Image via WikipediaThe handful of right-wing visitors so fond of accusing me of liking Obama too much (even though I only supported him after Kucinich and Edwards were forced out by the media) are not going to like this post. Once again, Obama has screwed up big time and in a way sure to cost him the support of many in both the reality-based community and the GLBT community. As I am sure you have heard by now, he selected evangelical pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration.

I have no doubt that this story will be all over the atheist blogosphere for the next couple days, and there have already been several posts about it. For those tempted to sweep this one under the rug, excuse it, or conclude that it is not worth a touch of outrage, I'd like to remind you of the following:

• Warren supported the ban on gay marriage in California.
• Warren opposes reproductive rights.
• Warren is clearly outside mainstream America and has been compared, fairly I believe, to James Dobson. Hell, he's compared himself to Dobson!
  

Obama's selection of Warren is a slap in the face to a large segment of the American people. According to Joe Solmonese, president of the Human Rights campaign, "By inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table."

I agree with The Atheist Experience that the selection of Warren speaks volumes about Obama. He has made his decision, and while we won't change his mind on this one, Pam's House Blend is right that we can still let him know how we feel about his decision. We are going to need to keep on eye on Obama and not be blinded by our desire for hope.

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Tags: Obama, Rick Warren, atheist, gay marriage, reproductive rights, James Dobson

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