We Call on Senator Obama . . .

[maddiejoan]

<snip

We Call on Senator Obama . . .
by johnnygunn

Sun Jan 20, 2008 at 10:50:24 PM PST

We call on Senator Barack Obama to reject cordially, but in the clearest language the recent endorsement that his campaign has received from Kirbyjon Caldwell, pastor of the Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Texas. Mr. Caldwell is a proponent of "Metanoia Ministries" – a dangerous program that claims to convert gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex people to heterosexuality within a so-called Christian framework.

johnnygunn's diary :: ::
Let us be absolutely blunt here. The misnamed "conversion therapy" is nothing short of torture. Residential programs such as the discredited "Love in Action" center in Tennessee are, in actuality, concentration camps for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and intersex youth. Although various programs differ, they include "treatments" ranging from isolation, antipsychotic drugs, aversion regimens, to electroshock. Not surprisingly, people going through such programs have extremely high suicide rates, especially young people.

<snip>

http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/1/21/12830/0021/1023/440373


Fix this problem, Mr. Obama.

Or count on me to sit my queer ass at home if you are the nominee.

period.

[terrya]

1. Thank you

Obviously, this is beyond "Hillary Supporters" and "whiny homos" here at DU.

I'm glad this story is outside of DU.

[maddiejoan]

4. There's a line I have to draw

and when it comes to the "ex-gay" movement --it's my line.

As a Queer American, I am called on to compromise over and over again --and urged to wait for my rights.

This goes beyond just my "rights".

The "ex-gay" movement is an out and out assault.

[terrya]

9. I went to that website.

I went and read the code words "sexual brokeness" "sexual wholeness". Code words...not even slightly subtle code words...for "you're sick".

I'm ashamed to say it now, but I went through years of internalized homophobia. I absorbed the homophobia of society. I didn't like myself as a gay man very much. It took me a while to realize that as a gay man, I'm ok. If that makes any sense.

And I've read the posts here...which need to be read by those who don't really care about this...of the alarmingly high suicide rates among GLBT youth. Which these people contributed to.

I just can't support any candidate who seems to think it's ok to get the support of these evil people.

[sunonmars]

13. This and the reagan comments just about put me near vomiting

What a campaign, appeal to the the republicans and homophobes and then pander to whoever else votes you need.

Its not convincing me one bit.

[Politicub]

39. I'm right there with you

Giving the ex-gay movement a national platform is beyond the pale. It kills by systematically tearing down the self esteem of LGBT folk, which can lead to suicide.

I hate that we even need to discuss this. But I won't ignore it.

[durrrty libby]

2. Will he "get" the message? I doubt it.

[rodeodance]

3. I have read of these conversion camps. How horrible for these young people!

[Tellurian]

12. agreed..K&R

Live and Let Live!

[rodeodance]

5. REC

[surfermaw]

6. How many here are aware of the Nixon connection to all the religious things going on in politics

Probably very little,it is a hush hush thing, one of the people in the mess that Nixon was in, became a religious guy, he started a prison ministry, I think maybe it started it in Florida and is still is in it today going in to prisons to try to make them born again christians and then teaching them to vote republicans, in other words leading them to think republicans are the only ones that could get into the Kingdom of God

[sunonmars]

7. you go girl

I can't believe he'd have the nerve to take this endorsement, would he?

[Cameron27]

8. K&R

[desi]

10. Error: You've already recommended that thread.

I couldn't recommend this enough. Sounds like something out of the Mengele era.

Fuck THAT!

[Bonobo]

11. He should do it.

But it would be just words, wouldn't it?

Why would "those" words be more meaningful than the thousands of words he has used to speak out about GLBT rights?

Wouldn't such a move also be open to being interpreted as "just more rhetoric"?

[xchrom]

15. full of sound and fury, bonobo, signifying shit.

[Bonobo]

19. why don't you just ignore me then?

Instead of being a f-head?

[TankLV]

21. we HAVE to call out all IDIOTS when they appear...

especially touting their LAME and well-worn EXCUSES...

especially when they and their actions are DISGUSTING...

"fuckhead"? LOOK IN THE FUCKING MIRROR, you fucking BIGOT!!!

[Bonobo]

27. Your posts...

Make it clear who is a reasonable person and who is an asshole.

I don't have to add anything.

[maddiejoan]

28. I don't think Bonobo was being bigotted here

I think he wanted to know why these words would be different than his previous words.

So I'll answer his question.

The reason they would be different is because he will be addressing not just the same gay-rights platitudes of "wait your turn for some rights".
He would be condemning the abuse that rises from intolerance. He would be demonstrating where intolerance leads us as a people.
The "ex-gay" movement is ugly stuff. If left to fester --it will become worse --not better.

If Obama wishes to live up to his stated purpose of bringing people together, he NEEDS to make the case that groups like "Metanoia" need to be shut down because
they are far worse than mere denial of rights and scornful homophobia. They are a criminally abusive network of gay teen torture.

[Bonobo]

32. Thank you and I agree completely with your suggestion for Mr. Obama.

I just wish people on this board weren't so friggin rude all the time.

