incomplete reactions

[solarbird]

Mr. Obama gave his address today to the LGBT community. I've read through it once; it sounds okay, but as everyone here should know, I don't give a rat's ass what you say until and unless it actually produces action, which so far, Mr. Obama has not done. Dan Savage is mostly holding off on comment until tomorrow, except for a first-read reaction of, "I'm not sure we should be applauding the president for passing the buck, however eloquently he is while he does so." Pam at Pam's House Blend is not impressed because of the contradictions between his speech tonight and Mr. Gibbs in the press briefing earlier in the afternoon. (For example: in his speech, he claims he's working with the Pentagon on DADT; Mr. Gibbs earlier had said Mr. Obama hadn't been involved in any meetings.)

So that's that, so far. The first link (...and also the second) contains the full text of the address, so read it for yourself.

Comments

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

Is the music intended to be commentary, or just happened to be up at the time? Either way it brings the lulz... :)

[solarbird]

Is the music intended to be commentary
See also: jwz.

[hubbit.livejournal.com]

On Twitter yesterday I commented on the irony that President Obama specifically mentioned at least one person to hold up as an example of heroism because the gentlemen had lost his government job for being gay....when Lt. Dan Choi is facing the exact same thing today, in a case being prosecuted by the current administration.

I really do wonder whether any politician's ears hear what his or her mouth speaks.

[leftbase.livejournal.com]

Perhaps I'm not sufficiently informed on the matter, but here is one of my thoughts:

Complete inaction (up to now, but not for much longer) doesn't really contradict any of the promises he's made, but the recent offensive defense of DOMA is a direct clash with what he's been saying. Was there a question and answer session after his speech? Did anybody, or was anybody even able to, ask him about this?

The answer may be out there, but I haven't seen it yet.

[solarbird]

I'm not aware of any Q&A following the speech in this case. This doesn't mean there wasn't one, but I'm unaware of any.

[llachglin.livejournal.com]

It was a good speech. But we all know he can make a good speech, and it's long past time for words. He asked us to judge him by his actions. OK, Mr. President, we will. Dan Savage gave him an F on gay rights, and until something changes that's the correct grade.

[flashfire.livejournal.com]

I did notice he said his administration is working with the Pentagon, not him specifically:

Now, my administration is already working with the Pentagon and members of the House and the Senate on how we'll go about ending this policy, which will require an act of Congress.