DANGELOWILLIAMS on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 1:05:25 PM
President Barrack Obama has always been scrutinized with every decision he has made in the White House. He has always been a well spoken man and has always known how to talk to the public. So his controversy statement about how he believes in same-sex marriage came as a shock to the American public. But I feel like his honesty with the public on stances that may upset some people he will in turn get more respect from others. I believe that “When they look back 50 years from now, historians may well describe President Obama’s declaration on same-sex marriage as righteous or inspiring” will stay true and that it’s a beginning of a new era for equality among all.
ARLENANELLI on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 2:53:23 PM
I think that President Obama's choice to support gay marriage is a good idea because everyone is unique in their own way and everyone should be able to express their feelings and what gender they like whether its male to female, female to female, or male to male. I also think that Obama agreeing with gay marriages will make other people realize that gay marriage isn't bad and it shouldn't be looked down upon. I also think that some citizens are going to disagree with Obama because before he didnt say anything about supporting gay marriages. But everyone is equal and all should be looked at the same. Obama should support gay marriages because no one should be frowned upon because of the gender they prefer.I also think it will impact our country a lot because people are going to disagree with him and it will make people angry.
VICTORIABUTTS on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 3:55:49 PM
The definition of a leader is someone who rules, guides, or inspires others. President Barack Obama's declaration on gay marriage conveys his personal opinion on a matter , yet is inconsistent with the definition of a leader. He may be the leader of this country, however, his proclamation this past week was more of a result of pressure from his cabinet and party rather than guiding and inspiring our country. Throughout his presidency, President Barack Obama has switched his views multiple times on many issues, caving into political pressure. His decision demonstrates his vulnerability as a leader and his weaknesses.
JACOBSTOLER on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 8:46:21 PM
I believe that President Obama’s endorsement of pro-gay marriage will have significant social and legislative effect. Obama draws his support from democrats and many minority groups which make up a large percentage of our population. Pro-Obama supporters essentially support all of his policies so why wouldn’t they support his opinions? Most pro-Obama voters do agree with his opinions. Also many people who like Obama want to do everything possible to help him in office. If that means voting pro-gay marriage, so be it. Some critics say that Obama’s statement was significant but not bold. This is incorrect. President Obama was the first president to formally state his opinion on gay marriage. In 2010 he also repealed the “don’t ask, don’t tell” act in the military. It was defiantly bold to release such an endorsement considering how hushed the issue was for the past decades. People who criticize his lack of action on the issue need to realize that he was elected based on his opinions and policies. He didn’t need to do anything action-wise to get elected except to campaign his ideas of policies. His popularity and supporters got him elected. The same will happen with his pro-gay marriage endorsement. For that reason, I believe that people will take action against people who discriminate against gays, and gay marriage protesters. Obama supporters will accept gay marriage more as a new cultural norm as well, and vote for pro-gay rights. Even if Obama hasn’t done anything to take action against anti-gays, I believe his opinion and endorsement will be enough to start social and legislative action from his supporters.
BRANDONPOPPER on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 2:19:24 PM
I believe that President Obama's decision to state he was pro-gay marriage kind of a half truth in the sense that he might actually be pro-gay marriage nut not enough to go out and do something to make sure it happens when it needs to, but i think what pushed him to actually go and say it was his vice president, Joe Biden, publicly stating that he is pro-gay marriage before the president did. Pressure from outside sources, or peers is called peer pressure, in this situation Joe Biden is a bully that is pro-gay marriage and The president is a 4th grader who is agreeing so he doesn't get beat up, or in this situation, criticized for not agreeing with your own Vice President. sadly for The president he is being criticized either way. I feel if Barack actually cared about gay marriage he would do something immediately with the North Carolina state government instead of just saying that you think one way, then not do anything about it, and that Quahog, is what grinds my gears.
NICHOLASSPITALERI on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 6:10:23 PM
When president Obama announced that he was pro gay marriage i was somewhat surprised. The big question is why didnt he announce it when he was running for his first term as president, and if he didnt announce it then why would he now. With that announcement he could have hurt his campaign. With this announcement it may set the way for almost all of the people running for the head of the U.S. to state there stand on gay marriage. This announcement will just be more motivation for the citizens that believe in gay marriage to keep fighting for it.
BRADLEYHOLMES on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 7:45:57 PM
Our president is very important to our country in many ways, but something to remember about the United States' presidents is that they do not have COMPLETE power in the government. Obama's endorsement of pro same-sex marriage will have effects on many parts of our country in what could be good or bad ways. By revealing his position on a long-running argument in our nation he will cause a bit of national stir, but not nearly enough to create any sort of drastic changes in our laws. Obama's opinion toward the matter may certainly give many other same-sex supporters more hope to a nation of legal same-sex marriages, but other than that, his statements will have no serious impact on our country. I do not believe that primarily becuase of his statements, more states will begin to allow same-sex marriages in the near future. Change takes a LONG time, especially very drastic change, as we've seen throughout history. Our presidents statements will not be making any major impacts, any time soon.
