.palmcenter.org/press/dadt/releases/New+Study+Says+Obama+Can+Halt+Gay+Discharges+With+Executive+Order

[Bluebear]

173. No, the poster infers that Obama is powerless.

He just sits in his Oval office playing solitaire until SOMEONE...SOMEONE gives him a bill to sign! :cry:

[donco6]

176. Poor thing. Maybe we should all vote for him again so he'll feel better about himself.

Because, you know, THAT'S what's really important.

[Bluebear]

177. We are all here to make all his dreams come true.

[Name removed]

183. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

193. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SeattleGirl]

198. How DARE you? You know nothing about me, and I am sick

and tired of you and some other people on this board painting me with a brush that holds absolutely no truth.

Go ahead and ignore me. My life will probably be that much better if you do.

[Name removed]

201. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[donco6]

209. We're just going by what he said. Does that equate to what's in his mind?

I think it does for most people - yourself excluded, of course.

[Robeson]

182. After the HCR bill, this site taught me that Obama...

...must be laying in a fetal position in the Oval office, just waiting to hear what others decide. He's powerless and impotent.

[QC]

341. Except when he signs a bill. Then it's proof that he is firmly in charge,

kicking butt and taking names.

It's called having one's cake and eating it, too.

[Bluebear]

171. LOLOLOLOL you never quit with these incorrect talkking points

[SeattleGirl]

185. What is incorrect in what was said?

And what is a takking point?

[dogday]

186. Did you ever stop to think just how Bush did things and when

he gave the Presidency to Obama, that he now has those same tools to get the job done. He can do anything he wants, and if he wants it bad enough he would be riding Congress at least the Dems to get it.


He can stop the ones being discharged right now for that reason and many other things. Maybe you should just read more?


You need to read this


Bill Moyers talks with Bruce Fein and John Nichols


http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/video_popups/pop_vid_impeachment1-1.html">Watch Video

http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/07132007/transcript2.html">Read Transcript


Enlighten yourself sometime...

[Whisp]

159. that's exactly right. It is Obama's personal opinion and has got nothing to

do with anything about anyones niece.

Jimmy Carter did not support abortion, and yet he said, and quite simply that even tho he did not 'personally' support abortion, as president IT WAS HIS JOB TO UPHOLD THE LAW OF THE LAND and what laws Congress passed or what decisions the Supremes come to.

ridiculous

[ruggerson]

220. You didn't wish the couple happiness

but that's not your agenda here, is it?

[SeattleGirl]

223. Actually, I did. But you must have missed that post.

[ruggerson]

224. was I responding to you?

[donco6]

226. Interesting point.

I wonder if he has a gay "bestest friend"?

[donco6]

179. Sorry, all I can think about is why you're beating up on the Sensible Woodchuck.

I thought he was on YOUR side?

[Name removed]

197. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Sapphocrat]

241. Who cares?

I care. My wife cares. We care a whole fucking lot that the President of the United States -- who once stated, unequivocally, that he was in FAVOR of same-sex marriage (do you need the link again?) -- is against OUR marriage, for no clear reason other than he thinks that being moderately, pragmatically anti-gay -- while patting us silly little queers on the head every once in a while -- will keep him afloat politically.

YOU are the one who doesn't care. You don't care because you HAVE your rights, and you are in no danger of anyone ever taking them away from you, no matter how much they may hate you personally, or your "lifestyle."

If you could feel what I feel -- as a result of full-frontal assaults from professional anti-gays like Maggie Gallagher (do you even know who she is? do you care?), to the maddening flippancy of alleged fellow "progressives" who dismiss me, my life, my marriage, and my very humanity with accusations of -- what was it you said upthread? -- "fake outrage? -- if you could feel the depth of my pain for ONE FUCKING DAY, you'd care a whole fucking hell of a lot.

YOU are not thinking. YOU are not stepping back and considering that these are real lives you're dismissing so easily, so nonchalantly, so cavalierly.

And YOU expect ME, and everyone else who's been trampled in the rush to prevent us from claiming what should be our fucking BIRTHRIGHT as United States citizens, to sit down, shut the fuck up, and praise Obama for his 180 on marriage, his delays, his excuses, his homophobia?

Because, no matter how much you hate hearing it, that's exactly what it is: homophobia. Fear.

Funny thing is, it's not LGBTs he fears; it's the right wing he thinks he needs to appease -- you know, the assholes he keeps "reaching out" to in the "spirit of bipartisanship," who would never vote for him or give him a dime no matter what he ever did. That's who he fears.

For all I know, Obama could be 100% in favor of marriage equality -- but as long as he hides behind his religion and continues to cater to the zealots who would have us dead as soon as look at us, then we are talking about homophobia -- Obama's.

And I really don't give a goddamn what Obama personally believes, as long as his beliefs do not interfere with my civil rights. Unfortunately, he brought his religion into it -- "God's in the mix," remember?

He has proved himself completely incapable of separating "his personal opinions (from) his job."

His job is not to inject his religiosity into the public square -- but, goddamn it, he did it, and he continues to do it, as if his personal beliefs should have any bearing on the law, or any bearing on my life.

