Today, we're going to hear so-called media professionals referring to President Obama's support for same sex marriage as a profile in courage. And we'll not argue the point, for it was truly an extremely courageous act. However, courageous hardly addresses what the President did yesterday.
In a divided nation, with an uncooperative and obstructionist congress and standing at the precipice of the most vicious and contentious campaign in American history, this President had the strength of character to do what his predecessors feared to do; the right thing.
Through half steps and measures designed to delay deny or distance themselves from issues affecting LGBT Americans, every President heretofore have done little more than pay lip service to a very loyal, patient, supportive and generous constituency. We need your vote, but lets keep things on the down-low for now was always the message!
Enter Barack Obama: Breaking the sound barrier of silence of previous administrations, this President eased out of stealth mode. His words came out of the clear blue sky to carpet bomb closed minded intolerance, while giving hope to those feeling shunned and outgunned. This was not his usual mode of attacking a problem, generally electing to go small, quiet, quick and lethal. No, this was a full out frontal assault on the mindset of yesterday.
This was another bold, brave and ballsy move, rarely seen in the American political construct. In fact, this President has shown more independent initiative than any in recent history. In a time when few politicians will chance making a decision without the nod from advisors, consultants and polls, its refreshing to see a leader take his cue from the heart of the people.
Risking political favor to wager America is better than a dwindling demographic of aging, hateful, self-righteous, meddling and intrusive outliers of yesteryear, President Obama characteristically did the fare thing. Through a continuity of positions and policies, this President's message has been clear, his actions consistence and his narrative has always spoke to and for the people. All the people.
The simply utterance of "I support same sex marriage" raised Barack Obama's presidency way above past administrations in their failure to accept ownership of LGBT issues. It takes guts to accept the lead on a hot issues, when everyone else is running for cover or hiding behind prepared statements and carefully constructed talking points.
From pushing for universal healthcare to fighting for investments in America's tomorrow, when his opposition is inclined to decline everything and anything, this was another big F-ing deal.
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