Some of the current reasons why the DNC is being unfairly attacked (to a point) by this DNC Boycott is due to primarily to John Aravosis. His being at the forefront, is one reason why I cannot support this boycott for the DNC. It's based primarily by disingenuous, dishonest and outright outrageous fabrications by John Aravosis, who runs the website, Americablog.
This type of story is EXACTLY why Americablog should not be trusted when it comes to gay rights stories: WH "censors" a story on gay rights
Now let me first point out, I don't think the administration is doing all it can to support gay rights, it can do more, but I understand (and this is my personal opinion) they have a lot on their plate the first year. From the wars to healthcare to climate change to financial regulation and a little thing known as the economy plus dealing with congress, which to this day still hasn't passed healthcare. I understand why they're prioritizing. They're trying to focus on as many people possible first, and these issues effect everyone. Now, there are others with other opinions, and that's perfectly fine and as a gay man, Aravosis is genuinely (and rightfully so) sensitive to any stories that deal with issues relating to him. However, that does NOT give him the right to libel the WH's record on gay rights, which he has done consistently and this night is just the latest example. Quite honestly, he's the Glenn Beck on these issues.
Melody Barnes, WH Senior Domestic Policy Advisor had spoken at Boston College and had stated some comments regarding gay marriage and Pres. Obama's opinion versus hers. What she says can hold a lot of meaning. It's very important, and activists should be on their toes as to what she says and how she says it. Boston College has a policy at the school that when ANYONE speaks at the College, they are given an option as to whether or not they would allow people to release video recordings. Again, they are given the OPTION. Aravosis was concerned that the administration had not released it yet, and had spoken to the college. A couple of days transpire between the event and release and the WH has decided to release the video on Friday at 1.p.m. You don't know and I don't know and John Aravosis doesn't know what caused the delay, it could be the vetting procedure (which has been notoriously slow) or it could be a myriad of other factors. Enter John Aravosis. He openly accuses the WH of CENSORSHIP for the delay. Let me repeat that. HE OPENLY ACCUSED THE WH OF CENSORSHIP FOR FOLLOWING A SCHOOL'S POLICY WHICH THEY HAVE THE OPTION OR NOT FOR CONCLUDING WHETHER TO RELEASE A VIDEO OR NOT AND OF WHICH THE DELAY WAS ONLY TWO DAYS.
This is PRECISELY why Americablog's word cannot be trusted. He has done this with story after story after story after story. Read through his reasons why the boycott is starting. Some of them are legitimate, but they are mixed in with non-legitimate ones to create a larger meme of the WH AGAINST GAY RIGHTS. Anytime ANYONE DOES THIS SORT OF THING, THEY SHOULD BE CALLED OUT ON IT. WHICH IS PRECISELY WHAT ARAVOSIS AND AMERICABLOG SHOULD BE.