Suppose that, in the 1960's, President Johnson had signed a bill giving blacks the right to ride in the front of buses that were on even numbered routes. "Civil Rights is a tricky issue right now," he would say, "and I'm dealing with this war in Veet Nayum. I'll get around to the Civil Rights thing later, but for now here's a little bit to make you happy. You can ride in the front of even-numbered buses."
That is pretty much what Mr. Obama has done for gay rights so far, and as Frank Rich points out in an NY Times op-ed yesterday, it is a long way short of what he promised in his campaign. Frank Rich is not happy with Obama's "leadership" on gay issues, with his recognition of public opinion, or with his willingness to keep promises made to those who supported him in his bid for the presidency. Like Mr. Rich, I am unhappy with Obama's failure to lead on this issue, and like him I do not see the need for it.
Unlike Mr. Rich I am beginning to suspect a reason, and it is not pretty.
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