But I had to put this up. This is my letter to Barack Obama:
Dear Mr. President:
I knocked on doors, worked the phones and contributed to your campaign because you promised change. As a straight woman, it appalls me that you cannot bring yourself to use your considerable persuasive powers and oratorical skills to address the immoral discrimination against the GLBT community. You quoted Dr. King and spoke of "the fierce urgency of now".
When your Department of Justice files an incendiary brief in a challenge to DOMA that relies on analogies to incest and pedophilia and goes well beyond what was necessary to secure that the petition in question is not granted a writ of certiorari, you have gone beyond the sin of omission. Ignoring discrimination against the GLBT community is one thing; actively participating in it with such vehemence is another.
Today's memo on federal benefits for same-sex couples is the straw that broke the camel's back and spurred me to write this letter. When bold action was called for, you took the cautious route. I cannot help but believe this was a political decision. But you, sir, are the President with a Democratic majority in Congress. If not now, when?
My GLBT friends are in pain, both because of your action and your inaction. If, in 2012, Don't Ask Don't Tell and the DOMA are still in effect, then you and the Democratic party will get no help from me as you campaign. And please do not try to scare me with "But the Republicans would be worse." God help us all, DICK CHENEY is sounding more progressive on GLBT issues than you.
I know there are many other issues and conflicts you must attend to now, but you cannot use those as an excuse to participate in extending discrimination against the GLBT community. They and their allies will not be quiet and will not wait while you deal with all the other items on your agenda. Dr. King also said "This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism."
Be the man we voted for, not just another politician whose campaign promises were a means to secure funds and votes. We worked for you. It's time for you to show that our work and trust were not in vain.
Sincerely,
I haven't been as active as I should have been, but I'm going to make up for it now. I'm going to write letters and give to fundraisers and make my voice heard. And I'm going to Washington in October for the
National March for Equality Silence is deadly, and I won't be silent any more.
