President Obama's Keynote Address to HRC

Lots of catching up to do since we were absent over the weekend. First up: President Obama's Keynote Address from last Saturday's Human Right's Campaign dinner.


Obama reiterated his support for the LGBT community and our families and his commitment to ending 'Don't Ask Don't Tell', the so-called 'Defense of Marriage Act', and his intention of signing the The Matthew Shepard Act (Hate Crimes Bill) and an inclusive ENDA(Employment Non-Discrimination Act) into law.


One highlight of Obama's speech was the following line that was received with a massive standing ovation notes blogger Rod Mccollum of Rod 2.0, "You will see a time when our country sees relationship between two men or two women as just as admirable as relationships between a man and woman."


The reaction from the President's speech has been mixed at best with many believing the President offered no timelines or solutions to achieve LGBT equality but instead delivered a great campaign speech. Pam's House Blend offers the money quote:


"If you aren't a wonk or activist clued in to the messy politics going on behind the scenes, this speech is a huge home run of support from the President of the United States to a kid out in the sticks who watches it can now feel he is part of the American fabric. In our cynical view of the political system, jaded by the hypocrisy and spinning we see each day, as well as outright lying by pols and advocates, you have to remember how this speech can resonate with non-political LGBTs and straight America. The President actually engaged with a segment of our community in his first term to affirm support for the LGBT community."


Although we will continue to hold the President accountable for implementing policy we can't overlook the impact his words will have on gay youth. What are your thoughts?


Watch parts 2 & 3 of Obama's speech by clicking the links below:


Part 2


Part 3