In response to LGBT outrage over the Obama administration’s fierce advocacy of DOMA, Barney Frank issued a statement yesterday defending the administration.

Now that I have read the brief, I believe that the administration made a conscientious and largely successful effort to avoid inappropriate rhetoric. …

It was my position in that conversation with the reporter that the administration had no choice but to defend the constitutionality of the law. I think it is unwise for liberals like myself, who were consistently critical of President Bush’s refusal to abide by the law in cases where he disagreed with it to now object when President Obama refuses to follow the Bush example. …

… after rereading this brief, I do not think that the Obama administration should be subject to harsh criticism in this instance.

If you had any doubt that Barney was a party hack first and a civil rights advocate second last, you might be disappointed. Barney is upset that his big fundraising gala, featuring an appearance by Joe Biden (who voted for DOMA) is under fire. Barney would like all the queers out there to sit down, shut up, and sign a few checks. Your civil rights can wait. Barney wants your money.

The Obama administration says it will take action on LGBT equality eventually, probably, they guess. They’re thinking some time before 2016 they might have some time for that. I’m thinking that any gay, bi, or trans citizen who gives the Democrats another nickel is a damned fool.

Barney doesn’t speak for our community. Barney speaks for his party. Barney’s party has made it clear that it doesn’t give a tinker’s dam about LGBT equality.

Note to Barney: Thanks, but no thanks. We’ll speak for ourselves.

Barack Obama has chosen Rick Warren — a noted Evangelical preacher who has compared gay relationships to pedophilia and has been an outspoken opponent of equality for LGBTs — to give the invocation at his inauguration. Just in case you had any doubt about where the Obama administration is heading.

This old quote from Merle Haggard isn’t pretty, but I think it’s important:

“Look at the past 25 years — we went downhill, and if people don’t realize it, they don’t have their fucking eyes on. In 1960, when I came out of prison as an ex-convict, I had more freedom under parolee supervision than there’s available to an average citizen in America right now. I mean, there was nobody going to throw you down on the side of the road spread-eagled, and look up your butt for a fucking marijuana cigarette. God almighty, what have we done to each other?”

Haggard was speaking as a straight, white man, and if you’re gay or black you know that things are better in many respects than they were in 1960. In 2008, though, you don’t even have to belong to a minority to have your rights and dignity violated by your own government.

Great god, people, can we at least try to change that?

This would be funnier if it were more convincing:

Like this:

You may have noticed a link in my blogroll to fine art photographer An Xiao’s blog, “That Was Zen, This is Tao.” If not, I hope you’ll take the time to view her blog, which she describes as “a journey in Haiblog,” as well as her main website: www.anxiaophotography.com.

An Xiao is also featured on the website of Tricycle: The Buddhist Review. Read the interview here: Haiku Moments.

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Joan Walsh says it all: Betrayed by Obama.