And now time for some TRUTH: Obama Doesn't Mock Gay Rights Protestors at CA Fundraiser.

[Boomerang Diddle]

Here is the "mocking" that President Obama is accused of spouting at the California gay and lesbian community. Prepare to be outraged!!!!

http://www.politico.com/singletitlevideo.html?bcpid=1155201977&bctid=24514900001

For those who can't see the video, here is a transcript of the mocking:

There were some protesters out here. I could hear them-vaguely. I don't know what they were protesting. I think there was a group of them. But one of them started to chant "Obama, keep your promise" and I thought, that's fair. I don't know which promise that he was talking about. But I thought to myself, you know, I like that.

President Obama is not mocking anyone, he is basically saying that he is happy that people are holding his feet to the fire when it comes to him upholding his campaign promises.

And before anyone says "but, but, but, it was a gay rights protest that he's mocking," it was also a Code Pink and ANSWER protest as well:

...activists from CODEPINK and ANSWER LA will protest troops in Afghanistan and war funding outside the Beverly HIlton, where President Obama is attending a Democratic National Committee fundraiser.

So there it is, clear as day. Obama was responding to the myriad of different groups protesting for different causes. And he's happy to know people are pushing him to keep his promises.

We try to be reality-based here, so let's save our outrage for worthwhile causes instead of bullshit tomfoolery.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/5/28/736393/-Obama-Doesnt-Mock-Gay-Rights-Protestors-at-CA-Fundraiser

[Nicole Lambeth]

1. thank you for the dose of commone sense n/t

[sakabatou]

2. Quote-mining

disingenuous, isn't it?

[Neecy]

3. I was just waiting for someone here to post this....

A very long thread of straight people outraged - outraged! - because we're pissed that rather than address an issue of major concern to gay Californians so soon after the Court decision he makes a little quip about the protesters outside. And his $15,000 a plate supporters loved it.

How foolish of us to be offended! That thread is full of that crap, and I'm not surprised it showed up here, too.

[Boomerang Diddle]

4. Hatred is blinding.

And it works both ways.

[Neecy]

6. how deep of you

Meaningless.

[Boomerang Diddle]

9. The truth is NEVER "meaningless."

n/t

[Neecy]

16. YOUR truth

Which obviously trumps mine - which is why you posted this Kos thread.

[Howardx]

7. its foolish to continue to be offended

once the facts are out there.

[Neecy]

13. The largest group of protesters there....

Were LGBT by FAR. To even make a crack about 'some protesters' was shitty, especially considering the week we'd had. But excuse any behavior from him, fanboy.

[Howardx]

22. all im hearing is a bunch of people who want to be mad

no matter what the facts are.

[Boomerang Diddle]

31. Yep. Sad, isn't it?

n/t

[EFerrari]

33. Wouldn't common sense dictate, if that is your conclusion,

that you then try to figure out why people are upset?

[Howardx]

40. common sense doesnt seem to get used a lot around here

common sense would dictate that once you find out something isnt true you reject it.

[EFerrari]

44. Unless there is a large group of people that seem to find it true

and at that point, you have a choice.

[DesertDiamond]

104. If a large group of people believing something is true makes it true, then the earth used to be flat

[EFerrari]

142. Well, no. That was the official line

A large group of people, albeit a minority, disagreed with that. We were stuck with a flat earth until that group got to weigh in.

[quickesst]

106. "common sense doesnt seem to get used a lot around here"

That's because it's in intensive care along with it's pal Logic. Both have had the shit beat out of them lately. Thanks.
quickesst

[defendandprotect]

150. Yeah . . . DU'ers who take exception to policy are just "people who want to be mad" . .!!!

Prop 8 isn't a reality --

"Don't ask, Don't Tell" isn't reality --

we just make it up as we go along!

Obama's lack of support for homosexual marriage -- evidently based on his

private religious beliefs -- is also not to be judged!!!???

I'd also suggest that you face the reality outside of DU and note the dissatisfaction

there with Obama's policies.

