WTF? Didn’t we hear during the HRC dinner that the President was working on repeal as we speak?
In a move consistent with other contradictory behavior on LGBT issues, the Obama administration has directed its Justice Department to file an extraordinary motion to get Log Cabin Republicans’ lawsuit against the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law thrown out of court, despite a federal judge’s ruling that it can proceed. The 11th-hour move for interlocutory appeal, which seeks to stay proceedings and block discovery, was surprisingly formulated at the same time that President Obama was reassuring LGBT activists that he still firmly opposes the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner earlier this month in Washington, DC.
“After President Obama clearly stated that his highest priority for the LGBT community was to repeal ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’, it is quite troubling to see this ‘about face,’” said Terry W. Hamilton, national Chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans. “This aggressive move by President Obama’s Justice Department seriously undermines not only his commitment to our community and to the defense of our nation, but it also casts doubt on the motives of those at the highest levels of LGBT leadership in Washington who refuse to criticize the President over this double speak.”
Let’s go back to the keynote transcript…
We are moving ahead on Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. (Applause.) We should not be punishing patriotic Americans who have stepped forward to serve this country. We should be celebrating their willingness to show such courage and selflessness on behalf of their fellow citizens, especially when we’re fighting two wars. (Applause.)
We cannot afford to cut from our ranks people with the critical skills we need to fight any more than we can afford — for our military’s integrity — to force those willing to do so into careers encumbered and compromised by having to live a lie. So I’m working with the Pentagon, its leadership, and the members of the House and Senate on ending this policy. Legislation has been introduced in the House to make this happen. I will end Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. That’s my commitment to you. (Applause.)
The jerking around, no matter what reasoning the WH offers, is unconscionable. Instead of the lofty promises in the speech, and instead of another blindside, he should have had the stones to preempt this repeat two-faced appearance by saying in the keynote some blather about “continued legal defense of this discriminatory policy is necessary” and take the heat right there in the room. Stop the game-playing.
So what does HRC have to say about this, I wonder?




In a move consistent with other contradictory behavior on LGBT issues, the Obama administration has directed its Justice Department to file an extraordinary motion to get Log Cabin Republicans’ lawsuit against the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law thrown out of court, despite a federal judge’s ruling that it can proceed. The 11th-hour move for interlocutory appeal, which seeks to stay proceedings and block discovery, was surprisingly formulated at the same time that President Obama was reassuring LGBT activists that he still firmly opposes the ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell’ law at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner earlier this month in Washington, DC.
130 Comments


Hold on a Minute!Go back and read the LCR case — remembering all the while where it’s from.
It’s not the best case out there, not by a long shot.
There are better cases in the pipeline, and we should hope that one or more of them move forward.
But we don’t want to hitch out hopes on a Republican suit, not even if it’s from the Log Cabin branch of Republicanism.
Can they not go 3 days without doing something to P*SS US OFF?I think this smells of RAHM
This is the second case he’s done this toThe first being MAJ Margaret Witt and CPT James Pietrangelo’s case in the 9th Circuit. Let’s not fool ourselves and think that ANY of the cases against DADT will move forward. A pattern has now been well-established.
The Commander-in-Chief sure does enjoy taking a dump on his LGBT troops, doesn’t he? Makes me wonder why we’re still (nominally) supporting him.
DADTShould we be shocked? No, this is why we start at the local level…..
no one said the case was the bestIt’s the administration’s decision to move forward with the defense in the wake of the comments at the dinner. He was not transparent about what his admin plans to do during the interim as these cases proceed. Now we know.
It’s fairly obvious that we cannot trust this manon any level whatsoever.
Obama is such a bitter disappointment…All talk, no action…
Well, that’s not really accurate. He says one thing and does the opposite — there is a word for that.
He won’t be re-elected. He’s the biggest gift to Republicans, surpassing their wildest wet-dreams. They were out of the race for the next 20 years — Obama has destroyed that, I’d be very surprised if we don’t have another Republican administration during the next cycle.
He’s been Bush-lite all the way.
What the hell is going on?Either Obama was talking out of his ass at the dinner or he is trying to stimulate the economy with legal fees. Just a waste of energy, time and money either way you look at it!
If Obama Just Said It…Congress is the best way to repeal DADT. I don’t think it’s passing the buck to say Congress should be working harder on this. The courts can’t legislate or make policy. Sure they can say DADT is unconstitutional…but then what? There will still need to be some kind of policy in place. When the military was desegregated there was training and rules.
I’m all for needling Obama Administration a bit but I’m not going to be a lemming again on these court cases when I don’t see enough needling of Reid and Pelosi coming from the LGBT community. When y’all are ready to direct some shitfits towards Congress, give me a call. I feel like outrage over court cases are a waste of my energy.
And yet we’re supposed to believethat Obama’s DOJ will diligently enforce the new hate crimes law? Sure they will.
As I noted in another recent thread, the DOJ announced this week that they will not be enforcing federal laws about medical marijuana in many cases. That is the clearest possible admission that they are not required to stand firmly behind every law on the books. Yet they use that same feeble excuse time and again for their repeated defense of the vicious anti-LGBT laws we’re saddled with. They have to do it, they keep whining, they have to do it, they have to do it. Bull. Double bull. Bull to the umpteenth power.
Alcee Hastings introduced legislation to repeal DADT……and he was pressured by the White House to withdraw the legislation. And this was right after Obama said legislation needed to come from Congress.
I really don’t it…and the wheels of the bus keeping rolling over us…
Well, even if this IS true
Based on THIS, it appears the DoJ’s strategy is to squelch them before they get the opportunity, regardless of merit.
Soounds like wishful thinking“He won’t be re-elected.” a poll out this week had him handily beating most of the big name GOP challengers in hypothetical matchups. His approval rating are good, and have risen in the last month.
I’m as disappointed as any homo.
