Saw a news item somewhere whilst surfing with coffee in one hand this morning; Rick Warren gave a speech somewhere and said he'd had a good chat with Melissa Etheridge. Melissa's pending marriage to her partner was interrupted by the Prop 8 situation, so I thought it worth further investigation. Nothing noted on Melissa's website yet but came across Juan Cole's latest column which is most recommended. Pretty good perspective on the situation and the characters involved.
Personally I think Obama didn't think this one through all the way and would probably ask for a mulligan if he had a chance, but he's made the commitment and it's one for the history books. Understand completely the outcry and I know nobody wants another Warren flame war diary, but, anyway, fire away...
Link below the fold....
Rick Warren: "I love Muslims . . . I happen to love Gays and Straights"
I was in Long Beach,Ca. on Saturday for the annual conference of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, where Pastor Rick Warren and I were both headliners.
Also appearing on the stage Saturday evening were Melissa Etheridge and Salman Ahmad, singing Ring the Bells.
Before I go further, I just want to praise MPAC as the most wonderful people. This is the American Muslim community at its best-- socially and spiritually active, deeply interested in civil rights, and insisting on reclaiming their religion from extremists. Many of them are religious and social liberals who dislike fundamentalism. Anyone looking for a worthy charity to donate to in this season of giving should seriously consider MPAC. It is an American organization and only accepts money from Americans, and Homeland Security presented there, so it has all the bona fides.
Back to the conference. There are two stories here of wider interest. One is Rick Warren addressing a Muslim audience. The other is his being at the same event with Etheridge, who is gay.
http://www.juancole.com/...