Activists Heckle the President on AIDS and DADT—And What The Seattle Storm Can Do To Help

Didn't anyone tell them that he's our fierce advocate?

AP via Towleroad:

President Barack Obama got heckled at a fundraiser Wednesday night by protesters pushing for more funding for AIDS programs and quicker action to allow gays to serve openly in the military. Activists yelled slogans and held signs aloft reading "Obama broken promises KILL." Supporters of the president tried to drown them out with shouts of "O-bam-a! O-bam-a!" The hecklers were so raucous Obama went off-script several times to address them, insisting he's increased AIDS funding and is working to overturn the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy.

"Such heckling of Obama at Democratic fundraisers has become routine in recent months," writes The Washington Post. Says John at Americablog...

People are heckling for a reason. Obama and his inner circle have really messed up on LGBT agenda. They've botched it—but I keep hearing that they actually think they've done a good job. They're not listening. The failure to pass DADT repeal rests with the President. And, before the apologists start screeching that it was Congress and the Republicans, ask what Obama did to help pass the Defense Authorization bill. There's a simple answer: Nothing. Not a word. Yes, there's a reason people are heckling. It's the only chance to be heard. Our advocacy groups aren't doing their jobs. Most of those groups dropped their organizational missions for access and invitations long ago. The only reason DADT made it this far is because SLDN and SU kept pushing and GetEQUAL upped the pressure. Being nice doesn't work with Team Obama. If the inner circle isn't worried about you, you don't exist. All we're asking is that Obama keep the promises he has made over and over. We've heard the words. We want some action.

Where was the President when the Senate was debating DADT on Tuesday? AWOL. He made no public statements, he couldn't be bothered to pick up the phone and call a single wavering Senator to ask for their vote. But he did have time to make at least one call on Tuesday:

Earlier today, President Obama called members of the Seattle Storm organization, to congratulate them on winning the WNBA Finals for the second time, on their success during the regular season and their undefeated run in the playoffs. The President told them that they are an inspiration to everyone, especially his daughters. Members of the Storm organization on the call told the President that they appreciated his call and that it was a highlight for their organization. President Obama said he looks forward to congratulating them in person at the White House.

You know...

There are lesbians in Storm's ownership team. There are lots of lesbians at the Storm's games. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that there are probably one or two lesbians on the team. So here's a suggestion for the Seattle Storm: publicly pass on the President's invitation to meet with him at the White House until he takes action—it's time for that executive order—to end DADT. Do it for Margaret Witt.