Getting Gay About Rights-- But Is It Enough

And this is a real victory, boys and girls. But is it enough?

Earlier today, President Barack Obama stood in front of a lively crowd of members of the LGBT Community and supporters of the same and declared that he will be repealing the Don't Ask, Don't Tell Policy currently in use for gays serving in the military. As per the policy, members of the military who are homosexual cannot disclose their sexual preferences to anyone in the military, and, as such, no one in the military can question someone's sexuality. He did not give a process, nor did he give a timeline, but he pledged it. Let's put it this way: it will have to be in the next four years, and possibly in the next two. I don't say this because one's moral compass has a timeline; rather, I say it because elections are every two years, and this would be horrible politics to promise something and not deliver. Disastrous doesn't even begin to describe it.

Either way, I don't know what he is waiting for. An executive order-- one like Truman's in 1948 that allowed African Americans to serve-- is all that is necessary. For some reason, it seems like the President can fit one in, especially considering all the time he gives to the big banks.

Considering all of this, I was missing something from the speech. I didn't feel the same fire for other rights- for instance, I didn't feel the President Obama was as passionate about moving the Domestic Partners Benefits and Obligations Act through Congress. I am sure he is being genuine in saying that he plans to move it through the process. But, if I was in his position, this is what I would say:

My brothers and sisters, we are gathered here to affirm the greatness of our nation. It has been hundreds of years since we began our journey. This experiment has never been faultless; indeed, we have amended the Constitution, passed a countless number of laws, and given full rights to a myriad of citizens. And yet, as I look across you all, I must say, with a heavy heart, that we have forgotten about you. For far too long, you have been the punchline and the overlooked. But tonight, I can declare this: we accept you. We accept you, not just as soldiers, but as fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, friends and neighbors. We accept you as doctors, and as lawyers, and as teachers. We accept you as mentors and guides. We accept you as humans, and never again shall we forget this notion.

While we should be able to expect everything we want (meaning, full rights for all citizens), we must take it at one step at a time. This is progress, and, after all, we are Progressives.