[Boomerang Diddle]

26. Were you there?

Did you take a poll of the protesters? Did you count heads and assign what cause they were there protesting? Or are you just assuming this because you need to feel offended?

[Chulanowa]

98. I'm sure Obama did a head count

And could tell who were prop 8 protesters, and who was Code Pink, and who was ANSWER, just by looking at them.

He's just cool like that. What a bastard thouhgh, huh?

[AlbertCat]

141. The largest group of protesters there....

Were LGBT by FAR.

******

So naturally they are more important than anything else.

I'll bet the largest group of protesters of Obama's statements are drama queens! By far!

[Kittycat]

21. Can you read? Just curious, because your response shows that you cannot.

[RaleighNCDUer]

134. And you are so sure it HAS to be about YOU.

LGBT
Answer
Code Pink

Different groups, different agendas, one protest.

Keep your promise!

How does he KNOW who is talking?

You are letting your justified outrage at the decision become unjustified outrage at Obama.

[defendandprotect]

145. $15,000 a plate campaign fund BRIBERY . . . we should all be thinking about . . .

government now belongs to those who can afford to buy it --

and sadly so does our president and other elected officials -- !!!

[MADem]

5. Our "friends" from the Plame Hearings, and the Group That Protests Everything and Anything.

AND the Equality protesters.

That's an interesting grouping, not all unified as to agenda, certainly, though.

[EFerrari]

8. Let's save our outrage for worthwhile causes?

Wow. Why don't you also set fire to the Lounge and call out GrovelBot? Then you'd have a trifecta.

[Boomerang Diddle]

12. Yes, much better to get outraged over fabricated lies.....

:sarcasm:

[EFerrari]

14. Posting flambait to DU is always the much better solution! Congrats.

[Boomerang Diddle]

18. The only ones making it "flamebait" are the flamers!

Most people don't consider the truth to be "flamebait," unless they have a problem with the truth.

[EFerrari]

25. Tautology unless you can produce you Truth Police badge.

[rvablue]

28. Why is the word-for-word transcript as opposed to a paraphrased quote, flamebait? n/t

[EFerrari]

32. How long do you have? Maybe we can start with

implying the other OP is a liar? How's that? You know, we aren't supposed to drag our disagreements from thread to new thread.

[Name removed]

10. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[tridim]

23. That image is sickening

You should be ashamed for posting it on DU.

[Boomerang Diddle]

30. Agreed!

The absolute hate some people have towards Obama makes posting on DU almost unbearable.

[Pab Sungenis]

74. Not so much hatred.

Just deep, deep disappointment. I shouldn't really have been surprised; every candidate who was reasonably gay friendly in action (not just words) was pretty much gone before Super Tuesday last year.

The hatred I hold is for the Obama apologists on the gay issue, who act like the Republicans stereotype all Democrats as acting: like he's the Messiah come from Jerusalem and can do no wrong. Especially because their attitudes on these issues echo the attitude attributed to Obama in that graphic. The deep, institutionalized, "gentle" homophobia of taking gays for granted because the consensus is that the other side is going to be worse.

The gays aren't going to be taken for granted by the Democrats much longer. If our issues are brushed off or, as happened at least by Obama's audience last night if not by him himself, mocked, then there really is no reason for us to support you any longer.

Honestly, sometimes I think I'd rather deal with a Falwell or a Bush than an Obama on gay issues. I'd rather have a politician spit in my face than stab me in the back.

[Pab Sungenis]

71. If there's any shame

it's that there should ever be cause to post it.

[Zenlitened]

75. We should ALL be ashamed that anyone sees a need to post such an image.

Or that anyone was moved to create such an image in the first place.

The alienation the GLBT community is feeling is real.

Pres. Obama's silence (or near-silence, in the case of Iowa) during times both of celebration and dismay seems like a betrayal, to many.

And the issue is far more serious than quibbling over whether his statement was mockery or mere off-the-cuff commentary.

America is once again at a civil rights crossroads, and the man elected with such a passionate mandate for Hope and Change needs to be out in front, leading the way forward.

Even a few well-chosen and well-timed words will do. No magic wand required.

