Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Obama's Proclaimation on LGBT Pride Month

Speaking of Obama, in recognition of June as LGBT Pride Month, the White House has issued a proclamation that can be found here. Oh yes, the proclamation has some wonderful words in it, but sadly words are all that LGBT Americans have yet to receive from the Obama administration. Rather than leading the charge for the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell - an issue close to my heart and which could double or triple the number of out LGBT citizens in this area - or pushing for the passage of ENDA, Obama continues to merely mouth pretty words while taking no positive action. Here are some highlights from the presidential proclamation - read them and see how they describe actions Obama refuses to take while he cuddles up to the likes of Christianists like Rick Warren:
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THE WHITE HOUSE
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Office of the Press Secretary
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For Immediate Release
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June 1, 2009
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LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL, AND TRANSGENDER PRIDE MONTH, 2009 BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA "
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A PROCLAMATION
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Forty years ago, patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City resisted police harassment that had become all too common for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community. Out of this resistance, the LGBT rights movement in America was born. During LGBT Pride Month, we commemorate the events of June 1969 and commit to achieving equal justice under law for LGBT Americans.
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Due in no small part to the determination and dedication of the LGBT rights movement, more LGBT Americans are living their lives openly today than ever before. I am proud to be the first President to appoint openly LGBT candidates to Senate-confirmed positions in the first 100 days of an Administration. These individuals embody the best qualities we seek in public servants, and across my Administration -- in both the White House and the Federal agencies -- openly LGBT employees are doing their jobs with distinction and professionalism.
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My Administration has partnered with the LGBT community to advance a wide range of initiatives. At the international level, I have joined efforts at the United Nations to decriminalize homosexuality around the world. Here at home, I continue to support measures to bring the full spectrum of equal rights to LGBT Americans. These measures include enhancing hate crimes laws, supporting civil unions and Federal rights for LGBT couples, outlawing discrimination in the workplace, ensuring adoption rights, and ending the existing "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy in a way that strengthens our Armed Forces and our national security. We must also commit ourselves to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic by both reducing the number of HIV infections and providing care and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS across the United States.
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NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2009 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month. I call upon the people of the United States to turn back discrimination and prejudice everywhere it exists.
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Obama can begin by discarding his own religious based prejudice against same sex marriage. He can then start to deliver on the programs he claims to support. Talk is cheap and I and many others want to see action.

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