Rick Warren

[octothorpe]

Dear Mr. Obama,

WTF?

I get that you're about inclusiveness. I really do. I understand that surrounding yourself with like-minded yes-men will only further ensconce you into a bubble, and there are better ways to effect change. I also think your choice for allowing Rick Warren, a right-wing evangelical christian who has actively participated in culling fundamental human rights for the citizens of the US, to speak at the inaugural invocation is a poor one. I don't believe that you've thrown gays, or women under the bus with this decision, but considering the amount of times we *have* been thrown under the bus, I am sure you understand our trepidation. You've invited Warren to speak, it's not as if you're appointing him to be part of your cabinet.

You stated in response to the initial outcry: "I think it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something I have been consistent on and something I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency." Actually, you've also stated that you're not for gay marriage, but rather, civil unions. That's not equal, that's separate. Simply stating what you are for or against is meaningless when talking to groups that have continually been marginalised. Your actions tell the story, and the first chapter of this book is starting out poorly.

I hereby request that you rescind your invitation to Mr. Warren, and show us that you are an emissary of positive, progressive change.

Thank you for your time,
CM Harrington
==================

So I'm considering creating a peaceful protest march on town hall, similar to the Prop 8 marches to show Obama the people who are affected by the hatred that Warren has spread (not just gays, but women as well). Would this be of interest to anyone? If so, reply here, and we'll try to put something together. I am sure we all know some people, and those people know some people. Some of those people probably know how to organise something like this.

There is simply no need to pander to the religious right. We don't owe them anything, and we gain nothing, as their views will not change.

Thanks for your time.
The Octothorpe

Comments

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Since you're an atheist, why the fuss? He's just giving a prayer, not setting any policies, come on guys, get a grip.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

It is not about religion, but what he represents, a bigot hiding behind his well crafted idea of "christianity according to Warren". It was people like him wrapping their hatred in what they called the word of the Lord that was responsible for Prop 8 being passed. If we remain silent and allow this individual to gain legitimacy, then who is next on their march to recreating the world in their own image?

[telemann.livejournal.com]

You know what, to me, this isn't any different when the right wingers were frothing at the mouth because Obama had the audacity to hang around a known terrorist, William Ayres. That made Obama an evil man, who didn't have the right values or decision making processes happening because of who he chose to hang with.

This is the same deal, except now gay people have *their* knockers in a twist because a man giving the prayers doesn't see eye to eye on every issue as they do.

Obama is a centrist and everything he does isn't going to make everyone happy. That's the big picture. When he appoints judges that frown on gay rights issues, I'll be more a lot more worried, but until then, I'm thrilled we have a great President elect and the Republicans are out of control. PARTAY TIME!! :-)

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Well, I suppose we are more sensitive to it out here because we took a beating in a state where it should not have happened. This was due to the efforts of people like Warren and it burns like hot coals.

[voxbaryton.livejournal.com]

I would like to point out that I can't take much of the Prop 8 finger pointing very seriously. I honestly think that when over 50% of San Francisco failed to even vote (not making this up) then perhaps the gay community needs to re-examine the people that are leading it, then finding a new group of people (BLACKS! MORMONS! WARREN!) to make a scapegoat out of.

Uhh, a little more than 50% turned out.

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

From the City and County of San Francisco board of elections:

Official Results as of 12/2/2008 3:13 PM

Total Registration and Turnout
Registration 477,651
Total Ballots Cast 388,112 81.25 %
Election Day Reporting 209,527
Vote by Mail / Absentee Reporting 178,585


Slightly more than 50%

In total nearly 80% of all Californians turned out to vote. This was record setting for both San Francisco and California.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

And that's why I stated what I did. I don't think he's throwing us under the bus, and he's not being appointed to the Obama cabinet. This actually has nothing to do with his religiosity (he's not the only clergy in the event, and he's probably not going to be the only one offering prayer), but rather this particular fellow has engaged in actively undermining human rights of the citizens of the US monetarily, and otherwise. There are many other conservative Christians that could have been chosen who haven't actively tried to limit the rights of citizens. (On the other hand, there are many who are *FAR* scarier). One could make the argument that the *passive* undermining of rights is just as bad, but I am drawing the line at active participation for this argument.