Absent this, expressions of bitterness -- as in the image above -- seem inevitable. And, sadly, in some way understandable.

And that's a damned shame.

:cry:

[Political Tiger]

77. Or people could just join reality

and try to understand that the world doesn't revolve around them and/or that Obama does not have super powers and cannot simply change the entire world in four months.

[Zenlitened]

80. Let me know when you get a handle on that 'reality' thing.

:hi:

[Political Tiger]

81. Only if you promise to do the same!

:smoke:

[Zenlitened]

85. RightbackatyaaytakcabthgiR

[glitch]

86. " Even a few well-chosen and well-timed words will do. No magic wand required"

Real enough.

[Political Tiger]

100. Considering the rage towards Obama,

is there any doubt a "few well-chosen and well-timed words" would have any effect other than causing more convenient outrage?

Let's face facts. The vast majority of people feigning outrage over this non-issue have hated Obama long before he ever became president. They strive off this self imposed anger. They're not going to let it go easily, certainly not over a "few well-chosen and well-timed words."

[Zenlitened]

119. With every post you make it clear...

... that your opinions are formed by anything BUT facts:

The vast majority of people feigning outrage over this non-issue have hated Obama long before he ever became president. They strive off this self imposed anger.

What a load of crap. Seriously, do you actually believe such nonsense, or are you just griefing?

[BlooInBloo]

83. What was it?

[npk]

78. Pure flaimbait garbage. Beyond normal debate

Should be deleted.

[RufusH]

11. Are you kidding? I guess you just have to be the one he's mocking to recognize it as mocking.

[omega minimo]

72. How would you know?

[Jester Messiah]

121. Or just be hypersensitve and perceive -any- offhand remark as an insult. [nt]

[RufusH]

124. Yes, I admit I'm hypersensitive about the fact that our President has no respect for us.

Definitely hypersensitive that I pay more taxes than my straight counterparts. Hypersensitive that I volunteered time and donated money and believed Obama when he said he would be a fierce ally for us. I'm hypersensitive when people dismiss my civil rights as unimportant.

[defendandprotect]

149. And, I believe his excuse for much of his insensitivity is religion . . . ???!!!

Which is really sad --

In fact, there is little argument that can be offered except prejudice against homosexuals --

The "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" thing is festering and very harmful to our Military, our psyches,

and all of society.

[mmonk]

15. I haven't jumped into any of the mocking claim threads because

I thought I would wait for clarity. Thanks.

[joeybee12]

17. Yeah, ignoring gay rights does not equal mocking them...

...it amazes what a contortionist you are in the ways you manage to absolve O-bama of any wrongdoing or blame.

[Kittycat]

19. Who said he's mocking them?

People have really got to take a step back and stop parsing words to the extreme. Everyone is becoming nothing more than hyper-partisans these days (Pukes & Dems alike).

[Liberal Veteran]

53. In my experience, I have found that people who go looking for a reason to be outraged....

....are rarely disappointed.

Personally, I think some of the anger is a transference of their disappointment over the outcome of Prop 8 and those wounds are coloring the perceptions of many who are looking for any bit of solace they can grab to ease placate that anger.

[Kittycat]

68. Agreed on both points.

The prop 8 ruling was truly devastating. I'm really hoping that they can get that measure over turned on the next ballot, because I'm concerned that if they take it to federal courts it's going to be struck down. And I see nothing at all wrong with them protesting to bring awareness to Obama/whomever. I just think that people need to keep in mind that they aren't the only people out there with an axe to grind over their 'issue' (legit and otherwise).

[ColbertWatcher]

20. Sorry, but you're wrong.

He dismissed "whoever" was out their protesting, because there were so many of them.

He's starting to make himself sound out of touch. What were those people supposed to do to be memorable in his eyes? Get a lobbyist?

Well, I know for certain he wasn't mocking the concerns of the single-payer advocates, because they weren't even at the table to "hold his feet to the fire."

Support him when he does right by us, the American people, but don't excuse his every remark just because you found a video clip. He's still dismissing the Armenian group who was also out there protesting.

