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|| Politics > COMMENTARY  ||

 

Barbara Boxer, the U.S. senator from California, understands why her gay constituents are furious over Rick Warren's role in the inauguration -- it feels like Proposition 8 redux.

By Sen. Barbara Boxer

An Advocate.com exclusive posted December 19, 2008

In recent days, I have been overwhelmed by the number of Californians who are excited and hopeful about the change that is coming to Washington and our nation. I have also heard from many of my constituents who are upset about the inclusion of pastor Rick Warren in the presidential inaugural ceremonies.

As someone who saw, firsthand, the way the passage of Proposition 8 in California personally affected those who have struggled so long and so hard for equal rights, this controversy is understandable.

Proposition 8 overturned a California supreme court decision -- eloquent in its simplicity -- that made clear that California's constitution protects a fundamental right to marry that extends to same-sex couples. Chief Justice Ronald George, a Republican, made a strong legal case as to why setting up a different set of marriage rules is akin to setting up a different set of rules for people based on race or gender.

My views on marriage equality have evolved over time. At one point, I did think it was possible to substitute civil unions for marriage as long as couples had the same rights and responsibilities as everyone else under the law. But, as the California supreme court found, in order for full equality to exist for all of our people, you cannot have different standards when it comes to making the lifelong commitment to honor and love.

Story continues on next page...

Page: 1 | 2

Barbara Boxer is a United States senator from California.

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Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

Back to topPost a Comment
Name: robin valdes
Date posted: 2009-01-15 11:12 PM
Hometown: los angeles

Comment:
Dear Timothy, I was raised going to church every sunday and attending catholic school as well. I was raised not really knowing about gay or transgendered people. Now I'm married to a wonderful husband and we have a young daughter. Since she could talk she has embraced being more a boy than a girl. I can remember as early as kindergarten she has always had crushes on girls. It's so innocent she is being who she was born to be. This is not about choosing a behavior. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are born this way, this is not choice. Take time to educate yourself about this subject before sending such a hateful message.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: gene
Date posted: 2009-01-12 11:18 PM
Hometown: Hallandale, Florida

Comment:
I thought there was supposed to be a separation of church and state. Why does the country condone any of this hocus pocus religious spook show stuff at the inauguration of a President. But then, I'm just an atheist. Maybe the religous right is right. Maybe all us gays are all going to hell. It'd be a lot better than going to wherever Rick Warren and his followers will be.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: William H Kavanah
Date posted: 2009-01-11 1:39 PM
Hometown: Tarrytown, NY

Comment:
Frankly, I'm just as upset that there will be an invocation as I am that Rick Warren has been invited to deliver it. I am no happier that there is a benediction no matter who delivers it. I look forward with great expectations to the poetry of Elizabeth Alexander and, of course, to the Obama speach itself. I expect great things from Barak Obama. When history is written and future generations of LGBT families look back to our time, no one will remember Rick Warren. Hopefully sooner than later.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: TBH
Date posted: 2009-01-10 12:35 PM
Hometown: La Mesa, CA

Comment:
Dear Timothy from Dana Point, It's quite clear you have a problem with your index finger...posting your hateful message multiple times. It's bad enough you posted it at all. I wonder how you would feel if some form of discrimination was directed at you? I'm sure you would feel totally different.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: David
Date posted: 2009-01-10 9:30 AM
Hometown: Athens, GA

Comment:
Following the Rick Warren selection, Mr. Obama responded: "We’re not going to agree on every single issue, but what we have to do is to be able to create an atmosphere where we can disagree without being disagreeable. That’s part of the magic of this country, is that we are diverse and noisy and opinionated.” Our single, solitary question needs to be: "Would you have chosen – in the spirit of diversity, noisiness, and being opinionated – a minister to deliver the inaugural invocation who had equated the marriage of a black man and a white woman with pedophilia and incest?"


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Channing
Date posted: 2009-01-09 9:10 PM
Hometown: Sacramento

Comment:
I so totally agree with you. My partner and I would move to Europe or Canada in a hearbeat if we could. It so upsets me and drains any 'patriotism' I had that the USA is supposed to be all about freedom and equality; yet, it is so far from the truth when it comes to gay people. After the passing of Prop 8 in of all places, California, I realized this country doesn't want me here and I don't want to be here anymore. I'm tired of paying outrageous taxes to a government that could care less about me and treats me like a second class citizen.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Jamie
Date posted: 2009-01-09 8:55 PM
Hometown: Columbus

Comment:
Jim Wallis, the editor of Sojourners, was mentioned by one of the commenters here. He's also who I thought of when I thought of an alternative to Rick Warren. Rick Warren is like the Holiday Inn of evangelicals--the room that looks comfy, practical and familiar. He's made millions being a pop culture guy. Anyone whose work is something that can be condensed on a day by day desk calendar with tear off pages has commercial written all over him or her. Jim Wallis, on the other hand is a person who asks people to think. He's not as well known. He isn't as good looking as Rick Warren, perhaps. Rick Warren attracts the masses. Warren is a lousy decision. If there's a bully in your child's classroom, would you invite him to the birthday party and give him a place of honor--or the kid who is inclusive?