But the reality is, most of the electorate is not. Mostly just gays and hardcore progressives.
Wishful Thinking?If anyone is wishing for Palin or Romney or the likes to be in the Oval Office, then they need to find something better to wish for!
More Billshit from Obama!I borrowed the phrase “Billshit” from a Queerty poster and I love it so much and it’s so apropos that I can’t stop using it!
Will HRC blame SLDN again?Like Hilary Rosen does regarding the lack of a stop loss order….it’s their idea.
Look under this shell!
nope,,,,wrong one….is it THIS one??
Wrong again!
Us silly pajama wearing lefties just don’t get it…we aren’t politically astute to know which shell to look under, said the person with the hands on the shell.
Oh, yeah kevinchi….that’s a keeper…Won't be a good hashtag, cuz its too fresh… But we'll work on it.
HMMMM All talk and no action…. I thought that was HRC….Oh that's right it is! Beltway GAY INC supports anything and everything this WH does… party party party.
Jake, don’t worry about it… We have a Clinton-Bush-McCain-Palin clone in the White House now and we’ll continue to get them as long as people fall for the lesser evil scam.
What’s likely is that the intersection of insoluable crises in the economy and a series of unwinnable imperial wars for resources will deepen the radicalization and polarizaiton of political life and lead to the creation of mass sentiment for fundamental, revolutionary change.
1776!
S1, whats the problem? Republicans are just Democrats in drag. And vice versa. So please explain why you’re so worried about the LCR lawsuit.
The question is clear: are Obama and the Congressional Democrats little more than a collection of bigots and those who cater to bigots, supporters of imperial wars and hand puppets of the rich.
The answer is yes and the conclusion is that neither party deserves our support because both are our declared enemies. The day people quit falling for the idiocy that there are real differences between those two parties will be the day our LGBT movements begins the real battle for equality fit for battle and equipped to win.
Clarknt67, it’s possible you’re a bit out of touch. That poll doesn’t mean squat. Every time a coffin comes home from the Middle East it changes. IVAW is growing and sentiment against the war is growing where it counts – in the armed forces and among insurgents in Palestine, everybody in Pakistan, oil workers in Iraq and insurgents in Afghanistan.
Every time new films of butchered and burned children from Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are shown on the nightly news it changes. The antiwar movement, now that it’s clear that Obama is Nixon redux is planning a full schedule of local, regional and national actions and marches.
Every time workers talk about Obama’s gutting the UAW contract while giving billions – make that trillions – to the obscene rich it changes. Spurred by the success of our march unions around the country are pushing for a mass AFL-CIO march on Washington.
Every time states cut health care, unemployment insurance and other social programs it changes.
Every time someone gets unemployed it changes. That’s 15,000,000 and counting.
Just look at things with an open mind and you’ll begin to see those changes accumulate. And when they reach flood stage remember that Noah’s Ark is a fable, a myth. Ask Carter. Or Bush1. They remember.
Thanks Pam!This is why you are a game changer!
Wozzle, are you hearing all this? Because you seem oddly silent.
It seems like just yesterday that you were telling us about all the differences between the Democrats who are hell bent on retaining Bill Clintons DADT and DOMA and the Republicans who are sitting back smirking while the Democrats go on their daily bus ride on our backs.
People who voted for Obama-Biden and the Democrats are as lame as people who voted for McCain-Palin and the Republicans
I’d would gladly wager which one of us isout of touch. I’m not especially happy about his first year, but Obama’s well on track for a second term, thus far. A lot can happen in 2.5 years however.
Say what you likeReal Clear Politics’ average of a dozen Presidential Approval polls:
Approve52.1
Disapprove43.4
Spread +8.7
Are not numbers a sitting President has ever had to worry about. Bush’s approval was much lower when he won his second term.
HRC?i posted it on their FB page.
Dream on
People quit acting like Pavlov’s dog. This is standard practice; most cases like this include at least one motion to dismiss, in the hope a judge will conclude the plaintiff hasn’t met its burden to even bring the case.
That fact that the DOJ has a motion to dismiss means nothing. Log Cabin lied in their press release–a motion to dismiss by the DOJ is routine. There’s nothing extraordinary about it all. Quit taking the bait people. This is just another instance of the gay media having fun with your uninformed heads.
For some reason there’s a lot of gay folks in the media who want you to hate Obama. And they want it cause they want him to do what he’s promised RIGHT NOW. And until that happens they’re going to seize every opportunity to pull your emotional chains. That’s just the way of it.
While I can’t fault people for being impatient I do have issue with preying on the ignorance of others. It’s not right. When I watched Dan Choi, Dan Savage, Michael Signorile and Hilary Rosen debate on DADT a couple of weeks ago with Hillary revealing that the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network had told Obama ages ago not to issue a temporary stop gap on DADT, I knew we’d all been had. I knew that every single one of them (with the exception of Rosen cause she blabbed) had an investment in keeping the gay indignation flames alive. Without it, they wouldn’t be able to make the living as they do (Pam included) in spewing outrage and publishing meaningless stories like this when they know darn good ‘n’ well you’ll buy it as something much more significant than what it actually is.
Your first post and you chose to insult the intelligence of all Blenders and insult Pam SpauldingI bet you got an A+ on your “How to impress people seminar”
I’ve seen many Blenders who have excellent credentials on legal questions, and a lot of us have a well honed BULLSH*T detector.
While one post doesn’t give me a lot to go on, I find you so far unimpressive.
If that is the case, then the President and HRC and the beltway gays should be honest.If they would just keep the rest of us informed about their secret DADT agenda instead of offering the same old lies and excuses, I’m sure many of the reality-minded people in the LGBT community would be willing to trust them.
