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don't ask don't tell, feminism, Feministing, Gay rights, Hillary Clinton, LGBTQ, queer America, Tomorrow will be better video
Stupidity reigns on all sides of the “gays in the military” issue.
While Barack Obama twiddles his thumbs and comes up with excuse after excuse for not ridding the military of its absurd “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, some gay rights activists seem to have reached their own level of imbecility.
The latest example comes from “Feministing,” a feminist blog that apparently knows nothing about the realities of Washington politics and the role that Cabinet members can and cannot play in influencing policy outside their direct areas of management.
Hillary Clinton recently released a video offering support to young gay people and others in the LGBTQ community. For most people, it was an unsought but very welcome message of support from a mother and public figure who has herself challenged conventional wisdom for most of her life.
But obviously for some people it is not — and never will be — enough.
In a post on Feministing, “Ann” complains about the Hillary’s video saying “something about this rang a little hollow to me.”
Just a little hollow? Here’s Ann’s rant, which seems to go from a mild complaint to hysterical scream in ALL CAPS!!!
As a top-level government official, she’s in a fundamentally different position than celebrities or everyday folks who have made similar videos. I, too, have a message: To all of the people in the Obama administration who are aware of the bigotry and hate faced by LGBTQ Americans and the hurt caused by discrimination, PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. You have the power to actually change the policies that alienate queer Americans and relegate them to second-class citizenship.
Actually, Hillary does not have the power to change government policies in every nook and cranny of the Obama Administration. And unlike Ann, who can freely rant and rag on anyone she wants to, whenever she wants to, Cabinet members frequently advocate for policies changes behind the scenes but are not in a position to do so publicly. If you think Hillary has not been pushing strongly for gay rights whenever she can, she is not as idiotic as Ann.
Change yes, political suicide, no.
Note to ANN: When advocating change, it’s a good idea to know who your friends are, as well as your enemies. Be nice to your friends. They are trying to help you, dummy!
Here’s the video. Personally I think it is great and I hope enough young people — gay and straight — have a chance to watch it.
Transcript —
Like millions of Americans, I was terribly saddened to learn of the recent suicides of teenagers across our country after being bullied because they were gay or because people thought they were gay. Children are particularly vulnerable to the hurt caused by discrimination and prejudice, and we’ve lost many young people over the years to suicide. These recent deaths are a reminder that all Americans have to work harder to overcome bigotry and hatred. I have a message for all the young people out there who are being bullied or who feel alone and find it hard to imagine a better future. First of all, hang in there. And ask for help. Your life is so important to your family, your friends, and to your country. There’s so much waiting for you both personally and professionally. There’s so many opportunities for you to develop your talents and make your contributions. And these opportunities will increase because the story of America is the story of people coming together to tear down barriers, stand up for their rights, and insist on equality, not only for themselves but for all people. And in the process they create a community of support and solidarity that endures. Just think of the progress made by women, just during my lifetime. Or ethnic, racial, and religious minorities over the course of our history. And by gays and lesbians, many of whom are now free to live their lives openly and proudly.
Here at the State Department, I’m grateful every day for the work of our LGBT employees who are serving the United States as foreign service officers and civil servants here and around the world. It wasn’t long ago that these men and women would not have been able to serve openly. But today they can, because it has gotten better. And it will get better for you. So take heart and have hope. And please remember that your life is valuable, that you are not alone. Many people are standing with you and sending you their thoughts, their prayers, and their strength. Count me among them. Take care of yourself.