Water And Doughnuts

I voted for Barack Obama. I have no regrets. I still support him and continue to place my faith in him.

However, that doesn't preclude me from questioning his judgment now and then and disagreeing with some of his decisions. I realize that politicians engage in politics. That's a no-brainer. It's part of the job description and sooner or later, they all succumb to politics as usual. All of them. Even mine. I just wish that now and then, one of them would own it. Just once.

Obama's choice of Pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inaugural ceremony was a purely political decision. It had nothing whatsoever to do with "inclusiveness". It has to do with courting evangelicals. Period.

Claiming that this decision was motivated by anything else is an insult to my intelligence. I'm more offended by the rationalizations than I am by the choice. Barry... dude... seriously... pinning one of your inclusiveness badges on the lapel of a man who equates homosexuality with pedophilia, incest and bestiality is tragically laughable. That just ain't change I can believe in.

I don't want to hear lame excuses, Mr. Obama. You're very politically savvy. It's impressive. It works. It won you this election. But don't place unreasonably high expectations on my naivete. Don't expect me to consider your choice of Warren as anything other than politics as usual. Own it. It's no different than your decision to denounce your church. I didn't believe the spin on that one either.

Oh wait.... this just in! I misjudged Pastor Warren. From a Dateline NBC interview:

Q: Your position has raised the specter that you are homophobic.

WARREN: Hahahah! [...]

Q: Are you homophobic?

WARREN: Of course not. I have always treated them with respect. When they come and wanna talk to me, I talk to 'em. When the protesters came, we served them water and donuts.

My mistake. Never mind. It's all good. He served them water and donuts.

People who are offered crumbs at the banquet table of equality are finished saying thank you. Nice doesn't cut it anymore. Compromise doesn't cut it any more (please reference the history of misegenation in the U.S.). Water and donuts doesn't cut it anymore. Accepting the choice of a bigot to play such an honored role in Obama's inauguration ceremony as an exercise in inclusiveness doesn't cut it anymore.