Arkansas Blog

He did it didn't he. The lines are drawn. Now we will see how important his middle name becomes.
Just before the Texas primary and Ohio ain't so gay friendly either. Penn still has that kind and inclusive Quaker influence despite allowing sanitorium Santorium to disgrace a Senate seat.
Wonder how Hillary will use it ?

I was an Obamaist yesterday too, but today he makes me proud. I hope this will spur Hillary to do the right thing...to fight for those who need a champion, not those who can pay for one.

Boo Yah! Much more like this please, future President Obama.

very bold and commendable

how long before it is described by a pundit as "cocky" ? (as in overconfident..pardon the pun)

i wonder if "the weight of his administration" could mean Executive Orders ? or would that be described as "full weight" ?

time will tell, this guy's playing Chess while the others are playing Poker.

I do not believe that anyone with a shred of human decency will not be inspired by this, you should pardon the expression, straight forward commitment to equality for gay citizens. I am in tears and it strikes me in the same sincere vein as his expressions on Tuesday night for rebuilding the black Jewish coalition. These are good things for the people involved and for the country.

I too am proud of Obama's stance. He's showing clear judgment now just as he did with Iraq.

"We must act secure in the knowledge that, even though it often doesn't feel like it, the arc of the universe is long, but it bends toward justice." -MLK

He understands the arc of humanity inevitably bends towards justice (to borrow MLK's phrase), and while there may be struggles to secure rights for everyone now, in a few decades this more robust, truer form of equality will be commonplace. Why be left behind by this inevitable evolution of human morality--why not take a bold stance now for what will eventually have to happen anyhow? Sexual orientation discrimination is wrong...just like racism and sexism and classism.

Many dem politicians probably disagree with the bigots and demagogues out there with regards to homosexuals, but all too often they're willing to greatly compromise their moral principles for short term gains. Hopefully, Obama wants to be more than just a 'politician' in the scheme of history...

Oh, and it's nice to see you on this side of the same side...

Amen, Barack.

Here is a man who takes his stand on the High Road--not the Politically Expedient Road. Should he be the Democratic nominee, I hope all fair-minded Americans will get behind him to get this country back on track.

I'm on record that this letter will not play well in Texas, even with the Demos.
Wish he had waited. But that is not his way.
.

Finally. A courageous grown-up running for POTUS saying these things. He just lost it or won it on this statement.

Given the religious hatred this equality issue generates, Obama's probably just lost it.

America seems to want a Theocracy. Hope not.

God forbid we elect an intelligent adult who doesn't mince words about the state of our Democracy and equality for ALL Americans because he's black. God forbid.

This is a brave statement in this political climate. Not least to Obama's obvious constituency: black churches. Who have, for decades, perpetuated the worst kinds of homophobia. It is no accident that the most rapidly rising HIV+ statistics are black women.

So, even more remarkable that America's first viable black Presidential Candidate would speak so truthfully, so early. Risking alienating huge swaths of religious and black Americans.

Takes guts.

Dude's got my vote.

". . . to outlaw hate crimes."

Love the political double-speak. Not sure I can agree with outlawing a crime. A crime is already an "outlawed act", dontcha think?

You can outlaw a violent act, but outlawing a crime is a double negative. Does that make it a positive? Oh, this is so confusing.

This should solidify his strong supporters . . . and start the unravelling of his crossover vote. I guess its about that time . . .

". . . to outlaw hate crimes."

Good catch of a poor word choice, Don, but the sentiment behind the message trumps any correction. I know what he meant and I think everyone does, too.

Isn't it amazing that, in this day & time, anybody would even have to make such a statement? Can you imagine Jefferson or Lincoln having to even mention anything about anybody's sexuality? It just doesn't seem like it should be a matter for presidents or politics. But since it is, I'm glad he did this. I never said the guy didn't have man- crumpets, and it took some big ones to do this. Like some of the other's though, I'm confused by the timing. This can't help him in TeJas. It ain't like he needed any additional "boost" to take the nomination anyway. Odd. Cool, but odd.
I still think Hillary is more electable against the REpugs though.

