Rick Warren, firebreathing queer-basher, is going to give the inaugural prayer on January 20. Obama's staff has released the following talking points
* This will be the most open, accessible, and inclusive Inauguration in American history.
And the good citizens of Rock Ridge were at their most open, accessible, and inclusive when they declared they'll take the n-----s and the ch*nks, but they don't want the Irishmen.
* In keeping with the spirit of unity and common purpose this Inauguration will reflect, the President-elect and Vice President-elect have chosen some of the world’s most gifted artists and people with broad appeal to participate in the inaugural ceremonies.
And then they chose Rick Warren. Are they saying they want his brand of broad appeal?
* Pastor Rick Warren has a long history of activism on behalf of the disadvantaged and the downtrodden. He’s devoted his life to performing good works for the poor and leads the evangelical movement in addressing the global HIV/AIDS crisis.
Unfortunately, the evangelical movement's tactics in "addressing the global HIV/AIDS crisis" is to blame it all on Teh Ghey, discourage actual study of the problem, and push for global gag rules on condoms.
In fact, the President-elect recently addressed Rick Warren’s Saddleback Civil Forum on Global Health to salute Warren’s leadership in the struggle against HIV/AIDS and pledge his support to the effort in the years ahead.
And oh, how we wish he hadn't. Is this really an argument for why Warren should be allowed to speak at the Inauguration? Tit for tat?
* The President-elect disagrees with Pastor Warren on issues that affect the LGBT community. They disagree on other issues as well. But what’s important is that they agree on many issues vital to the pursuit of social justice, including poverty relief and moving toward a sustainable planet; and they share a commitment to renewing America’s promise by expanding opportunity at home and restoring our moral leadership abroad.
You know what would move us toward social justice? You know what would restore our moral leadership abroad? Gay marriage. An end to gay bashing. Who are we trying to impress by denying people the basic right to happiness? Iran?
* As he’s said again and again, the President-elect is committed to bringing together all sides of the faith discussion in search of common ground. That’s the only way we’ll be able to unite this country with the resolve and common purpose necessary to solve the challenges we face.
But they don't want to compromise. That would be betraying God's principles (as they understand them). It would also mean giving up some of their hoarded power. And if they won't compromise, how is that unifying?
* The Inauguration will also involve Reverend Joseph Lowery, who will be delivering the official benediction at the Inauguration. Reverend Lowery is a giant of the civil rights movement who boasts a proudly progressive record on LGBT issues. He has been a leader in the struggle for civil rights for all Americans, gay or straight.
And that's great. But why are we balancing Rick Warren, hateful homobigot, with Joseph Lowery, staunch advocate and defender? Are we going bipartisan, not just between Democrat and Republican, left and right, but also between hate and love? We got a hate quota now, to balance out our love? Why are we suddenly True Neutral?
* And for the very first time, there will be a group representing the interests of LGBT Americans participating in the Inaugural Parade.
Yeah, but then you've got a homobigot giving the inaugural prayer. Lovely example of solidarity, there. And what exactly is this group going to do? That's a wonderfully vague talking point. How will they participate? Which group is it? Why don't you say?
Hat tip to Pam at Pandagon.
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