Obama picks Rick Warren for inaugural invocation, gay leaders furious

[Reluctant Republican]

I’m not sure how I feel about this, personally. I read Warren’s book a few years back. I don’t really remember much about it, don’t think I finished it. But from what I remember, it was a decent book, talking more about your personal relationship with God then going on rants about issues you’d expect Social Conservatives to favor. So given that and the forum Warren organized, I was a bit surprised to find out he’s actually such an active opponent of Gay Marriage. I thought he tried to avoid the divisive issues.

I can certainly understand the outrage, and I think gays have the right to be annoyed by this. But I think one reason Obama likes Warren’s is because Warren and Obama have the same image in the eyes of many. They both seem pragmatic and willing to compromise with their opposition. Say what you want about the guy, but rightly or wrongly, Warren’s not viewed as a Robertson or Dobson, just as Obama’s not viewed as a typical stereotypical Liberal. Also, looking at the whole thing pragmatically,I’d say gays are not really viewed too favorable right now by average citizen. Echoing smarter minds then I, If that ban on gay marriage is overturned in California (which it hopefully is) you can all imagine the ammo that’s going to give the Social Conservatives. Frankly, I think there’s a chance we’ll come across too whiney and demanding with all these protests. Like it or not, most people personally oppose Gay Marriage. Now on the legal level, I think we should fight for our rights, absolutely. But to demand the exclusion of a pastor whose done alot of good, is widely respected by both sides of the political spectrum, and who happens to share the view of the majority of Americans on gay rights is not going to make us look good. Maybe that’s not important, but there are better uses of time and energy then getting too bothered over this. At least, in my view, Though I certainly can see where those on the opposite side are coming from.