OH MY GOD! IT'S A LIBERAL!

Maybe the super delegates can fix this. We expect our good Democrats, like Pryor, to support our President's agenda -- and this ain't part of it.

This guy is starting to scare me as maybe "better" than Bill. He sends out a release about coming together that is really about the same old politics of division. He talks of new leadership but he is really solidifying the factions of the past. He speaks of listening, but in the context of those who need convincing (speaking to). And all the soaring rhetoric is about appealing to everyone with hope but to the same old special interest groups with red meat.

Yikes!

Rick, your political analysis seems right to me. I thought the Big O needed Latinos and blue-collar Dems to come over from Hillary while holding together the African-American vote. My read is that none of those three blocks is impressed by this...

The following is a piece of a post from FDL (link at my name) Which shows some excellent straight speak from Obama on the Iraq fiasco.. (Note the Obama quote is accessible by FDL link directly to the Obama web sight)

<<<<<<<<<<<<
this bit of framing goodness from Team Obama, responding to Dubya's press conference today:

With their words today, George Bush and John McCain called for staying the course with an endless war in Iraq and a failed policy of not talking to leaders we don't like, but Americans of all political persuasions are calling for change. The American people aren't looking for tough talk about fighting for 100 years in Iraq, because they know we need to end this war, finish the job in Afghanistan, and take the fight to al Qaeda. The American people aren't looking for more of a do-nothing Cuba policy that has failed to secure the release of dissidents, failed to bring democracy to the island, and failed to advance freedom for fifty years, because they know we need to pursue new opportunities to achieve liberty for the Cuban people.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

To his enemies, this will only confirm him as the Antichrist.

"Equality is a moral imperative."

This guy might win me over, yet.

OK, Max, now you too? This is a great, slick ad, aimed exclusively at the heavy gay population centers in Dallas, Houston, Austin, and Columbus, and circulated at the gay bars. When one looks at the facts, HRC has had the outreach to the glbt community from day one (Obama has not). She has stuck with the glbt community for decades, and when the Ryan White/AIDS funding bill was about to die, it was HRC who led the fight to keep it alive. Obama worked South Carolina with anti-gay/ex-gay Donnie McClerkin at his side and in an incredibly visible position. Obama has refused to meet with glbt press.

If we are going to make Obama a saint for this ad, let's remember the facts and make HRC one for doing the real work for the glbt community.

This is the kind of leadership we need in this nation at this point in our history--if we expect to hand on anything worth handing on to the next generation.

ThermosDay -

Thanks for that refreshing reminder. At first I thought you were talking about Human Rights Campaign when you used HRC. As a matter of fact, I had just finished reading the HRC e-newsletter from Joe Solmonese about the first openly black state legislator (CT) to come out. It took a few seconds before I realized you meant Hillary Rodham Clinton. Coincidence? I think not. Go HRC for POTUS.

Don Keyhotay, dontcha think that maybe, if we don't parse Mr. Obama's words to death, what he wants to make unthinkable--and yes to outlaw--is something like the shooting (and killing) of fifteen-year old Lawrence King by a fourteen-year old boy in Oxnard, CA, a few weeks ago, because King was gay?

Or the murder of seventeen-year old Simmie Williams, Jr., a few days ago in Ft. Lauderdale, because he was gay?

Or the brutal bashing of Melbourne Brunner in Ft. Lauderdale a few days ago, because he was gay?

Dontcha think that hate crimes just might exist, given all of that evidence--which is just the latest shameful evidence of how LGBT citizens get treated in our nation--just because we're gay?

Maybe I'm just dim witted, dumb, ill informed, uneducated or senile, but, what the heck does
ones name have to do with running, being, president of the U S, or any country, for that
matter. My parents named me, 'cause they liked the name, I guess, I named my 4 youngins,
'cause I liked the names, not for any deep, dark secret plan to overthrow the U S government
at some future time, oh, to be so smart and far planning,,,,,,,and, they, REPUGS, are back
on the FLAG LAPEL PIN. I have a collection of Donkey pins, I always wear one, even have a
YELLOW DOG DEMOCRAT pin on a baseball cap,,,,my big kick is wearing these things when
I know I'll be in the company of the enemy, gives them the red ass big time.

