DOMA deemed unconstitutional by Obama Administration.

Finally, what does this mean though? Anything?

 

Nothing is what it means.

They say what they say but it aint down to obama camp to repeal this they need republicans.

Sadly in American politics saying somethings unconstitutional is effectively an opinion.

 

I see. Does them saying it mean they can do anything nationwide repeal? Or is nationwide repeal completely impossible even if the Dems ruled the house too.

 

Because of our division of powers, there is nothing the President himself can do except say he doesn't like it, and try to persuade Congress to repeal it...where the ultimate power to do so lies.

 

I'm really praying for 4 more years.

 

Nothing is unconstitutional until the Supreme Court deems it so. The Justice Department, nor any sitting Administration, can rule a standing law unconstitutional, they simply can choose to omit portions of their argument (which is a risky strategy).

 

A big stand yes. But even if he doesn't get his second term, he's still going to be remembered as the man who truly started a change in the USA. Haha that makes me laugh as that was one of the slogans for Obama.

 

Yes..change indeed..ahem...:rolle:

 

Well that's just the question. In twenty years from now, is he going to be remembered favorably or will people just remember him as the first black president.

Chances are already high he'll win a second term. But there is NO doubt he will be remembered by the gay community. We've gotten so much farther under him than with any other president, and that's an obvious fact (putting aside his policies).

 

Well, I agree with that...and that is a very good point.
But, with me (and yes I know this makes me a horrible gay) but those issues are just not my passion. I'm not approaching this from a social issue point understand...I simply think that..unless things change rather quickly...he will not be remembered as a great President

 

This is a very significant development. Rather than defend the constitutionality of DOMA, the Justice Department is agreeing that the law is unconstitutional. They are saying that laws treating gays differently than straights must be viewed with a heightened level of constitutional scrutiny. Without going into the details of constitutional law, if the courts were to accept this argument it would be MUCH harder to enact laws that treat us differently. In constitutional jurisprudence, this would be a big change.

The arguments for this heightened level of scrutiny are very strong and well reasoned, but they are new. The Supreme Court is rarely a leader when it comes to social reform, so it may be reluctant to extend the law this far. On the other hand, gay rights have progressed greatly in the last several years, and this can have an influence on the Court. There is also a view among more libertarian conservatives that government should stay out of everyone’s bedrooms. Judges who accept this view would be more likely to agree that we are entitled to heightened constitutional protection.

While it is hard to predict where this will lead, it is a really big deal. I received a lot of emails today from other gay lawyers talking about this.

 

Don't forget about the HEalth Care Bill which is also huge. I'd say he'll definitely be remembered as a great one by those who are democrats. Republicans however will say he's a horrible one.

 

Well, the US is still somewhat divided on that issue...and it is still in question on if portions of the law...or even the entire law itself...will be upheld by the Supreme Court.
I personally think the law is horrible...and there are a lot of democrats out there that are still kinda "iffy" on that issue.

 

Meh it's always complain complain complain in America...no offense, but it's true.

 

Don't know if you guys have read the actual letter from Attorney General Holder to Speaker Boehner, but my goodness, does it make a rational and well-reasoned argument. There is some legal jargon, but it's actually quite a refreshing read if you're so inclined. Too bad it doesn't mean much practically speaking... at least not yet.

http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/February/11-ag-223.html

 

I'm sorry, but I still think Obama is a shitty president. Reasons are that free health care is still in flux and there's still a high umeployment rate.