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Richard Myracle
Date posted: 2009-01-09 8:44 PM
Hometown: Wilmington NC

Comment:
Typical politician wallpaper!


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Harry Weston
Date posted: 2009-01-09 6:59 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles

Comment:
From About.com: "Although Barack Obama has said that he supports civil unions, he is against gay marriage. In an interview with the Chicago Daily Tribune, Obama said, "I'm a Christian. And so, although I try not to have my religious beliefs dominate or determine my political views on this issue, I do believe that tradition, and my religious beliefs say that marriage is something sanctified between a man and a woman." He said he would support civil unions between gay and lesbian couples, as well as letting individual states determine if marriage between gay and lesbian couples should be legalized." -- basically he "isn't" for gay marriage and believes our rights should and can be up for a "popular" vote! Until he supports equality meaning federally supported same sex unions of some sort...he isn't really on our side when it comes to us being treated equally with this issue.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Jeff
Date posted: 2009-01-09 6:50 PM
Hometown: Oakland

Comment:
Sorry, Babs, not good enough. I got married with a real license from the state, blessings of family, real cakes, a reception dinner, the whole nine yards. Prior to our marriage, my partner and I had a legally-recognized domestic partnership. That legal declaration took no license, just a notary public's signature. It affords us fewer rights, and either of us can end the DP without the consent of the other party through simple one-page form that requires no waiting period. On multiple levels, the voter-mandated reduction in legal status of our relationship to a domestic partnership couldn't be any more "back of the bus." The fact that Barak talks about gays being deserving of equality yet we shouldn't be allowed to marry clearly show's he's just another political opportunist who's mastered the art of talking out of both sides of his mouth. I gave the guy money, but as far as I'm concerned, he might as well be Bush 3.0...


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Tiffany
Date posted: 2009-01-09 6:08 PM
Hometown: Ann Arbor

Comment:
I find it really revealing that you have the first president who has ever included a non-discrimination statement inclusive of gender identity and sexual orientation in his administration's employment policy and you're getting hung up on something as relatively artificial as Rick Warren giving a prayer. Get your priorities straight. LGBT folks are starting to sound just like the NAACP, who spends more of their activist energies on cosmetic/image-issues than on ones that really effect the lives of people of color--like the prison industrial complex or unequal education. Everytime Barack Obama says he's against gay marriage, I will be the first one to call him on the carpet. But if he's going to help pass ENDA, I will forgive him for Rick Warren a million times over.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Steve
Date posted: 2009-01-09 6:00 PM
Hometown: Seattle

Comment:
Senator Boxer, either make a real difference or stay silent. Your "wet-noodle" letter does nothing except give you some hollow PR to point at and say "see I stand up for GLBT constituents." And sorry Joe Solmonese, that letter does nothing for us. In fairness, Senator Boxer has done as much as any politician and it is appreciated...but this article is token fluff (and not the good kind.) :-) Federal Club Steve in Seattle


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: DISGUSTED AMERICAN
Date posted: 2009-01-05 1:09 PM
Hometown: deptford NJ

Comment:
I find it disgusting that in America 2009- the "supposed" land of "liberty & Justice for All"..YEA RIGHT! That Equality for any American citizens should be in question? What kind of BS is this? Why does America NEVER learn from it's past??? If I could afford too...I'd move the hell out of this country! America...Land of Equality for Rich,white,religious people ONLY.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Dave
Date posted: 2008-12-29 4:34 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Comment:
Barrack Obama is just another indication of how people of color, in particular, are leading the attack on gay equality. Did you really expect him to break from the willful hypocritical desires of the majority of his race to actually embrace equality for gays? Even black "gays" such as Keith Boykin, Jasmyne Cannick and Pam Spaulding hate your gay guts. These people express their poor self esteem to enable and defend the homophobia and racism streaming from communities of color. Forget Prop. 8 -- your gay butt is still being blamed for Isaiah Washington getting his psycho self fired! The real work now confronting America is to rip away the false facade of piety and victimhood that communities of color have long attempted to cover themselves with in order to pursue and perpetuate racist, homophobic hate. Obama is merely the racist homophobe's tool.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Dave
Date posted: 2008-12-29 4:32 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Comment:
Barrack Obama is just another indication of how people of color, in particular, are leading the attack on gay equality. Did you really expect him to break from the willful hypocritical desires of the majority of his race to actually embrace equality for gays? Even black "gays" such as Keith Boykin, Jasmyne Cannick and Pam Spaulding hate your gay guts. These people express their poor self esteem to enable and defend the homophobia and racism streaming from communities of color. Forget Prop. 8 -- your gay butt is still being blamed for Isaiah Washington getting his psycho self fired! The real work now confronting America is to rip away the false facade of piety and victimhood that communities of color have long attempted to cover themselves with in order to pursue and perpetuate racist, homophobic hate. Obama is merely the racist homophobe's tool.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: bld
Date posted: 2008-12-26 8:46 AM
Hometown: maine