Oh, wait, you didn't mention the Armenians in your OP.

[tekisui]

109. That's how I see it.

It was dismissive of all the protesters.

[rvablue]

24. BD, thanks for posting this and I hope you get 100 more recs. Yes, the transcript is much different

than the one that has been floating around today and it's nice to have all of the facts before flipping out.

[EFerrari]

27. Right, because that will be a HUGH community builder!

[Boomerang Diddle]

35. What's being done here is the same thing the right is doing to Sonia Sotomayor

....taking a statement OUT OF CONTEXT with the clear and purposeful intent to smear.

[EFerrari]

39. That you can't see the context doesn't mean it's not there. n/t

[rucky]

29. How tough would it have been for him to listen a little more carefully?

The clarification helps a bit - but not much.

[rvablue]

34. The SS doesn't really take kindly to the President hanging out on a protest line, at night, in a big

city with tall buildings all around.

Has everyone lost common sense, today?

What's happening here?

[rucky]

He couldn't have asked Secret Service?

I knew what they were protesting about from over 1000 miles away.

What was that about common sense?

[RaleighNCDUer]

135. He didn't say he didn't know who was protesting - he said he didn't know

who was saying 'keep your promise'.

There's a bit of a difference. And what would the SS tell him? LGBT, Answer, Code Pink, and (I guess) the Armenians were all there. Probably a few others, as well. The fact that the LGBT equalled all the other groups combined still did not make it an LGBT protest, as some would have us believe.

[FreeState]

38. You realize Obama has not addressed the GLBT community once since his election?

Not once... if he would actually communicate his plans and what his is doing to GLBT citizens and their supporters he might get more trust and sympathy but when all the GLBT community sees and hears is nothing what do you expect?

Edited to add Obama has talked to large crowds at night - I've seen the pictures.

[cherokeeprogressive]

42. Who gives a shit what the SS takes kindly? Do they not work FOR the president?

Did they NOT make sure there were no snipers on top of the buildings BEFORE he got there?

What's happening here is that ObamaFans who are straight are doing contortions worthy of a pretzel in order to shield My Favorite Chess Player from any and all criticism.

He should never mock ANYONE involved in protests against his administration. EVER. Imagine the goodwill he could have fostered if, rather than make a joke out of the side of his mouth at a 15,000 a plate fundraiser, he would have sent a representative or two outside to at least PRETEND to be interested in what the little people have to say?

[RaleighNCDUer]

136. That's ok then, because he DIDN'T mock anyone. nt

[Liberal Veteran]

46. Anger and projection and solace seeking at any available target.

People are rightly upset over how Prop 8 turned out. How constructively they channel that anger is another matter altogether.

Pres. Obama is our current leader so he gets dumped on for the sins of the last democratic administration and the failures of ourselves to prevent something like Prop 8 from ever being passed.

If, when his term is up, no action has been taken to remove DADT and DOMA, I'll give Obama as much shit as anyone, but I can't blame a person with 2 wars, a wrecked economy, a health care system on the brink of collapse, North Korea making trouble, and a wimpy Senate Majority Leader for prioritizing at this juncture.

[AspenRose]

36. This is the only comment I'm going to make about this.

If our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters say that they are offended, it is not our place to question why, or say that the outrage is not justified. It IS our place to respect their perspective, understand their point of view, and demonstrate empathy and support.

I see this happening all too often whenever our DUers of color are offended about something, and the majority white DUers pooh-pooh the legitimate grievances and concerns of those offended. Do a search on "tar baby" and you'll see what I mean.

I don't want to do that to my GLBT family here because I don't like it when it's done to me.

To my GLBT brothers and sisters, I only ask that you consider that many of us, while we cannot even begin to understand the depths of your pain and frustration, ARE on your side, and are NOT the enemy. I certainly don't appreciate being lumped in and broadbrushed in a group perceived to be 'the enemy.' Please give some of us a little benefit of the doubt. If lashing out and caustic sarcasm helps to ease the pain, however, that's ok by me too. I'll stay out of the GLBT forum if I'm not wanted there. I'm still going to support fighting for civil rights, regardless of how you treat me, because it's the right thing to do.

