Who Really Benefits From New Gay Benefits?
While on the campaign trail, Obama made countless speeches promising the gay community that he would extend full health benefits to same-sex couples. Tonight is the first time since his election that he will broach the topic, and health coverage is not on his list. This is huge: it’s an omission which has left many gay rights advocates screaming “WHAT THE %&*#?”
Critics aren’t buying the official excuse that health coverage would require further legislation and red-tape, pointing out that the Obama administration has not begun the necessary bureaucratic process or even indicated that they wanted to do so.
Many are frustrated not only at Obama’s empty promises, but also at his reluctance to address gay issues in the first place. The White House has refused to speak to issues such as the ban on homosexuals in the military or same-sex marriage, a fact which has left many critics questioning the sincerity of tonight’s announcement.
Turns out they may just be on to something. Last week, several gay donations were withdrawn from the Democratic National Committee fundraiser scheduled for next week.
Could Obama’s announcement be just another political strategy; one small step for gay rights, one giant leap for . . . appeasement politics?
