Let me start off by saying that I think Kevin Spacey moonlights as Joe Solmonese.
President Obama's speech was very inspiring, though he didn't give any firm dates or really talk about anything new. He reminds us that we should not compare 10 months to 10 years and that progress is being made particularly with the Hate Crimes Bill that recently passed in the House. Progress has been made, but it is debatable how quickly it has happened and how quickly it will in the future.
Lots of great talking points and quotes came from Obama with this speech, in particular telling a member of the crowd that he loves him back and how honored that "he's made it," now that he's had the chance to "open for Lady Gaga."
He went on to say that he understands the fight and says, "I'm with you in that fight," going on to say his administration, "cannot and will not put aside issues of basic equality." I'm with him on that, but I don't believe that we've been at the forethought of any administrative decisions, especially recently.
As far as DADT is concerned he mentions that gays "are Soldiers," and that he'll fight for our rights "whether in the office or on the battlefield." In what, I believe to be his first public statement on the issue since taking office, he says, "I will end don't ask don't tell, that's my commitment to you."
He also mentions specifically working hard on ENDA, believing in "equal rights for committed gay couples," getting DOMA repealed and passing a federal domestic partnership initiative.
He reminds us, "do not doubt the direction we are headed and the destination we will reach." Once again political talking points that help us feel a little better, but in the end offer nothing substantial except for his word, which we had in the primaries... but he is the president, so I believe that we can rely on his word, it will happen, the question is when?
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