If we are going to make Obama a saint for this ad, let's remember the facts and make HRC one for doing the real work for the glbt community.
Posted by: ThermosDay
<<<<<<

I don't think "we" should make a saint out of any senator or president or dog catcher.. and Obama has made a few blunders with the GLBT community along the way (particularly with invited anti GLBT speaker in his North Carolina bid)

As a rabid left lamb who has contributed to three presidential candidates so far and worked a little for projects on a couple campaigns.. I am like many folks here in the fact I now see the writing on the wall.. it's time to rally behind the Dem nominee apparent and look for the good and praise it along the way... I expect we will be his most ardent fact based critics as well.

Here's hoping this Dem, Obama, demands more than a bigger closet...

Not only high moral ground, but effective campaign strategy: Mount an offensive against those swiftboats before they are even launched. After all, this is his record:

"In Illinois, I co-sponsored a fully inclusive bill that prohibited discrimination on the basis of both sexual orientation and gender identity, extending protection to the workplace, housing, and places of public accommodation. In the U.S. Senate, I have co-sponsored bills that would equalize tax treatment for same-sex couples and provide benefits to domestic partners of federal employees."

Don't you know the GOP has been making ready its attack campaign claiming that Sen. Obama's history shows he wants "special privileges" for gays and lesbians? (Somehow laws that ban discrimination against those who are, in fact, discriminated against amounts to special privileges in the minds of some.)

Why play defense on that? His record is his record -- nice to see there is no Romneyesque retreat.

Now; wonder if he'll get out front of the incoming fire on handgun control?

Correction. I don't know that the strategy is "effective." I just believe it is more wise that sitting back and letting the Republicans drag stuff out about his time in the state senate as if it were a deep dark secret he has been hiding, or he has flip-flopped on the issue and is now caught in the bright light of exposure.

Yeah, and some of you guys probably believed Bush in 2000 when he pledged to restore "dignity" to the White House. Or Reagan in '80 when he promised to reduce taxes, increase military spending and balance the budget.

I am a Gay American....these immortal words spoken by former Governor Jim McGreevey (D-NJ) spoke volumes of what so many Americans feel. Whether its the election of His Grace, Bishop V. Gene Robinson or the record-breaking Brokeback Mountain or just the mere change of time, I never thought I would see the changes I see.

For the record, I am a Hillary Rodham Clinton supporter. Her record on GLBT issues is strong and consistent. But honestly, this just warms my heart. If a President Obama or a President Clinton hold the line, don't compromise, and do fight for Equal Rights, then we cannot go wrong in this nation.

Kudos to the Obama camp and I am getting more comfortable with him.

Remember when lowly women could not vote?
Them there were the good ol' days...
Remember when those africian americans could not vote?
them there were the good ol' days...
Remember when there wasn't an issue of civil rights?
It was us versus them...ah, the good ol' days...
We thought we had them all wrapped up....

Then them there homos had to go off and start something...

So I said to my grandpa then...
as I say to you now...
when equal rights becomes a HUMAN right...

btw...flaring raging lesbian here....

and although I don't care for Obama...
GOOD FOR HIM...

I'd like to think that this will cause some scales to fall off people's eyes, but I doubt it. Not when I heard what I did this morning on NPR from a conservative church-goer in Houston who said that while she respected Hillary for running for president, she believed in the subordination of women to men and that a man should be president. I don't think she means Obama . . .

If folks in America - 2008 America - feel like this, how do you think they'll respond to Obama's stance in relation to the LGBT community?

Speaking as someone who didn't (and still doesn't) have a candidate after Edwards dropped out, I say this sounds like a man who is playing for all the marbles. If he wins the presidency, I think he intends to do something real with it.

While I wholeheartedly agree with this position, Obama just cost himself the election. To hell with Ralph Nader. The homophobes now have no reason to lay it off on racism when they vote against him.

Hey Janus,

Did you notice all the shred lackers jumping in after your post? The Elephant Echo Chamber a.k.a. Turd Blossum's li'l drooling pack is cycling up.

