Sunday, October 11, 2009

It's About Time For Gay Rights

After winning the Nobel Peace Prize, our President Obama has started kicking some civil rights buttocks by pledging to end the outdated policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" in the military, and to move forward on repealing the Defense of Marriage Act. It's way long past the time that gays should have the same civil rights as everyone else in America.
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We know that our President has an enormous amount of important stuff on his proverbial plate right now, but we think this issue of gay rights is extremely important. Gay columnist Andrew Sullivan is not happy and says that Obama has done nothing, offered no timeline, no deadline for action. I can understand his POV and frustration, and we think Obama needs to now act, but geez what about the Democrats in Congress? We have a Democratic majority and still nothing has been done. We think our elected leaders and all of us need to scream a little louder about this issue. Gotta give the wacko religious right and the neo-cons credit for screaming the loudest about their crazy beliefs and values. We can understand why gays are tired of waiting, but we don't think complaining is going to help them right now.

Obama is putting the issue front and center by speaking about it and pledging to do something. He's done more than any other President. Gotta give him credit. In our present time of such gross injustices, (ie health insurance company abuses, bailing out Wall St. robber barons, right wing media lies) I guess we should be happy about even the smallest tablescrap of Democratic ballsiness in this country. Maybe it will inspire other Democrats to grow half a set, and speak out LOUDER for human rights.

14 comments:

Bill Villa said...

Andrew Sullivan's thoughts ...

Anonymous said...

congrats on being #1 again last week

Bill Villa said...

Merci.

Angie Villa said...

National Equality March was today

Anonymous said...

Being a straight white male, perhaps I'm a little too comfortable to admit this: But I am justifying my inability to accommodate even more outrage over gay discrimination -- at least for the moment -- to a lack of available broadband width. This is probably selfish, but I'd rather see Obama and the Democratic Party use its political capital elsewhere. Significant change will require support from non-combatants like myself, but right now I'm more concerned about the economy and the other items on Obama's full plate. On the other hand, if not now, when?

tbagshaw said...

Well you hit the nail on the head Human Rights,that is what this issue has always been about to me. What is good for one may not be good for all. If you feel gay rights or abortion for that matter is not acceptable great go your own way! But the rest of us still have the right to know our own truth, and after all what counts is what works for you. Allowing all of us to be responsible for our own actions has alway been a difficult thing for many right to face head on.

Bill Villa said...

6:37, we appreciate your honesty, and we think many people probably share your feelings and perceptions.

In the 1960s, "the negro issue" was perceived the same way by many people-- they were sympathetic, but ... not ready to prioritize it near the top of the "things to do" list.

Something we've (i.e., my family has) learned about injustice first-hand is that, unless it's happening to you, most people don't really get it; and which you acknowledge, refreshingly, in your first sentence.

Your last sentence is excellent too ... ditto the "available bandwidth for outrage" dilemma. No easy answers here.

Thanks for commenting and making us think.

I get the feeling we agree that it is indeed "about time for Gay Rights" and that it deserves to be on the agenda, and gotten done, this term.

Anonymous said...

What breaths of fresh (liberal) air you are! And great multi-taskers! I can't believe how much you take on in the name of civic duty. My hat's always off to you.

Angie Villa said...

Well said BV. I know that going through what we went through w/ the so called "justice system" was a real eye opener for me and has made me more sensitive to other groups who may experience discrimination.

Tom,I agree that foremeost this is a human rights issue which all of us should care about. We should all have equal opportunity in this country, ya know "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness."
If we aren't all treated equal then what good is having a stable economy anyway? Yeah, it's about time.

Angie Villa said...

Thanks anon 11:40, I think it's important to have a dialogue about these issues.

Bill Villa said...

" ... going through what we went through w/ the so called "justice system" was a real eye opener for me ..." -Mrs. Dottie

Something to think about: there's no way we would have prevailed against our crooked and incompetent local "justice system" as we did without "non-combatants" rallying to our defense as co-combatants, and for which we will be eternally grateful. Something to think about, in terms of people helping each other win things. There's definitely strength in numbers, and especially so in election years. Ask DA Jim Martin and Judge Bob Steinberg.

Now the 'hate crimes' we've been on the receiving end of at the hands of our local "media system" and our local "blogosphere system" we can take care of ourselves (although we always appreciate the assistance we get in these areas :)

Bill Villa said...

Specifically, if you'd like to help in this area, follow Bill Leiner's exemplary lead ... and Mea Culpa for veering slightly "OT" ... but only slightly, as the topic is Human Rights and injustice.

Angie Villa said...

I heard a gay rights activist on tv last night say that the President could suspend Don't Ask Don't Tell right now if he wanted to. SO why doesn't he?

Angie Villa said...

Arnold Schwartzenegger signs bill creating Harvey Milk Day in California. It's about time!

http://su.pr/4xFBuN