Obama earns mixed reviews on LGBT progress

[Shana A]

Obama earns mixed reviews on LGBT progress

Chris Johnson | Jun 10, 2010

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2010/06/10/obama-earns-mixed-reviews-on-lgbt-progress/

After 18 months in office, the harsh realities of politics and compromise have caught up to President Obama. Hailed as a champion of LGBT rights during the 2008 campaign, LGBT rights advocates now give Obama mixed reviews for his performance to date.

In a statement to the Blade, Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights Campaign, said "there's no doubt" that Obama has done more for LGBT people than any other U.S. president in history.

"Within the constraints of current law, he's advanced policies that will vastly improve the lives of tens of millions," Solmonese said. "Has change occurred quickly enough? No. The pace of change will never be quick enough for a community that is consistently denied their equality."

[Jasmine.m]

I would agree with the mixed reviews. He has done so much, but really... There's so much more to do. The single most disappointing thing he didn't accomplish (so far) was ENDA. However, like the article says, he's already done so much.

[tekla]

As I recall from some Civics course, its Congress that has to pass laws, not the President.  And a mixed grade is like 1000% better than the previous 8 years is it not?

[Arch]

I don't know what people are griping about. It's not like he can just wave his magic wand and get measures passed. Not to mention that he's only halfway through his term--his first term, mind you.

I guess it all has to do with expectations. People expected him to work miracles, and he hasn't yet. Sorry, folks. These things take time, and he's not operating in a vacuum.

[tekla]

Not even, he's only been in office a year and a half out of a four year term, so not even half-way.  And, to be sure, he might have more important things to think about and issues far more pressing.

[Arch]

Not even, he's only been in office a year and a half out of a four year term, so not even half-way. 

Yep. I was just rounding up a bit, especially since he probably won't get much done in his last year if he campaigns for a second term.