Political Quick Hits: February 10th Edition

Here’s your weekly quick look at few developing stories in the political arena:

• On Thursday, President Obama announced that 10 states (Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oklahoma, and Tennessee) have been granted waivers from the requirements of No Child Left Behind. Many more states could eventually join them. Obama said the waivers “combine greater freedom with greater accountability.” In exchange for the flexibility of leaving No Child Left Behind education standards, the states have agreed to raise standards, improve accountability, and undertake essential reforms to improve teacher effectiveness. (CNN)

Posted by:

Justin Burkhardt

Who Really Benefits From New Gay Benefits?

After months of waiting on Obama’s campaign promises, the gay community will finally observe a small victory tonight when President Obama announces the implementation of certain benefits for same-sex partners of government employees. But is it really a victory worth celebrating?

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 %&*#?” … Continue Reading

Posted by:

Yolanda Clatworthy

Immigration And Gay Rights Reforms FTW!

In a sign that decency and honor might actually be on the rise in our fair country, Senator Patrick Leahy from Vermont has proposed a bill that would allow legal immigrants in America to pursue residency for their same-sex partners if they are not yet citizens.

President Obama has immigration reform on his agenda, though the specifics of all the pending legislation is, of course, hotly contested.  Senator Leahy’s bill appears particularly ambitious with its union of immigration and gay rights, certainly two much talked about issues with massive energy on both sides.

… Continue Reading

Posted by:

Sam Patton