And that, mister, is a HUGE failure on his part.

Finally, as for your ridiculous question about Chrtistianity equaling anti-Semitism, YOU, again, are the one not thinking (or you are being deliberately disingenuous, but I will give you the benefit of the doubt):

The day Obama sits back in silence and inaction while roving bands of anti-Semites travel the country to strip Jews of their civil rights, then he will be an anti-Semite.

The two are not the same, and you should be embarrassed to throw that diversionary tactic out there, as if one had anything to do with the other.

[dogday]

257. The squeaky wheel gets the oil. I say let's shove it in their faces

everytime we can. This use to be a given here. Don't ask me what happened? :thumbsdown:

[Bluebear]

274. I love your soul.

[Sapphocrat]

278. ...

:loveya:

[Angry Dragon]

294. Very good post

[Ignis]

329. +1. I care, too.

What a courageous post that was, Sapphocrat. :hug:

I'm sure you'll be excoriated for it by The Dogpile, but thanks for speaking the truth to power.

[racaulk]

331. Excellent post!

I can't see the post you're replying to, but based on your response, I was clearly in the right to put the person who posted it on my ignore list.

Thank you for posting this. :hi:

[asdjrocky]

336. +1,000,000! Thank you. nt

[Tansy_Gold]

352. And another couple millions from me! n/t

[Shining Jack]

368. Wonderful reply and you seem to be a wonderful person.

I wish I could recommend your post.:hi:

[snake in the grass]

370. I don't buy it that God is really in the mix.

If that were true, if his convictions were so strong, he'd also be having second, third, or tenth thoughts on bombing innocent people. The God-thing is just a crutch to lean on or a wall to hide behind. Either way, it has no place in politics. His cowering to the rightwing is really starting to disgust me, to tell you the truth. He's not stupid, yet he seems to not be able to realize that the wingnuts will never like him. Never. Meanwhile he continues to ditch his base, the people who put him in office.

[dflprincess]

346. And for 20 years he was a member of a Christian denomination - the United Church of Christ

that embraces the rights of all people, including the right of Gays to marriage. Believing in Jesus is not an excuse for his fear of Gay rights. I'm inclined to think his attitude toward Gays is more a result of what he thinks is expedient - or perhaps he just attended the church all those years because he knows it is expedient for those with political ambtions to go to church - especially if it has "Christ" in its name.

Pity he didn't pay attention to what was being preached.

[noamnety]

261. Strawman

Nobody said he "hates" gay people. I'm sure he has lots of gay friends.

He simply doesn't believe they deserve all the same rights as everyone else. Some rights, sure, just not all.

It's swell though that he let a gay family roll an egg around on his lawn. Thanks for reminding us of that. It means a lot.

[dogday]

348. Because they are human, they deserve all human rights.

It is not rocket science.

[Ignis]

326. What the fuck gives you the right to call it PHONY outrage?

I'd like to see a little support for that, since you're claiming to be able to read minds and divine the intent of other DUers.

[QC]

328. Thank you! n/t

[Ignis]

374. It's the equivalent of calling DUers liars, but I guess that rule only applies to some.

The rest of us are not quite as equal, apparently.

[NorthCarolina]

304. Yes, kind of like the over 70% of the population who wanted a public option right?

If the majority of the public wanted something, say like over 70% (a clear majority), it doesn't matter WHAT Obama thinks. :eyes:

[awoke_in_2003]

199. it wasn't LBJ's job...

to take care of civil rights legislation, either. But it was the right thing to do.

[Bluebear]

203. Thank you.

[awoke_in_2003]

204. you are welcome...

while it is not technically a presidents job to write legislation, he can put forth an idea before congress and ask for their help in getting it done. If we had waited for congress to draft voting rights legislation, African Americans in the south would still be paying poll taxes and Jim Crow would be alive and well.

[SeattleGirl]

214. And he did that all by himself, right?

No help from Congress?

He just put on his Superman cape and got it done.

Impressive.

:eyes:

[libnnc]

284. he twisted arms, pestered, poked and pushed 'till he got the votes.

Would be nice if President Obama gave folks on the Hill the same "Johnson treatment".

[Ignis]

333. Ooh, that was a solid blow...against a strawman.

No one's asking Obama to put on a Superman cape and fly over to punch Phyllis Schlafly in the face.

We're asking him to be the "fierce advocate" he promised to be.

[awoke_in_2003]

349. no, he lead the way

without the leadership it wouldn't have happened

[Tailormyst]

292. A good start would be him recognizing and changing his own bigotry

Funny how some of you seem to think him weak and powerless if it's something he is unjustly against. But if it's something he is FOR and it gets done, he is fucking superman and deserves all the praise in the world.

Hypocrites, the lot of you.

[Fearless]

89. +10000

[donco6]

76. Obama doesn't believe they have the right to be married.

He could start with his own misguided thinking. It's obviously not going anywhere until he starts there.

[Cha]

91. Of course, it's disingenuous but what would

they have to talk about.

[asdjrocky]

130. President Obama:

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman."