As long as they continue to tell us they’re in favor of one thing at HRC cocktail parties and work against that one thing behind our backs, I won’t be willing to give them my trust.
is this the same argument is this the same argument as “they have to defend laws even if they don’t agree with them”?
if that’s the case, why did they just announce they wouldn’t be enforcing the federal laws against the medical use of marijuana?
Everytime Obama takes an action “against” the LGBT community, it is defended as “standard procedure” or “they are required to do it”
Except for the fact that we can ALWAYS find examples of NON LGBT issues which weren’t handled the same way.
Why do you suppose that is?
BTW, I haven’t seen or heard anyone from SLDN confirm what Hillary Rosen “claimed” to be the case. And, her claim sounds rather ridiculous. What would be the problem in Obama issuing a stop loss order? Does someone believe that if he did, congress would STOP working on the legal repeal? I don’t believe that for a minute.
The Director of Homeland Security, Janet Napolitano, issues an order suspending the enforcement of the Widow’s act while waiting for congress to repeal it. Is everybody worried that since she did that congress will not get the repeal done? I don’t think so. But, maybe that’s because it wasn’t the LGBT widow’s act. Ya think maybe that’s it???
WHAT?! I think you need to go back to your resting place under that rock you just emerged from. I didn’t post in hopes of becoming part of a fan club. I certainly didn’t do it to impress or unimpress the likes of you. I posted because I felt the need to express my opinion. You don’t agree…so what?
What is wrong with you? Why are you keeping tabs anyway on who’s first or second or one hundreth post? You’re ridiculous.
And I got all that from your one post.
You can do better my friend. So you haven’t seen or heard from SLDN confirm what Hillary Rosen “claimed” to be the case? Umm…how about you haven’t heard the SLDN dispute what Hilary Rosen said on national television. Yea, that makes more sense. Why would they confirm something that they’d rather not be public knowledge in the first place? I’d think they’d have to be approached about the matter is probably the scenario more in tandem with reality.
And why don’t you do that? And while you’re at it, ask them why is it that the director of Homeland Security can issue an order of suspension and yet they’ve advised the president not to. Ask them what’s their reasoning? They might actually have a very legitimate answer.
I’m not going to play the game of conjecture because there’s no facts associated with such activities. I have absolutely not a clue as to why not issuing a stop gap on DADT is a better way to go—if it is at all. But I do think it’s time to not spend so much energy focusing on the president and turn some of our attention towards our leadership, the media and Congress. This over obsession with Obama and LGBT issues is boring, trite and lazy. At least it is to me.
Hilary Rosen caught my ear. We’re being gamed on some level whether we’re resistant to that or not. Most of us are. I find that kinda weird.
Excellent point, Tim!!This whole “we shouldn’t enforce federal laws against marijuana in states where medical marijuana is legal because it’s not a good use of limited resources” thing seriously gives the lie to any Obama-admino-apologist argument that “oh, they’d love to help, but you see, they just CAN’T, because of [not-so traditional] government tradition or because strategically, it’s better for Congress to do it, or because….”
Either there’s some kind of civil war going on inside this administration between the progressives and the moderates or they’re intentionally playing cat-and-mouse with us.
Neither likelihood is good news.
Stop supporting Obama and the Dems. Just stop. It is OUR CIVIL RIGHTS that we are fighting for, not their electoral success. They’re demonstrating to us every day that their success is NOT our success.
If we have to fight the Dems as hard as we fought the Republicans, then what’s the f*&#king point of even listening to their lip service?
I’m going to see what HRC has to say about this, and unless it’s solid, I’m dumping them too.
When the Presidnet lies to our face, we get angry.It’s as simple as that. What about that do you not understand?
I’m perfectly capableof directing my outrage at Obama, my senators, my congressman, the media and LGBT leadership all at the same time. I don’t have to let any of them off the hook.
But, at this time, Obama is the only one who with one stroke of his pen can stop the discharges while congress continues its work on repeal.
Especially since the White House is actively working against members of congress (Alcee Hastings) when they do introduce legislation to deal with DADT and not even responding to the senate Majority Leader (Harry Reid) when he asks in writing for direction on DADT.
Obama seems to want it both ways on this issue. In one breath he says it is up to congress. Then when they attempt to take action, he forces them to withdraw their legislation.
It sounds strikingly similar to the method he is using on healthcare reform and his support or lack thereof for the public option. Just as the senate is getting close to getting the public option put into its bill (which Obama claims he thinks is the best alternative), the White House says they now prefer the “trigger” to keep Olympia Snowe on board.
BTW, Ms. Rosen also “caught my ear”. But, I don’t automatically believe what she says without some proof as you seem to even though you say you prefer to deal with facts rather than conjecture. What “facts” did Ms. Rosen provide? She is afterall HRC and needs to protect them above all.
Interlocutory appeal of Motion to DismissAlthough it MAY be routine to file a Motion to Dismiss, it is certainly NOT routine to file an interlocutory appeal of the motion which was previously denied. Filing such an appeal is an indication that you strongly SUPPORT DADT–which is what Obama and his Department of Justice do. His promises and platitudes during the campaign and his speech to the HRC sycophants were simply a cover-up of his already prepared interlocutory appeal. Obama is NOT to be trusted.
Do we have state by state polls yet?Will Obama take the swing states (NC, PA, IN, CO, NM, etc.) if the LGBT community stays home? How many can he lose and get a second term?
The only way Obama will move left……is if some strong candidate with good progressive credentials challenges him every step of the way in the primary. Failing that, we’re in for eight years of Bush light. WHAT a disappointment!
thanks for sharing
As with marijuana, he “must agressively enforce US law regardless of personal feelings.”Oh, wait…. (scratches his head in confusion)
If I had been at that HRC dinner,I would have yelled “YOU LIE”!!!!!!
Clintonian WHToo many former Clinton people who think it’s 1993 and the issue of gays in the military will kill health care reform.