[FreeState]

143. I wish I rould K&R your post - its spot on n/t

[boppers]

37. Protesting is not making policy.

Likewise, faux, or real, offense and outrage doesn't move the dialog forward.

[EFerrari]

43. And discounting the concerns of others doesn't keep our coalition together. n/t

[boppers]

47. True.

Neither protesting, or ignoring, an issue, is a solution.

So, what is?

[EFerrari]

50. This may be a little geeky but I'm inclined to stay pretty local these days.

And at DU, for me that means listening to DUers. Obama himself has said more than once that listening is one of the most important things he does. He may be smarter than me, so I take that pretty seriously. :)

[Mari333]

45. Obama has no dialogue to give concerning GLBT civil rights

he just ignores them. he got their votes, thats all he was concerned with.

[boppers]

48. Do you have statements to back up that verbal bomb-thowing?

Is that an actual quote by him?

[EFerrari]

60. Not a quote but a very accurate description of his behavior to date.

ETA: How do you show something that hasn't happened, anyway?

[Name removed]

62. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[EFerrari]

63. Perfect. Let's put that on a bumpersticker for 2012!

:rofl:

[konnichi wa]

64. It's simply an observation. Why do you mischaracterize it as bomb-throwing?

I'm pretty sure there's no rule against criticizing inaction by the President...
:shrug:
He could at least just come out and SAY something encouraging...but doesn't. Why??

[Mari333]

69. ....

you heard him say anything about Prop 8? DADT? DOMA? lately? anything? nope/ hes ignoring it.

[Jester Messiah]

122. Nope, but I hear a lot about the economy, health care, and North Korea.

He's not ignoring it, he's just got his hands full!

[kevinbgoode]

89. Watch the daily press conferences.

eom/

[mitchtv]

96. Quote? that's the problem

More like crickets chirping at us and one snide joke about IA

[mitchtv]

93. If this is what you call this situation

then there is clearly no reason for the fanclub to be so defensive;. shrug it off. All those Gays are just imagining that Obama won,t talk to them or do anything constructive and mock them (as in IA) He was mocking the Armenians! so that's OK! I know what promise he broke there.

[reflection]

41. k/r. I hate misleading OPs. n/t

[solstice]

49. He might as well be mocking them though.

Since he hasn't said a word about a group of citizens having their civil rights rescinded the other day.

Why hasn't he said anything?

[EFerrari]

52. Welcome to DU, solstice.

[Boomerang Diddle]

54. Please! Nobody had their "civil rights rescinded the other day."

It wasn't "the other day," it was in November, the same day Obama was elected, and Obama spoke out against it way back in July of 08.

[Bluebear]

57. Obama says marriage is between a man and a woman. Big advocate.

[Boomerang Diddle]

58. He also says ALL the same rights and benefits that come with marriage

should be afforded to GLBT people as well. You like leaving that part out, don't ya?

[EFerrari]

59. Clueless, party of one!

[kevinbgoode]

92. Actually, President "separate but equal" Obama is the one leaving that out

since he has done nothing.

He has, however, managed to give the right wingnuts something to quote to support their position.

But he has done nothing for the gay community. Nothing. Watch the press secretary squirm on a DAILY basis during the press conferences while decorated gay soldiers continue to be drummed out of the military. Obama has done nothing. No executive order for stop/loss. Those soldier's lives and careers and their sacrifices mean nothing.

His infamous opinion about the definition of "marriage" was widely used in the campaign for Prop. H8 - despite his late protests. What has he done on the federal level to respect the marriage rights of thousands of same-sex couples in states where it is legal? Nothing. Not even a statement. He can't even get a press secretary to give a coherent response.

[mitchtv]

94. that was before the election

what has he said since?

[I Have A Dream]

123. I think that this statement best summarizes the situation. nt

[earth mom]

51. If Obama REALLY gives a damn, he would find out what people are protesting about. nt

[Boomerang Diddle]

56. That's right, presidents have nothing better to do

than to sit down and have a one on one with all the protesters that show up whenever and wherever he travels.........