[Name removed]

161. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SeattleGirl]

188. Is that today's talking point du jour?

I've seen that posted in this thread a number of times.

But let me say this: What Obama said is his OPINION, period. Many people, including Obama, are quite capable of separating their personal opinions from the job at hand. I don't see him going out of his way to oppress same-sex couples. If he was doing that, would he have extended benefits to those same couples? Mmmmm, I think not.

[donco6]

235. But in this case he's NOT separating his opinion from his job.

He doesn't support equal marriage rights in his words, and he hasn't supported them in deed. At least he has principles, I guess. But then, you see that as a bad thing. You must be terribly conflicted about all of this.

[Ignis]

334. Who's "they?"

:shrug:

[Ignis]

330. What's disingenuous is pretending the Bully Pulpit doesn't exist.

Our "fierce advocate" could certainly use that pulpit to push strongly for the end of DOMA. No one else can do that for him, so yes, he does get all the blame for failing to do so.

[DearAbby]

73. Best wishes for a long and happy life together

This should be LEGAL AND RECOGNIZED, it is by me, what about you President Obama?

[Starry Messenger]

77. A perfect day and what wonderful pictures!

You can feel the love from here! :thumbsup: Congratulations to the happy marrieds!

[asdjrocky]

127. Thanks Starry Messenger!

It was really a fantastic day, a good time had by all.

[donco6]

78. They look like a lot of fun! Congrats to all. n/t

[treestar]

83. Any reason you don't direct that ire at Republicans and

Right wingers and fundies?

And you are focusing on the negative even as you say you are so happy.

Obama did do something for the employees of the federal government.

It seems there are many more much further to the right that your negativity could go toward.

[asdjrocky]

84. Maybe I'm just holding someones feet to the fire.

You know, making change from the bottom up.

[treestar]

86. Er, that starts with you.

what you have done to get the majority of voters in this country sympathetic to this issue? so that the politicians would have to go along? Nothing, I'll warrant. In fact you've probably turned some people off with your hatred.

[asdjrocky]

88. Move along.

I'm not going to do this with you in this thread.

[Name removed]

95. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[treestar]

97. In other words, put all your apples in one basket

If you want to hold the POTUS' feet to the fire, it'd be better if you had a Congress critter who'd introduced a bill. And with the current situation in the U.S., why is this issue number one? Maybe Obama doesn't have time to get around to it yet. And don't rant on about human rights. This was a lovely wedding and no one is going to jail.

You really expect the POTUS to be all about this? And what about what he did for his employees in the executive branch?

What about companies that allow benefits to same sex partners?

If people are going to be unpleasant and nasty about it, save that for the right wing real homophobes instead of calling everybody a homophobe for not thinking there is nothing else more important.

[unapatriciated]

121. just stop. We know how he feels about our loved ones.

And we are trying to change that. We need to clean our own house first before we can clean the R's.
You are the one being nasty and yes equality is important. We know that jobs, ending the wars, health care and many more are important too. We can and will accomplish ALL of these things with or without you. You are the one putting the stipulation of either or in this. Since when is it wrong to support equality and voice that support.

[SeattleGirl]

192. Oh please.

Take off the martyr's rags.

And stop assuming that you know exactly what Obama thinks about every damned thing under the sun.

His personal opinion is that marriage is between a man and a woman; that does not equate into him mandating anything about same-sex couples.

[donco6]

249. Or lifting a finger to help them.

Which is really sad. They are a cute couple.

[unapatriciated]

339. actually that is exactly what it means...

In fact this statement

that marriage is between a man and a woman

is the very epitome of a person who is against gay marriage

[donco6]

251. Wow! "Nobody's going to jail".

I guess that's a real reason to PARTY! WOOHOO!

That was so unbelievably . . . blindly and obstinately attached to some creed or opinion, it took my breath away.

[unapatriciated]

367. not that some won't try to make that happen.

see the last pic in my post 112.

[Jigglebilly]

266. I love being lectured about activism by people like you.

Fuckin hilarious.

[SeattleGirl]

98. He may be responsible for vision and direction, but the Congress

is responsible for passing laws, not him. He could get up on a soapbox and demand that they vote to legalize same-sex marriage, but don't forget, we have a "pantload" of Republicans who will and do say "Not only no, but HELL NO" to anything and everything Obama wants. And we have the Ben Nelson's in the Democratic party who are as bad as the Republicans. So again, I say, when will some of this anger so many of you have toward Obama get turned toward Congress? Obama's not the only game in town.

[FreeState]

108. So we should ignore his bigotry because hes only 1/3 of the government? n/t

[SeattleGirl]

109. I'm saying you should not ignore the other 2/3 of government.

What is so difficult about that?

[FreeState]

110. And who says we are?

Its possible many of us are not - once again every singe one of my representatives is pro marriage equality. Every damn one except Obama.

[SeattleGirl]

195. Well guess what? Your representatives are just that: your

representatives. They are not the representatives for all the other states in the country, and some of those reps are who are standing in the say of equal rights for GLTBers.

