Rightie Kowtow
HuffPost's John Aravosis has posted an allegedly leaked conversation (sic) between President-elect Barack Obama and Sen. Dianne Feinstein in which the president-elect decided to to choose conservative evangelical Christian leader Rick Warren to handle the invocation at Obama's inaugural.
Yes, the piece notes -- the same Rick Warren "who wants to ban all abortions, has compared gay marriage to pedophilia and incest, helped lead the fight for Prop. 8 in California, has said he agrees with far-right wingnut James Dobson on pretty much everything, and who's devoted his entire life to destroying everything Obama stands for and believes in."
Feinstein's rationale to Obama, according to the transcript, is that the Warren decision will convey that he's "so post-partisan that [he's] willing to embrace and promote someone who loathes you, didn't vote for you, and will do everything in his power to destroy your presidency. It's like the Lieberman thing, but even bigger!"
To which Obama responds, "So you mean, by promoting a guy who represents none of my goals, ideals or hopes that the majority of the country voted for, and by devastating my own [pro-choice and gay] supporters on what was supposed to be a day of celebration and national rebirth, I'm actually promoting 'change' by publicly undermining it?"
Posted by Jeffrey Wells on December 18, 2008 at 12:16 PM
comment #1
Ryansi51
says ...
without reading the actual "transcript," you'd have no idea that it's obviously a joke.
one that i'm still unsure jeff even gets...
Posted by Ryansi51
at December 18, 2008 12:32 PM
comment #2
Ms. M
says ...
Aside from the fact that this is a parody, in defense of Warren, he does share similar views to Obama on some issues like global warming and alleviating poverty. Warren got a lot of flack from some evangelicals for inviting Obama to a conference on AIDS.
It really isn't much different from selecting Billy Graham, who probably shares the exact same views on homosexuality and abortion, to speak.
Posted by Ms. M
at December 18, 2008 12:52 PM
comment #3
iamjoe
says ...
Bad, bad move on Obama's part. Involving Mega-Churches is a bad idea; they are the worst combination of Religion and The Corporation. Let alone Warren's human hating views.
Posted by iamjoe
at December 18, 2008 1:04 PM
comment #4
rgmax99
says ...
Ditto Ms. M.
And although I would have voted against Prop 8 had I lived in California (I voted against a ridiculous amendment here in Arkansas banning unmarried couples -- gay or straight -- living together from adopting kids; it passed.), to say that Warren hates humans is asinine.
His views on gays might be wrong, but he's certainly spearheading more humanitarian work in third world countries than any other poster on this blog.
Posted by rgmax99
at December 18, 2008 1:31 PM
comment #5
Marco Bean
says ...
Wow...you know I visit this site and appreciate the film passion, thought and insight often. Reviews, tips, etc. I share the passion. Our art is a great thing. Mysterious, Heartfelt (most of the time) and a blessing to be one inspired and hopefully gifted in this way. So I often wonder when you get so very politically focused...when your personal ethics and religious views are posted...even sometimes when discussing film...(YES...I know it's relevant) yet, I have to be honest, you come across so bitter and intolerant yourself....even really
unloving as you condemn those you call wingnuts or righties or whatever you fling. I believe in a creator and Jesus... I am conservative in my beliefs...yet I can except you, Jeff. Just as you are. I would not condemn you with slurs. I value you. How are you any better then these guys that you accuse and slam...when you do this? I mean, really you condemn them just because they believe in one true God and don't want babies killed in the womb and simply don't agree homosexuals should be legally married. They don't hate gay people or pregnant women or you. They just don't agree. They take a stand for things like you do. Like we all do. I ask you to check yourself, man.
mb
Posted by Marco Bean
at December 18, 2008 1:46 PM
comment #6
/3rtfu11
says ...
Marco if you don't like it why visit and post?
Posted by /3rtfu11
at December 18, 2008 2:10 PM
comment #7
Ryansi51
says ...
"and simply don't agree homosexuals should be legally married."
SIMPLE. yeah, simple for YOU. while i agree sometime jeff can be hypocritical when judging others, but this statement belies your basic belief that homosexuals rigths are somehow less valuable than your own. Do you really not see that Marco?
I ask you sir, to check yo' self.
Posted by Ryansi51
at December 18, 2008 2:14 PM
comment #8
62Lincoln
says ...
Interesting how the commentary is centered on condeming Warren for his views, as if his views were new or unknown. When will Jeff man up and focus his wrath on Obama, and his sellout? And, do you really think this is where his selllout stops? It's only just begun.
Posted by 62Lincoln
at December 18, 2008 2:40 PM
comment #9
Marco Bean
says ...
First, I stated above why I visit the site.
