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

[notdefined.livejournal.com]

Whoa, I think you are misunderstanding him entirely. As far as donating money to the gay 'grassroots' organizations such as EQCA or Equal Rights Compaign or No on 8, you might as well piss in a fan. They received tens of millions in donations and did practically nothing of substance. The protests that were organized were done ad hoc, pretty much like what Christopher is advocating and in reality did do about as much if not more as the bucks doled out and wasted by the 'organizations'. Case in point, the only commercials we heard in the bay area were those of the Yes on 8 campaign and I understand that is the way it was across most of the state.

I understand and appreciate your passion but understand, Mr. Obama has made a serious miscalculation in having this bigot share the spotlight with him during one on of the most significant days in American history. Disagreeing with him will not cause him to lose the election in 2012, continuing on a similar path will. If he is trying to make a point, he is missing the point entirely. Don't get me wrong, I want this man to succeed, badly and because of that desire, and because this hits right in my back yard, I'm a bit upset with him right now as are a lot of people. He should do the right thing and withdraw the invitation. Find another way to make nice with the right, this is not the proper way NOR the proper forum.

Don't misjudge Christopher based on what you are reading into his words, he is very much interested in the well being of Gays and Lesbians, he has proven this time and again. I know this very well and I also know he is not above being hurt by arrows flung at him that should not have been.

[voxbaryton.livejournal.com]

What exactly does it take to be a "bigot"? Mere hatred of the gay community? Is this man anywhere near as evil as Fred Phelps, or any of the rest of the fundamentalist right? As has been pointed out before, Warren is actually the center, the mainstream of American protestantism.

This is my practical point to the entire gay community. The lack of self-relaization that we are on the far, far, left. From that perspective evreyone looks like a bigot.

But the truth is that Warren is no Phelps.

Only a realistic view and pragmatic tactics will yield anything constructive. Obama was right to invite him. The nation voted for Obama not on the basis that "Change" meant a left-wing coup of the right, as Christopher seems to be advocating, but rather that he would allow evreyone their right to be at the table and to speak their round.

Rick Warren leading the invocation does not give him any significant political capital. It is merely a symbolic ploy to show the right that Obama is open to their ideas. Afterall some conservative ideas are rather nice sounding. After this administration, I would love me some small-government action right now. Warren is not being given any power to set or influence policy. This not an endorsement to his particular morality or religious beliefs. It is just a selection of a mainstream minister to lead a prayer.

What is the fuss? Why, after 8 years of divisive politics, do you think that the supporters of Obama would want the same tactics but from the left instead? We don't want that. We want unity and we want people to learn how to respect eachother for what they are.

The homosexual orientation being what it is, it will for the forseeable future always be the minority, and always be vulnerable to being called perverse.

It is better to learn how to live with these people then to attempt to shout them down.

Afterall these people are going to be voting again, in 2012. I don't think Obama can afford to loose much of the middle.

[danthered.livejournal.com]

Uh...using Fred Phelps as a criterion very effectively undermines what you seem to have thought was a point.

Run along now; the grownups are talking.