Once again, Obama is not a dictator, he cannot do what he wants (or what you want), when he wants, and fuck the rest of the country. You know that. Stop pretending that you don't.

[unapatriciated]

124. who says we are.

Since he holds the highest office that's a good place to start.

[Whisp]

240. that certainly is a truth, the turn-off.

nice advocacy he's got going there.

feh.

[asdjrocky]

254. I love people that don't have the guts to insult me head on...

so they do it by responding to someone elses post.

Real nice of you!

[Whisp]

258. well, just thought it would fit in with all the rest of the niceness here.

[asdjrocky]

259. Whatever.

I'm sure you feel great about yourself no matter what.

That's a fairly common characteristic among certain people.

[Whisp]

262. which group of people is it that you have problems with?

sdjrocky (1000+ posts) Tue Aug-03-10 05:12 AM
Response to Reply #258
259. Whatever.

I'm sure you feel great about yourself no matter what.

That's a fairly common characteristic among certain people.

[asdjrocky]

315. I said certain people.

Not a group of people. By certain people I mean people that would come into a celebratory thread for my niece's wedding day and try to be snarky.

People that would rather defend the indefensible than recognize the love that is right before their eyes.

People that put politics and political arguments before love.

Those certain people. You know, jerks.

Have a good day.

[Name removed]

268. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[handmade34]

105. and thank you for continuing to do it

we all need to hold feet to the fire... in fact, he has been begging us to

[FreeState]

92. maybe because Obama is against gay marriage? n/t

[SeattleGirl]

99. Once again, please stop it. All this anger directed toward him,

and you and some others on DU conveniently forget that Congress is a large part of this whole equation. Jeez, if you took even a smidge of the anger you have toward him and leveled it against Congress and held THEIR feet to the fire, maybe we'd get some movement toward equal rights for same-sex couples in this country, not just in a few states.

I guess that's too much to ask of you, though.

[FreeState]

104. How do you know what I do every day? You have not idea

Every single one of my representatives from the city on up is for marriage equality except for the President (even my republican mayor is very vocal in support of marriage equality). I email and call every single day. I donate to candidate that support civil rights.

And I do the same with the President. The government is made up of 3 branches all having equal power - Obama is in charge of one of those branches.

[donco6]

164. I'm holding Obama's feet to the fire.

Figured I'd start there. Too bad if you don't like it.

[Bluebear]

175. "Jeez", it's Obama that proclaimed "marriage is between a man & a woman". Jeez!

Jeez!

[SeattleGirl]

215. Obama proclaimed no such thing. He stated his opinion, period.

There is a difference between a proclamation and an opinion.

[donco6]

227. Do tell.

I'd love to hear the difference.

[Sapphocrat]

246. So healthcare reform is Obama's victory...

...even though he is incapable of passing legislation by himself...

...because he spent a full year pushing it, finally personally strongarming the last few Dem holdouts into voting for it...

...but his abject failure to push the very same Congress on equal rights with the same passion he used in his healthcare crusade is not his fault?

[Autumn]

301. Some people have the courage of their convictions,

and some don't. I think the President lacks courage on this.

[Ignis]

338. Great point. We certainly see "HC"R touted as an Obama victory point.

Over and over and over and over and over and over again. Can't have it both ways.

[Angry Dragon]

297. What I hear from the right side of the aisle is that the President

of the Untied States is the most powerful person in the world and the leader of the greatest country in the world.
If that is the case then this president needs to lead, to be in the forefront of major changes. This country is being torn apart by fear and hate. That to me is the biggest problem in this country today. Gay rights are part of the problem and should be addressed by the president and he needs to take a vocal and upfront stand on this issue and many others that have to do with the rights of ALL people.

I am not attacking you, for you care, but he is not leading, he is letting others direst the flow.

[donco6]

162. Because Obama should know better.

And so should you.

[LooseWilly]

270. Obama did something for federal govt. employees? Well, sort of.

Obama's changes, per the Air Force's news site: http://www.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123207613

<snip>

These benefits would include access to day care for children of employees' domestic partners, travel and relocation allowances, and access to employee assistance programs.

Additional benefits could include gym and credit union memberships, access to career and other counseling and assistance services and government medical facilities, and lodging allowances, according to implementing guidance OPM officials issued to federal agencies.

The new policy does not extend health insurance benefits under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program or retirement benefits to same-sex partners. That would require legislative changes, such as those being proposed in the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act, which President Obama supports.

<snip>

Day care, travel and relocation allowances, and access to employee assistance programs. Pretty heady stuff indeed. Compare those benefits with those that were offered by the Department of State months earlier.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/24/us/24benefit.html

<snip>

A senior State Department official confirmed the new policy, though he did not say when it would take effect.

Among the benefits are diplomatic passports, use of medical facilities at overseas posts, medical and other emergency evacuation, transportation between posts, and training in security and languages.

Gay and lesbian diplomats have lobbied the State Department for these benefits for several years. Under current policy, they note, diplomats with domestic partners could be evacuated from a hazardous country by the American government while their partners were left behind.