Joe Solmonese has said Obama has “a vision and a plan.” I believe that’s true. He wants it to go Hate Crimes, ENDA, DADT (only after health care reform) and lastly DOMA. In that order and no other order and by legislation. Personally I think he’s wrong and DADT is low hanging fruit.
He’s already out on the limb by speaking to the HRC. We can all say what we want about the HRC, but everyone who’s not gay sees Obama as the most pro-gay POTUS ever. That speech will be used in the 2012 election whether DADT is repealed by then or not.
If we’re rely on Obama for leadership, that is exactly what we’ll get–Obama doing it his way. If we want a different approach then we have to take control of the wheel.
That’s the kind of ‘liberal intolerance’ that the right love.First of all, you pull rank, as if number of posts had anything to do with basic validity of argument. It doesn’t. You don’t build up a store of credibility posting messages to a blog. Then it’s the US and THEM mentality, with a soupcon of ‘we have superior legal knowledge’ based on nothing but that sentence alone.
I’m not taking sides. I’ve followed these issues as keenly as anyone and I would point out:
Sarcasm and preening turn everyone off. Pulling seniority and boasting are likewise unpleasant rhetorical devices. Don’t do it.
Obama is not all that. He never was. We should continue to press for our rights but TRY to imagine what position we would be in under a McCain/ Palin presidency. Total invisibility.
Health Care is on the plate. There are TWO WARS on the plate. The man could be shot by a racist maniac any minute. Get your priorities straight; it’s been under a year.
There are solidly political reasons for not allowing civil cases put forward by gays to advance to a federal level before a number of issues work themselves out. Personally, I’ve heard that the army will go gay-friendly FAR more quickly and efficiently is the order comes from the chain of command, rather than the courts. Soldiers don’t trust judges; they trust commanders and the ball is rolling at the Pentagon that will overturn DADT. Executive orders and civil judges will only give the conservative evangelical branch of the military (which is extraordinarily large) a dangerous weapon to use; the charge that the army is being infiltrated and corrupted by external moles. That has to be avoided at all costs. It has to be the Chiefs of Staff.
I don’t see Obama insulting gays’ intelligence. I see sincere and passionate gays complaining about the grotesquely Byzantine passages of politics. We should put down the placards for a second and become truly political; which is a lot more than being passionate and honest. it’s devious, it’s intricate, it’s all about waiting and timing and raising money and it’s HOW IT GETS DONE.
We’re not teenagers anymore. The world isn’t fair. It’s a nasty game. So learn to play, don’t complain about the rules because there aren’t any. Think we have it bad? Imagine how the women of Sudan feel about justice. Imagine how the people of Fallujah feel about ‘how things oughta be’. Consider the truly Wretched of the Earth and then pipe down.
Another one of the oldest poitical rules in the book……is NOT SHOWING YOUR HAND. You think you can function in Washington whilst issuing bulletins on Twitter to reassure every wilting violet in the country that things are okay?
Try to read between the lines; don’t expect it to scroll across a building in Times Square.
Yeah I really value contributors who are here to impress people ……and gain entrance to a clique. That’s the kind of society I’ve craved my whole life. As a gay, I’ve always wanted to suck up to the mainstream and be accepted by the popular kids. To conform.
Listen to yourself.
Self centeredness leds to blindnessOh Tim, please tell me you’re not gonna trot out that tired old line, “Obama can do it at the stroke of a pen.” Please. And I’m gonna address both your statements about Obama ignoring Harry Reid and Alcee and your statement about believing or not believing Rosen.
First of all, it’s VERY GOOD idea to also pay attention to the fact that gay civil rights legislation is NOT without opposition. And the opposition is both smart and valid. For example, what Rosen actually makes sense if one would take the time to look at the opposition’s arguments as to why DADT shouldn’t even be repealed at all. Take the following passage from this recent post on Rightside News for instance:
“If President Obama yields to this type of pressure to circumvent Congress, the troops would perceive that action as an evasion of his oath to “faithfully execute” the laws of the United States.
The LGBT Left expects the president to abuse his “stop-loss” power to suspend any law regarding “separation” of military personnel in time of a declared national emergency-defined as a period when reservists are serving on involuntary active duty, as they are now. But according to Campbell University Law Professor William Woodruff, an expert on this issue, the purpose of the stop-loss authority is to benefit national security, not to achieve political objectives:
The authority under the stop loss law (10 USC 12305) is quite broad, but the real issue is whether permitting homosexuals to serve is vital to national security. This is where the Palm Center takes things off track. They are urging the President to use his national emergency authority to create an environment that will eventually lead to the repeal of 10 USC 654. However, Congress passed the [stop loss] law to allow the President flexibility to respond to national emergencies, not to give him political cover to socially engineer the military.
Professor Woodruff continued,
Even though President Obama has promised to work to repeal 10 USC 654…unilateral political decisions in an area the Constitution specifically vests in the Congress would show profound disrespect for a coordinate branch of government
. The situation is very similar to the deference the courts show the Executive and Legislative branches in areas the Constitution assigns to the political branches. Likewise, the political branches must be sensitive to their respective areas of constitutional authority and not try to usurp each others’ legitimate areas of responsibility.”
This argument, and it checks out cause I looked up 10 USC 654 myself, is a strong indication as to why the Service Members Legal Defense Network would suggest to the pres. that he lay off on any executive order. And it’s also a strong indication why the president himself would not dally with a stop loss in regards to DADT.
And for the record, Truman’s desegregation of the military was not an executive order in suspension of a law. And that’s because segregation in the military was not a law. There was no congressional or presidential act that created it.
To wrap it up, like there are those who are outraged that Obama won’t make a move on DADT, there are those equally outraged that he might do just that. And they’re not just talkin outta the side of their necks, either. They’re very informed and they’re sharp. I wish our side was as well. I get tired of the same old harpy worn out, “he can end DADT with a stroke of a pen.” Any moron can say that. Any moron can point fingers at HRC and Obama. Easy targets. Big whoop. Gimme something I can chew on. And that’s precisely what Hilary Rosen did with her statement.
