[tdogg]

I was watching a commentary show on MSNBC and it was stated that it is expected the hate crimes bill will be on Obama's desk to sign end of this week or next week. He has promised to sign it. If it doesn't happen by end of next week, it will be our jobs to harass Congress & Obama's people until it gets done.

I've also heard from different sources (heard/read) that an ENDA is currently moving through Congress although I'm not sure if it's in the Senate or House currently. Not sure what the time line is but Obama has 'promised' to sign it when it reaches his desk. It does not appear to have enough opposition to lose. It is also reported to be a full ENDA.

Hearings are being held on DADT and that one will take a while. I believe Obama has some power to at least temporarily cease the discharges; however, he has not elected to do so yet (if ever). I'm not sure what the consequences are, or if he is worried about the opposition to the bill written to put an end to DADT, but seems like he could at least halt the discharges for now until a bill gets moving through Congress on that one.

In regards to DOMA, I'm was a little surprised to hear him even talk about that in his speech Saturday nite. I thought for sure he would skip that topic. I believe a bill, or multiple bills, are being drafted for presenting at a Committee hearing to see if it would get through Congress. My sources have been HRC (probably not 100% reliable), MSNBC, CNN - on line and on various commentary shows.

I feel slightly more hopeful after his speech than before. It seems as though some things are moving, although slower than we had hoped, but possibly faster than politicos anticipated. I think we need a little more patience, but not silent patience. This is the time to call, write, email and basically pile it on our representatives, senators and Obama's staff. I think if we inundate our voices will be heard slightly more than if we wait around and complain.