October 23, 2007

Barack Obama Attempts Damage Control, Comes Up Short. Way Short.

Issued late Monday, and hidden away in the gay subsection of barackobama.com:

I have clearly stated my belief that gays and lesbians are our brothers and sisters and should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens. I have consistently spoken directly to African-American religious leaders about the need to overcome the homophobia that persists in some parts of our community so that we can confront issues like HIV/AIDS and broaden the reach of equal rights in this country.

I strongly believe that African Americans and the LGBT community must stand together in the fight for equal rights. And so I strongly disagree with Reverend McClurkin’s views and will continue to fight for these rights as President of the United States to ensure that America is a country that spreads tolerance instead of division.

What’s wrong with that?

For starters, no one really gives a hoot if Obama “believes” that gays and lesbians “should be provided the respect, dignity, and rights of all other citizens.” Our rights do not hinge on anyone’s “beliefs.” (If you stop believing homosexuality exists, will we disappear?)

But that’s rather nit-picky, isn’t it? More telling is that Obama refuses to dump Donnie McClurkin from his Homophobia Gospel Tour. (It’s safe to assume Mary Mary and Hezekiah Walker are still on the bill, too.)

John Aravosis says it best:

That’s nice, Senator. You strongly disagree with the bigot who thinks I need to be cured, and who has declared “war” on me and my people, but you’re going to put the guy on stage with you anyway in order to make a few bucks. Nice. I wonder what Obama would say if Hillary invited David Duke to speak at an event but then said, not to worry, she really loves black people - kisses!

If you’re afraid to lead, Senator, then maybe you’re not the leader we thought you were.

Huge mistake.

More to come. Much more. All week.

PS You know Obama’s campaign was fully aware of just who this bigot was - this wasn’t a mistake. The bigot has been in the news, a lot, for his virulent homophobia. Obama simply didn’t care. And he doesn’t care now.

Posted by: Sapphocrat

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