If she was telling a none-truth don’t you think there would’ve have been some semblance of a rejection of that statement by now? You don’t go on tv Tim and say something like that and it not be true and NOT be publicly taken to task for it. Her statement was the stuff libel and slander law suits are made of if it was a lie. SLDN could sue her to hell and back. They certainly have proof that she said it. Plus multiple witnesses. My friend, of course it’s fact! Ohhhh we would’ve found out otherwise almost
IMMEDIATELY if that were not the case. I don’t see conjecture anywhere near the scenario. Simple deduction kinda settles the matter.
Bigotry and prejudice are not “smart and valid” concerns
Are you actually referring to prejudice and bigotry as “smart and valid”?
After losing all respect for your opinion over that, I reverted to skimming. Once I got to the part about an executive order being an abuse of the legislative branch that itself took away power over this issue from the executive in the 90’s I quit reading altogether.
Transparent Government Huh?It’s very tiring that he keeps defending discrimination in court while saying the opposite in his speeches. I am still trying to figure out exactly what this man stands for which I have been doing since the primary. The mixed signals thing is not leading.
“Shut up and obey your betters.”Is that a good one-sentence summary?
Ah, but in the medical marijuana case,it’s a matter of preferring to use public resources in other, more effective ways. It’s not like firing highly-trained soldiers under DADT is costing us millions of dollars or anything…
Give me a breakSarcasm and preening DO turn everyone off, as does boasting. So does comparing others to teenagers and “Pavlov’s dog”, and the old “the world isn’t fair, quit whining” line. Physician, heal thyself.
Yes, the president has a lot on his plate. Yes, I still expect him to do something about DADT that isn’t just a nice speech. He’s the fucking PRESIDENT; being able to multitask is part of the fucking job description.
The world isn’t fair,so pipe down.
Am I dreaming?Seems that all these “shortcomings” of Obama were mentioned by the Clinton campaign during the presidential primaries. And the Obama supporters boorishly responded they were wrong. If it wasn’t so serious, I’d say told ya so!
What evening news are YOU watching?>Every time new films of butchered and burned children from Palestine, Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan are shown on the nightly news it changes.
The major networks are NOT showing such images. The Israeli offensive into Palestine was overwhelmingly NOT shown. The last time I turned on a network national news program, they segwayed from a fluffl piece about Iraq (I KNOW), into a “About Your Money” segment.
Which is why I listen to the BBC. Though not perfect, their coverage of war zones has made me cry. Not something I can say about the 3 major networks, CNN, or even MSNBC.
Wiat a second…Pam’s making MONEY off this site?
Since when?
WEV, dude.
It must be toughTo have the cheerleading duty from DU and have to come into a vipers nest of homos not willing to shut up and wait for Saint Barry to deliver if and when he damned well feels like it.
I feel for you.
No, honestly, I do.
I’m not sure if I’m correct on this but..
Doesnt the President have to get the DADT bill through congress rather than ending DADT with an executive order? I think I read if it goes through congress the likelyhood that it will reversed is rather low as opposed to if he ends DADT with an executive order.
So what is Obama doing about health care?He’s even reluctant to support a public option, much less universal health care. Can he even get the public option passed, even with the overwhelming control that the Dems have on the federal government?
There are indeed 2 wars. So, when is Obama is going to stop them? And note, possibly leaving an indeterminate troops in Iraq for possibly an unlimited amount of time is not withdrawal.
Yes, let’s focus on the priorities. The huge bailout of the banks, without strings attached. The wars, especially the one in Afghanistan which Obama might very well ESCALATE.
No, the world isn’t fair. It’s a nasty game. There are no rules. Which is why it’s way past time that the LGBT community starts playing hardball with Obama and the Democrats.
Another one of the oldest political rules in the book……is not pissing off the people you want votes and money from. Otherwise when the votes and money are not forthcoming, learn to suck it up and start blaming people for you losing office.
Quoting THEOCRATIC FASCISM is not helping your credibility…
1. Or to use a legal expression, opinions from any Campbell University shill who is only an “expert” to Elaine “The Fags Are Coming, The Fags Are Coming” Donnelly is “fruit from a poisoned tree.” Their mission:
2. But don’t believe me; believe the authors of The Pink Swastika which
From the authors:
3. Obama himself stated on June 29th that
David Mixner summed it up October 10th
It’s the same as …
An executive order freezing discharges in the name of national security, which in 1983 Congress gave the office of the President the power to invoke, would be the equivalent of “stopping the bleeding” until the doctor [Congress] arrives.
Had Obama done this his first day in office, nearly 500 gay servicemenbers would not have been “bled” from the since then.
You’d think the HRC and the White House could at least show their hand to the people who support them…if they don’t, then why shouldn’t we push our own agenda on our own timeline?
Getting a little tired of the circular firing squad here…Pam –
Why is it that when the Obama administration does something stupid and anti-GLBT, you have to couple it with a snark attack on the HRC?
(The LCRs have never played well with others – the SLDN found this suit ill-advised a while back and they have been the first to throw the “agenda” under the bus if it threatened a Republican… but that’s besides the point.)
I’d like to see some recognition on this blog of the work that the HRC HAS done — especially in the area of LGBT workplace equality. (Something that folks seem to forget.) Look at the # of companies that now include gender identity/expression in non-discrimination policies — along with the GLBs. That work, more than anything, has really set the stage for the next big battle, which is ENDA.
They’ve also provided a lot more ground support in Maine & Washington than they’re getting credit for… and those new LGBT-inclusive HUD regulations didn’t just come out of nowhere…
Let’s keep the pressure up on the Administration & Congress — which is not to say we lose sight of accountability with our LGBT organizations — but the sniping needs to stop.