The State Department had declined to provide some benefits to the partners of diplomats, invoking the Defense of Marriage Act, which limited federal recognition of same-sex unions.

Mrs. Clinton was asked about the issue in February at her first town-hall-style meeting with department employees. “I view this as an issue of workplace fairness, employee retention, and the safety and effectiveness of our embassy communities worldwide,” she said, to applause.

<snip>

Obama's offerings can't help but seem like crumbs in the face of what Clinton and State offered. The big difference, of course, is that State can offer these things overseas, where DOMA isn't so onerously enforceable... but the Obama DOJ continues to defend DOMA by throwing the metaphorical kitchen sink into each argument... even while AG of California, Jerry Brown, not only refuses to defend proposition 8 on behalf of California, but he joined those arguing against it in court.

Clearly, Obama should direct Eric Holder to prosecute Jerry Brown for failing to be AG-like enough... for not fighting on behalf of the state of California sufficiently to oppress the LGBT community, or Obama and Holder should re-think their positions on the subject.

Best to get our own house in order (whatever order "we" decide on for it) before we start flinging shit at the Republicans... unless you're a fan of being made to look like a thoughtless fool...

[Minimus]

87. Great pictures!

Congratulations to your niece, to you, to your family, and to your new family members!

[ruggerson]

90. i just want him to explain why he was for it before he was against it n/t

[GSLevel9]

93. political cowardice...

bottom line, that's all.

Even the most libertarian minded conservatives don't care about this issue.

It's honestly not ANYONE'S business who someone marries. And frankly, the ONLY people who CARE are the Fundie Right and the knuckle draggers.

Live and LET live, right?

[asdjrocky]

132. Live and LET live.

Absolutely right!

[lunatica]

96. What a great photo of newlyweds!

They both look as happy as they could be. Please congratulate them on their nuptials and may they have a long and wonderful marriage!

[Lisa0825]

100. Congratulations! I wish them a lifetime of happiness :-) nt

[a la izquierda]

101. Felicidades...

My mom is gay. My uncle is also gay. It really chaps my ass that Democrats don't stand up for GLBT people. I hope your niece has a lifetime of happy memories.

[red red red]

102. Best wishes...

to as beautiful couple!

[Bluebear]

103. So sorry. Barack Obama: 'marriage is between a man and a woman'

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/barackobama/3375059/Barack-Obama-marriage-is-between-a-man-and-a-woman.html

[asdjrocky]

123. Thank you Bluebear.

We need more like you!

[handmade34]

106. well, "lord have mercy"

I LOVE that 1st picture... congratulations to the happy couple... and, what a handsome family you have!

[unapatriciated]

112. Another Wedding.

On July 17, 2010 my daughter married a wonderful woman. I'm overjoyed to have another daughter to love. Both my daughter and her new bride voted for you Mr. President.




That's her son my grandson, can you not see the happiness in his face, they are a family. If you want to earn her son's vote in 2012 (it will be his first election), you will do the right thing and stand up for equal rights.


Yes like any other wedding there was a celebration of joy.


even if the neighbors called the po po, geeze it was only 8:30.

[asdjrocky]

120. Thanks for sharing these great pics.

What a beautiful couple. Congratulations to you and yours.

[unapatriciated]

125. Congratulations to you and yours.

Your niece is beautiful.
oh and a BIG K&R for equal rights.

[jesus_of_suburbia]

160. Thank you for sharing these, unapatriciated!

Your daughter is lucky to have a parent like you.

Believe it or not, there are many people even on this board who don't have such support from their family (I'm one example).

[unapatriciated]

340. can I adopt you?

:hug:

[RKP5637]

293. Wonderful and Beautiful!!!

:yourock: :yourock: :yourock:

[SunsetDreams]

323. Beautiful pictures!

Congratulations to your Daughter and her Wife :)

[Robeson]

113. Thank you for sharing...

...and many, many happy wishes for the lovely couple! Also love the family pic.

[Political Tiger]

115. It's all Obama's fault!

Everything that has ever happened or that will ever happen is all Obama's fault! The sinking of the Titanic was Obama's fault! WWII was Obama's fault! The Cuban Missile Crisis was Obama's fault! Watergate was Obama's fault! You name it, it was Obama's fault! IMPEACH!
:sarcasm:

[fascisthunter]

128. awwwwww....

:nopity:

[asdjrocky]

134. President Obama-

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman."

Sorry the truth hurts.

[Name removed]

140. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[donco6]

165. Wow. What an inappropriate whine.

Would you like some cheese?

[Bluebear]

169. What, you missed the biting "sarcasm"?

:rofl:

[donco6]

172. It must have been limburgher.

Couldn't see it past the smell.

[Bluebear]

168. Talk about an idiotic as well as inappropriate post.

[Name removed]

265. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

216. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

277. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[pecwae]

282. I'm sure you feel

your comment to be incredibly witty and astute, yet it has had the opposite effect. I say this without any sarcasm whatsoever.

[YOY]

356. Wowsers!

n.t.

[Name removed]

375. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Kurovski]

117. K&R!

I'm guessing it's the last thing he'll do at the end of his term. Which is super!!!

