Summary: President Obama gave a speech on Saturday to the Human Rights Campaign. He commended the group for the strides they have made towards equal rights and promised to deliver on campaign promises. Critics have said that Obama has put this issue on the back burner. Obama has been pushing Congress to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act that was passed under Bill Clinton. Many Senators don't support this push because their states have laws prohibiting same-sex marriage. Obama said in his speech that there are still many laws to change and hearts to open.
Analysis: Obama's speech was a good way to reassure the gay community that he is going to help give them equal rights. Obama has placed the issue on the back burner. This is because there are many more important issue that need to be taken care of like the economic downturn, war on terror, and health care system. Not much progress will be made in this area in the near future, but once Obama is further into his first term and has dealt with some of the country's major problems, he will work to make sure that the gay community gets equal rights.
Editorial: I agree with the steps that Obama is taking. Although I don't support gay marriage, I do think that gays do deserve equal rights and the ability to marry if they choose. I think Obama will have a difficult time making sure the gay community gets equal rights because there is so much controversy over it. It will take a lot of work to get all states to get rid of there laws against gay marriage. I do think Obama has put the issue on the back burner and it is sort of a good thing. There are many other issues that Obama needs to deal with before he tries to gain rights for gays.
I completely agree with you that gays and lesbians do deserve equal rights and the ability to marry just like heterosexuals. They are a couple who wants to spend the rest of their lives together and deserve the advantages of marriage and the recognition as a couple too. I think it's interesting that you don't support gay marriage but still believe they deserve these rights, but I'm really happy you do.
ReplyDeleteHow do you oppose gay marriage and yet think gays deserve the right to marry? That seems kind of contradictory. I don't understand how the homosexual community is fighting for "equal rights". The only area in which they are deprived a "right" is being able to marry a member of the same sex; they have the full rights of all other citizens. But if men are allowed to marry other men, where does it end? could someone marry their beloved dog?
ReplyDeleteOk, one, Zach I agree with you that Obama should put this issue on the back burner for now because there are so many more important things going on at this point in the country that affect everyone, not just one specific group. I agree with Allie and Emile that it is interesting that you think gays should be able to marry but you don't support it. I think that they should and I support it. As for you Emile, what a not so smart comment to finish out your blog. No one is marrying a dog here. They are marrying another human being. Who has the right to say that they shouldn't be together? Also not only do they not have the rights to get married (which in turn takes away other rights they should have), the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy is still going on. Gays should be able to fight in the war if they feel like it and they shouldn't have to hide their sexuality to do it.
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