Obama: More benefits for gay workers only one step

[WillParkinson]

Obama: More benefits for gay workers only one step

(Washington) President Barack Obama signaled to gay-rights activists Wednesday that he’s listening to their desire for greater equality in “a more perfect union.” But he didn’t give them even close to everything they want, bringing to the surface an anger that’s been growing against the president.

“We all have to acknowledge this is only one step,” Obama said in the Oval Office, where he signed a memorandum extending some benefits, such as visitation or dependent-care rights, to the same-sex partners of gay federal employees.

But the president’s critics - and there were many - saw the incremental move to expand gay rights as little more than pandering to a reliably Democratic voting bloc, with the primary aim not of making policy more fair but of cutting short a fundraising boycott.

“When a president tells you he’s going to be different, you believe him,” said John Aravosis, a Washington-based gay activist. “It’s not that he didn’t follow through on his promises, he stabbed us in the back.”

Obama has refused to take any concrete steps toward a repeal of a policy that bans gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, even though as a candidate he pledged to scrap the Clinton-era rules. He similarly has refused to step in and block the dismissal of gays and lesbians who face courts-martial for disclosing their sexual orientation, arguing that the only lasting ways would be for Congress to act.

http://www.365gay.com/news/obama-more-benefits-for-gay-workers-only-one-step/

[FLAprogressive]

1. "with the primary aim not of making policy more fair but of cutting short a fundraising boycott."

that's what it is.

[WillParkinson]

2. Wow...

Didn't take long for someone to pick out the most important part of that message. Good job FLAProgressive! :-)

[jgraz]

5. BINGO

[MarjorieG]

3. However correct in the goal, activist Aravois sees the opportunity and need for raising rhetoric.

Not for me to say what's necessary or legitimate, just calling opportunity for what it is. I'm glad the outcry has given potential for legislation-the real goal/success-but there is so much to do needing a strong president, not weakened right now. Or no one gets rights and justices we all need.

[WillParkinson]

4. The President weakened himself...

By talking out of both sides of his mouth on Gay & Lesbian issues. No one else is or can be to blame for his decisions on what he did or did not do.

[emulatorloo]

6. To me, hyperbole does not help Aravois' case, even though I agree with the goals

I am thinking of his Salon piece from yesterday.

Maybe it is just me, I just don't like this kind of rhetoric no matter where it is coming from.

At any rate it is high time that Obama and the congress deliver. This is ridiculous.