MARISSAGREGORY on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 7:48:04 PM
President Obama's announcement on himself being pro gay marriage was something I didn't expect. Past presidents seemed to avoid that topic like the plague, due to the fact that it's a controversial subject. I think Obama's announcement will definitely impact our country. Maybe now that our commander in chief is behind gay marriage, there's a chance that gay marriage will become legal in all fifty states. I think what prompted the president to announce he's pro gay marriage was when his vice president Joe Biden publicly announced he was for gay marriage. Now that we know both our president and vice president are behind this, there may be changes for the better for our country. Maybe people will grow more accepting of the fact that people are different and there's nothing we can do to stop it. Maybe there might actually be change, since he shoved that phrase down our throats during his campaign.
NICOLEKASPER on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 8:12:00 PM
I believe that Obama's position on same-sex marriage will have a huge impact on the country. The President is a very influential person so i believe that other people may now start taking action in support of same-sex marriages. President Obama's support of same-sex marriages was a very risky move politically,which is why I believe he fully supports it. Many people believe that he was trying to get the gay community to vote for him since the Democratic party is usually made up of middle class citizens and minorities. Even though Obama may have gained new supporters because of his view, he may have lost some anti-gay supporters who were planning to vote for him. It does not seem like this sudden change of heart on same sex- marriage issues has many political advantages so I believe that he truly supports same-sex marriage. I believe Obama is waiting until he is voted into office again before taking any action that proves his beliefs. Even if he does not get the presidency again, his showed support of same-sex marriages will definantly make people start to talk about it and ,possibly,push for it to become legal. This would be a huge impact on the u.s. in every way.
RACHELKITAY on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:07:23 PM
When President Obama announced he was pro gay marriage, I think it shocked the country. Not only was Obama taking a risk, he was also ready to lose supporters. I think he took a big step towards social equality by showing people that he believes in gay marriage. Since a lot of people support Obama, his change of heart on gay marriage has now impacted many people to change their hearts too. The only thing that Obama is missing is backing up his statement. If he truly was pro gay marriage, he would do something about it. Then again, he might be taking it in steps and planning to enforce it when he gets re-elected. No matter what, President Obama clearly stated he is pro gay marriage and that he is trying to change the U.S for the better. I know that I am pro gay marriage because everyone is different and no one needs to be excluded from being happy. President Obama is impacting the U.S in many ways starting with agreeing with gay marriage.
IANCHAN on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 10:23:20 PM
With the upcoming 2012 election on the horizon, Obamas pro gay rights Stance makes me skeptical on how strong President Obama will be on the legalization on gay unions. Research by the Pew Research Center has shown a “consistent trend toward acceptance of same-sex marriage”(1). With this fact in mind, I would believe that there is a plausible chance that this is an attempt to win votes by the American public. Also many members of Obama's staff are pro gay Marriage,such as His Vice president. That also makes me wonder if the president is truly pro gay marriage or if he is conforming to the rest of his party.
*Quote* After Joe Biden voiced his support for gay marriage ahead of President Barack Obama, there was only one thing for the vice president to do: apologize. Biden did that on Wednesday in the Oval Office. He apologized shortly before Obama sat for a hastily arranged interview in which he told the public he supported gay marriage. (Pace )
and also
“His [Obama's] administration has moved slowly but surely on gay rights” (The Guardian)
These two facts hinder my belief on how strong this legislation will be. I don't know if Vice President Biden accidentally jumped the gun or not with the announcement , but having the president following the vice president can’t be a sigh of strong leadership. Without a strong leader who actually believes in something or one that bends to the public's option means that legislation will be hard to move.
AMYGANYUKOV on Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 11:36:52 PM
President Obama's announcement has a good social impact because people are more aware of this topic, people are questioning and thinking more about it and making it more acceptable. This could get Obama supporters who really want same sex marriage because they see this as an oppurtunity to makes things happen. He didnt back up his opinion or have a plan, but its one step closer to their goals. This could change who obamas supporters are but his statement probably wont change a persons prior opinion towards same sex marriage.
NOAHFRIED on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 6:18:49 AM
What makes men like Harry Truman, Hubert Humphrey, and Lyndon Johnson great men? What makes them great men is not their ability to flex free speech by stating their beliefs but, by following through to see change in our world. Those men are committed in changing the world through actions whether it be desegregating the army, or just being very passionate over what they want to see accomplished those men had a true stance because I believe actions speak louder then words. However, Obama statement this past week of being pro-gay marriage was not meaningful and an attempt to gain public support. Why now? Obama's term is almost over and his public opinion is decreasing. Obama making himself out to be as a progressive is a pretty good plan to gain support. This being said I feel Obama doesn't truly believe in his cause like the great men before him. If Obama truly believed in gay marriage he would have and should have acted upon it. To truly be an advocate of something you have to work towards a goal. Obama stating that he advocates gay marriage isn't completely true or else he'd be working towards a day where gay marriage exists rather than saying it and waiting for that day. However, Obama has been supporting gay marriage since the beginning of his political career, this could mean a very large impact on our country socially and legislatively if action is taken. Obama can make out country a more excepting place if he'd stand up for what he believes in and acts upon it.