Comment:
Don't blame me - I voted for Homer Simpson! I never supported yoiur "savior", never gave him one thin dime. The writing was on the walls even before the whole McClurkin episode. There are none so blind as those who will not see.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Frank
Date posted: 2008-12-25 9:27 AM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Ms. Boxer, If you were in President Elect Obama's shoes would you have chosen Warren? If not, who would you have chosen and why would you have made a different choice. In answering this question I want to know how you really feel about the his choice. It so easy to be political with your current response. Do we really need to give this guy any airtime? His comments about our community are hateful and ignorant. We should not condone it, nor give stage to it... How would you "really" handle this? Come on Barb...have some balls.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Carmen
Date posted: 2008-12-23 6:29 AM
Hometown: Tampa

Comment:
when it comes to civil rights....everything is a matter of time.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: BradK
Date posted: 2008-12-22 9:58 PM
Hometown: Hollywood, H8

Comment:
"...In a little more than a month, we will have a president in the White House who will champion true equality..." Sorry Barb, but this new emperor has no more clothes than the last one. At least GWB let us know where we stood -- in the back of the bus. Ho'bama promised us a seat up front, then threw us under it before he even took the wheel. And as for "...The road to equality is long and difficult...", exactly how long must it be? Isn't 40 years of being marginalized, criminalized, beaten, and murdered enough blood on America's hands. Are we really any better than Iran?


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: j
Date posted: 2008-12-22 8:48 PM
Hometown: Seattle

Comment:
There are a lot of conservative Evangelical ministers out there. If Obama was intent on including a representative of conservative Evangelical Christianity in the inauguration, SURELY he could have found someone other than a minister who famously equated same-sex love with incest and pedophilia. SURELY he could have found an evangelical who hadn't famously and actively supported Prop 8. Bad choice. Bad choice. I'm VERY disappointed. -- an Ally.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Tom Kidd
Date posted: 2008-12-22 6:57 PM
Hometown: Decatur, Illinois

Comment:
Dear Timothy from Dana Point: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America; and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Now, when we end that pledge, we do not say "for straight white Anglo-Saxon born-again Christian Republican business men only, and the rest of you can go to Hell." We say, "for ALL." It's high time you and many others in this great nation get with the program. Either we all are free, or none of us are.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Lars
Date posted: 2008-12-22 4:54 PM
Hometown: Palm Springs, CA

Comment:
Fuck you Timothy from Dana Point.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Colin V. Gallagher
Date posted: 2008-12-22 3:44 PM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Mr. Weber has his facts wrong: Sen. Boxer is not Catholic - she's Jewish. Furthermore, Ms. Pelosi did an interview on the local San Francisco CBS affiliate making her opposition to Proposition 8 clear. I was a vociferous supporter of Obama & am unhappy that he chose Pastor Rick to waddle up to the podium to deliver the invocation. But please keep a sense of proportion: It's not as though Warren had been named to the next Supreme Court vacancy. (& that's one decision where I hope that the evangelicals have no input). Are the critics of this decision willing to say that it would have been better if McCain and Palin had won last month?


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: william weber
Date posted: 2008-12-22 1:21 PM
Hometown: san francisco, ca

Comment:
This article is published without a hard countering view. Actually this is just another politician pointing fingers everywhere but at their own heart. She and Nancy Pelosi, both Catholics, were loudly silent in the month leading up to Prop 8. Neither of these Catholics made a public service announcement Against Prop 8, unlike the Jewish Dianne Feinstein who did..... She put our purse where her mouth is...Barbara Boxer did not and should not be allowed to publish this pandering article in the Advocate as if she is our true friend...


