[u-dog]

Is it possible that we are having trouble seeing the forest for the trees? From our point of view Obama has invited a homophobe to pray for the nation at the inauguration. As a result we are miffed with Obama and are beginning to make assumptions about whether Obama is really supportive of our agenda.

But a homophobe isn't the ONLY thing that Rick Warren is. He is also an important leader in a new generation of Evangelicals who are wanting to expand the moral agenda of the Evangelical movement beyond abortion and homosexuality. These young evangelicals have a deep concern for AIDS in Africa, hunger world-wide, poverty, and Climate change. Obama is undoubtedly thinking about how he will address a broad range of issues and priorities AND what allies he can bring into the circle to get those issues and priorties moved to the front burner.

Just because Obama is courting these evangelicals does NOT necessarily mean that he is throwing GLBT folks under the bus. It COULD mean that but there is as yet no evidence that it DOES mean that. I think that the best way for us to stay on Obama's agenda in a positive way is to be as supportive of him as possible unless and until he ACTUALLY does something to undermine us.

If his reason for asking Rick to pray is part of a strategy to save the planet ... well... I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt... at least for a while.