[Liberal Veteran]

61. Meanwhile, everyone is laughing at that Roman Catholic Priestess...

...who got dragged away from the press area for trying to pass a letter to the president about protecting the Sanctity of Marriage™.

An odd juxtaposition with the outrage over this.

[NorthCarolina]

115. I don't really understand why she felt she needed to deliver that message

since Obama has repeatedly confirmed that he is against "Gay Marriage", so it is well known that he already shares her convictions.

[EFerrari]

65. Another bumpersticker: I'm to busy to care! Vote for Democrats!

[konnichi wa]

67. No shit. Bush proved -that-.

:eyes:

[mitchtv]

95. it;s been done before

Be sides HE knows.

[readmoreoften]

102. Yeah, fuck all those people who elected you and call you out on your broken promises.

Fuck those who are pissed off that you lied about Iraq--especially all those military people who voted for you.
Fuck those who are pissed off that you lied about DADT--especially those military people and gays who voted for you.


Obama seems to have nothing better to do than speechify. The man was at a $30K a plate dinner speechifying--I guess that's "nothing better to do."

How ironic that those who wear the title "Democrat" make posts about how a Democratic candidate doesn't have time for the people's criticisms.

[NorthCarolina]

114. Do you really believe he had no idea what a major part of the protest was about? nt

[peace13]

126. If he did it was stupid to say that he didn't.

He owes it to the protesters to find out who went out of their way to get a message to him. As a person who spends time and money to speak out I think his comment about not knowing what the protest was about is beneath him. I don't think he was mocking gay issues, he was demeaning ALL protesters, those that were there on that day and those who show up in the future. During the election he loved it when we showed up...go figure.

[Bluebear]

55. 'let's save our outrage for worthwhile causes' - no further translation necessary

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

66. He's mocking teabaggers.

[greeneyedboy]

70. Obama could regain trust pretty easily...

...by having Gibbs do something other than stammer meaninglessly when asked about any civil rights-related issue, or by having the guts to tell anti-gay extremists that *they* need to compromise and find common ground with people on the "other side" (i.e. us). Thus far, the LGBT community has gotten thrown under the bus and told to compromise, compromise, compromise, while the right-wing theocrats get tossed bone after bone.

If he's not going to do anything on our behalf, or even say anything on our behalf (anything, even lip service!), I would suggest that he may want to avoid making insensitive comments after the LGBT community has just gone through a humiliating and heartbreaking loss of civil rights and had that loss upheld by the state's highest court.

I agree, he wasn't intending to mock queers, but he is smart enough to know the political situation and yet made a stupid comment that could be misunderstood anyway. He can do better--and *does* do better on every other issue on the planet.

[ProgressIn2008]

73. "He's happy to know people are pushing him to keep his promises." Well, goody for him.

With his legal marriage and the best health care we can buy for our politicians? How nice that he's giving his stamp of approval to the peasants who protest his empty words.

30k a plate fundraisers are part of the problem with the political system, too. Who except the most super-elite can afford to be part of that magical circle? That's more than a lot of us have to live on in a year.

[Political Tiger]

76. K & R! n/t

:kick:

[Dark]

79. He's kept his promise on gay marriage and DADT: He's not doing a damn thing to help them.

Which is exactly what he said he'd do.

[NorthCarolina]

118. I agree with you on the gay marriage issue as he clearly stated he is against "Gay Marriage"

on several occasions and has not wavered from that position. However, he also clearly stated that his intent was to abolish DADT....so I disagree that he has kept his promise in that regard.

[BlooInBloo]

82. Awww - Now everyone will see how the I Strongly Dislike Obama crowd has been lying!

Killjoy. :P

[scheming daemons]

110. They can't name a promise he's broken, yet they scream "keep your promises"

The problem is that they "heard" promises that were never made.


They projected their own political philosophies onto him and assumed he thought like them.


They didn't bother to actually HEAR what he was saying.

