So, President-elect Obama has asked Rick Warren, the pro-life, anti-gay pastor of the Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, to speak at the presidential inaugural on January 20. Warren fought very hard FOR Proposition 8 last month, the state ballot initiative that banned gay couples from marrying. He also backed the McCain/Palin ticket in the election.
I understand Obama's desire to bring both sides of the political spectrum together...to reach out to the other side in order to work on issues where they find common ground. I also understand his argument that the way to help bring the other side around is to bring them into your circle from time to time in an effort to persuade them.
My argument against having Warren speak at the inaugural isn't directly related to the Prop 8 issue (although you have to admit, it's a poke in the eye by Mr. Obama to his gay supporters). My problem with this pick is that January 20th (Inauguration Day) is the one day where I don't think it's bad form to exclude the opposition. Put Republicans in your cabinet, bring conservatives to the table when debating the issues, sign Republican-backed legislation if you really feel it's in the country's best interest.
But January 20th is OUR day, man! It's the day Democrats and progressives should be able to celebrate the biggest presidential win by a candidate of either party since 1988; it really is the one day where Washington and America can leave the opposition party out in the cold wet snow, looking in at our party as we celebrate our huge win while they contemplate their devastating loss.
Let Warren speak at church services the Sunday before you take office. But to have him up there on that podium on the biggest day for progressives since Johnson's landslide of 1964...well, Mr. President-elect...you've poked us all in the eye.
Update: The Inauguration will also involve Reverend Joseph Lowery, who will be delivering the official benediction at the Inauguration. Reverend Lowery is a giant of the civil rights movement who boasts a proudly progressive record on gay-related issues, and has been a leader in the struggle for civil rights for all Americans, gay or straight.