COLESILBERMAN on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 8:46:14 AM
Although I accept as true that President Obama’s backing of gay marriage in the US may have been a political stunt to swing the election, I truly believe that he supports gay marriage. I doubt +50% of U.S. citizens will be against the leader of the country because of an impact on social beliefs, even if it has never been openly supported by any of the past presidents. This event can be connected to the idea of what one of the most favored presidents’s to live did, JFK. When John F. Kennedy’s action to ban discrimination in America was introduced to the public, predictably, people disagreed with his statement but many still supported him. I can see this with President Obama. In the near future, his approval ratings for the upcoming election will unquestionably increase but still there will be others who oppose his headship.
JUSTINKELMAN on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 9:15:43 AM
I beleive that President Obama's announcement on pro gay marriage is a bold one. However, I don't beleive this will cause change in our country. I do beleive that Obama said this in order to swing people to vote for him. His annoucement is not enough to turn away non gay marriage voters but pick up people that are pro gay marriage. A year from now many people will have forgotten what he said. There isn't going to be new legilature put into place because of one mans stance on something even if you are the President of The United States.
JAKESCHULTZ on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 11:55:34 AM
Yes I believe it will impact our society because when you when have someone who is so respected in our country who stands up for a specific cause like gay marriage, some people in the country will either follow his beliefs, or be completely against them. He will get a lot of votes because of his statement, but also he can lose a lot of his previous voters who are against gay marriage. Overall, it will make a big statement on the country and change peoples views, especially on the up coming election.
CAMDENPINNEY on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 12:50:11 PM
President Obama's belief on gay marriage will impact the society greatly. President Obama came out and told everyone of his belief and because of this the society will change. People with either completly agree with this or be completely againist this opinion. Obama will also gain some followers and lose some followers because of this belief. I think this opinion on gay marriage shocked alot of people because no one was excepting this. I think his opinion will cause people to view him diffrently also. Overall his opinion is affecting our soceity in good and bad ways
JAMIELEVINE on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 12:59:57 PM
In many ways, this announcement made by Obama reflects his entire presidency. President Obama has made many promises and proposed ideas under pressure that he has failed to follow through with. Although Obama has announced that he is for gay marriage, it's highly likely that he will do little to nothing about it. His so called opinion has made it out to the public, but as his term is coming to an end, it's doubtful that gay marriage will be legalized in the United States any time soon. Regardless of opinion, Obama's so called changes to come are a log ways away.
MAYAWATSON on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 1:04:12 PM
Obama's decision will most likely lead to more people voting for him. The gay community is more likely to support him because they'll feel like he cares about their happiness and equality. I think that this author believes that President Obama made the right decision by boldly making it known that he believes in equa.lity for all people. This author believes that President Obama did something that was morally good and good for his campaign.
ANTHONYRIZKALA on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 5:28:58 PM
President Obama's new found stance on same sex marriage will most likely not have a significant impact on our country socially or legislatively. This action, or lack thereof, is just another example of how politics is operating these days: saying anything to get on the public's good side. Obama is not the only guilty of this; many politicians have made empty promises and statements. This is not saying that Obama has been a bad president. He is just conforming to the patterns of today's American politics. It's another confirmation that the era of leaders like Truman, JFK, and Lyndon Johnson is over. These presidents based their policies on what they believed was morally and politically right for the country, not on what would get them the highest numbers at the polls. Truman desegregated the armed forces at a time when much of the country couldn’t conceive of racial mingling. Johnson also passed the Voting Rights Act which lost him much of the support from the solid, democratic South. Obama stated that he was for gay marriage because his cabinet said that it would help him get more support in the up coming election.
IANBERNARD on Monday, May 14, 2012 at 6:31:18 PM
President Obama's endorsement of gay marriage with have a great social and legislative effect on our country. Obama is a leader and even tho he does not back up his opinion, he is still the leader. A leader will always have followers and those followers will do as he does. It is like the popular kids and the kids who want to fit in. The fit ins want to follow the leader to be like them because they have charisma or want to be popular or fit in to. Obama is also a hero and a person who is admired by many those my follow his wishes because of that. The idea now of gay marriage will become more widely accepted by his followers or admirers and they will endorse gay marriage also.With is becoming more widely accepted the groups against it will fold in to accommodate the peoples wishes, like the new upcoming president so he will gain the support of those in favor and his followers to. Some may also feel pressure to turn to endorse gay marriage because if it is more accepted more people will be ridiculed about being against it. In legislation, laws will accommodate the people's wishes if it becomes a majority idea that it should be endorsed but if it doesn't then the bills will fail. Either way it will cause major controversy and people will have to decide.
ROSLYNROAN on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at 1:04:36 PM
President Obama made a bold decision in supporting gay marriage. This decision will get him even more votes from the supporters of gay marriage but he will either lose the support of the citizens who appose gay marriage or the decision of nonsupporters will remain the unchanged. There will be more discussions of this topic as time passes and President Obama clears his mind, and takes actions for his decision. It is true that, verbally he said that he is going to support gay marriage but actions speak louder than words. I feel that just because Obama says he supports gay marriage doesnt mean that he supports it doesnt mean he will do something about it IF he wins. There is a difference between being a supporter and making a change.
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