Click on my handle for a cartoon trhat would be funny if it weren't so true.

I have always thought that Obama was shallow on issues. Now, I think he is stupid, politically that is. I am a life-long democrat that will now be voting for McCain, unless Hillary wins the nomination.

Interesting timing. Sen. Obama *had* to acknowledge, embrace, or renounce his state senate record of aggressive support for rights for LGBT citizens -- he couldn't afford to let the GOP bring it up first and frame the issue. On the cusp of clinching the nomination (and now beginning to draw fire from Sen. McCain), it was time.

But I have to wonder whether he would have rolled up his string of victories if he had highlighted his record on these matters back in New Hamphsire. To me it's an interesting, if pointless, scenario to ponder.

If America give queers the right to live together as same sex partners then katrina will look like a picnic compared to what God will do to america. He made everything and He alone controls the universe and it would be better for you all to acknowledge that fact.
Queers are natural born people who choose to be filthy beast. They are not born that way.

Obama will not be president and that is that! Neither will clinton.

The democrap party is dead.

Even after I heard bush lying on tv today you democraps will force the nation to vote against anyone like obama and hillery and vote republican again.

Arkdude, good to see you and Chasv lining up on the same side.

chasv -- you may be right. Not about the punishment from God part, in my opinion, but about the part where the MSM and pundits are asking over and over come January why the Dems keep offering the American public presidential candidates who are significantly far to the left of the voting public.

Will the notoriously homophobic "Black Church" now wish it had thrown its weight behind Hillary?

chasv, thanks for the laughs. It is rare that a person, and I use the term loosely, can channel friar huck, jerry falwell, pat robertson, oral roberts and justice jim in one sitting. I do hope your god loves you for what you say and how you say it. Just one question, though: did Adam have a navel?

Ozarkrazo, common sence will tell ye that no Adam nor eve had navels.
We all should know that the world will be burned up. We are taught the God can pluck up any nation and do what ever He pleases with it. He builds nations and He destroys nations that go against his will.
Yes, Tap, the democrats have not changed their stand on issues that have cost them control of the total government.
I think it not the party but the people running that party that is the problem with it.
Mire and scum floats.

Ozarkrazo, common sence will tell ye that no Adam nor eve had navels.
We all should know that the world will be burned up. We are taught the God can pluck up any nation and do what ever He pleases with it. He builds nations and He destroys nations that go against his will.
Yes, Tap, the democrats have not changed their stand on issues that have cost them control of the total government.
I think it not the party but the people running that party that is the problem with it.
Mire and scum floats.

Wouldn't you know THIS would bring out our favorite bigot - who's obviously fighting "those urges?"!! ANd some of his pals... Max: PLEASE leave these buttwipes' moronic comments intact so the world can experience real pure-D ignorance writ large.

I don't think chasv's god is everything he's cracked up to be. If he does anything, he create storms and national disasters that kill millions every year. And what about those babies at St. Judes with tumors the size of basketballs growing out of their faces? The Bible is nothing but 1,189 chapters of the original Fear Card. Now you know where the RNC got the idea of ruling by fear, God's terror level is always at orange.

But I digress. I'm glad I finally got to cast my first vote for a Clinton in the last Arkansas primary. I'd still like to see Hillary as P and Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.* as VP. That's a team the Republicans can't beat, there's 16 years of uninterrupted Democratic control of the White House. I like them both, I want them both, we'll need them both to restore America.

But let me say I am more than impressed that Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.released this letter. I'm more than delighted that he did it at an honest time, not a safe time. That says to me he's more apt to rule like that if he becomes our next President. We're dripping in shit because our leaders have consistently done the right thing ONLY when it was safe for them to do so. We're in a big mess because no one has had the guts to do the right thing at the right time...even if it cost them votes.

Hurray for Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.! He just grew an inch taller in my estimation. Yes, I know Hillary has been working for gay rights her entire Senate career, Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.'s letter doesn't tarnish her record. Just another example of what a fine team they'd be. But it took an awful lot of guts for Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. to release this letter and I have a smidgen of hope for the first time in years...that maybe, just maybe there is a glimmer of hope we'll crawl out of the dumpster in a few years. Maybe, just maybe, someday we might all live together as one. Hurray for Barack Hussein Obama, Jr.!

