Gays Angry at Obama

[Woody]

Boy oh boy. The gays are angry at Obama now for naming Rick Warren as Inauguration Pastor.

I do have to confess ... this is possibly the first pick that I like of Obama's.

[John317]

I have a feeling that before it's all over, there's going to be lots of people mad at Obama. Already quite a few of the people on the far Left are pretty upset at him. Frankly, with a few exceptions, I've been pretty happy with what he's done so far.

[Amelia]

Obama defends choice of evangelical pastor

Gay rights advocates say convocation pick shows 'deep level of disrespect'

The Associated Press

Dec. 18, 2008

WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama on Thursday defended his choice of a popular evangelical minister to deliver the invocation at his inauguration, rejecting criticism that it slights gays.

The selection of Pastor Rick Warren brought objections from gay rights advocates, who strongly supported Obama during the election campaign. The advocates are angry over Warren's backing of a California ballot initiative banning gay marriage. That measure was approved by voters last month.

But Obama told reporters in Chicago that America needs to "come together," even when there's disagreement on social issues. "That dialogue is part of what my campaign is all about," he said.

Obama also said he's known to be a "fierce advocate for equality" for gays and lesbians, and will remain so.

Warren, a best-selling author and leader of a Southern California megachurch, is one of a new breed of evangelicals who stress the need for action on social issues such as reducing poverty and protecting the environment, alongside traditional theological themes.

The Human Rights Campaign, the nation's largest gay rights organization, said Warren's opposition to gay marriage is a sign of intolerance.

"We feel a deep level of disrespect when one of the architects and promoters of an anti-gay agenda is given the prominence and the pulpit of your historic nomination," the group said in a letter to Obama, asking him to reconsider.

Obama's selection of Warren is seen as a signal to religious conservatives that the president-elect will listen to their views. During the campaign, Warren interviewed Obama and Republican John McCain in a widely watched television program that focused on religious concerns.

Gay rights advocates say they are troubled that Obama would give Warren such a visible role at his swearing-in. "By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table," the letter said.

Obama, however, pointed out that a couple of years ago, he was invited to speak at Warren's church, despite their disagreements on a number of issues.

The president-elect said a "wide range of viewpoints" will be presented during the inaugural ceremonies.

[Neil D]

John's a light conservative....likes what he see....Redwood, an ubber conservative, dislikes Obama or at least, that is what he posts....[frankly, a few more positive comments from the conservative group on Obama, and he may convert to "Closet liberal"] ....

As for Obama's ticking off the Gays, you have to admit that he's ticking off the far left...not the larger lite middle of the road left...and the group that he offered to be in office are WORKING guys of the industry....not the pseudo guys of the industry out to destroy what little industry that we have...

Now what we need is some factories in this country....

[fccool]

Warren gets much of the criticism because he steps out of the box while retaining the fundamental values. Of course, I think there's dangers of the "seeker" churches to become the dwelling of people who believe in the "goodness of men" and that Jesus is a way to enhance that goodness. BUT, on the other side of things Warren has much dirt poured on him by both liberal and conservative America, which does say that he stands for something that perhaps true.

He is being criticized by the conservatives for not making out Islam and Muslims to be "enemy" of Christianity. And he is criticized by the liberals for taking a stand on abortion and homosexuality as it relates to Bible.

Ironically, Warren's view of homosexuality is relatively mild compared to views of likes of Robertson, or even Graham.

What I don't like about the idea of Swearing on the Bible and the "religious invocation"... is the Idea that God is still behind the America because it is still somehow a Christian nation based on a couple of raised hands and patriotic song lyrics. America today is not a Christian nation. Christianity in America became a national emblem... a bumpersicker that people put on a car full of booze and (forgive me for expression) back seat shaggin'.

Sure, there might be some redemptive value in saying a prayer for our leaders, but it's meaningless if they go on looting the nation, lying, and believing in theology of ends justifying the means. It it's meaningless.

If the modern day prophet would stand on that inaguration pulpit and opened his mouth, he would be booooooood off stage, and perhaps arrested and later on shot. But, I think it's naive to promise "Hope" and "Change", while doing more of the same with the same people in charge... while hoping that that prayer and "focus on positive" will some how cover up all of the dirt. It really bothers me.