[Name removed]

118. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[asdjrocky]

126. I would have to agree!

I think it should be the cover of Modern Bride!

[Kurovski]

143. Again: Pure Joy, one of the best wedding pics I've seen!

I think the unreccers turned me in. Oops! :)

[pink-o]

129. In 2004 when Gavin told same-sex couples they could get married here

my friends and I went down to City Hall and handed out coffee and baked goods to the folks waiting in the long lines. I'm a jaded, divorced, old straight woman who has absolutely no patience for romance...until I saw those couples so in love and so happy just to have the same rights that we take for granted. If I wasn't convinced before (and I totally was convinced) that Valentine's Day in 2004 would have made a total believer out of me.

In the 90s, my friend Rob lost his partner Todd to an AIDS related illness. Todd had willed all his possessions to Rob, since his own Fundie family disowned him after finding out he was gay. But wouldn't you know it...some douchebag lawyer got the will nullified and the Fundies came and took everything away. Rob couldn't fight it, because he wasn't considered "family". Only the blood relatives who never accepted Todd for the person he was had "family" rights.

A situation that marriage would have made impossible! I mean, we all have anecdotes like this, so many stories of children taken away from parents, or partners unable to see their dying loved ones in the hospital. It just makes me heartsick.

We barely blink when it comes to violence and Corporate Corruption, but when two people want to be free to love each other, suddenly there's a problem? WTF is WRONG with this society, anyway???

[asdjrocky]

225. This is such a great, warm and in many ways funny and sad post.

Thanks for checking in with your story.

The funny part was this, "I'm a jaded, divorced, old straight woman who has absolutely no patience for romance..." Lol, I know that feeling well!

[Daninmo]

137. Sure looks like

A happy couple.

You know, this whole gov't involvement with marriage puzzles me. I don't think they should have a say one way or the other. It's a religious ceremony, just like a baptism, or a Bar or Bat Mitzvah IMO. Civil unions and legal contracts are another item.

[unapatriciated]

187. sorry but you are wrong.

Marriage started as a contract between families (or countries) religion wasn't even interested at first and considered it a civil contract. Sorry but you are wrong. My marriage was not religious yet I and my husband are married and we enjoy all the rights a marriage license guarantees.. My daughter is entitled to the same rights.

http://uktv.co.uk/yesterday/item/aid/581541

http://www.essortment.com/all/historyofmarri_rimr.htm

[Phentex]

141. Nice! In my mind I added dammit to the end of your title!

Beautiful pictures!

[jesus_of_suburbia]

142. Thank you so much for sharing these beautiful pictures, asdjrocky!

It looked like a fun wedding.....


Give Amy and Dawn our best!

[asdjrocky]

174. Thank you jesus, never thought I'd find myself saying that!

It was a great and consider you best sent!

[Hekate]

144. I congratulate the newlyweds with my whole heart, and this grandma wishes them all the best.

You, on the other hand, need to chill out and stop blaming Obama for everygoddammedthingunderthesun, before you give yourself a stroke.

Congress makes the laws--that's why they are called the Legislative Branch. A president who does things by Executive Order automatically makes a sunset provision for whatever his pet project is: as soon as he is out of office, the next POTUS can just un-do it.

Are you hammering on your Senators and Representatives in the US Congress? They make the laws. Are you working to either convince them or get them out of office? Because they make the laws.

Hekate

[asdjrocky]

147. President Obama-

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman."

And you don't know the phone calls I've made, the emails I've sent and the money, back when I had it, that I've given to the cause.

You're assumptions that I don't know who makes the laws is laughable and your being kind of rude.

[johnaries]

148. They are "not married" thanks to Republican homophobes.

Yes, this should make all of us angry. But you should always make sure your anger is directed where it SHOULD be. This Op is the equivalent of being mad at your boss and kicking the cat.

[Political Tiger]

152. That's exactly right!

n/t

[asdjrocky]

157. President Obama-

"I do not support gay marriage. Marriage has religious and social connotations, and I consider marriage to be between a man and a woman."

You are wrong.

[donco6]

166. And a President who believes marriage is between a male and female.

Hey, I didn't make it up. He said it himself. And he should know better.

[BlueCheese]

170. Not quite.

One of them is the President of the United States. The other is a minority party with approval ratings in the toilet. Which one is the boss and which is the cat?

[JanMichael]

181. And democratic congresscritters, and admin and court, gay haters too.

Let's not forget that tidbit.

[Nye Bevan]

275. I don't think black people should be allowed to marry white people.

But you can't get angry at me. A Republican told me to say that.

[sui generis]

287. Wrong. We elected Obama to LEAD on our issues

it was part of us taking his word that he would be a "fierce advocate". If there is disappointment directed at Obama it is specifically because he doesn't lead.

Marriage is NOT a state's right, and yet this guy in the white house seems to think that hospital visitations for US are discretionary at the discretion of the hospital, and DADT should have discretionary enforcement while the bigwigs try to figure out an excuse for not lifting it; meanwhile, our lives are not discretionary.