[havocmom]

84. instead of fighting and being offended by each other, how bout reading Ioo?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x5728728

He laid out a brilliant and workable game plan on how to make gay marriage the law of the land, and ya all have been ignoring it in favor of unproductive barking at each other.

Silly and very sad.

Please, read Ioo's post from Tuesday and get to work making it so.

[redqueen]

111. The outrage isn't about DOMA.

It's about how awful Prop 8 is, and what a phony Obama is.

I see one deleted comment which was apparently a bumper sticker, and one was an offensive image of Obama.

This place is a real riot lately.

[havocmom]

113. My point is about constructive action instead of just doing outrage

Ioo gave us a great plan of action. Guess it is more fun to fight amongst ourselves than engage in construction action. The wingers must love that about us :eyes:

[redqueen]

117. Outrage junkies...

and yes, makes us much easier to splinter. As has been proven time and again all over the world for centuries now.

[RaleighNCDUer]

137. Never mind that prop 8 is basically a side issue, as gay marriage in

any one state is WORTHLESS as long as DOMA is in place.

[alfredo]

87. Another video shows that the person he heard was from an Armenian group

urging Obama to keep him promise to recognize the Armenian Genocide.

He should.

[Bluebear]

88. So he mocked Armenian-Americans. Much better.

:silly:

[alfredo]

90. What's not to like about a beautiful dark haired Armenian gal.

[Bluebear]

91. Not a darn thing.

What a beauty!

[alfredo]

97. Yes.

[anigbrowl]

99. No, if he mocked anything it was people's tunnel vision and lack of context.

It's like going to protest somewhere and shouting 'Do what's right!' over and over. All it says is that you feel passionately about something, but haven't taken the trouble to articulate why. This is why I avoid most mass protests: more often than not the slogans are meaningless, and chanting slogans reduces complex issues to simplistic yes or no propositions. I strongly feel it's time for Americans to adopt a more substantive kind of discourse, one which does not so much resemble a kindergarten.

I am not saying that the issues being protested about are juvenile, but the manner in which those protests are expressed.

[readmoreoften]

103. Disgraceful. That's why its called a protest. It's what you do after your letters go unread.

To say that LGBT people have had no substantive discourse on their struggles is vomit-worthy. Sometimes, Anibrowl, there's right and wrong. And it doesn't matter how you say it. If you protest a klan uprising stridently after your officials do nothing to stop it, the fault is on the klan and on the officials. Maybe you should read some American history, look into the strikes and protests that forced self-concerned politicians to do the right thing. And in some cases, just took the power into their own hands.

The only thing juvenile was Obama's flippant, non-substantive remarks about those who protest his failures.

Seems to me you apologize for just about any right-wing behavior.

[readmoreoften]

101. OH. It was the ANTI-WAR contingency that he lied to. Well then. That's okay. /nt

[SpartanDem]

105. This is the last place that likes truth

people would be pissed off about latest perceived slight

[katandmoon]

108. No, it's a place where many suffer from battered wife syndrome

With Obama being the husband and progressive causes being the wife he promised to cherish before the marriage, and then trashed after the marriage.

[katandmoon]

107. Obama has forfeited the right to any benefit of the doubt from me

Through his own actions and statements. Excuse me if I no longer trust him at all. I would fully expect him to throw Code Pink and Answer under the bus as far as he's thrown gay activists, and show no interest in any of their protests. Why should he even pretend he's listening, when he has no intention of changing his pro-war, anti-gay rights policies?

He's a fucking phony.

[ProfessorGAC]

120. Unbrilliant

.

[MessiahRp]

112. I do wish Code Pink and ANSWER would butt out sometimes

We're not having very targeted protests when they come in and interfere on every issue protest we have. Ohh, we're talking about Gay Rights? No let's protest the war! Talking about the health care debate? Let's protest prosecuting Bush & Cheney!

I agree that those other ideas are important as well but it muddies the message when we're doing it all at once. Have a specific targeted protest for each and it will be easier to get your ideas out there and be heard on them. Otherwise it's just a jumbled mess and nobody's message gets out successfully.

