Looks like we're going to get another speech about LGBT equality from the President this weekend at the HRC National Dinner. The NY Times actually wonders if this speech will "mollify" the concerns of gay rights activists. (Hint: Actions, not words.)
UPDATE: Since I wrote my original post at AMERICAblog.com Gay, the AP published its article on this event with an excellent take from Richard Socarides, who provides context for the discussion about the president's appearance at the HRC Dinner:
"Eleven months after his election, he has failed to deliver on any of his commitments to gay Americans, but even worse has been his refusal to engage around these issues,'' said Richard Socarides, who advised President Bill Clinton's administration on gay and lesbian policy.Obama really needs to go that far. And, soon.
''What he needs to do now is engage and deliver,'' said Socarides. ''Spend some of his political capital on ending the gay military ban, a hugely symbolic issue. And with no intellectually sound arguments left against it, come out squarely for gay marriage equality.''
Obama wasn't likely to go that far, though, despite a rocky relationship with gay grass roots activists. He has taken a slow and incremental approach to the politically charged issues.