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Joe
Date posted: 2008-12-22 11:44 AM
Hometown: Fort Worth

Comment:
I voted for Obama in my state's primary. However, I don't think for a second that he is "champion true equality in the workplace, equality in health care, equality in service to our nation, equality in our justice system, equality for all." He believes we don't deserve marriage rights. He has gone back on repealing DOMA (thanks, Clinton!), & reneged a bit on repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell (thanks again, Clinton). Obama ran on a platform of "change." I haven't seen any change, other than a change in promises.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Dean
Date posted: 2008-12-22 11:37 AM
Hometown: Corunna

Comment:
Obama is a FRAUD! How funny it is to see people's heads explode over the Warren issue. Did you think Obama would champion gay rights??? Really??? He doesn't care about us, never did. That's why he didn't get my vote, and he won't in 2012. We had a better choice, but there were too many in our community who fell for all of the "hopey changey unicorny" crap! I'll say it again, though, and keep saying it until people wake up.......make them pander to us next time!!!! Don't just throw your vote to one of the parties, make them actually work for it! Make them pander to OUR needs for once!!! We are strong together, let's remind them of that in the next election!!!


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Roger G. White
Date posted: 2008-12-22 10:17 AM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Timothy - is your "choice" to be straight a daily struggle? I mean, how do you suppress all your uncontrollable erections at the sight of a hot man? It must be a daily living hell for you to maintain your "choice" to be straight. However, it says more for your "choice" that you spend so much time on a gay website posting and reposting the same ignorant statement over and over. Most straight guys wouldn't waste their time; seems like you made the wrong "choice".


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Tony Branch
Date posted: 2008-12-21 8:36 PM
Hometown: St. Petersburg, Fl

Comment:
At least Senator Barbara Boxer had the courage to address us. Nancy Pelosi's House website is filled with all kinds of praise for Obama's centrist Cabinet picks, but not one word about Warren! Warren! Nancy Pelosi, as Speaker of the House, is the one person with the clout to really confront Obama. Why aren't those who are supposedly represented by her flooding her office with concern? It may be too late to "uninvite" Pastor Warren, but Nancy could strongly advise Barack Obama to: 1. Move ahead NOW with passage of federal ENDA. . 2. End Don't Ask Don't tell in military 3. Announce that the US will join all the other developed nations in signing the UN Declaration or Rights providing for the decriminalization of homosexuality. Bush just last week refused to sign it, or did you all miss that? 4. Forget marriage for now. Can't we just have a federal civil union registry so that partners have survivor rights to social security etc etc.?? Call or e-mail Nancy Pelosi now!


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Keith
Date posted: 2008-12-21 2:26 PM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Dear Senator Boxer, How many of the 18,000 couples have you actually met? What is your action plan to meet with the rest of us? We are the people who are being striped of our legally exercised rights. We are also your constituents. How many other people have had their their marriages forcibly annulled under your watch? Is your answer to this civil rights crisis that the victims should just wait until things get better? When is that, Senator, when someone like you decides to stand up and declare that this is wrong and you're not going to collaborate any longer?


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:59 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:58 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:57 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:57 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:56 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:56 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:55 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Timothy
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:55 PM
Hometown: Dana Point

Comment:
Pastor Warren has every "right" to be at and participate in the Inauguration. Please recognize the whining and stop. Homosexuality is about willfully choosing a behavior. Conversations, debate, and opinions about individuals who struggle with same-sex attraction issues are not open for judgement. We just don't know if same-sex attraction is born or bred. There is no scientific evidence. However, we can discuss and opine on whether the moral issues surrounding homosexual behavior (actionable choices) are right or wrong. There does exist moral codes which guide civil decorum and it is approrpriate and it is discriminatory. Certain arenas of discrimination are appropriate. Please don't go on about blacks, and inter-racial marriage, etc., as it does not pertain to the homosexual movement in the least. Be true and honest and acknowledge the issue for what it is - homosexuals want to be accepted and justified for their private practices.


Back to topPost a Comment
Name: Keith
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:44 PM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Boxer is just another collaborator. We can't expect anything from her, Feinstein, Pelosi or any of the other politicians who are so busy kissing Obama's ass that they can't open their eyes and their minds to the fact that they would actually DO SOMETHING if this was happening to any other minority in America. Boxer has no idea whatsoever what it means to have someone successfully take away her constitutional rights. Nor does Obama. And obviously they have no problem supporting the people who did it. As long as they're getting theirs, what's the big deal? Hurray for Jerry Brown! Finally an elected official with some balls.


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Name: Keith
Date posted: 2008-12-21 1:42 PM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Boxer is just another collaborator. We can't expect anything from her, Feinstein, Pelosi or any of the other politicians who are so busy kissing Obama's ass that they can't open their eyes and their minds to the fact that they would actually DO SOMETHING if this was happening to any other minority in America. Boxer has no idea whatsoever what it means to have someone successfully take away her constitutional rights. Nor does Obama. And obviously they have no problem supporting the people who did it. As long as they're getting theirs, what's the big deal? Hurray for Jerry Brown! Finally an elected official with some balls.


