… the sad truth is that this decision further elevates someone who has in recent weeks actively promoted legalized discrimination and denigrated the lives and relationships of millions of Americans.
Rick Warren gets plenty of attention through his books and media appearances. He doesn’t need or deserve this position of honor. There is no shortage of religious leaders who reflect the values on which President-elect Obama campaigned and who are working to advance the common good.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
President-elect Obama campaigned on a theme of inclusiveness, yet the selection of Rick Warren to give the invocation is a direct affront to that very principle.
by inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table
… (Warren’s) media-driven reputation as some sort of “moderate” evangelical preacher continues to win out …
John Aravosis (guest posting at Huffington Post)
(in Obama’s voice) … devastating my own supporters on what was supposed to be a day of celebration and national rebirth …
… a sharp stick in the eye to progressive women and GBTQ men, and all their allies …
… More evidence that a civil rights movement needs to realize that no politician can deliver for us what we have to deliver on our own.
John Amato (Crooks and Liars)
… Obama’s decision on this one is highly insulting.
… Obama will be roundly and loudly criticized for this decision, and rightly so. He should listen to what so many of his supporters will be saying about this. Obama says he values those with the ability to listen. If he hears, he will reverse this decision and apologize for hurting good people for no good reason.
I can’t even handle the irony that Warren’s appearance will be immediately followed by Aretha singing “Respect” and “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”
And, as previously noted, Atrios dubbed Obama Wanker of the Day.
some days are diamonds
some days are diamonds