What should you do for someone who has forever changed your life in a positive and fundamental way?
How would you honor a person who has improved your life on this planet? Would you take that person on a trip of a lifetime? Would you give her or him maid service for a year? Would you simply take the person to dinner? You surely would do something to thank this individual; wouldn’t you?
What have you done to thank President Obama? The president has fundamentally changed the life of every LGBT American and the lives of untold others beyond our community – all by uttering one simple phrase, “… I think that same-sex couples should be able to get married.”
Regardless of your political stripe, whether that is Independent, Democrat, Republican or Libertarian, your life has been changed by the now historic words of President Barack Obama. The wave of support for the president’s statement and for marriage equality from the African American community, as well as the broader public, has been phenomenal. Doesn’t each and every LGBT American owe the president a debt of gratitude?
I think so.
It is political fundraising season and it is high-time that LGBT Americans pass the proverbial collection plate and give to President Obama’s re-election campaign as a simple way to say “thank you.” Whether it is $1, $50 or $2,500, every LGBT American should give something.
I know there are some LGBT Republicans who are reading this and saying, “Are you f—ing crazy?” No, I am not. Your life has been enhanced and you have been afforded new dignity by Obama’s statement of support for same-sex marriage. So a thank-you from LGBT Americans who do not support the president is just as required as it is from me.
“But I don’t support Obama,” you say. The simple fact is he supports you. “But if I give Obama money, it may help him win.” Well isn’t Obama helping you win equality? “That’s quid pro quo.” OK, so it is. But it’s the kind of quid pro quo your mother taught you; always to say thank you when someone gives you a wonderful gift.
I understand that some in the LGBT community may have differences with our president over the economy, immigration or a host of other political issues. It is hard to understand any LGBT person who would quibble with the president’s record on LGBT civil rights.
President Obama has extended federal benefits to same-sex partners. He signed the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Act. Obama lifted the ban on HIV-positive foreigners entering the United States. He ensured that every LGBT American could visit their partner in the hospital.
Obama passed health care reform so LGBT Americans cannot be discriminated against when seeking health insurance. He prevented discrimination against federal employees based upon their gender identity. Obama supports the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act, which denies the recognition of same-sex marriages, civil unions and domestic partnerships by the federal government.
Of course, Obama also put an end to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. His record of accomplishment on LGBT rights is unmatched by any other president (or governor) in the United States.
How much has Obama’s record helped the LGBT community? Immeasurably. What is the advancement of LGBT equality worth to you? Is it worth the $5 you spend on a latte every day? Could you give up that latte for one week and give $35 to say thank you to President Obama? I certainly hope so.
You can vote for whomever you want; but you should thank President Obama with a few dollars. It is the least you can do.
To donate to President Obama, go online to a special place for LGBT San Diegans:
http://donate.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/lgbt-for-obama/LGBTweekly
Stampp Corbin
Publisher
San Diego LGBT Weekly