*I will type Barack Hussein Obama, Jr. in every post from now on. Don't you FK'ing let the Republicans demonize his name. How big a pussy would Democrats appear to be if we tip toe around the man's given name. Say it loud and proud and just dare someone to smirk about it. Get mean...it's the only way we'll win.

OK chasv....

You say you are a Christian. That means you follow Christ and His teachings. Therefore, please point out where Christ has said aything against gays that you have to call them "mire and scum." Are these the words of Jesus?

Next thing, you'll be telling that slavery is OK (the Bible says it is so and even encourages people to remain slaves) or that it's OK to have extra wives (the Bible lists instances of many Old Testament patriarchs with multiple wives). You can just tell us any old thing you want because somewhere in your bible you'll find an excuse to justify your mean actions and bigotry and small-mindedness towards your fellow human beings.

You'll tell us not to mock God but let's be honest....we're mocking you and your shallow interpretation of an ancient tribal text that hs been the source of conflict and misery for centuries. Many proclaim to be Christians who hate & kill, yet not once does Christ use these words or condone these actions.

For one who is so blind to compassion and understanding for his fellow human beings, it is insulting for him to tell us that we are the ones who need to see. So, again, since you are a supposed Christian and that means you follow the teachings of Jesus, show us exactly where he tells you to hate gays.

Chasv,
I agree with Jake there...

Be a simple man and just answer the questions and nothing but the questions Jake asked...don't mix it with God this or that be damned to you all...his questions were very precise...please state where in the Bible Jesus said gays are to be damned... I want to know verse and name...
next answer the question as to whether or not slavery will be permitted from that time, until the end of days...tell me where...

be specific and no walking around the point...
chapter and verse please...
then if you can provide it where Jesus said so Himself, then I'll agree with you and drop everything to be on your bandwagon...

Facts of His words only chasv

Nice try, guys...NOT happening, and here's why:

"Logic and reason only affect those who are NOT part of the problem." --Edwin Friedman

One of the most brilliant observations, ever. It supplanted my previous favorite:
"Morality is the attitude we adopt towards those we personally dislike." --Oscar Wilde (OOPS, he was...GASP!! gay.)
|

Of course I LOVE anyone, much less a politician, who speaks/acts passionately about loving each other, about accepting each other. But I've known for sometime that 'my' people were as electable as my candidate, Kucinich. And, I've also understood why Hillary's been trading ethics for middle ground (not agreed with, but understood). It was not politically wise of Obama to go out of his way to feed the gay haters.

How can so many Democrats forget so many hard-earned lessons about the last few elections? I just don't get it. The first woman or the first black man was going to be a battle...a battle made easier by Monkeyboy's horrid reign...but still a battle. Do dems think the narrow margins of the last two elections are gone...don't matter...will be overcome by charisma/passion/righteousness...or, are they just so cocky about the horridness of the current White House crew that they can't imagine more of the same?? Bill Clinton wasn't just a great politician...he was a realist who knew the realities of presidential politics as well as he knew Democrats. Obama knows us flaming liberals well...but we're not the voters who are going to put him over the top in November. Now that he's apparently beaten Hillary, I hope he's wise enough to learn from both Clintons about how to include, not alienate, those so-called centrist voters.

When are we gonna learn about Obama's race-baiting campaign (Candice Tolliver A.K.A. Karl Rove) practices?

I guess it's a fact that Dirty Tricks to Barack supporters 'Is' uttering words like...Jesse Jackson, Barack Hussein Obama , cocaine, race, fairy tale, race-baiting, madrassa, or Muslim school.

"It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings"

I'll mention again the fine documentary, "For The Bible Tells Me So". It wouldn't sway someone with a mind as simple as chasv's, but it makes a good case for how contemporary interpretations (of Leviticus, for example) are so off the mark.

