An Open Letter to President Obama from People For the American Way

Written by Kimo

I was doing some web browsing today and I came across this letter that was written to President Obama on 6/23/2009 by a group called People For the American Way. The group made some bold but interesting statements in this letter. One of which the group equates the administration's DOMA brief to the policies of the Bush administration. Early in the letter they call Obama out and state that he has shied from promoting issues of equality:

“Any reasonable person is aware of the extraordinary challenges that faced the nation as you took office, including a dire financial crisis that has cost millions of Americans their jobs, homes, and access to health care. You have not shied from these most daunting of challenges. But it seems that you have shied from promoting the vision of equality that you articulated during your campaign.”

The letter also talks about the Presidents recent action to extend some benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.

“Your recent action to extend some benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees, and your statement from the Oval Office committing yourself to work tirelessly toward equality, could have been the kind of moment that was celebrated as a milestone on the march toward equality. But instead it had the feel of, and was reported as, an incremental half-measure rushed onto the stage to placate a discontented political constituency.”

The letter also calls on the president to use his leadership and "energetic moral vision" that was once demonstrated as a presidential candidate for the cause of gay and lesbian Americans.

I urge you to read this letter. You can do so by clicking the link Open Letter to President Obama

What are your thoughts? How do you think President Obama is doing when it comes to equality issues? I now there are probably some mixed opinions out there so lets hear them!