Obama Asks For Time On Gay Issues, But One At Least Is Pressing: Dan Choi

President Obama, addressing a gathering of GLBT supporters at the 40th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, made the following statement:

“I know that many in this room don’t believe progress has come fast enough, and I understand that,” Mr. Obama said. “It’s not for me to tell you to be patient any more than it was for others to counsel patience to African-Americans who were petitioning for equal rights a half-century ago. We’ve been in office six months now. I suspect that by the time this administration is over, I think you guys will have pretty good feelings about the Obama administration.” --NY Times

Today, one day later, Lt. Dan Choi will appear before a military court where more than likely he will be discharged from the Armed Services for being gay. There is a time for patience, and there is a time for action. President Obama can stop Choi's dismissal. And while preventing the dismissal of one person versus the thousands who have been dismissed since Obama took office, under the provisions for Don't Ask Don't Tell is a small thing, it really would be a very big thing. Dan Choi is quickly becoming the poster boy for the plight of gay and lesbian service members, and it would behoove the President to pay attention and act accordingly.

But then, why should he? In spite of massive outcry, and widespread boycotts of a DNC fundraiser last week which hosted high-ticket gay activists, the fundraiser was a massive cash cow. As long as we (gay people) keep writing the checks, there's no urgency. I do have to agree with Huffington Post (mark that one on the calendar) who claim it's time for the GLBT community to get over its "battered wife syndrome," and stop supporting politicians who slap us across the face then ask us to butter their bread.

By this time tomorrow we will see what, if anything, President Obama has to say -- or better, do -- about Dan Choi. Over 150,000 people signed a petition letter to President Obama asking him to intervene on Choi's behalf. If that's not enough to get his attention, I'm not sure what is.

Mr. President, I'm willing to give you time, if you take some of your own today, right now, and help Dan Choi. And I don't want to hear any BS arguments about the "laws of the land" and "durable solutions." Dan Choi is about to lose his job, his future pension, his benefits, his security and his honor as a member of the American Armed Forces. I'm willing to give you time to play the whole game, but you've got to step up to the plate first.