HRC Dinner and Obama.

The President is a great speaker, but aside from the Hate Crimes legislation passed recently, his administration has been less than successful on equality issues. While that success isn't minor, it's been making accerlated progress in the past few years. There's this on his HRC speech last night from Think Progress:

President Obama received a warm welcome at the Human Rights Campaign’s annual dinner tonight, where he promised to sign hate crimes legislation — which just passed the House — into law and repeal both Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell and the Defense of Marriage Act, although he didn’t outline a specific timeline. Acknowledging some frustrations that there hasn’t been quicker action on these issues, Obama reiterated that he remains committed to the fight for LGBT equality:

OBAMA: This story, this fight, continues, now, and I’m here with a simple message: I’m here with you in that fight. (APPLAUSE)

For even as we face extraordinary challenges as a nation, we cannot and we will not put aside issues of basic equality. I greatly appreciate the support I’ve received from many in this room. I also appreciate that many of you don’t believe that progress has come fast enough. I want to be honest about that. (APPLAUSE) Because it’s important to be honest amongst friends.

Obama also addressed right-wing criticisms being hurled at his LGBT nominees and staffers, such as EEOC nominee Chai Feldblum and Department of Education official Kevin Jennings. Both have been the subjects of extremely homophobic slurs. WorldNetDaily editor and CEO Joseph Farrah said that Obama must find “people” like Feldblum on “Perverts.gov,” and the Traditional Values Coalition wrote that she wanted “the gay agenda to trump the First Amendment and religious freedom.” Rep. Steve King (R-IA) has claimed that Jennings wants to push a “homosexual agenda” in U.S. schools.

I remain hopeful that the President will come through despite the safe, appeasing political leanings of Rahm and others who have his ear. Bi-partisanship hasn't worked out since the Repugs can only say no, shooting down any positive proposal made by the administration even when supported by the majority of Americans. What has been gained on the vital issues facing the US right now? None. Zero. Nada. Zilch.

Go and read the rest and view the short video HERE.

It's 5 o'clock somewhere...Cheers!

And so it goes.
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