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Name: Aggie Torres
Date posted: 2008-12-20 11:53 PM
Hometown: Chino, CA

Comment:
PLEASE GO TO CHANGE.GOV AND CLICK ON INAUGURATION. LET THE TRANSITION TEAM KNOW ABOUT YOUR OPINION ON RICK WARREN CALLING US PEDOPHILES, THEN GOING ON THE PODIUM, USING THE SAME MOUTH AND CONDUCTING THE INVOCATION.


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Name: Albert Villasenor
Date posted: 2008-12-20 11:50 PM
Hometown: Dallas, TX

Comment:
Although I supported his candidacy and voted for him, I am very disappointed and upset with Barak Obama for his inclusion of an invocation by the homophobe pastor Rick Warren in the presidential inaugural ceremonies. A prayer in such a government ceremony is unconstitutional. It is an act of supporting a religion. The establishment clause of the fist amendment to the constitution has generally been interpreted to prohibit 1) the establishment of a national religion by Congress, or 2) the preference of one religion over another or the support of a religious idea with no identifiable secular purpose. This is clearly violated by having a pastor of a particular of Christian sect recite a prayer at a public secular ceremony. This pastor also is part of an effort to deny the constitutional rights to millions of American citizens and to replace our Democracy with a Theocracy. We must let the president-elect know about our anger and disappointment as well as our opposition.


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Name: Aaron
Date posted: 2008-12-20 11:04 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles

Comment:
Senator Boxer, I guess I kind of appreciate your "understanding the controversy" but I'm not sure that really helps us. No other minority would be allowed to be described the way Rick Warren describes gays and lesbians. Inclusion, which is Barack Obama's excuse for inviting Rick Warren, SHOULD NOT include hate...and that is exactly what this man promotes when he compares GLBT people to pedophiles, incest lovers, polygamists, thieves and immature adults who can't control their compulsions. Nothing less than OUTRAGE should be expressed over this issue.


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Name: Aggie Torres
Date posted: 2008-12-20 10:58 PM
Hometown: Chino, CA

Comment:
No other group would be labeled pedophiles and get away with iit like the LGBT community. When i read comments on other forums, i notice THEY love to reduce us to body parts and functions, disregarding us as spiritual and multi-dimensional human beings. We cannot afford to let THEM define US. No more swift-boating of the LGBT community. It is about being treated fairly, equally and decently at all levels. I am one of the 18,000 married couples in California (with children). Whatever the supreme court decides in March, it will not resolve the culture war which they want to win by spreading lies, lies and more lies. There is nothing christian or spiritual about the war they are waging. Let's be creative, inspired and take control of the debate.


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Name: James Frew
Date posted: 2008-12-20 10:05 PM
Hometown: New York

Comment:
Oh, here it comes. Look, I'm gay and worked really hard to get Obama elected. I too, am dismayed and perplexed at his choice of Rick Warren. But one thing I am not, after studying and working with his campaign, is suprised. Neither should anyone else for that matter. One thing that we have to remember, no matter how hard it is, social conservatives will always have a place at the table. Obama has always promised that we would all be at that table as well, and we must accept inclusive representation from both sides. This is difficult to swallow, and now Barack will be responsible for opening a gay-related dialogue amidst a current wave of dissapointment within our community. We must hold him accountable for these choices. However, one thing we will not do, is abondon him and refrain from an open dialogue and continued effort. You're angry? I am too. So use your head and take some action.


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Name: Scott Moore
Date posted: 2008-12-20 8:38 PM
Hometown: Tampa, FL

Comment:
I am sorry that I ever gave my time and money to Obama's campaign. We have been used twice by this man posing as a change agent. He used us the 1st time to get elected. He calculated that by chosing Rick Warren he could use us a 2nd time to make him more popular with the public. And its working. I bet the new administration is behind closed doors, giddy about the amount of political capital he is gaining at our expense. Otherwise, when giving his response he might have offered one word of understanding. He didn't. He doesn't care that we are offended. And, with due respect, Ms. Boxer - DO NOT tell me to be quiet, wait, and be patient for the right to pursue happiness. Why do I have to wait to enjoy the full benefits of citizenship? I resent being told to wait. I was looking forward to the Inaugration, but will now spend my day with my back turned toward Washington DC and the uncaring, unsensitive man heading to the White House.


