Did you hear it? Near the end of Barack Obama's acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination, our new nominee included gays and lesbians in his vision for "The American Future."
We may not agree on abortion, but surely we can agree on reducing the number of unwanted pregnancies in this country. The reality of gun ownership may be different for hunters in rural Ohio than for those plagued by gang-violence in Cleveland, but don’t tell me we can’t uphold the Second Amendment while keeping AK-47s out of the hands of criminals. I know there are differences on same-sex marriage, but surely we can agree that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters deserve to visit the person they love in the hospital and to live lives free of discrimination. Passions fly on immigration, but I don’t know anyone who benefits when a mother is separated from her infant child or an employer undercuts American wages by hiring illegal workers. This too is part of America’s promise – the promise of a democracy where we can find the strength and grace to bridge divides and unite in common effort.
Obama has consistently mentioned gays and lesbians to mainstream audiences and framed gay rights as basic civil rights. In a November 2007 interview with Christian Broadcasting Network, the would-be nominee said basic hospital visitation for gay couples was not a "special privilege." On the campaign trail in Texas before a predominately black audience, Obama addressed homophobic remarks by saying it was "not very Christian" to criticize gays.
The speech may not be everything you want. But gays and lesbians are in there and included in Obama's vision—in a presidential nomination speech given 45 years to the day Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered "I Have a Dream." Can't ask for much more than that.
Excellent speech. Very moving. It made me send money. I really hope he is our next president.
Posted by: freeleo | 28 August 2008 at 23:26
I am so happy with this speech. If Obama doesn't win now then this country truly is hopeless.
Posted by: Duwayne | 28 August 2008 at 23:53
Excellent speech on a historic night. I cried like I lost my dang on mind. It was something I would never have thought to witness in my lifetime......AND on the anniversary of Martin Luther King's speech? Of all days....it's just phenomenal. Blacks, whites, gays, straight, old and young filled that stadium. It was a just simply amazing. I'm bracing myself for November 4th, I think I'm might go into hysterics when Obama becomes the next President of the United States....... :)
Posted by: Fred | 28 August 2008 at 23:59
it is awesome and we are blessed to be living in a part of history that will be documented forever. where were you when he accepted the nom? he is not only the next president but also the future if this country is to survive and flourish. His line about our community was unbelievable-so pleased!
Posted by: KB | 29 August 2008 at 06:40
I was waiting for it. Is Barack gonna mention us? And when he did I stood up, I clapped, I yelled! This morning a young brotha at Starbucks doesn't charge me for my latte. He says 'You're good, you're good'. I'm thinking it's a feeling of pride that is spreading in very unexpected ways.
Posted by: Lavenderpop | 29 August 2008 at 10:37
He had a difficult job to do: re-introduced himself to America (as Senator Bob Casey said, "he's one of us), be positive with his goals for our future, attack the failures of Bush/McCain/Republicans, and remind us of the historical significance of his candidacy--the 45 year anniversary of "I Have A Dream". I watched Tavis Smiley's Show afterwards. Dr Cornell West and another black educator (can't remember her name)weren't impressed. They felt Barack should have paid more homage to Dr King and other Civil Rights figures who sacrificed everything for Barack to be where he is. But this morning the sound bites (from the speech) were fantastic. SlimJim did it the way he had to considering who the speech was really aimed at: white, middle-class America.
Barack's speech didn't flow as smoothly as Bill Clinton's, or as emotional as Senator Hillary's, but I think Barack Obama batted a home run.
The 2008 Democratic Convention was a success. The Republicans can't come anywhere near to topping this. Thank God!
Posted by: Derrick from Philly | 29 August 2008 at 10:52
Obama's speech last night was great.
Posted by: Mel Smith | 29 August 2008 at 12:41