President Obama: Commander in chief must back gay troops

[cal04]

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/10/01/politics/main20114386.shtml

President Barack Obama sharply rebuked his Republican rivals Saturday, saying anyone who wants to be commander in chief must support the entire U.S. military, including gay service members.

A combative Obama criticized Republican presidential candidates for staying silent when the crowd at a recent debate booed a gay soldier who asked a question of the contenders via videotape.

"You want to be commander in chief? You can start by standing up for the men and women who wear the uniform of the United States, even when it's not politically convenient," Obama said during remarks at the annual dinner of the Human Rights Council, the nation's largest gay rights organization.

Referencing the boos at the Sept. 22 Republican debate, he said: "We don't believe in standing silent when that happens."


http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/10/01/obama-wins-a-warm-reception-at-gay-rights-dinner/
President Obama received a jubilant reception from the audience at a dinner held by the group, the Human Rights Campaign. He was greeted with a standing ovation and was interrupted him several times with raucous applause, particularly when he declared that “ ‘don’t ask, don’t’ tell is history.”

[MADem]

1. Heh heh. That GOP "appealing to the base" shit can be an ass biter!

Can't wait to hear what those asswipes have to say in response. Whatever they say, it'll be WRONG.

[Kurovski]

2. Yeah that's swell, but what's he say about OWS?

It's the latest thing the kids are on about now. That was a week ago.

Hmm

[Raine1967]

3. One is law. He's the POTUS, and he's in charge of the military. The other is a movement.

If you can't see the difference, you are being puposefully oblique.

Take that bale of straw and go someplace else.

[Kurovski]

5. I am indeed being purposefully oblique.

But it isn't so hard a nut to crack.

And it happened ten days ago. Interesting timing on his part.

demanding justice be done in regard to corrupt bankers is more than a movement, and despite the president's desire to look forward not back, this too is a matter of law.

As a gay American I suspect I was to sit up and applaud at this like a trained seal. But as Obama may understand...On this I have moved forward. Certainly from the Republican nonsense of ten days ago.

So many authoritarians emerging of late here at DU. Telling us what to do and where to go.

Oh me, oh my.

[Raine1967]

6. A President defends law, and you actually say this?

Tell me, you as a Gay American, Tell me what does OWS Have to do with the OP?

Occupy Wall Street Has NOTHING to do with the OP.

And maybe you should try to be honest -- instead of Oblique. Maybe you should quit trying to 'Acute'.

[Kurovski]

7. Oh my

Oh me.

At least the commands are now phrased as suggestions.

[Bluenorthwest]

4. This is the best thing I've heard him say in a while

Two of my favorite things in one, standing with GLBT people and calling out Republicans for the cowards that they are.

[Tarheel_Dem]

8. K & R