when it was announced that openly gay episcopalian bishop, gene robinson was to make the invocation at the inauguration-celebrating “we are one” concert, aired on HBO yesterday, the gays were happy again. we momentarily forgave obama for his pick of rick warren (that guy who thinks we’re pedophiles) to do the invocation at the inauguration.
but of course, there was still trouble in river city. for some strange reason, bishop robinson’s invocation didn’t make it to the HBO broadcast. and who’s fault was that? afterelton.com talked to HBO about it :
Contacted Sunday night by AfterElton.com concerning the exclusion of Robinson’s prayer, HBO said via email, “The producer of the concert has said that the Presidential Inaugural Committee made the decision to keep the invocation as part of the pre-show.”
Uncertain as to whether or not that meant that HBO was contractually prevented from airing the pre-show, we followed up, but none of the spokespeople available Sunday night could answer that question with absolute certainty.
However, it does seem that the network’s position is that they had nothing to do with the decision.
what’s more, as soon as robinson took the stage, the speakers on the mall “malfunctioned” and most of the estimated 750,000 atendees missed his opening remarks. lloyd phillips write in a comment from boxturtlebulliten.com :
I was at the national mall for the concert, about 1/2 a mile from the Lincoln Memorial, and the moment Gene Robinson took to the stage, the speakers went out. We couldn’t hear a word of the entire invocation. Of course minutes before when Elmo was on the jumbotrons speaking about unity, everything was fine. The moment the gay bishop takes to the stage suddenly there is technical issues. Of course when I get home I find out that HBO cut Gene Robinson from the footage. It’s really horrible and sad. I really don’t think it was a “day of unity” for everyone.
luckily some christian with a camera caught it on tape :
also apparently, the DC gay men’s chorus wasn’t announced when they performed at the event. they backed up notoriously straight singer, josh groban.
wow. this olive branch tastes like poop.
i’m still mad.
xo c
ps - more updates about the dog soon.
Tags: censorship, discrimination, gene robinson, governmnet, HBO, inauguration, obama, president, rick warren
Not a real upper of a prayer, I have to say.
…but necessary.
I was not aware that this happened. I am truly sorry that America did not get to hear his words - they are very moving. How lucky we are to have youtube. Please follow the outcome of the outcry on this - I will keep my eyes and ears open, too and keep you posted. I know it’s hard to maintain optimism, but, believe me, after listening to the words of grandchildren of former slaves at an MLK ceremony today, you gotta have faith. Change happens slowly…but, it does happen. Never give up!
Chris and friends,
I share your disappointment and anger, and deal with it by reminding myself that America is not simply a country, it is a process moving ever forward toward something more noble and inclusive. That process comes to a screeching halt the moment we become so disillusioned and bitter that we allow injustice to continue. Justice was not born with the universe, not essential to the cosmos as is gravity, electromagnetism and the nuclear forces. Justice must be manifested by thinking, feeling beings. Barack Obama stands as president today because, despite the setbacks in his own life, he always remained true to that hopeful process. Let us in our own struggle also be true, and when the day comes when we watch the first openly gay American take the presidential oath, let that same arc toward justice compel us to include those who have yet to have their human dignity acknowledged. With that great process in mind, we can truly celebrate this inauguration day.