Hey, Obama LOVES the public option.At least, he loves it when he’s making a speech. When the time comes for any action that might upset the insurance industry, he’s nowhere to be found. http://www.americablog.com/200…
It’s just incredible to me that there are still people who don’t understand the difference between campaign rhetoric and action. Obama says he’s in favor of LGBT equality, so therefore me must be–despite a near-perfect record of defending Clinton/Bush anti-LGBT policies. Obama says he wants real health care reform, so he must–despite the fact that he hasn’t done a damn thing to bring it about and is actively opposing efforts to do so.
The kind of people who believe Obama’s rhetoric instead of watching his actions are the same kind of people who believed there really was a six year old kid in that balloon. If America had a patron saint, it would have to be P.T. Barnum.
try al jazeerait’s not terror tv. Its a great news org with better coverage of South Asia than anyone. Including the Beeb.
OK, then can you provide a listingof HRC’s accomplishments. To be honest, I really don’t know them.
I would like to see that along with criticism of HRC also, though…both their “accomplishment” and overall.
I would do this research and analysis myself but I don’t have the time right now.
To me HRC seems like the NAACP circa 1940-1960.
one can express an opinionwithout attacking or belittling people. You’ve crossed the line between disagreement and simply being disagreeable. You’ve invalidated your own point just by being mean spirited and condescending.
This is just the typical response…to anything. At this point these people have totally jumped the shark. Its not even worth engaging with them on this topic since they have lost all perspective on this.
They have a personal vested interest in being angry and pissed at someone. At this point its best to do what the rest of the nation is doing…ignore them. They’ll find something else to be outraged about soon enough.
Meanwhile reasonable people can get on with the practical work of creating change. The most important thing that we can do is ensure that these people are not allowed to hijack the agenda.
We need calm, cool, reason not constant emotional outbursts and hysterics.
…there’s a place for both, Geeksheeesh!
@steerpikeIf you don’t mind being compared to a dog who salvates on cue..then go slobber up renwl’s tush.
When I read particularly nasty remarks towards Blenders and slights against Pam, I go look at the poster’s page, and more times than not it’s their FIRST post, and many times their only post.
I felt I walked away from the conversation, when I could have been MUCH MUCH uglier and uncivil. I have two more folks to put on my MUST NOT READ LIST.
so thank you too for sharing…and let’s do lunch.
I like BBCs wide coverage but they’re not exactly neutral. RTE from Dublin is good and meticulously neutral but they don’t have the staff BBC does. The English edition of Der Spiegel has lots of news you’ll never see in the kept press in the US and so does Prensa Latina from Cuba who are unambiguously not neutral.
Save your breath, fair brother Kev.
It was obvious long ago that Geek doesn’t actually give a flying fuck about LGBT rights. His raison d’etre is Keeper of the Kool Aid for the local chapter of Obama’s Fan Gurl Club.
BO could call an all-networks, primetime live press conference in which he clubbed Dan Choi to death with a frozen baby seal and Geek would imagine a justification.
The mistake has been concentrating on the Geek part of his nom de Net, and not the SciFi part when it’s clear he lives in a fantasy parallel universe in which Superhero Obamaman is his boyfriend.
@renwlTELLING people to quit doing something, while critiquing them as slobbering dogs…or what?
You’ll swat us with a MOTHERF*CKING newspaper?
The folks who follow your commands are the sheep….and that ain’t us.
See the company renwl keeps at…
…the Pink Swatsika post below.
I’d say it’s very obvious.He gets my vote in 2012 only if he delivers on his promises before then. It’s a tough call, but how are we ever going to move forward — even on issues that the majority of Americans support us on — if we elect somebody who just flat-out lies to us constantly? I’m glad for the incremental progress that’s been made, but it’s got to be made clear that it’s equality for us or a one-term presidency for him.
For crying out loud, the Republicans are trying to KILL him. Why is his loyalty with them? It’s mind-boggling.
But…
we have to be able to deliver on this at an electoral level by being able to states off of the table. I don’t know if we are unified enough as a community to deliver on this.
me me me …pick meThey made a really pretty equal sign….but lately I’ve seen on Andrew Sullivan’s Daily Dish a comaparrison to an eqaully groovy blue and yellow LESS THAN SYMBOL.
Of course, how silly of me. n/t
It’s called “stop-loss.” Look in to it. n/t
How to end DADTMissing from the entire discussion of repealing DADT are the voices of those that matter…every LGBT person currently serving in silence.
Silence equals Death: Those words ring with a truth that does not die but, sadly, has not been heard for awhile. The time for politicians, marches and legislation is over. It is time for every LGBT service member to speak out and come out. All at the same time.
http://www.objector.org/NOV_11…
As Commander in Chief Obama would have the duty to suspend DADT discharges for the sake of national security when faced with the deafening sound of three words uttered by tens of thousands of LGBT service members….”I am gay.”
A lovely thought but…
…it’s simply not going to happen. There are millions of CIVILIAN gays still closeted to various people in their lives from family members to employers, even in companies with bans on gay discrimination.
Their families, friends, bosses might continue to accept them, maybe not.
But what’s certain is that a gay servicemember knows that his/her superior is legally obligated to begin discharge proceedings if they out themselves. [Some don't but that's beside the point.]
From Leonard Matlovich 34-yrs. ago through Dan Choi today, there have been gay and lesbian servicemembers who have gambled their careers on helping others only to end up kicked to the curb. Given the continuing wrong action and inaction of the administration, Congress, and courts, why should anyone else sacrifice themselves?
Clinton… really.Do we really want to waste electrons on re-arguing that painful contest?
You have it exacly rightThanks, renwl for that.
LOLObamabots of a feather…
You’re right in part
True. But it also about acknowledging the community anger (controlled as it should be) and hitting the streets also. That’s been true of politics since…well the days of the Roman Republic, actually.