And second, seriously...I in no way want to condemn anyone or deny rights. I have many friends and family who are gay, have had abortions and believe differently then I in many ways. I except them and love them. And their rights are valuable. In my walk through this life of mine...I have learned so much by my own personal experience. You are right...nothing is simple. We all have unique and personal walks. I've just found that foundations are important. Things crumble when there is no foundation or accountability. When we make up our own rules...there are no rules really. No standard to go by. That may be fine for you. So, that being said...I look at the foundation of marriage...origins etc. and abide in that . If those like yourself want to redefine...so be it. That is where we find ourselves today...and that is where we are taking our stands. I just wanted to point out that Jeff's filmic website has become something way elsewhere. peace to you both.
Posted by Marco Bean
at December 18, 2008 2:49 PM
comment #10
Josh Massey
says ...
Sorry, Marco - you speak in a "can't we all just get along" voice, but your stance is one that says our government has the right to treat one group of citizens different than another.
If your church decides not to recognize certain unions, fine - but that is not the government's role to play. Consenting adults should all be allowed the same freedoms.
Posted by Josh Massey
at December 18, 2008 2:58 PM
comment #11
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Posted by anonymous2
at December 18, 2008 3:23 PM
comment #12
Yuval
says ...
Marco... seriously... bigotry... should... not... be... accepted... (I... guess... that's... what... you... meant... not... excepted....).
Posted by Yuval
at December 18, 2008 3:26 PM
comment #13
Marco Bean
says ...
Accepted...yeah. Can't you feel the love, man?
Josh, my stance is on a foundation...one of the many foundations our government was founded on.
Posted by Marco Bean
at December 18, 2008 3:54 PM
comment #14
MindlessObamaton
says ...
Come on, Wells! Don't take this lying down. Stand up and be heard! It's gotta eat at you, how your messiah is bowing to the righties!!! Get mad, dangit!!!
Posted by MindlessObamaton
at December 18, 2008 4:05 PM
comment #15
Ryansi51
says ...
Marco, seriously, that's your defense?
it was also founded on a little thing called SLAVERY.
times change man, funny how religion doesn't like to keep up with things like progress and change.
Posted by Ryansi51
at December 18, 2008 4:37 PM
comment #16
DarthCorleone
says ...
*shrug* I abhor a lot of the things Rick Warren stands for, but I think this is a pretty savvy move on Obama's part. How does it undermine ANYTHING? How is it a sellout? It's an INVOCATION. That's all and nothing more. I say give the Religious Right a part in the ceremony and then get to work on actual policy that matters.
Posted by DarthCorleone
at December 18, 2008 4:49 PM
comment #17
D.Z.
says ...
Don't like it, either, but Obama has to co-opt the fundies the way Nixon co-opted the hippies, if he wants them out of his face. At least Obama's team is acknowledging our concerns, unlike when Bush openly embraced Bob Jones. http://www.commondreams.org/views/020900-101.htm
Posted by D.Z.
at December 18, 2008 5:26 PM
comment #18
62Lincoln
says ...
How is it a sellout? Ask the leadership from Gay groups that have been going bonkers.
Posted by 62Lincoln
at December 18, 2008 5:39 PM
comment #19
DarthCorleone
says ...
62Lincoln>> I understand their complaint. They value the symbolism of it. I simply think it's ultimately meaningless. If and when Obama overturns DOMA, who cares what religious leader delivered the invocation at the inauguration? I certainly won't.
Posted by DarthCorleone
at December 18, 2008 5:58 PM
comment #20
EnglishBob
says ...
But wait a minute. Doesn't Obama oppose gay marriage, too? I thought he was just for civil unions.
Posted by EnglishBob
at December 18, 2008 6:36 PM
comment #21
D.Z.
says ...
English: Whether or not he opposes gay marriage, he still doesn't want to make a constitutional amendment against it like Bush did.
Posted by D.Z.
at December 18, 2008 8:35 PM
comment #22
Josh Massey
says ...
Wow, D.Z. - can't admit Obama is wrong about anything, huh?
Posted by Josh Massey
at December 19, 2008 4:45 AM
comment #23
SaveFarris
says ...
DZ, so you're saying the difference between Bush and Obama is that Obama doesn't have the courage of his convictions?
Got it!
Posted by SaveFarris
at December 19, 2008 8:04 AM
comment #24
Kim Voynar
says ...
Personally, I think a much better choice would be Bishop Gene Robinson, the first openly gay man voted into the position of Bishop by the Episcopal church. Or at least more liberal religious leader generally. The Warren invite smacks of pandering to the religious right, even more so because of Warren's vehement stance on abortion and gay rights issues. Urk.
Posted by Kim Voynar
at December 19, 2008 5:56 PM
comment #25
D.Z.
says ...
Josh: He can have wrong opinions as long as they don't affect his judgment.
Farris: Actually, it takes more courage not to let your ego and personal life get in the way of your decision-making.
Posted by D.Z.
at December 19, 2008 7:07 PM
comment #26
janee
says ...
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