Obama Phones NBA’s Jason Collins To Express Support

[DonViejo]

Source: TPM



IGOR BOBIC 6:31 PM EDT, MONDAY APRIL 29, 2013

President Barack Obama phoned NBA's Jason Collins on Monday, after the 34-year-old center became the first major league athlete to come out.

NBC News: Pres Obama called Jason Collins to express his support and said he was impressed by his courage.

— Jesse Rodriguez (@JesseRodriguez) April 29, 2013

First Lady Michelle Obama also expressed her support for Collins on Twitter.

"So proud of you, Jason Collins! This is a huge step forward for our country. We’ve got your back!" she said.

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Read more: http://livewire.talkingpointsmemo.com/entry/obama-phones-nbas-jason-collins-to-express-support

[Jenoch]

1. Why would an NBA player need an Obama phone?

[DonViejo]

2. Huh? nt

[Cali_Democrat]

5. What the hell are you talking about?

[Jenoch]

6. It was an attempt at humor.

Surely you have heard of 'Obama phones', the program started by Reagan to get telephone communications for those who cannot afford them.

[closeupready]

3. Very nice. You know, I think we all sometimes take for granted how

willing Obama is to strike such a different tone from 1600's prior occupant, who actually took it upon himself to make public appearances, for no other reason than to denounce gay marriage and to publicly beseech Americans to somehow put an end to it.

That he, his wife, Biden, Hillary and most everyone associated with his administration publicly support fully gay people and gay marriage - even if they are still not quite where many want them to be - I think - PERSONALLY - that this speaks volumes about how hard they are trying to really appeal to fair-minded people and those who want equality.

K&R

[Swede Atlanta]

4. In our culture.....

the best way to address socially controversial issues is by getting celebrities and heroes engaged. It happened with Magic Johnson and his HIV announcement. This revelation will help dispel some people's notions about same gender orientation.

The fact the President and First Lady have now publicly supported him is important. It demonstrates that this President is committed to equality for all Americans.