Organizatons like the HRC are part of the solution…emphasis on the part…
Yeah, well, the post above said “Major Networks”ABC, NBC, CBS, and if you count cable, CNN, MSNBC, Faux News, CSpan, Broadcast News (But isn’t that also owned by Murdoch?), etc. Al Jazeera isn’t available in my area. BBC is, at least on NPR and PBS, and BBCAmerica sometimes carries the world news hour.
And I never said it was terror tv – the documentary done a few years back on al jazeera was fascinating.
Never said it was neutral.But it’s 10x better than the pablum I get from the networks (absolute crap, no depth, nothing I haven’t heard 15 times that day if I had NPR on).
I just contest the whole “major networks” thing – it’s NOT being shown. THat’s part of the problem – a misinformed and deliberately ignorant populace.
Another lovely thought…..Michael, you bring up a good question. “Why should anyone else sacrifice themselves?”
Exactly….anyONE. Rosa Parks was only ONE of the first Black Americans who chose not to give up her seat in 1955. She paid the price; as did Dan Choi. The following year most EVERY Black in Montgomery chose not to ride the bus. The boycott broke the back of official segregation.
When EVERY LGBT service member comes out..all on the same day..you can pretty much bet NO ONE will be discharged. LGBT service members are already on the bus so they are not speaking out in order to get a seat. In today’s political climate Obama can risk losing one or two or even a few score of Dan Choi’s; but tens of thousands? Don’t think so.
I strongly believe that the desegregation of the military in 1948 opened the door for many of the civil rights victories for Black Americans that followed up to 1964. Right or wrong, this society believes that the “privilege” of killing in combat confers the absolute recognition of “true” citizenship (women…you’re next up). When being gay is no longer a bar to being perceived as a full fledged citizen in this country then it is very likely that those millions of gay civilians may begin to see the rusty hinges on those closet doors fall off.
Oh, this is soooooooooooooo good
Since Tanya Domi’s last post here in the Blend I have been giving a lot of thought about this question…
Exactly what does it mean to be a full fledged citizen? And yes, for some…many in fact (including many members of my family) it does include military service.
I repeatYou don’t go me an Obamabot and I won’t call you a shithead.
It’s just name-calling on your part; name calling you learned from Hillary Clinton and John McCain’s legion (see wingnuts, right-wing idiots).
You look perfectly at home, Ishy, sitting next to…
…renwl and the Pink Swatsika guys below like Woodruff he gets his “facts” from.
Ya shoulda kept reading the thread before letting that knee Jerk.
What is wrong with ObamaObama is privately trying to derail health care reform and DADT while he publicly tells us the opposite. His lies are profound for a president. It’s evident now that President Obama is completely different from Senator Obama. He was elected by a majority of American’s to change our country. Getting us a public option and getting rid of DADT should be slam dunks–but here he is trying to set us back another 30 years. I’m pissed that he can be so stupid. His credibility is shot. I guess he prefers to answer to corporations and repugs instead of the American people.
Yeah, but Obama cannot do it alonethe institutions change the individual, the individual doesn’t change the institutions. Even FDR found that out.
But…Obama did (and still does) have a similar mandate for the type of change that FDR had. I think he’s far too careful and placates to the right wing far too much.
The Blue Dogs are going to lose seats regardless of what happens with health care. The Dems would actually save some of the Blue Dogs seats, IMHO, if health care passed with a public option. They don’t want a repeat of 1994.
OK, seriously people…OK people, cool off here for a minute. Yes, on the surface this looks really bad, but let’s look at some legal ramifications:
1. Civilian courts really have no say over military matters, so this is almost moot.
2. The courts will NEVER hear a collusive case, or one where both sides are on the same side of an issue. The administration HAS to defend the law, otherwise the court wouldn’t even listen to the case.
If you want a recent example, look no further than the administration’s defense of DOMA. The arguments they used were absolutely absurd, legally speaking, so there’s no way they’re actually for the law in question. I think much of the same will play out in this instance.
@PetyPornpigYou’re obsessive and show strong addictive traits. Get help now.
regular Dr Phil ,,,,,,ain’t ya buttercup? http://www.doobybrain.com/wp-c…
I suggest you don’t practice psychiatry without a license
Petey…Check the sidebar under recent diaries. It just got worse.
Smart and ValidMy friend,
Don’t deal with it. Don’t acknowledge any of it. Frankly I expected as much. You most certainly do not want to deal with any of those arguments or statements. Because to do so would mean, why, you’d need to think. Why do that when you can have a kneejerk emotional reaction and be done with it—and patted on the back for it as well.
Meanwhile, we still have to serve in the military in the closet. Cause, well, you’re too busy polishing and showcasing your proud puritanical values. After all, that’s what’s most important—you upstanding principled gay American you.
Why insult you with the well researched statements and arguments of your opposition. There’s no room for that kind of processing. You live in a strictly dichotomized world of idealized right and wrong. There’s no room for objectivity. Not where potential solutions and strategy are concerned. Not where you’re at. And I should’ve known better. I apologize. Really. Seriously.
Smart and Valid Number 2Read the above.
Learn to read. “Without it, they wouldn’t be able to make the living as they do (Pam included) in spewing outrage and publishing meaningless stories like this when they know darn good ‘n’ well you’ll buy it as something much more significant than what it actually is.”
I never said Pam made money off of this site. Quit replacing my words with your fantasy inside voice. When you don’t take your meds it’s not a fair fight.
Poor MichaelI wonder what’s gonna happen to the likes of you and the others who profit (whether financially or just the mere fact that you’ve found a pulpit) I wonder what’s gonna happen to ya Michael when DADT is repealed. And we all know, especially you, that day’s gonna come.
What are ya gonna do with yourself? Career plans maybe? Go back to school? Find another gripe about Obama that’s made your life unbearable for 9 long miserable agonizing months…what? Keep tabs on people’s posts like Porno Peter? Whatcha gonna do with your big bad self?
