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
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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

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

I agree. I am not sure if you're merely airing your opinion based on the topic (totally reasonable, and greatly appreciated, btw), but I want to be sure that you haven't misread what I stated.

I specifically stated that I don't believe he's throwing us under the bus, and really, Warren was only asked to speak, not be part of the Cabinet. He's not going to be setting policy.

My beef is that there are other, better choices Obama could have made —choices who are also Christian and conservative that haven't done the active harm against citizens of this country (not just the GLBT community, but to women as well).

I think it's great that Obama invited a GLBT marching band, and Lowery, but that doesn't somehow cancel out the poor choice in Warren.

Again, I agree with the general idea of your reply. The sky is *far* from falling, and I still have hope, but if the first deed shows a lack of consideration, people have a right to be disappointed. Unfortunately it will also make some folk much more suspicious going forward.

The idea of the protest isn't to say "Burn the witches!", but rather "hey, these are the people who are affected by the actions of this fellow, and we're disappointed in your choice."

But you're right, there are a lot of people whom I think may be a bit quick to anger. I hope they take a step back, breathe, and reassess.

[low-fat-muffin.livejournal.com]

I was airing my opinion on the topic. Some folks today were being awfully reactive. thats all i was responding to. As politically divided and diverse as our country is - the President is never going to make choices that please everyone. It's simply impossible. People say he could have asked the openly gay Episcopal Archbishop from Vermont to speak - but that would have set off ever conservative in the country. and basically people were saying - pissing off the conservatives is totally okay. It's not like we elected a gay man into the white house - we elected a centrist black man who spoke up against gay marriage during the campaign. We'd best get used to the gay rights laundry list not being at the top of his list of things to keep in mind. (as if it ever was?)

Protesting every decision Obama makes we disagree with a march to city hall is going to lose momentum. And honestly - its not like he gave Warren a cabinet post - he asked him to give a prayer at his inauguration. and a great deal of Americans (whether we agree or not) get a lot of power from thoughful prayer. It's not like Warren is going to pray for gays to be deported from the United States - he'll pray for unity and for leadership from our young, new president. and thats a prayer I think we can all get behind.

Thanks as always for a reasoned conversation Christopher - sorry that it got out of hand elsewhere on this post. Some boys don't know when to stop typing.

[theoctothorpe.livejournal.com]

It's all good, babe.

While I agree with your statement that we can't protest over every non 100% PC pro-tehgheyagender, I do believe that the inauguration is meaningful, in that it sets the tone for the next 4 (8??) years. I'd like to start off on the right foot.