Rp

[davidinalameda]

140. as I do as well

not a big fan of either group

[lies and propaganda]

116. WERE YOU THERE?

gays were there in force, this was a majorly planned event.

sorry if i think you dont know what they fuck youre talking about.

[onehandle]

125. Code Pink and ANSWER again? They are like the "Free Mumia" people who show up...

...at Anything vaguely liberal/political and muddy the issues.

[peace13]

127. Not many here will take the time to make a stand.

I hope you take the time stand up on important issues. Mocking those that do is strange.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

128. FWIW It's nice to hear that there are no more "free speech zones"

like what Bushco used to keep protesters out of his face.

[Politicub]

129. Inaction is worse than mocking

Actions speak louder than words, and Obama isn't making a strong attempt at reducing some of the LGBT inequalities.

[tomp]

130. bullshit post

obama knows exactly who is out there and why (because he's not an idiot). for him to say otherwise is lying. you promoting his lie as truth is bullshit.

[FunMe]

131. Here's the truth: SILENCE = death

I was there at the protest. It started at 6pm and I got there close to 7pm. As I was crossing Santa Monica Blvd. to get in front of the Beverly Hills hotel (since they didn't allow anyone on that side) I could see from far away a big crowd with LOTS of gay rainbow and American flags. I knew right away where the gay protesters were. The rest of the protestors were the minority. I think I saw the anti-war group of about maybe 8. The most visible and highest in number were the GLBT protesters.

Now why would President Obama speak words that seem like he was mocking the protesters. Let's say he wasn't.

Then why do we get the SILENCE from him and BACK PEDALLING regarding gay issues like gays in the military, DOMA, ENDA and more. Unless you are part of the GLBT , you will not understand why people are upset and tired of being told to "wait, he's got more important things to do".

Well EQUALITY can't wait any longer ... especially when you have a US President back pedalling.

When a day after the Prop 8 ruling President Obama can't even mention it in front of a LIBERAL HOLLYWOOD crowd, then you know something is wrong.

[closeupready]

139. You make a good point which probably should be its own thread, but

here we have a Democratic Congress with a Democratic President. If we don't get change NOW, it is akin to rolling dice to expect that a future administration will be better poised to change things somehow. No, we need change NOW.

That said, I did watch the video, and I will say that I didn't find his remarks here offensive particularly.

[Dogtown]

132. Thanks for the clarification

The wingers love to take partial statements out of context.

[Bluebear]

133. "The wingers" lol

[Buzz Clik]

138. Now you spoiled all the fun.

[SacredCow]

144. The REAL reason this turned into such a fustercluck....

is that this was nowhere CLOSE to the first indication we've seen that Obama has developed a case of "Homos? I don't know or care nuttin 'bout no homos." It started with Rick Warren and has progressed steadily from there; where we were on simmer- now, we're coming to a nice, rolling boil.

And that's as reality-based as it comes, I'm afraid. So while his comments in this very specific case may have been mis-interpreted, it doesn't change the fact that the GLBT community is pissed about a series of events, decisions, and (in)actions. And each new one adds a little more fuel to the fire.

So to sum it up: We're here, we're queer, and (until there's evidence of FORWARD progress) we're pissed right the fuck off, so get used to it. If it bothers you, feel free to roll your eyes and ignore us. But if you suggest that we're just being unreasonable and poutraged, you will more than likely get a negative response.

I honestly don't know how this could be any more clear.

[FreeState]

146. +1 n/t

[bluedawg12]

147. "And he's happy to know people are pushing him to keep his promises."

Well then, the gay community ought to be a sheer delight to him!

[Bluebear]

148. It started with Donnie McClurkin. And we were shouted down.

Obama was playing chess. Obama had to "talk" to the other side to change their minds. Obama would take care of gays and lesbians as a "fierce advocate" when he was elected. Now, not one word.

[Chovexani]

151. This.

There has been a pattern of, at best, neglect here that has not been dealt with.

[Mark Twain Girl]

152. Exactly. nt