Feingold and Hackett both essentially said that marriage is about property and the freedom to marry whoever you choose - quintessentially American. It brooks no argument about tradition or prurient interest or any other stalling tactic we've heard.

In the Obama administration, the administration of the Great Explainer, we don't get great leadership. We're Americans, we own property, pay taxes, fight in our wars and raise our kids the same as everyone else, just with fewer rights. The president IS responsible for recognizing that our lives are on hold as long or at best much more complicated, as long as we are second class citizens.

[NorthCarolina]

305. And on the subject of gay marriage, Obama differs from the GOP how? eom

[Ignis]

345. Phew, that's a relief! I didn't know only (R)s voted for DOMA.

Could you provide that voting record to back up your claim, please?

[WillyT]

151. HUGE K & R !!!

Beautiful pictures!!!

:bounce::woohoo::bounce:

:grouphug:

:hi:

[JerseygirlCT]

156. Such a happy picture! Love the joy on their faces! nt

[jannyk]

158. They look so incredibly Happy! Best of everything to them both. nt

[Lithos]

167. The eyes say it all

What a beautiful couple...

Many congrats!

On Edit: Spelling...

[awoke_in_2003]

180. More than happy to K&R....

this is a civil rights issue, and should be treated accordingly. Joy and happiness to the new couple.

on edit: just wanted to say that the "sanctity" of my marriage was in no way harmed by this- so bite me, any lurking homophobes.

[G_j]

191. beautiful photos

and comments

[bertman]

205. BEAUTIFUL!! Thanks for posting that, Rocky. Rec. nt

[political_Dem]

206. I wish the happy couple the best with the epitome of joy.

I certainly do hope that the time will come soon to finally make free and clear for everyone, regardless of whom they love, to marry and make a life in this society.

It is very sad to me when there are people who interfere with the happiness and liberty of others. Instead, it should be recognized that there are many different ways to love one another as there are families. No one should ever be denied from having a chance to make a committment to the person they want to spend their life with.

Love is hard enough to find in this society. That's why for those who have found their soulmate, nothing should bar them from being together no matter what sexual orientation they are.

Good luck and best wishes to the nuptials. :hug:

[asdjrocky]

217. Love is hard enough to find...

That's for sure. Thanks for checking in with those well placed words.

[political_Dem]

222. You're very welcome. Thank you for sharing this beautiful story with us.

It warms my heart to see people who love each other. There's enough hate in this world.

[Name removed]

207. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

213. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[donco6]

228. Funny thing, that.

It's almost as if they cared more about defending Obama than supporting the rights of people who are, you know, REALLY being persecuted.

[ruggerson]

238. Well said

It does appear that way, doesn't it?

[Name removed]

252. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[donco6]

253. ROFL!

That's definitely one for the ages.

But hey, at least we can have a wedding and NO ONE GOES TO JAIL! Why aren't we happy with that?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=8865162&mesg_id=8867309

[Ignis]

342. That was horrible, but also an instant classic.

Aren't you glad we're in the era of New Civility? I know I sure am!

[Jigglebilly]

269. you have just won the thread.

[Forkboy]

311. No almost about it. Protecting the Brand is paramount.

[Name removed]

231. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[ruggerson]

236. Oh yeah. Demanding that our Democratic President

support marriage equality is "poutrage" and "whining."

Thanks for reminding us.

[donco6]

239. Golly, "poutrage". That hasn't made an entrance for quite a while.

I feel so . . . violated.

[Jamastiene]

255. It's a personal attack.

It may or may not be homophobic...depending on the context, but it is a personal attack...

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=5524913&mesg_id=5527919

[dogday]

219. When you find the right one, you want to hold on with everything

you have, and that includes the joy of being married and proud of it....


Blessing and happiness and joy to the beaming couple....

[The Midway Rebel]

221. Fuck Yes!

:cry:


I always cry at weddings.

[Ohio Metal]

289. Then quit going to them!

Sorry, I've been to The Rocky Horror Picture Show to many times to let that pass. No offense intended.

May this couple be happy the rest of their lives!

[Sapphocrat]

248. They're beautiful!

Please pass along congratulations and warm wishes for a long, wonderful life, from another old married couple. ;)

I'd show you our wedding pictures, but, somehow, this isn't a place I'd care to share something that means so much to me, IYKWIAM.

Not that you shouldn't have posted these -- your nieces (you have two now!) are luckier than I am, in that nobody would use their pics against them somehow. LOL

[Initech]

250. Equality for all!!!

[Jamastiene]

260. K&R

What a beautiful couple. :)

[noamnety]

263. That top photo

is one of the best wedding photos I've ever seen. Gorgeous!

[mix]

267. k&r

beautiful!

[Kurovski]

271. Kick. (nt)

[inna]

272. Huge K&R

:kick:

[earcandle]

273. Cool! What a beautiful Picture! Definitely Married!

[BlueIris]

276. Congrats to Amy and Dawn!

I, too, wish our president recognized the union.

[urbuddha]

279. Our Gay Brothers and Sisters are Getting Married in Argentina

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zaw-DvKuIRw

[democrank]

280. K & R

Terrific!

