In Brief...The 8 State Solution Isn't One At All

The news this week has been nearly dominated by accounts of the many individuals and organisations submitting amicus(friend of the court) briefs to the Supreme Court, asking them to strike down The Defense of Marriage Act and/or California's Prop 8. Among those who have file include 212 Congressional Democrats, some 100+ republicans, Several corporations from major tech firms to investment banks, Footballers Kris Kluwe and Brendon Ayanbadejo, and yes...even Ellen Degeneres got in on the act. Finally, and among the most anticipated, as well as most analysed briefs, is that from President Obama.

Now, an amicus brief is little more than an opinion, and like all opinions it's primary purpose is to exert influence...but that's all. And as the saying goes..."opinions are like *rseholes, everyone's got one."  Being that they are attempts to sway opinion, the Justices of the Supreme Court don't have to pay any attention to them what so ever. Yet, it seemed as if anyone who had a stake in the issue was lodging their opinion for formal review. As the week progressed and more politicians and celebrities jumped on the bandwagon, I began to wonder how many of these filings would get simply get ignored...except for one. A great deal of attention has been granted to President Obama's recent filing. Being that he is an equal branch of government and the head of the nation, one would hope that Scotus would consider his opinion with the due weight of the office he holds.

Given that the President has "evolved' on the issue of marriage equality...and that he has been willing to be vocal about that support to the public...it was with some surprise and consternation that I read what is being called the "8 state solution", or as it is heralded in headlines "limited gay marriage". What the hell does that even mean?! Well, it goes something like this...

Presidential Evolutions

This week saw the incredible...and very long overdue...announcement that President Obama has completed his "evolution" on marriage equality and now officially and publicly supports it. Usually, when something this big happens, Jay and I like to make a YouTube video about it and rant/cheer depending on the event. However, this week didn't allow us to weigh in on the subject...so this is my opportunity to vent my thoughts and opinions on what has been dubbed an "historic" event. Yet...given the unprecedented nature of the Presidents announcement, no one can agree on whether or not this was good move on the Presidents part or a political blunder...and whats up with Joe Biden? Does his apology to the President signal that  Obama's support is less than sincere? Grab a cup-o-joe and lets talk about it.

(P.S....this is my first time blogging on the new MacBook Pro...I am a long time PC user and there is something of a learning curve for Mac products, so please bear with me.....)

The President and DoJ Decline To Further Defend DOMA...Time To Celebrate?

Some Days I log on to the Internet and simply can't believe what I read....and todays news has totally left me gobsmacked. Chief Attorney General Eric Holder has released a statement that the Department of Justice will no longer defend DOMA's section three. In addition, this means that President Obama has taken the official, public stance that he believes DOMA to be unconstitutional. You heard that correctly. The same president that has been ducking and weaving around taking an official stance on the Defense of Marriage Act has not only come out against it...but come out swinging.

The details of this announcement are still emerging and are still somewhat subject to the fog of war. While the news is on almost every site imaginable,  the discussion and analysis of the President and DoJ's move is still somewhat conflicting. However, while this may not be the killing blow to DOMA it definitely removes it's bullet proof vest. but what does all this really mean in a practicle sense?

The White House Pride Reception...Taking A Hard Look At Our Progress

A White House reception for Pride month has just wrapped up. That heads of activist organizations have been invited to the White House is not especially unique under this administration. The HRC alone spends more time at the White House than they do within their own offices. What marks this reception as different was that the heads of the largest LGBT lobbying groups where NOT invited. Since HRC has taken so much criticism of late for their utter lack of effectiveness given the amount of time they spend attending fancy cocktail parties, it will be interesting to see the results of what happens when they are specifically left off the guest list. So.....What happens when you mix a room full of gay activists with the President of the Unites States, and free cocktails? A very long speach. watch the video after the jump...

DADT...Stepping Up The Pressure

Nothing breaks President Obama's facade of diplomatic neutrality...nothing. That man could outstare an iceberg and stay cooler longer. That fact has been true about our President in the face of some very vitriolic attacks over the course of the last year. He has been heckled on the senate floor, faced down teabaggers, and swam in  the shark tank of wall street without so much as wrinkling his lapel. So then, it came as a great suprise to see the Presidents air of nonchalance slip a notch when Get Equal protesters shouted out during a fundraising speach for Barbara Boxer in Los Angeles. Video after the jump.

Exact Change

President Obama offered us the slogan "Change we can believe in" but was all of that just smoke and mirrors to earn him the Presidential seat? Certainly, many promises were made. Not only to the gay community but to the nation at large. So many, in fact, that it left many of us wondering how the hell any President could accomplish them all within their time in office. Which in turn begs the question, "Did he intend to?" This time...his promise to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell is again in doubt. Leading many, myself included, to question the sincerity of his promises and to consider a proper course of action if they turn out to be intentionally false.

Curious thoughts On The Power of the Pen ...The Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act

Few people have the power to change the world with only the power of their pen. Even if that change only protects those who are most at risk of violence and victimization. Today, as we speak, President Barack Obama has signed the Matthew Shepard Hate crimes bill into law.

I imagine the presidents inbox looks rather full and on the top of today's "to do" pile would be sitting this particular bill as he takes it off the pile and holds it up to the light...duly considering its benefits and implications while thoughtfully stroking his chin. Then, with great care, he places the document on his desk and reaches for his silver presidential pen, The heaviest pen ever made, carrying with it the weight of conscience and history. He sweeps aside the flotsam and jetsam of presidential duty (like a Doma repeal and a moratorium on Don't Ask Don't Tell). Then, With one fluid movement he signs his name and ...

HRC/Obama Dinner...and Why We Shouldn't Get Our knickers In A Twist

Much conversation has been generated about the meanings and implications of President Obama's speech at the HRC and about its Leader Joe Solmonese. Among those questions raised is just who the Human Rights Campaign actually represents...