Today President Obama announced that' "same sex couples should be able to get married." Hmmmm I guess I'm still processing this. :) As I was driving home this evening I was listening to the gospel radio station and the commentator asked if the move by President Obama was political. I decided not to listen to the broadcast primarily because I elected not to listen to the political opinions of "religious" folk.
Well duh! Of course the move and statement is political! He is the President of the United States and everything, and I do mean everything, he does is political and/or it has political ramifications. So that question was in essence senseless, in my opinion. The question should have been, what does this move do for gay marriage or marriage equality for all people?
While I applaud President Obama for finally taking a stance on gay marriage, it is somewhat late. Its almost as if he needs to vote of the LGBTQ community, he knows it, and is now throwing a bone to them. Kind of makes me wonder if he assumes he has the LGBTQ vote. You know, like the Democrats assume they will get the Black and Latino vote. While true in many instances, its absolutely not true with LTBTQ Independents. I don't think President Obama, any other Democrat, or Republican for that matter, can assume they have a vote from anyone these days.
If the move was political, it wasn't impressive. I'm personally not impressed by words. I will be impressed when federal legislation is passed which surpasses personal opinions and biases. I will be impressed when I can know that my partner will receive my veteran benefits when I pass without question. I will be impressed when my partner has the right to make medical decisions because of who she is and not because of a contract between the two of us.
So no, I'm not impressed or moved. Its great, don't get me wrong, but actions speak louder that words.
I'm listening and waiting for action.
Lt Col (Retired) (Dr.) Meredith
Author of "Didn't Ask Didn't Tell"
