President Obama Condemns Russia's Anti-Gay Laws

[ProSense]

President Obama Condemns Russia's Anti-Gay Laws

by TomP

President Obama last night spoke out about Russia's new anti-gay laws on the Tonight Show:

Q Well, something that shocked me about Russia — and I’m surprised this is not a huge story — suddenly, homosexuality is against the law. I mean, this seems like Germany: Let’s round up the Jews, let’s round up the gays, let’s round up the blacks. I mean, it starts with that. You round up people who you don’t
— I mean, why is not more of the world outraged at this?

THE PRESIDENT: Well, I’ve been very clear that when it comes to universal rights, when it comes to people’s basic freedoms, that whether you are discriminating on the basis of race, religion, gender or sexual orientation, you are violating the basic morality that I think should transcend every country. And I have no patience for countries that try to treat gays or lesbians or transgender persons in ways that intimidate them or are harmful to them.

Now, what’s happening in Russia is not unique. When I traveled to Africa, there were some countries that are doing a lot of good things for their people, who we’re working with and helping on development issues, but in some cases have persecuted gays and lesbians. And it makes for some uncomfortable press conferences sometimes. But one of the things that I think is very important for me to speak out on is making sure that people are treated fairly and justly, because that’s what we stand for. And I believe that that’s a precept that’s not unique to America, that’s something that should apply everywhere. (Applause.)

Q Do you think it will affect the Olympics?

THE PRESIDENT: I think Putin and Russia have a big stake in making sure the Olympics work, and I think they understand that for most of the countries that participate in the Olympics, we wouldn’t tolerate gays and lesbians being treated differently. They’re athletes, they’re there to compete. And if Russia wants to uphold the Olympic spirit, then every judgment should be made on the track, or in the swimming pool, or on the balance beam, and people’s sexual orientation shouldn’t have anything to do with it. (Applause.)

Jay Leno's interview with President Obama (transcript, video)

Had there been a President Mitt Romney, there would have no such comments. It matters when the President of the United States condemns discrimination.

I realize it's unpopular on the back pages of Daily Kos nowadays to say this, but I'm glad Barack Obama is our president.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/08/07/1229491/-President-Obama-Condemns-Russia-s-Anti-Gay-Laws

[atreides1]

1. Not to rain on your parade

But doing this right before he decides not to meet with Putin...a little too convenient!

[MADem]

5. Did you SEE the interview? Jeez!

He's going to the G-20 in St. Petersburg.

The Moscow post-meeting is the thing that is at issue.

Pootie will just have to get in line with the rest in St. Pete, unless they can come to an accord.

I think you need to sit down and watch the entire thing. He was Jay's only (sit down) guest for the show. He had a musical guest at the end, Patti LaBelle, who did a rocking number for the last three minutes.

I don't usually watch Leno, but that was a good show.

[bigtree]

7. burp

[treestar]

2. Oh I'm sure it's not good enough, or too late

You can already see you are getting that type of response.

[MADem]

3. President Mitt Romney would have answered that question as follows:

"Isn't it nice that there's a point of agreement between myself and President Putin!"

But hey...there's "no difference" between the parties...that's what some folk say!

[William769]

4. I saw the interview last night. Kudos to President Obama.

Last edited Wed Aug 7, 2013, 12:04 PM - Edit history (1)

President Obama has come a long way with the LGBT community, not only has it helped the LGBT community immensely, I believe it will also be noted in the History books as the defining moment in turning the tide for LGBT people struggle for equality.

[Zorra]

8. +1 nt

[ProSense]

9. Agree. n/t

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

10. Now, ProSense, you know that there will STILL be DUers

who will continue to assert that the president is a homophobe because he broke bread with Donnie McClurkin, right? Nothing he says or does substantively will ever allow him to live down that fact. He is a homophobe and that's that!! *smh*

[Gravitycollapse]

14. Not sure that makes him a homophobe. It does however make him an opportunist.

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

15. Yeah, whatever! *yawn*

[jakeXT]

11. Imagine Manning being the NSA guy in Russia instead of Snowden. /nt

[ProSense]

12. Kick! n/t

[Scurrilous]

13. K & R