As someone pointed out early in this thread, Barack has drawn his line in the sand. "Equality is a moral imperative." The evangelicals who will blow a gasket over this are missing the larger point of the teachings of Christ. They're putting a magnifying glass over some (relatively) obscure text in the Bible to justify their own prejudice and hate, while ignoring the cornerstones of Christianity which are love and forgiveness. Which did Jesus teach more about, hate or love?

This has caused me to ponder how the Evangelical crowd can reconcile *their* faith with the continuation of the war in Iraq. It seems to me that if they vote for a candidate who intends to perpetuate the killing, that that's no different from doing the killing themselves.

They're pulling triggers in the voting booth.

"You'll tell us not to mock God but let's be honest....we're mocking you and your shallow interpretation of an ancient tribal text that hs been the source of conflict and misery for centuries. Many proclaim to be Christians who hate & kill, yet not once does Christ use these words or condone these actions." by: Jake da Snake

Very good Mr. Snake...
NO that's excellent; sadly, your words will fall on empty hearts.

I'm not seeing this on the front page of the NYT, Washington post, or even the Drudge report today.

Looking at what is on there -- articles on what pressures Obama is going to face against the Republicans -- I think this release is designed to get the position out there right now, while the right-wing machine is exposing his many other "flaws" as well, and then it becomes old news. Or at least as old as all the other things they'll be digging up for the upcoming swiftboat session.

On balance, both U.S. voters and Christians are more liberal than the right wing would have us to believe. The moral majority was never a majority, just a well-organized political machine.

When dealing with fundamentalists like we have here, remember that the lesson we learn from the resurrection is that Good always wins over Evil, that Love always conquers Hate, and that Forgiveness always conquers Sin.

Even though I like Obama, HE IS NOW YESTERDAYS TOAST.

Even the African American community will not look to kindly on this!

Not that I really want to give chasv more attention then he deserves [meaning no attention at all] but I just can't resist such stupidity.
In your case it's too bad that the moderate and left of the political spectrum does not follow your inclinations - to control people's behavior in line with your religious thinking. Because if we were into the control business; when we win again in November, I would insist you be the first person down on your knees to give me a b- job. I bet you are good at it too! Your head must be good for something - it certainly doesn't contain a brain.
If Adam didn't have a navel, why does the creation scene on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel show Adam with a belly button. Ooops, it must be because Michaelangelo was gay. The queers are responsible for all the ill in the world.
Start puckering up chasv, we're going to win!

Me & my brother could not be happier that everyone is coming around.

Obama is our candidate to be President and is going to win. He takes courageous stands and contrary to East Coast public opinion this type of bold stand will not cost him the race.

Because its all about likeability...thats it, Kerry did not lose because he got swiftboated, he lost cause he is a goon and possibly a Cyborg. Plus Obama is an avid sports fan and plays pick up basketball, thats all you got to know, he wins!!

Anyway I like being humble so all I will say is I TOLD YOU SO!!!!

Come on Obama and put HRC away on Tuesday

Yes We Can!

Senator Obama has come a long way and I have turned the corner and decided he has earned my support. He is going a great Vice-President.

Senator Obama has come a long way and I have turned the corner and decided he has earned my support. He is going to make a great Vice-President.

Senator Obama has come a long way and I have turned the corner and decided he has earned my support. He is going to make a great Vice-President.

Michael12. YOu must be from Chicago, where in the great tradition of that city you can vote 3 times! I'm envious.

The American military is not indiscriminantly killing innocent people in Iraq. Certainly innocents will always die in war, particularly when the enemy uses women and children as human shields. The enemy also uses the innocents as suicide murderers. Even with liberal politicians tying their hands at every turn, the American military has done a valiant job of fighting. Under the superb direction of General Petraeus, we're seeing significant success. John McCain seems to have much better insight than George Bush in how to get this war settled.

Janus - your 10:23am response to Chasv is inappropriate and shows a total lack of class.

You would know nothing about class Severus. What's the matter, jealous I'd put you second?

Oh, it's not hard to find examples of indiscriminate killing of civilians in Iraq. Try Google.