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Name: Roger G. White
Date posted: 2008-12-20 6:08 PM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
"The struggle over marriage equality doesn't involve the church -- it involves civil law. The religious community can make its own determination about which marriages to perform." I realize that tensions are high, and the choice of Warren is profoundly disappointing; but this statment from Barbara Boxer is what needs to be said more, and louder. The more the public can understand this fact, one that contradicts all the fear mongering lies, the more they will realize just how bigoted voting for prop 8 really was.


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Name: Herman V.
Date posted: 2008-12-20 3:37 PM
Hometown: Los Anegeles,CA

Comment:
Wendy from Loveland CO:"I disagree w/ Warren TOO, but you think Obama must include US & EXCLUDE all evangelicals in our country?".It's not about excluding anyone,we get it!...It's about how he(Obama)is doing it.For years we've been letting this religious people to practice their religion but we are tired of them using us for their propagandas.We are willing to accept'em....are they?...I don't think so.Obama could have invited someone from your Church instead,right?.


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Name: Mawm
Date posted: 2008-12-20 3:16 PM
Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

Comment:
More empty rhetoric from Democrats. If she understands the problem, why doesn't she do anything about it? We do not have a party that supports us. Obama is a homophobe, and Democrats have learned how they can use homophobia to get evangelicals to vote for them while at the same time getting us to vote for them too. Why do we do it? Because we have nowhere else to go. The Republicans are just as bad. We should start withholding our votes for Democrats and instead start organizing with a third party. Only when they fear a real loss of support will Democrats stop taking us for granted.


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Name: Wendy
Date posted: 2008-12-20 2:07 PM
Hometown: Loveland, CO

Comment:
I'm gay, Obama supporter & worked on his campaign. I disagree w/ Warren TOO, but you think Obama must include US & EXCLUDE all evangelicals in our country? Obama is doing what he said he would; try to bring our country together. HE'S NOT EVEN IN OFFICE & YOU'VE ALREADY LOST FAITH! Give him a chance to act on his words in office. The circle of hate has to stop somewhere & GLBT community can to do that if we look at the big picture. I KNOW that religion has burned many GLBT's, but there are churches who know that we too are welcome to a relationship w/ God if we want it. My UCC church where my wife & I were married welcomes us as full members. DO write to Obama & tell him that we're still here & expecting him to fulfill his promises to us. Also take a deep breath & don't react to the right as they are to us when we "want special rights". The truth SHALL set us free. So let's stop reacting to judgement & hate with more of the same - it gets us nowhere.


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Name: Keith
Date posted: 2008-12-20 1:08 PM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Sentaor Boxer, Are you publishing this in the LA Times or SF Chronicle? Are you actually going to do something? It has only been 5 years since the US Supreme Court ruled that this nation can no longer make us criminals. Yet, the president-elect, who you support, has chosen a religious leader who consistently compares us to criminals. This man claims that my husband and I are harming others by the simple fact that we are married but that he (and those like him) are NOT doing us any harm. This man laughs when he's told that people consider him a homophobe. By choosing Warren, Obama has confirmed once again that the re-criminalization of gays is an acceptable point of view and one he is anxious to promote. By participating in the inauguration and making a token statement in a gay publication you make it clear that you also think this is acceptable. YOUR SUPPORT HAS DONE NOTHING FOR US.


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Name: Ralph Edmunds
Date posted: 2008-12-20 12:51 PM
Hometown: New York

Comment:
To gaywrites - I know you are angry, but your comment (Obama, White House, black man, noose) is vile.


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Name: Herman V.
Date posted: 2008-12-20 12:49 PM
Hometown: Los Angeles,CA

Comment:
"The road to equality is long and difficult. It will be bumpy. It will have setbacks, and we have many miles to go". Yes Barbara Boxer,but It's not like we just started this road yesterday...It's been years dealing with this religious nuts and It seems like there's always someone new coming out.The sad part is that Obama is not talking to our community directly about this issue and time just keep going by.How disappointed is that!.


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Name: Tony
Date posted: 2008-12-20 12:22 PM
Hometown: Maine

Comment:
Please join the silent protest at this years inauguration. As a delegate from Maine I was torn as to weather or not to attend this years celebration, I will not let the vile Rick Warren spoil my day, nor will my several dozen colleagues, HOwever, we can not sit idly by while this agent of intolerance speaks on the podium. We will stand and turn our backs on Warren to register our disgust with his divisive views. We will not boo nor cause a disturbance, but if you are also going to the inauguration and are very upset by Obamas choice, please join us in the "Turn you back on Hate" display. Just simply turn your back to this "Pastor" to show our pain and upset. spread the word


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Name: gaywrites
Date posted: 2008-12-20 11:48 AM
Hometown: USA

Comment:
Obama's pick, Rick Warren, to start off his inauguration indicates there's a black man in the White House who found a new place to hang a noose.


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Name: Paul Knudson
Date posted: 2008-12-20 11:36 AM
Hometown: Albany, New York

Comment:
Many of Obama's decisions over the last month have been a disappointment, including backtracking on the income tax increase for the comfortably rich. I believe that the country needs to come together, but why couldn't he have chosen a true progressive minister like Jim Wallis or even Bishop Schori of the Episcopalian Church to give the invocation. Why is he appealing to conservatives? Bill Clinton did this and they still refused to give an inch because conservatives are not interested in compromise. Conservatives are principled, why can't liberal politicians be as well? It's our turn to govern. We should have elected Hillary Clinton if only because she did not run as a liberal only to govern as a moderate-conservative. Obama may not get my vote in 2012 if this is any indication of how he will govern


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Name: Mark
Date posted: 2008-12-20 9:48 AM
Hometown: Minneapolis

Comment:
Thanks for your thoughtful words, Senator Barbara. The facts are that Obama did not stand up for No on 8 and has used the language of the opposition "One man and one woman" and his personal religious belief to deny marriage equality. He is NOT a champion of true equality. You can't be mostly equal or unequal. That's the rub.


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Name: Jay
Date posted: 2008-12-20 8:28 AM
Hometown: Santa Monica

Comment:
Thank you, Senator Boxer, for your eloquent words. We need your support right now. We wish that Senator Feinstein, the chair of the Inaugural Committee that invited Warren, would have realized how much this would hurt her constituents.


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Name: Wayne
Date posted: 2008-12-20 7:50 AM
Hometown: NYC

Comment:
This is not Obama's first time at this particular rodeo. Doesn't anyone recall Obama's original fiasco with the anti-gay bigot Donnie McClurkin? Obama selected Warren for a reason. The same reason he used McClurkin. OBAMA IS USING GAY AMERICANS AS A WEDGE ISSUE. It's worked for the Republicans for generations and Obama figures it can work for him as well. Obama is worse than a bigot. He uses bigotry to achieve and hold on to his desire for political power, wealth and fame. Obama has been doing this since the beginning of the campaign. He is a true politician, and nothing more.


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Name: john in SF
Date posted: 2008-12-20 6:27 AM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Look, first of all Obama cannot make everyone instantly happy. I orginally supported Hillary and have never been an enthusiastic supporter of Obama, but I have gone along with him because he is better than the Republican machine that would have come along with McCain. But the far left has to be realistic and patient. I think Obama is moving a bit right so then he can offer us something and say, see this is compromise. I know, I know , the right never compromises. And that is true. But look what happened to Clinton. He started with gays in the military and by the next election, he lost control of the House and Senate. We need to be patient. WHo cares about some fat stupid pastor anyway? I wonder if Warren knows that "gluttony" is mentioned in the bible more than homosexuality? Does he consider being fat a choice? any way. Be patient, and use your remote, just turn off the tv when Warren is on, it will be over in a sec


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Name: john in SF
Date posted: 2008-12-20 6:22 AM
Hometown: San Francisco

Comment:
Look, first of all Obama cannot make everyone instantly happy. I orginally supported Hillary and have never been an enthusiastic supporter of Obama, but I have gone along with him because he is better than the Republican machine that would have come along with McCain. But the far left has to be realistic and patient. I think Obama is moving a bit right so then he can offer us something and say, see this is compromise. I know, I know , the right never compromises. And that is true. But look what happened to Clinton. He started with gays in the military and by the next election, he lost control of the House and Senate. We need to be patient. WHo cares about some fat stupid pastor anyway? I wonder if Warren knows that "gluttony" is mentioned in the bible more than homosexuality? Does he consider being fat a choice? any way. Be patient, and use your remote, just turn off the tv when Warren is on, it will be over in a sec


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Name: Dave A.
Date posted: 2008-12-20 5:46 AM
Hometown: Boston

Comment:
Senator Boxer, please don't be an appologist for Obama. I was fooled and gave him my utmost support and more money than I could afford. I worried and sweated every part of this election from the primary to the general. Then he then kicks me and people like me right under the bus. Fool me once Obama and shame on you. Fool me twice and shame on me. I have fought the Republicans. I was hoping for a bit of repreve, but alas, we will need to fight Obama from now on. The GLBT community needs to rally against President-Elect Obama. We must challenge him and his right leaning agenda -- I gave him the benefit of the doubt and he attacks. He cannot be trusted to be friends of the GLBT community. No more support. No more money.


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Name: Xavier
Date posted: 2008-12-20 5:23 AM
Hometown: Amsterdam, NL

Comment:
Nice statement Sen Boxer, but we've heard a lot of talk over the years. What will you do specifically to ensure we gain favorable results for our community these next four years?


