I had planned to make a nice quiet exit from dKos this past week. I had tired of the internal fights and my response to them. Unfortunately, I find myself drawn back in for one last discussion regarding this issue of the gospel tour in South Carolina. I must admit to being less than informed on Donnie McClurkin's views on gays until this matter became public and yes, I have enjoyed his music [does this mean that I too am supporting a bigot and thus am one myself?] because according to the logic that has been put forth by bloggers such as Earl Ofari-Hutchinson, that is the arc of reasoning that we must all follow. I would argue by this logic that anyone who has ever purchased a Rolling Stones cd has thus supported drug use and at least some degree of misogyny, as Keith and Mick have been through enough drugs and women to last a life time or two but I digress and more so, I really like the Stones.
More to the point. I have worked to understand over the past week where the anger and outrage is coming from for some in the gay community. Although, arguably, not every gay person is upset about this issue. When anyone involved in politics becomes associated with someone who has expoused what can be potenitally characterized as hateful rhetoric, the normal response is anger. However, I would argue there is a difference between seeking an endorsement or policy advice from someone with whom you disagree on an issue and having them perform at a fundraiser. Note that Barack Obama has neither sought an endorsement, nor asked for policy advice from pastor McClurkin. Instead here are the positions that Senator Obama has actually endorsed.
From Lesbian Life
Here is where he stood in IL, when no one knew him.
Barack Obama and Gay Rights in Illinois: Barack Obama supported gay rights during his Illinois Senate tenure. He sponsored legislation in Illinois that would ban discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
And here is where he stood, when everyone knew him.
Barack Obama in the United States Senate: Every two years the Human Rights Campaign, the largest national gay and lesbian organization, issues a scorecard for members of the Senate based on their sponsorship and voting on key issues of importance to gay and lesbian citizens. Barack Obama scored 89 out of 100% in the 2006 scorecard. Here's how HRC rated Barack Obama:
Barack Obama on Hate Crimes: Barack Obama co-sponsored legislation to expand federal hate crimes laws to include crimes perpetrated because of sexual orientation and gender identity.
Employment Non-Discrimination: Barack Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and believes it should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity.
Don't Ask, Don't Tell - Gays in the Military: Barack Obama believes we need to repeal the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy and allow gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military. His campaign literature says, "The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve."
Co-Sponoring Legislation: Barack Obama, in line with HRC, co-sponsored legislation to bring Medicaid coverage to low-income, HIV-positive Americans and the Local Law Enforcement Enhancement Act which would expand federal jurisdiction to reach serious, violent hate crimes perpetrated because of the and;actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation or disability and; of the victim. He did not co-sponsor Uniting American Families Act that would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide same-sex partners of U.S. citizens the same immigration benefits legal spouses of U.S. residents enjoy.
Barack Obama and Gay Marriage: Although Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman."
He said he would support civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, as well as letting individual states determine if marriage between gay and lesbian couples should be legalized.
"Giving them a set of basic rights would allow them to experience their relationship and live their lives in a way that doesn't cause discrimination," Obama said. "I think it is the right balance to strike in this society."
http://lesbianlife.about.com/...
Barack Obama has not only never advocated for discrimination against gays but he has actively sought to put legislation forward to help the gay community. Now I don't ask that this lead to a massive uptick in support for his campaign from the gay community but I would ask that those of you who have distorted his record in order to make a political point, at least consider his real record on gay rights.