[pecwae]

283. Congrats to Amy & Dawn!

:toast: :party:

[Oceansaway]

285. wooooohoooooo !!...nt

[flyarm]

286. Congrats to Amy and Dawn!!! eom

[RKP5637]

291. Congratulations to them!!!

:toast: :toast:

[Catherina]

295. What a lovely couple

I wish them much happiness and protection from the ugliness of hateful homophobes.

[Iggo]

296. Yay!

[foxfeet]

298. Congratulations to Amy and Dawn!

Many more happy and prosperous years together!

[alsame]

299. I wish them a long and happy life full of all good things! nt

[Pathwalker]

302. Awww! Now that's a happy couple! Best wishes for a happy &

wonderful life together!

[Autumn]

303. Beautiful,

my heart felt congratulations to your family. They are truly blessed to have so much love.

[walldude]

306. Wow... when I left yesterday this thread was a celebration..

I come back today and it's a fucking debate.. Like there is even room for debate here.

You know what? I agree with some of the posters, Obama is not all powerful and cannot change the laws on his own.

What he is supposed to be is a FUCKING LEADER. A LEADER. A PERSON TO FOLLOW. I didn't work for and donate to Obama so he could get in office and sit there complaining that Congress won't help him do anything. It's a crock. We gave him majority's in both houses. Yeah poor Obama has nothing to work with. Enough with that shit.

And those of you who came in this thread to disrupt the celebration? Shame on you. You couldn't find a better place to vent your support for Obama? You had to come to a gay wedding celebration so you could once again play the victim of those mean gays who are angry because they don't have the same rights as you do? Fucking unbelievable.

[Spheric]

309. Love is such a radical concept. And it has been for at least 2,000 years.

Funny how Love brings out the best in some people and the worst in others.

[Forkboy]

312. It's not unbelievable at all, sadly. More like expected.

[myrna minx]

335. Well, we did get a great deal on our martyr rags.

I've had many compliments on them. :D I'll just do one final spin on the catwalk.

[Ignis]

343. !

:spray:

When life gives you lemons, make a lemon souffle! :toast:

[QC]

316. Amen! n/t

[asdjrocky]

318. Well said Walldude.

Thank you for your good and true words.

[Starry Messenger]

321. Beautifully said walldude.

:thumbsup: They have no shame though.

[racaulk]

344. +1

:applause:

[YOY]

354. +1

n.t.

[donco6]

362. That pretty much sums it up.

And then they have the gall to alert on posts that point out how wrong they are. So we end up with this swiss-cheese disaster that relays nothing of the actual, very revealing conversations. What a joke.

[Ozymanithrax]

307. Please CC congress...

This will not happen until Congress and Senate pass laws...

[Jankyn]

308. Congratulations to a pair of beautiful kids...

...may they live long and always be this happy together!

[Name removed]

310. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Stinky The Clown]

320. That's a really good question.

[QC]

324. But apparently one that must never be asked. n/t

[donco6]

363. yup n/t

[Political_Junkie]

313. Congratulations to Amy and Dawn.

They are married in my eyes.

[SunsetDreams]

322. Congratulations to Amy and Dawn

You make a beautiful married couple, and what a beautiful family you have.
I wish you many years of happiness.

[jennied]

327. *teary eyed*

[NewJeffCT]

337. In Connecticut, Mass and a few other states

Amy & Dawn would be married. Unfortunately, those few states are not enough, and Democrats in Washington DC don't stand up for their real beliefs. I would venture to guess that if gay marriage were put up to a secret ballot, nearly every Democrat, along with a few Republics - would vote in favor of allowing gay marriage.

However, Democrats constantly live in fear of the Beltway media and Fox News, so they parse words by saying they support something not quite equal, so as not to get called out as a radical commie socialist by Fox News and to also not disturb the DC pundits like David Broder.

[asdjrocky]

347. On behalf of my niece,

her new partner, and the entire family, I want to thank everyone that checked with good wishes.

I'll pass this along to them, and they will no doubt be thrilled at the supportive response here at DU.

[YOY]

353. You're a good soul Rock. Sure she is too.

May she and her new partner be happy forever. You deserve the same.

[bvar22]

350. Congrats!

Beautiful pix!
:party:

[NMMNG]

360. Congratulations to Amy and Dawn

My lovely wife and I are coming up on our second anniversary. If Amy and Dawn are half as happy as we are they're going to have a wonderful life together. It's such a pity the bigots can't see past their hatred to understand, and that so many enable them by letting them deny us what we deserve.

[ThatsMyBarack]

364. Amy and Dawn ROCK!

:woohoo: :loveya: :yourock:

[Shining Jack]

369. K&R

I wish them all the happiness in the world.

[racaulk]

371. Kicking for today's fantastic news out of California!

:woohoo:

[LAGC]

372. Yay! Victory for all prospective newlyweds!

:toast:

[RainDog]

373. yes. another round of congrats here

[Ignis]

376. Even fucking ARNIE (R) is more of a "fierce advocate" than our (D) President.

The world has gone topsy-turvy. :crazy: