A quick list of tools for everyone wanting to take action on the pick of Rick Warren for Obama’s invocation speech:
- The HRC will be on EVERY Newssource tonight speaking out about this. Please tell your friends and family. Here’s a list of TV spots. Let’s educate the movable middle by getting everyone to see at least one of these spots.
- Come out on December 20th to Light Up the Night for Equal Rights and show the nation that we are one strong, united, and very visible voice! A reader just commented on our Rick Warren post that Evangelicals make up 7-16% of our country and we make up 10%. Why do they get representation and we do not? Make your voice heard on December 20th and spread the word of equality. Rick Warren Views us as 2nd Class Citizens… This needs to be known!
- Equality California has stepped up to provide a legitimate petition (since there are many out there) to get Rick Warren taken off of the list of speakers on inauguration day. Please sign the petition. Print it out and gather signatures at your local Light Up the Night event and forward the link to everyone.
31 Responses
we are making enough fuss for the media to pay attention, lets continue!
http://www.queersunited.blogspot.com
Posted on December 18th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
There’s a new facebook group with a list of letter-writing targets who were involved with the decision: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=40933512660
Posted on December 18th, 2008 at 8:30 pm
If this pig of a bigot stays on at the inauguration, we must show him how disgusting he is.
Posted on December 18th, 2008 at 9:39 pm
Andrew Sullivan???? NO FUCKING WAY!!! He’s ALMOST as bad as Rick Warren in terms of being a doctrinaire Republican — who happens to suck cock…
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 6:28 am
there’s also a facebook petition going around; take a second to join that if you’re a member.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/edit.php?members=&gid=40927153061#/group.php?gid=40927153061
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 7:53 am
We should start a petition asking other gay leaders to decline Obama’s invitation to the inauguration:
http://www.365gay.com/news/calif-gay-rights-leader-rejects-inauguration-invite/
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 10:35 am
Now that the damage is done, I am inclined not to be in favor of pressuring Obama to remove Rick Warren from the event. I think this was horrible judgment on Obama’s part, but I don’t want to see that compounded with wish-washy people pleasing on his part (we all remember Bill Clinton’s need to please, don’t we?). I would rather see this turned into an opportunity to get lots and lots of visibility for the damage that Rick Warren’s brand of spiritual violence does to gay people. What if everyone at the inauguration who decried homophobia were to wave a black flag over their head during Rick Warren’s invocation? It would be silent, it wouldn’t be rude, and it would be highly visible in pictures that will endure for all time. Black is a color of mourning, to remember victims who have been injured or killed. Furthermore, a lot of the enduring photos from this event will be in black and white. And everyone has a black shirt or piece of cloth that they could easily bring the the inaugural ceremony.
What’s the old cliche about the Chinese symbol for “crisis” being the symbol for “danger” + the symbol for “opportunity”? There is of course danger in using this historic moment in a political manner. However, that’s a decision that Obama made, not us, and I think there is no choice but to respond.
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 11:23 am
I say let’s protest the inauguration if the invitation stands! We must fight back!
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
My comments:
Kudos for the selection of Reverend Joseph Lowery for your benediction at the inauguration. Rev. Lowery, his history with the Rev. Dr. King and in the civil rights movement, his unfailing commitment to poor people and the struggle for economic justice, his stands against Bush’s failed policies, against oppression of all people including LGBT people/families/youth, and his clear understanding of what dialogue between principled parties really looks like–I so appreciate your choice.
As for the choice of Reverend Rick Warren? Another conservative or moderate would have been a better choice. That President Elect Obama would get sworn in by someone like Rev. Warren whose actions harm LGBTs and women directly and indirectly, while Pres-Elect Obama calls LGBTs, allies, women, “diverse and opinionated”, rather than in a struggle for our civil and human rights. This decision comes at great cost to us as a people and is disappointing to say the least. I hope when President-Elect Obama has his hand on that Bible that I too love and honor, and as he looks at the man across from him as he says his sworn words, that he remembers that that Rev. Warren believes and recites that I am no different, in God’s eyes, from someone who commits incest. How many times can LGBTs as a people take it as others make us the sexual deviants! As a therapist who has treated LGBTs who have attempted suicide or struggled against addictions, deep depression, because of the hate and mistaken perceptions about us that are pervasive in this country, I urge you and President-Elect Obama to understand the impact of this choice. Real change would look like a stronger stand not to have a Rev. Rick Warren swear him in, versus this cosmetic stand of fostering dialogue on the backs of women and LGBTs and our struggle for justice and humane treatment. Deep, deep disappointment here. This causes us harm.
Joanne F. DeMark, Ph.D.
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 1:34 pm
I have posted a diary to DailyKos calling for everyone attending the inaugural to hold aloft the rainbow flag when Warren speaks. It’s a simple, visual gesture that will be seen from the dais and most importantly, by the TV cameras. If you’re like me and not attending, but know people who are, gay or straight, ask them to do the same. I’m buying a bunch of flags to send to DC with my straight allies so they can hold them and also give some away to others at the inagurual. Here’s a link to my DKos diary: http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/12/19/133415/16/178/675104
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 3:03 pm
I am disappointed that President-Elect Barack Obama has chosen Rick Warren to speak at the inauguration. I voted for Mr. Obama and now I’m already finding myself disappointed by him.
Personally, I do believe there is a time for politics, inclusion and all that but not at the inauguration. And not with people who use religion to justify preaching hate. Obama needs to be smarter about who he chooses to associate with. Not only is he elevating the wrong kind of person, with backward, hateful politics, it comes across as pandering to the religious right. I expect more from Obama — especially on the day of his inauguration.
I do not agree that “America is about presenting a variety of views” if those views are hateful. Why is that it’s acceptable for someone to be given a very large public platform if they’re homophobic? They certainly wouldn’t get that if they were racist or anti-Semitic!
As a gay man in California, last month, I was very recently reminded that gays are still second class citizens. I think we will continue to be as long as we sit back silently and let this kind of “inclusion” continue.
I have a great deal of respect and admiration for our new President. However, I and the entire gay and lesbian community expect more from him.
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 3:41 pm
How about a protest at Saddleback Church during the inauguration?
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
The GLBT community needs to hire lobbyists to
go to D.C. to work for our causes.
It’s time to get going on this and to make change for ourselves and I’m glad our community has finally got a fire under it’s ass.
And enough with the candlelight vigils. Shout, scream, hold up your signs.
No one will listen to a crowd with candles.
There was a time when it was effective, but this is clearly not the time.
BE more vocal, loud and mad.
We are not second class.
Jews have rights, Blacks have rights, Asians have rights,
It’s time for our rights.
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
If you are gonna be attending the inauguration, I suggest you quietly, turn your back to Mr. Warren when he gives the invocation. Bow your head in shame if you feel like it. Imagine the effect of seeing thousands turning their backs in shame on the TV coverage.
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 8:53 pm
Since Obama will not rescind his invitation to Rick Warren, I agree with Tom that we encourage as many of OUR supporters to attend the inauguration and to turn their backs in silent protest while Warren is speaking. The whole world will be watching, and they will see our message LOUD AND CLEAR! Great idea, Tom. I wish I could be there to turn away from Warren’s hate speech…
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 10:36 pm
Tom, what a wonderful idea to turn your back at the Inauguration! Imagine the TV cameras catching that scene.
Posted on December 19th, 2008 at 11:11 pm
I unsubscribed from Obama’s web site & stated that the reason was, “In two words - Dick Warren.” Thinning out the Obama mail list might get the message across… using the Internet to campaign *can* work in 2 directions.
Posted on December 20th, 2008 at 2:28 am
I fully agree with the suggestion of activily promoting the large scale non-violent guesture of people “turning their back on hate”. Let people joke about the protestors “turning the other cheek” (it’s enevitable), but the guesture is universally understood, very photogenic, easy to imitate, hard to counter and easy to encourage even the most timid to participate in such a large crowd.
Posted on December 20th, 2008 at 5:07 am
I am sitting out the inauguration. I had blocked out the day and planned on spending it in front of the TV to celebrate the moment. I was excited. It was going to be a holiday. But not any more – my mood has turned dark about this swearing-in. It’s just going to be a normal day like any other.
Sure Obama is a far better than McCain. Not much of a question there.
But O has shown that despite all the talk – politics is more important than honest policy. The honeymoon is over and he’s not even sworn in.
The O team has selected anti-homo pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration. Warren – an Orange Country, supersized egoed, TV pastor evangelist is being given the spiritual/religious spotlight in perhaps the most important inauguration in a century.
Even former Nixon speech writer, down-right conservative, and presidential candidate Pat Buchanan says that picking Warren for this part is a “pan of cold water in the face” to America’s gay population. Go Pat, Go Pat, Go Pat.
The 411 on Warren: equates homosexuality to bestiality, supported Proposition 8, affirmatively states that homosexuals are not welcome in his church, offers ‘treatments’ to cure homosexuality, etc. These are not just firmly held beliefs – This creep goes out and promotes these wacky, mean theories.
Oh, by the way ladies – If the homo thing doesn’t move you, the Rev. Warren believes he has more control over your uterus than you do.
The O Team says, well hold on. We want to show how big of a tent we have. We want to be inclusive. Warren represents a lot of evangelicals, the O Team tells us. They even have gone so far to suggest that given the Oba’s “strong pro-gay position’, by getting Warren to play with them, they will converting him. Excuse me? Is the Team O ego so out of control they think they can convert power-hungry Rev. Super-Ego? No way folks – He is using you! He is there not to be converted – he is there to use your bully pulpit to pursue his bully tactics.
Team O is going to make mistakes. The most important thing is to recognize it, correct it and move on. Here is their first test.
Posted on December 20th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Hunter,
These religious fundamentalists should move us all into action on every front. They are attempting to create religious law through faith-based initiatives. Religious extremists can’t be reasoned with. They believe that our very existence is a threat to their sanctification.
We must protest EVERY last faith-based drive to infiltrate secular government. Sound radical? Not as radical as as our government’s intention to forcibly divorce 18,000 legally married couples in California, and not as radical as removing a woman’s right to choose.
If you are not certain about the intentions of these people, check out this protest in S.F. http://www.walkforlifewc.com/
I am committed to counter protest this event and others like them. Are you?
Posted on December 20th, 2008 at 4:37 pm
I’m happy that Rick Warren is participating in the inaugaration. It shows true inclusiveness and gratitude to the many faith minded people who voted for him. I pray that Pastor Warren will continue his friendship with our new president. He needs to hear everyones voice.
Posted on December 20th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
I applaud the choice of Rick Warren to deliver a prayer at the Inauguration. Barack Obama is the president-elect of all Americans, not just those who voted for him. He will represent all of us to the rest of the world. He will make decisions for all of us.
So in the name of diversity, I’m glad to see him picking people from all different sections of America to be a part of this historic day.
Posted on December 21st, 2008 at 12:59 am
Are there future dates that we can nationally take to the streets and protest as we did with Prop 8 to protest Rick Warren as Obama’s choice? He is NOT showing us the change we can believe in! This justifies all the hate that is already repeatedly thrown our way in the LGBT community. It can only validate hate crimes and discrimination. If we really want to reach out does it always have to be a Christian? There are other faiths in this country. Why not a Rabbi or Budhist Monk? We are bent on ignoring separation of Church and State!
Posted on December 21st, 2008 at 1:32 pm
Much as one sympathizes with President-elect Obama’s rationale for inviting Rick Warren to participate in the inaugural ceremony, this is one calculated risk that should not be taken and plainly has not been sufficiently thought through.