@renwl“And I should’ve known better. I apologize. Really. Seriously.”
That’s why you continued to attack someone who you deemed obsessive, addictive personality….you know that never ends well.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1wEf…
Interlocutory appeal of Motion to Dismiss“Filing such an appeal is an indication that you strongly SUPPORT DADT–which is what Obama and his Department of Justice do.”
Filing such an appeal is a blatant statement saying you don’t have time for it and don’t want to deal with it cause it’s more than likely gonna get dismissed anyway.
That’s all it means in this case. Nothing more. Quit attaching your emotional drama with the reality of the DOJ’s actions.
Creepy but fun…You know Petey, I don’t typically post on blogs. This is new for me. And you’re like a fag hag’s version of a blog hag. I don’t mean that as an insult by the way. I’m just at a shortage for descriptive words. I didn’t know people like you existed. I mean, you’re for real. I’m fascinated I tell you. You’re like, screenplay material. Kinda like that guy who moved into the airport in Mexico City and lived there for a year. That’s you. Only it’s on Pam’s House Blend. I’m not being facetious. I’m actually truly fascinated.
I’m also flattered that I immediately received your attention. I don’t know…I’m a writer. I think it would be a cool post to do an interview with you—like for another blog. Either for Problogger or some funky blog that covers way out there kinda stuff. Would you be up for that? Like, you can talk about your first time coming to Pam’s House Blend. And then share what it’s been like. I’m assuming you’ve been for awhile.
So, yeah. Think about it and let me know. It’s a serious offer. Really.
You said “make a living (Pam Included)”Last I understood, Pam has a day job that does not involve getting money for this site, or from public appearances, etc.
SO WHAT “LIVING?”
Also, way to be ablist and condescending. I don’t take any “meds” the way you intend, not that there’s anything wrong with people who do.
men have found me fascinating since I was 14 yo…..it’s a cursetake a number
Apology not accepted
After a couple of paragraphs spent making groundless, insulting, and untrue accusations about me?
Stuff it. I don’t have time to waste on you.
shouldn’t you be off spokesmodeling ,ya snotty little twink?
I don’t know about MichaelBut I’m going to finally be able to stop living in fear of my partner getting kicked out of the military, I’m going to legally marry the woman I love, and keep a big ass 8″x10″ picture of us on our wedding day on my desk at work with the Defense Department like everyone else already can, and every goddamn bigoted old fart officer who walks by and sees it can suck my strap-on in hell if he doesn’t like it.
And then I’ll move on to the NEXT piece of the equality jigsaw that I’m qualified to help move forward.
Spokesmodeling? For what? And why are you calling me names. I thought we’d come to an understanding. I find you fascinating, remember? Where are you? What part of the country? Please tell me. And what do you do for a living…
honey, you aren’t hard to track onlineAs for calling me obsessive addictive type.
You stalk celebrities photograph him sleeping and sold 3 hairs and worry about someone going through his underwear drawers.
seriously GET HELP
ring any bells? http://www.facebook.com/photo….
You are born in SLC, are you LDS?
Creepy but fun…
“You know Petey, I don’t typically post on blogs. This is new for me. And you’re like a fag hag’s version of a blog hag. I don’t mean that as an insult by the way. I’m just at a shortage for descriptive words. I didn’t know people like you existed. I mean, you’re for real. I’m fascinated I tell you. You’re like, screenplay material. Kinda like that guy who moved into the airport in Mexico City and lived there for a year. That’s you.”
ROFLMQAO!!!!!!!!
I’m in LouisianaWe design events, here’s one in New Orleans
http://img.villagephotos.com/p…
so no I don’t live homeless in an airport
Tracking me online…LOL. Don’t give up your day job…Oh, you’re hoot! Derrick is my first name. But that’s not my last name. Can’t you read? That’s a different Derrick entirely! Our last names aren’t even close. I don’t even know who that person is he’s stalking. I will say though he’s not hard on the eyes. And you’re right. I’m very easy to track online. That is, if you tracked me by MY NAME.
Try again, sweetheart. Seriously. If you searched for me you’d find me all over the place, I’m afraid. Even on Facebook:)
You continue to flatter me. I’m quite humbled. But really, I’m not all that.
PS. And there’s only one star/celebrity even worth raising an eyebrow over and that’s Miss Elizabeth Taylor. Who cares about silly trifling fly by nights. I go in for legends, darling. Icons are forever.
Wow!That’s beautiful Petey. We certainly could use your touch out here in LA LA land. Very nice indeed. I thought the only events in New Orleans was Mardi Gras. Is that what this is?
You like that? I’m glad you find me funny. I find you funny, too. Really. I’m so glad I discovered you here. Or, the way around. Guess it doesn’t really matter. We’ve discovered each other…
This is a buy off of the Blue Dogstoss them a gay issue or two to tear apart to keep them in line.
And yes, it smells of Rahm..
HRC loves this white houseThey get to come in the side door instead of through the basement.
Can I gain admittance to a cliqueby posting here more?
because if I can, I will post less.
DonG’s interpretation is correctThe effort and intent is indiciative of strongly supportin gthe continuance of the status quo, in this case, DADT.
because the HRC is the admin’s lapdogand gay cheerleading section
Mardi Gras is outdoors…simpleton
found ya…and don’t trip over your fat lip …..uncle http://www.behance.net/derrick920
and
http://unclefatlips.com/
grace slick is gonna feel bad, guess you lied about her….tooAnd there’s only one star/celebrity even worth raising an eyebrow over and that’s Miss Elizabeth Taylor
I would’ve rather the bill wait a little longer http://img.villagephotos.com/p…
SLAM!
Renwltold ya it never ends well
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_1wEf…
uncle
http://img.villagephotos.com/p…