Ahead of his Friday visit with the Pope in Vatican City President Barack Obama shared his view on gay rights to Catholic media. Here's what he had to say:
"For the gay and lesbian community in this country, I think it's clear that they feel victimized in fairly powerful ways and they're often hurt by not just certain teachings of the Catholic Church, but the Christian faith generally. And as a Christian, I'm constantly wrestling with my faith and my solicitude and regard and concern for gays and lesbians."
I see some good and some bad in there. At best it's a mixed message but I do like his use of the word solicitude. What do you guys think of this statement? Is he talking out of both sides of his mouth or is this a welcome change the past?
– Andy
Well, it can be interpreted any number of ways, my hope is that he means it in a positive & progressive manner. However, if the order bestowing benefits to LGBT federal employees’ partners or the Dept of Justice’s statement on DOMA are examples of his solicitude, I would rather go without.
It feels to me that he is “opening the conversation up” to the christian community. Most change comes with beginning a conversation about it… so I’m willing to see where he goes with this. He isn’t going to get anywhere telling them how to think, smart people don’t do that. But offering an honest dialog and showing another perspective is usually a good tactic. I feel like he is saying “I know how you were taught to feel… so now let’s talk about this because when I think about how I was taught to feel and how I really feel… well I need to come to a place about it all. Let me discuss how I got to this place.”
He’s a smart guy, he’s on our side, I think he aims to set an example… he can do this if we give him a shot. (considering Hillary opened up benefits I think they have a plan. but we have to give them time.)
blah blah blah, talking around the subject as usual
If he knew what he was talking about, there wouldn’t be such a struggle between the two. The Bible says VERY LITTLE against homosexuality!!
The Bible says nothing against homosexuality. Read “Sins of Scripture:Exposing the Bible’s Text of Hate to Reveal the God of Love” by John Shelby Spong. Why should we see negativity where there is none?
I don’t give a rats ass about his wrestling between his faith and his OBLIGATION to us as full citizens to be insured our rights as Americans. Not Christian Americans, not Jewish Americans, plain ole apple pie Americans. If he can’t separate his religious belief from his JOB as a leader in a country where there is a supposed separationg between church and state, then just go away; grow a pair buddy and do whats right
YOu can tell when he is lieing, his lips are moving. Perhaps at some point he will say what he feels rather than what makes everyone feel good and keep his ratings up.