It takes time to try to write things that are not simple one sentence "fuck offs".

[dsc]

16. If they were followed by action, they would

The action of not employing or letting speak on his behalf these people who run ex gay ministries.

[maddiejoan]

17. No

I would take a condemnation of organizations like Metanoia very seriously.

This NEEDS to be part of the debate.

[cali]

22. I don't know what he should do

It's been shown over and over that Hillary has homophobic supporters but she's never asked to reject those endorsements. My guess is that Edwards has one or more as well. I think Obama is damned if he does and damned if he doesn't. He's been clear about his strong support for GBLT issues. You don't change minds by shunning people. On the hand, I really do hate the "gay therapy" shit and think it's incredibly damaging to real people. I'd like to hear him unequivocally denounce it.

[maddiejoan]

23. That's all I'm asking

For him to denounce "gay-therapy"

Is that to much to ask?

[cali]

25. No. I don't think so.

I just emaied his campaign on it. I hope many others do as well.

[maddiejoan]

26. I did too

and mentioned that such a brave act on his part would earn my support.

I'm serious on that too. If Obama can make the case to his supporters that groups like "Metanoia" should be shut down because they are abusive and soul-killing, he WILL have earned my support.

[sunonmars]

29. I've also emailed Hillary's campaign to ask

if she would ask questions as to why Obama has a double standard on this issue.

[maddiejoan]

31. I've e-mailed Hillary on this as well

But in fairness --this needs to be addressed by Obama first.

It's far too serious to be dismissed as a mere attack on Obama. Which it would be if Hillary brought it up.

[xchrom]

14. recommend.

[cboy4]

18. I just found out about this situation and I feel sick to my

stomach.

On this holiday, I feel sick.

[redwitch]

34. I feel the same.

Sick and really, really sad.

:hug:

[TankLV]

20. Thank you. My sentiments exactly...

He has a CHANCE - ONE chance - to change the dialogue and correct this INSULT to all GBLT persons...

[Kittycat]

24. DOMA n/t

[maddiejoan]

33. Comparing DOMA to Metanoia

is like comparing being against Affirmative Action to Treblinka.

[Kittycat]

35. You've clearly lost your mind.

You'll never believe the truth, because you don't want to see it. Obama marches in Gay Pride parades in Chicago, but he still has something against homosexuals? He stands in front of the most prominant AA baptist church in the SOUTH, and tells them they've wronged the gay community - and it's not good enough.

So in my opinion, you're blind to the truth. But you just keep on believing that DLC Hillary is going to do something for you.

[terrya]

36. Why are you ascribing so much about marching in the Pride Parade?

Jesus. Our governor, Rod Blagojevich, has for several years marched in the Pride Parade here in Chicago. And yet...he doesn't support same-sex marriage equality. When I see politicians such as Blagojevich or Obama or Hillary Clinton marching in a Pride Parade, I always sort of roll my eyes...it's the easiest form of trying to convey to the GLBT community that you care about them and your issues. Just...spend 3 hours of your life, one day a year and...march in a parade! Hooray! :eyes:

If it's Edwards or Obama or Clinton who's the nominee and who's elected President, I'm not expecting anything from them re: GLBT legislation. If you don't expect anything, you're not disappointed.

But for Obama to not forcefully disavow these hatemongering "ex-gay" types...hell, to court their votes...it's a little too goddamned much, you know?

And oh...please don't bring up "Well, what about DOMA"?, because I'm a little weary of deflection. Thanks.

[maddiejoan]

38. He brought the "ex-gay" movement into his camp

He didn't say that LGBT people were "wronged"

He said we should be embraced and not scorned. Many in the "ex-gay" movement say exactly the same thing.

Embrace them. Pray for them. Love them. But deliver them from their sin.

Read up on groups like Rev Caldwell's "Metanoia Ministries" or "Exodus International"

http://www.advocate.com/issue_story_ektid33634.asp

[Evergreen Emerald]

30. he is doing what he accused Clinton of doing: running for a general election.

He is choosing people that will appeal to the republicans. He believes he has won the democrats no matter what he says now, even if it is homophobic.

[ClericJohnPreston]

37. BINGO!

Expect Obama to do what he alwys does...go for the politically expedient.

I cannot remember a more manufactured candidate than Obama, unless you wnat to point to Romney on the Republican side.

Then again, looking at Obama's inclusive Conservative umbrella, what is the difference between the Reublicans and Obama?

[GalleryGod]

40. Manufacturing= Nixon('68),John Connally,Phil Graham,"Scoop" Jackson,Birch Bayh,Nelson Rockefeller...

William Scranton, Milton Shapp,Ed Muskie,George Corley Wallace,Gov. Robert Meyner,Bob Kerrey, HHH...and probably Willard Romney's Dad, George.


Forgot-Pat Bucnannon('96),too, and Dutch Reagan in 1976.

[tbyg52]

41. This is unbelievable!

On this issue, is he ignorant, stupid, or going for the homophobe vote?