Anyway, what war? Iraq is at war with us in the same sense that France was at war with Germany after 1942. A war and an occupation are two different things. It's not a war until there's a chance of losing. The day Iraq threatens to occupy America, I'll concede what we have is a war. Until then, what we have is a slaughterhouse where failure to do what the American soldiers or contractors tell you do is punishable by death.

I take your point, Severus, about our sons and daughters, friends, neighbors and others fighting with valor in Iraq, and with as much respect (generally speaking) for innocent life as their mission allows. To me hugh mann's post raises the question of why Evangelical Christians, among other people of conscience, have not held George W. Bush accountable for his deceit in starting an unnecessary war -- with all its predictable slaughter of innocents -- against the Saddam Hussein regime. And, one might wonder the teachings of Jesus would not compel these Christians to support an end to the occupation sooner rather than later, since it too results in death to innocents without much foreseeable prospect of an overall reduction in terrorists in the region or in the threat of terrorists to the U.S.

It might be understandable to see Evangelicals pointing to some calculus that says the war is for the greater good or will result in a net savings in innocent life. Instead, they seem to some of us unconcerned about the death the administration has caused, so long as President Bush fights abortion, stem cell research, and homosexual marriage.

Not every one in the GLBT community is so enamoured and trusting of BHO. His snub of SF Mayor Gavin Newsom (see link at name below) raises questions about authenticity.

Don't swallow the Kool-Aid just yet.

TAORIDER: I would agree with you over Obama's snub of SF Mayor Gavin Newsom and Obama's ugly and insulting incident with Donnie McClurkin's inclusion in Obama's gospel fundraiser in South (not North) Carolina.

Still, Obama's statement is the most powerful, explicit mainstream-media call for equality for gay and lesbian Americans ever issued by a Presidential candidate. It is unequivocal. He can never claim he didn't say or mean it.

Yes, it may have cost him the election.

On the other hand, Obama may have finally voiced what the majority of Americans, most of whom have same-sex friends, co-workers and family members, actually believes: that they are tired of the religious right trying to turn our democracy into a theocracy by resurrecting the same hateful Biblical bigotry they used to demonize interracial marriage.

He may, in fact, be the first Presidential Candidate to realize the influence of right-wing religious theocrats is on the wane in America, and to ride that wave into the White House.

This is astonishing to say, considering what the truth is:
"The American military is not indiscriminantly killing innocent people in Iraq. Certainly innocents will always die in war, particularly when the enemy uses women and children as human shields."

You do not know the reality these days. 90%, that is NINETY PER CENT, of the people that die in wars these days are CIVILIANS. Only 10% are military. In actuality, war now is war against civilians, not soldiers.

That means women, children, and mostly innocent men. Folks should think about that long and hard.

Mullen, how old are you? Are you so ignorant that you have to have someone point out the scriptures for you. I don't mean to make fun of your ignorance but I do invite you to read the world's best selling book of all times.
As long as you are in denial it will do no good to tell you the verses or the scriptures that answers the snakes questions.
You must repent of your sins and be born again!
But, know this, there are many verses in the New Testament that condemns homosexuality. Like in the first chapter of Romans which was written by Paul who was a deciple of Jesus.
I will tell you that God loves you and wants to save your soul when you humble yourself as a little child and repent.
In the past on the same issues I have quoted scripture after scripture of what God's word said about homosexuals.
There is room at the foot of the cross, where Jesus was crusified, for all to come and receive salvation.

Gee, chasv....not once do you quote Jesus on the matter. Not at all.

Now, it's real simple and you just failed. Such an easy question and you just don't want to admit what the answer is. I thought you especially would know the words and sayings of Jesus since it is he who you claim to follow and love and believe in.

You know, to be honest with you, I think Jesus would take a whip and drive you and your kind out of the temple for desecrating it with your filthy ideals about your fellow human beings. I think he'd boot ol' Paul in his self-righteous ass and tell him to STFU for spouting things that Jesus didn't say and trying to change his message.

Your not a Christian, chasv. You're actually a Paulist. If you can't see the diference betwen the two and recognize which one is truly the Messiah and not some 2nd rate imitation then you are following the wrong teacher.