But he had no problem patting himself on the back for the things he has done.
This afternoon, President Barack Obama was asked to comment on whether marriage is a civil right. Of course, he knew what the reporter was getting at – they wanted him to finally voice a solid opinion on gay marriage – but President Obama decided not to directly address the issue. Rather, he again enforced his support for individual states to decide for themselves. He said:
├óΓé¼┼ôLet me start by saying this administration under my direction has consistently said we cannot discriminate as a country on the basis of sexual orientation. And we have done more in the two and half years that I├óΓé¼Γäóve been here than the previous 43 presidents to uphold that principle…What I├óΓé¼Γäóve seen happen over the last several years, and what happened in New York last week, was a good thing. What you saw was the people of New York having a debate, talking through these issues; it was contentious, it was emotional, but ultimately they made a decision to recognize civil marriages. And I think that├óΓé¼Γäós exactly how things should work. And so I think it├óΓé¼Γäós important for us to work through these issues, because each community is going to be different and each state is going to be different to work through them.├óΓé¼┬¥
Spoken like a true politician.
We’re grateful for the steps you have taken in the defense of marriage equality, Mr. President, but we are still so eager for you to take a firmer stance on the issue. So many of your constituents look to you for guidance and if perhaps you made a stronger effort for the change, your representatives across this nation would follow suit.
Equality for all, Mr. President. That’s what we want. It’s not so much to ask.
[Image via WENN.]