Message to fans of Ron Paul, Gary Johnson and other Libertarians [View all]

[ProSense]

President Obama took the civil rights to a level you were never serious about taking it to. Your attempt to demagogue the issue no longer works. Your attempt to have it both ways has been exposed: free from Federal Government interference, but free to discriminate.

The President's statement eclipsed that ambiguity with a clear statement on mariage equality.

It's a bizarre thing to watch the few who are twisting in the wind to change the historic fact that for the first time ever, a sitting U.S. President (http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002666708) stated his support for marriage equality.

Who is leading on this issue among the candidates: Ron Paul? Gary Johnson? Both support states rights and the right of religious instituions to discriminate.

Ron Paul Condemns Obama's Decision to Abandon DOMA

Congressman Ron Paul issued the following statement in response to Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that the Obama Administration will cease to defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) against legal challenges.

“The Defense of Marriage Act was enacted in 1996 to stop Big Government in Washington from re-defining marriage and forcing its definition on the States. Like the majority of Iowans, I believe that marriage is between one man and one woman and must be protected.

“I supported the Defense of Marriage Act, which used Congress’ constitutional authority to define what other states have to recognize under the Full Faith and Credit Clause, to ensure that no state would be forced to recognize a same sex marriage license issued in another state. I have also cosponsored the Marriage Protection Act, which would remove challenges to the Defense of Marriage Act from the jurisdiction of the federal courts.

http://theiowarepublican.com/2011/ron-paul-condemns-obama%E2%80%99s-decision-to-abandon-doma/

The notable exception was Texas Rep. Ron Paul, who said he would leave the definition of marriage to the states in accordance with the Constitution. He went one step further, though, suggesting the entire institution would be best left to the church.

http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57328247-503544/gop-debate-in-iowa-gets-weepy

Government should not impose its values upon marriage. It should allow marriage equality, including gay marriage. It should also protect the rights of religious organizations to follow their beliefs.

http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/issues/civil-liberties

AFER’s Ted Olson Supports Obama’s Same-Sex Marriage Endorsement
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002665147

"Obama's legal, policy & personal views are not in any way contradictory and present a clear path
http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=667131

President Obama did the right thing that so many challenged him to do, claimed he was too coward to do or insisted he was too politically opportunistic to do. He did it. Challenge met. Cowardly claims dashed. Opportunistic meme unraveled.

Among the candidates, President Obama owns this issue, matching his personal evolution with comprehensive and consistent actions.

President Obama Endorses Freedom To Marry

WASHINGTON – President Obama said this afternoon in an interview with ABC News that he believes that the freedom to marry should be extended to same sex couples.

Until now, the president has only favored civil unions, although he had said his views on same-sex marriage were “constantly evolving.” While in office, President Obama and his administration have taken critical strides toward LGBT equality by refusing to defend the discriminatory and unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act in court and pushing Congress to repeal “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” and reaffirming support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.

“President Obama is doing the right thing and showing leadership by recognizing that lesbians and gays should be treated as equal citizens,” said Anthony D. Romero, ACLU Executive Director. “The freedom to marry whomever we love and want to share our life with is fundamental to who we are and what we stand for as a country. The fight for fairness and equal treatment under the law for all Americans took a critical step forward today.”

http://www.aclu.org/lgbt-rights/president-obama-endorses-freedom-marry

Transformational
http://www.democraticunderground.com/1002666422

This is a moment for celebration, not animosity.