Obama Supports Gay Marriage [ABC News]
The president came out in favor of same sex marriage yesterday, declaring in an interview with ABC News that he believes same-sex couples should be able to be married. Obama’s announcement, after years of equivocation, comes on the heels of the passage of a constitutional amendment in North Carolina on Tuesday that banned gay marriage. The president was hesitant to go into the political afacets of this stance.
“At a certain point, I’ve just concluded that– for me personally, it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that– I think same-sex couples should be able to get married. Now– I have to tell you that part of my hesitation on this has also been I didn’t want to nationalize the issue. There’s a tendency when I weigh in to think suddenly it becomes political and it becomes polarized.”
Jews Support Obama’s Support of Gay Marriage [Forward]
Several prominent Jewish leaders released statements in favor of the president’s support of same-sex marriage Wednesday. However, the Orthodox remain adamant in their opposition.
“‘I am pleased that the President has made a decisive statement in support of marriage equality,’ said National Jewish Democratic Council chair Marc R. Stanley in an emailed statement. ‘President Obama has admirably continued to demonstrate the values of tikkun olam in his work to make America a better place for all Americans.'”
Lag B’Omer and the Hunger Games [Tablet]
Lag B’Omer, a Jewish holiday intended as a celebration of bravery during the period of destruction of the first temple, traditionally involves children playing with bows and arrows as a means of remembering the trials and tribulations of the past. This year, however, traditions are in sync with popular culture as never before. Marjorie Ingall examines how this holiday may be interpreted through feminist and various other lenses, using everyone’s favorite archer, Katniss Everdeen, as an example.
“The upshot: Here we have an activity that can tie together a seasonal holiday, a sport for non-sporting types, cultural relevance to engage the easily distracted youth of today, and the power to make girls feel good about themselves. Maybe Jewish camps and schools should take a closer look. As an archer might say, get the point?”
House reaffirms support for Israel [JTA]
The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill expanding military support for Israel on Tuesday. The bill, which was sponsored by Jewish congressman Eric Cantor, garnered overwhelming bipartisan support, passing by a margin of 411-2. The legislation appears to be directed towards giving Israel the capability to contain the nuclear threat opposed by Iran.
“Some provisions appear aimed at assisting Israel particularly in any possible confrontation with Iran. The legislation recommends that the United States provide Israel with “air refueling tankers, missile defense capabilities, and specialized munitions.” Israel has sought an air-refueling capacity as a means to cover the distance to Iran in the case of a strike. “Specialized munitions” could include bunker busting bombs that could reach redoubts where Iran is suspected of building a nuclear weapon capability.”
