Gay Critics Say "Too Little Too Late" on Obama - saw this on CNN

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/06/17/obama.gay.critics/index.html

CNN) -- President Obama's decision to grant some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees is seen by some as his attempt to extend an olive branch to the gay and lesbian community, but critics say it's "too little, too late."


Some critics say President Obama has let the gay community down.

"It seems to me at least to be a nice gesture, but a disappointment," said Richard Kim, a senior editor at The Nation magazine.

The memorandum Obama signed Wednesday is not expected to grant health and retirement benefits to same-sex partners, as that is prohibited under the Defense of Marriage Act.

"It will absolutely be seen as something good -- but I think, for example, it not including full health insurance -- that is going to put a real microscope on that question. You know, why not?" Kim said, adding that the memo applies only to federal employees, so most people will not be affected by it.

Charles Moran, the spokesman for the Log Cabin Republicans, said the lack of full benefits in Thursday's memorandum shows a lack of commitment to the gay community.
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I saw this interview on CNN recently and both talking heads (1 D and 1 R) both politely agreed with each other that Obama isn't really doing anything and they believe it is because he is afraid it will be used against him in 2012.

Was there a new lawsuit or something?

:shrug:

the "too little too late" thing does rile me.

but I tend to get riled when people act as if equal rights for all is not all that important, compared with other issues - see response #6.
The very least he could have done is put an end to kicking GLBTers out of the military under DADT. I believe he said he would do so UPON TAKING OFFICE.

So if tomorrow Obama repealed DADT and DOMA, the too little too late people wouldn't vote for him?

after the smelling salts took effect.

"Too late" is a fine point to put on it, yes, but it's getting later every day. This health care and the fallout no matter how it turns out is going to take quite some time. Then it will be job growth, then the 2012 election gear up, and I just fear it's always going to be something. It's already way past due in this country for true equality, and if you can't do it with a Democratic President (who won quite a large mandate), and the huge majorities we have in Congress, then when?

There are many, many qualities I admire in Barack Obama, and I was thrilled beyond belief that he won in November. I'm pretty sure I cried tears of joy for a couple hours. But this issue of equal rights not being addressed is simply not acceptable. He is too smart to believe the gay community (which came out in full force to help him get elected) doesn't deserve the same rights we all enjoy. I know he is busy, but he's not running the country all on his own. I'm just a former store manager, but one of the first things I learned at work was delegation. I KNOW he can do it, now it's time to make it a priority.

Thanks for your perspective.

he should be impeached! :sarcasm:

:eyes:

That's like a pyro complaining about house fires.