Should Warren Speak at Obama's Inauguration?

Symbols matter, sometimes a lot, so it's hard not to sympathize with the gay rights groups that are very angry over Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren, a prominent evangelical minister, to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. Warren crossed the line when he compared gay marriage to incest and pedophilia.

Symbols matter, sometimes a lot, so it's hard not to sympathize with the gay rights groups that are very angry over Barack Obama's choice of Rick Warren, a prominent evangelical minister, to deliver the invocation at his inauguration. Warren crossed the line when he compared gay marriage to incest and pedophilia. But I can also sympathize with what Obama is trying to do.

The media, describe the selection of Warren as a conciliatory gesture to evangelicals who opposed Obama's election. Gay rights advocates insist Obama is showing a "deep level of disrespect" to them and their cause. Some go even further, calling it a betrayal from Obama, given their support for him during the campaign. Others are riding to Warren's defense, noting his many good works.

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Mark Willen
Senior Political Editor, The Kiplinger Letter