Because Obama is doing such a good job demolishing the right-wing Republicans I hate so much, I'm willing to forgive him practically ANYTHING.
But not this slap in the face.
There was no doubt that Obama, like every president before him, would pick a Christian minister to perform this sacred duty. But Obama had thousands of clergy to choose from, and the choice of Warren is not only a slap in the face to progressive ministers toiling on the front lines of advocacy and service but a bow to the continuing influence of the religious right in American politics.
Because Rick Warren is a monstrous asshole. Not just because he compares gay relationships to incest, pedophilia, and polygamy. Which is absolutely unforgivable.
Or because of his disgusting views on how women should be submissive.
God granted women a measure of freedom in submission that we can learn to enjoy.
It is a relief to know that as a wife and mother I am not totally responsible for my family. I have a husband to look to for counsel and direction. I can rely on his toughness when I am too soft and his logic when I am too emotional.
Which make me want to VOMIT.
But also because this greasy hallelujah homophobe thinks he can buy gay people off with DONUTS!!
Can you believe that latest version of some of my best friends are gay? The fat pig. I can only hope this comes true...
On a related note, this all but guarantees that during the invocation, Rick Warren will be pelted with donuts. Listen carefully for the shouts of "This is a farewell kiss, you dog!" and don't say I didn't warn you.
Or hope that when this Christianist porker hits the ground for the final time he makes as big a bang as Gerry Falwell did.
But then what do you expect in a country like the United States that is more of a theocracy than a democracy? And that ignorant Jumping Jesus hatemongering shite is EVERYWHERE.
As for Obama, it may be a shrewd political move to lure even more Republicans out of the ruins of their shattered party, until only a redneck rump is left. But it is also callous and insensitive.
Because so many gay people who were robbed of a chance to celebrate his victory, when the Proposition 8 defeat turned cheers to tears, were hoping for a chance to at least celebrate his inauguration.
Now they can't. Even though this battered and bruised minority voted overwhelmingly for him, and were dreaming of a new beginning.
Oh boy. As long as Obama can INCINERATE the Republican Party I'll still support him.
But I have to warn him, disappointment turns to anger, and his timing really sucks.
If Obama doesn't know how hurt and angry gay people are.
I'm afraid he's going to find out....
For the first time, I am truly disgusted with Obama. If he and his people think they're getting one more dollar from me or one more minute of my time in support, they're fucking high.
ReplyDeleteI guess the only thing we have to be thankful for is that we're not inaugurating President McCain in January, because then that bloated porn addict Warren would likely have a cabinet post instead of an "invocation".
I think I realize the politics behind this decision, but that doesn't make it any less horrid and unacceptable. Of all the thousands of clergy he could have chosen, he picks this dude? WTF Obama? I thought the idea was to cater to your BASE, the people (including 6 million or so who identify GLBTQ)who worked so hard and showed up to elect you, not reach out to the goddam bigots and haters. Color me pissed right off.
I know this is thought to be a nod of "inclusiveness" to the religious right, but the fact that there's a prayer AT ALL should be satisfactory, regardless of who gives it. (I personally think prayer is inappropriate in the inauguration of a secular government. I mean, what about all the atheists and other religions in the nation? Everyone's not a friggin Christian.)
ReplyDeleteSo yeah, I'm similarly baffled at Obama's choice of Warren. As you said, Simon, there are plenty of, say, Unitarian Universalist pastors who could deliver the prayer, if its absolutely necessary.
Ibitson in the Globe and Mail thought this was an effort to turn evangelicals into lifelong Democrat voters. I think JJ's more right in that any prayer at a Presidential inauguration is pushing the limits of inclusiveness.
ReplyDeleteit's pushing it all right....barrak's 'love me, i'm a democrat, black and white and really, really for everyone' b.s. is just too much. from the beginning i have thought it will be too easy for him because he was elevated to messiah status....now the beginnings of that are on their way.
ReplyDeletei have very grave doubts about this man, the honeymoon will be over in short order and the betrayals tough. NO ONE gets to the white house by being a nice guy.
it's all politics and no matter what, politics suck. the trade-offs in many areas are going to be too painful for too many.
Hi Dr Prole....yes I'm a bit disappointed too. I know he's leading a country during a time of crisis, and he wants to reach out to as many Americans as he can. But as you point out there are so many other good religious people he could have chosen. And embracing that bloated sexist homophobe just doesn't cut it with me. And sacrificing a hurting minority for political expediency is not an act of greatness. I'm going to give him another chance, but he better improve and quickly...
ReplyDeleteHi JJ... I hadn't thought of it that way but you're right it doesn't seem very inclusive from a religious point of view either. But then I'm with you, I believe that religion should be kept out of politics, and I believe the founders of America would feel the same way. They would be horrified to see how religion has clawed its way into the heart of the government.
ReplyDeleteTo make matters worse I see that the economic crisis is raising church attendance all over the U.S.
May the Flying Spaghetti Monster save us all... :)
Hi saskboy...if that's his strategy it's doomed to failure. He may attract some young evangelicals...which would be a good thing...but as for the rest of them forget it. A lot of them don't even believe a black man should be President. Now I don't want to blow this incident out of proportion even though it's personally painful. But after eight years of Bush when these religious fanatics were allowed to run amok, I expect something better...
ReplyDeleteHi Scout...a lot of my friends feel like you do. And I can understand why all of you are concerned. It's one thing to reach out to your enemies, and quite another to start acting like them.
ReplyDeleteBut I'm still holding out for hope.
Although Obama's religiosity is starting to look like a flashing red light. My message to the O man is leave your ju ju in the church, and start governing for the people who elected you...
I thought the way Obama treated his own preacher was an honking amber light about how he would throw any constituent group under the bus for political gain.
ReplyDeleteI'm disgusted but sadly not surprised by this latest move. Warren is a disgusting specimen of hatred. I take issue with there being a freaking prayer in the first place but to cast this foul, hate-filled preacher with the task is unforgivable imv.
So, Rick Warren thinks there's "freedom in submission" for women?
ReplyDeleteWell, I freely submit that THIS woman would like nothing better than to punch his fucking lights out for uttering crap-drivel like that. And I could, too, because I'm not carrying 150 extra pounds. Let's see how superior his manly strength is when he can't move fast enough to dodge me, eh?
As for who should deliver the invocation, I suggest Barry Lynn.
Hi Beijing....actually there's an interesting story I just heard about Jeremiah Wright, who is a far better person than Warren in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteApparently Obama had invited him to speak at the launch of his campaign. But then rescinded the invitation. So if he can do it once he can do it again.
And besides why is Obama campaigning for the next election already? Religion is his great weakness, he's going to have some explaining to do...
Hi Bina....yes isn't that submission stuff DISGUSTING? I wasn't kidding when I said it made me feel like vomiting. It sounds like something out of the Handmaid's Tale. I'm sure you could teach him a good lesson. :)
ReplyDeleteDown with the patriarchy !!!!
For all of us who are deeply disturbed by this Obama choice, whatever sexual tag we wear, I suggest some activism . Like...if there are reserved seats, then, people don't take them until after Invocation is done.
ReplyDeleteOr... everyone puts on a black hood as Ricko begins his speak.