If he really cared, he could have said something yesterday, before NC voted on a new constitutional amendment.
He isn't making any moves...what good are words with no action?
I too am looking forward to additional 'moves' and 'actions' that this new statement expresses, in the same spirit as the following that have been invoked under the current administration:
Easy there hoss. I'm viewing your list here, and while I may agree with the spirit and invocation, we have wildly different views on the process and implementation.
- repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell"
Agreed. But I think it needs to be extended further. Women in combat. There is very little hand-to-hand fighting going on anymore. With the right training, man, woman, gay and straight alike can stab and shoot and kill equally.
That being said, I am against a federalized standing army. Everyone that is able should know not only how to fight, but
why to fight.
- expanding federal benefits for the same-sex partners of those that work in the Executive branch
If they exist, sure. It doesn't occur to most, but I question the supposed powers of the executive, and often ponder the need for the branch at all.
- signing the Hate Crimes Act into law
A feel-good measure. It rings close to legislating intent, and we can't have that. If you assault or murder someone, it shouldn't matter what your thought process was when you did it. Everyone should be treated equally. Victims and perpetrators alike.
- clearing the way for hospital visitation rights for same-sex couples
I think this would go without saying if everyone is treated equally.
- lifting the Travel & Immigration Ban for people living with HIV
Communicable diseases are tough, but I agree. But I also think if you have one, you should be held criminally and civilly liable for the consequences of you placing others in danger. That means failing to notify a tattoo artist that you have HIV, or breathing in a crowded room if you have TB. And etc.
- ordering the Federal Housing Authority to not consider the sexual orientation of people who apply for housing loans
I'm not sure this was an issue federally or even at the state level, but I agree. That being said, the FHA shouldn't exist.
- expanding the census to make sure that people in same-sex relationships get counted
No way. The census has gotten out of hand with questions. If it must exist, take a name, tab a number.
- directing U.S. agencies who work with foreign countries to ensure that our humanitarian and diplomatic efforts abroad take into account the rights of gay and lesbian people in those countries
Absolutely not. If an agency exists, it shouldn't exist to meddle. Unfortunately, that is precisely the State Department's raison d'etre. It has to go. No aid. No joint military operations. Peaceful trade with all, entangling alliances with none, etc.
- supporting states that extend marriage rights to same-sex couples
What do you mean by support? I hope you don't mean money.
And while these were put forward before the vote in NC, just like Feral has expressed, more has to be done ... and I stand with you steadfastly in that sentiment.
If the covenant of the states is to exist, they all must abide.
For them to abide, they have to look at the intent and the history of the documents that bind them.
Which means equal rights for everyone. If the federal government is to exist, it should exist only to protect those rights.
I'm pretty much anti-state at this point; I see it as the biggest threat to people that currently exists. At every level it intrudes and invades and imposes.
It
compels. It has devolved to and is complicit in theft, rape, and murder. But if it can be fixed, I'm willing to give it a shot.
I could go on and on with my thoughts, about individuals and armies and agencies and ideas about teaching children warfare, but I won't. For now.
Good talk though.