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Name: Frank
Date posted: 2008-12-20 5:15 AM
Hometown: Atlanta

Comment:
Mr. Obama has tased the GLBT community already. I hope that everyone will answer the HRC’s action alert to let the Obama team know how disappointed we are and that we are looking to the new administration for social and civil rights NOW. Its morally wrong to ask a bigot such as Warren to participate in a national event that is supposed to unite. Change will not come unless we advocate for ourselves and promote leaders such as Senator Boxer. Mr. Obama still has potential to effect change for all of us.


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Name: Paul
Date posted: 2008-12-20 3:02 AM
Hometown: Phoenix

Comment:
I supported Obama but I have to say that his choice of Rick Warren to speak will be a stain on the celebration. It is a slap in the face to LGBT Americans. At least Bill Clinton waited a month or two before throwing us under the bus. This one is doing it on the first day. Shame on him.


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Name: Rick
Date posted: 2008-12-20 1:46 AM
Hometown: Charlotte, NC

Comment:
I am furious over Obama's selection of Rick Warren for the invocation. I worked hard for Obama's campaign last fall to help get him elected and now I feel betrayed. I cannot believe he has done this. I will never step foot in an Obama campaign office again.


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Name: Brian
Date posted: 2008-12-20 1:27 AM
Hometown: Anaheim, H8

Comment:
Thank you Senator Boxer. As I grow older I acknowledge that equality will never be mine. I am happy that on a sunny morning in June 2008 I was able to marry the man that I love. He is the best man I have ever known and when I die some day my heart will be proud that we are one, no matter what the people of California, Rick Warren, or President Obama think. My Juan Carlos is above them all. We will all keep on fighting but it is obvious our equality will not come from Obama. I voted for him, I volunteered for him, I gave money to him, and I was used by him.


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Name: George Christie
Date posted: 2008-12-20 1:18 AM
Hometown: Denver, CO

Comment:
God help us. It is still OK to treat gays and lesbians as second class citizens. Even Obama does it. And so it goes.


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Name: Carol
Date posted: 2008-12-19 11:41 PM
Hometown: MO

Comment:
I hope Barbara Boxer you are right about his equality committments. I'm disappointed along with my GLBT friends and their parents, etc. in his first attempt at diversity, and on his first day in office, no less. I championed him because of his intelligence, kindness, and because he didn't seem to be a politician type. What he has done is very political. If Rev. Lowery were to have been given the honor of the invocation, and Warren the benediction it would not have been so ill received by so many people, not just the GLBT. It gives him status to be first, and seriously he doesn't deserve it, and it gives the impression that the GLBT, and their families feelings are not being given the respect that heterosexual families are receiving in the Evengelicals.


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Name: Paul
Date posted: 2008-12-19 11:29 PM
Hometown: New York

Comment:
I signed on to change.gov to share my story on how sad and betrayed by Obama's horrendous choice of Warren I am. Wow, I'm still in shock that someone I thought would be different, isn't.


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Name: Jerzy
Date posted: 2008-12-19 11:02 PM
Hometown: Tillamook, Oregon

Comment:
We were full of hope, but, now, we see Obama is simply another lawyer/politician, and, asking a right-wing religious bigot to speak at his inaugaral shows he is ALREADY RUNNING FOR REELECTION in 2012, disgusting, sad, depressing.


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Name: r
Date posted: 2008-12-19 10:49 PM
Hometown: nh

Comment:
Change we can believe in - unless you are gay.


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Name: Arturo
Date posted: 2008-12-19 10:04 PM
Hometown: reyart@hotmail.com

Comment:
Thank you senator for expressing your opinion, but for what I understand is for OUR community to just take it, that some day...probably we ...might...see changes..but ...humm...So Januray 20 will be a New Day of Change...but NOT for US!


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Name: Shanw
Date posted: 2008-12-19 9:03 PM
Hometown: Boston

Comment:
Thank you Barbara..I trust you and that isn't easy in with this current news. BUT, as a supporter, contributor to Obama, it is NOT easy to see a hateful person (whom revs up the anti-gay haters in his speeches) against gay marriage, rights, I thought equal for all in Jan. All I can say is how sad. The Mormon Church should be investigated for the No tax law, they do not Deserve!


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Name: Shanw
Date posted: 2008-12-19 9:02 PM
Hometown: Boston

Comment:
Thank you Barbara..I trust you and that isn't easy in with this current news. BUT, as a supporter, contributor to Obama, it is NOT easy to see a hateful person (whom revs up the anti-gay haters in his speeches) against gay marriage, rights, I thought equal for all in Jan. All I can say is how sad. The Mormon Church should be investigated for the No tax law, they do not Deserve!