That the President-elect promises to be a shining example of post-ideological politics is one thing, that he may defeat this great promise with yet another sort of ideology, the Big Idea of bringing together diverse, and often contradictory, elements of the national culture is another: like most big ideas, this one fails the moment one element, or segment — or more to the point, one person — of the culture is left out or devalued.
However modified Warren’s bigotry may be by his other, kinder views, that bigotry is a national disgrace.
To invite him to drag it along to the grandstand on Inauguration Day is an insult to the Constitution the incoming President will swear perforce to protect.
Bill Berkson
Posted on December 21st, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I understand the necessary things to do like educating the middle and visibility, but we should not be afraid to make a major statement not only to Obama but to all of those other “friends” that we seem to have and obviously not have in the Democrat Party. My suggestion is that LGBT and allies “un-enroll” from the Democrat Party (and GOP for that matter) as a unified statement that until a Political Party sees us and treats us as Equal American Citizens that it cannot just “count on us” for votes and support and money and energy. “Unenroll for Equality” and make the politicians realize that they need to come to us not vice versa. The Democrats need to be told in harsh terms to stop expecting us to be there for them and to stop taking us (LGBT and allies) for granted.
Posted on December 21st, 2008 at 5:01 pm
There are several ideas floating throughout Facebook and the Web for mass visual protests during the invocation at the inauguration if Warren gives it (I think he will, and want to concentrate on planning on upstaging him, using this as an opportunity to lavishly express our disagreement with him.)
my favorites so far:
WHILE WARREN IS SPEAKING
1. raise your hand in the american sign language symbol for love (with optional rainbow gloves on)
2. raise your hand holding/waving a rainbow flag or rainbow piece of fabric
3. raise both hands holding a piece of white fabric tied in a knot (symbolizing the gay marriage knot)
4. hold up a red heart, or an equal rights image of your choosing
(see this facebook group for further info on these ideas:)
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=40823473060
other powerful ideas that are not my personal favorites, again while Warren speaks:
1. turn your back
2. hold up and wave a black piece of fabric.
(not my faves because I’m for celebrating love, and looking him & those on the stand right in the eyes.)
Let’s pass this on to everyone who might know anyone attending the inauguration. And let’s go and be SEEN! Invisible no more! Our absence will not be noted, but our powerful protesting presence will.
Posted on December 22nd, 2008 at 12:32 am
Dear “We the people”,
I am not only disappointed by Rick Warren being chosen to give the inaugural speech, but am quite fearful what this means for our nation in the future.
A negative snowball effect can occur when we allow people to represent our nation who have bigoted/prejudiced views on a a certain group of people.
I am shocked that not only did Obama’s crack team choose someone who does not represent change, but also I am shocked that no officials in the democratic senate and congress have spoken out in outrage.
Please help us right this wrong, first the gays and women’s right to choose will be accepted by the new administration then who knows? Women’s rights altogether and people of color may be discriminated against openly - when do we as a people say “We will not advocate discrimination”
Speak out for all of us!
Jaiden Willats
Posted on December 22nd, 2008 at 2:41 pm
I just want to throw my two cents of motivation in here… I just know with all my heart that they are just waiting for us to go away, this is the most important time to be a thorn in the butt of Obama, and we just can not stop, we have to continue to get stronger
Posted on December 22nd, 2008 at 6:45 pm
Because membership in a church is an outgrowth of accepting the lordship and leadership of Jesus in one’s life, someone unwilling to repent their homosexual lifestyle would not be accepted as a member at Saddleback Church—- this does not mean you cant attend church, we hope you do! God’s word has the power to change our lives” Rick Warrens Saddleback website which now has been taken off the site.
Posted on December 23rd, 2008 at 9:00 am
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Posted on January 1st, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Continue the time-honored tradition of silent protest and look to the Lincoln Memorial while the Rev Warren is speaking at the Inauguration. Please see and pass it along:
http://look-to-lincoln.com
Posted on January 11th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
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