Golden Ruling by Obama.

As an individual, President Obama has transcended all expectations which could have been placed on him, both personally and by others. As a coloured man, he has faced the challenge of winning over a nation who, but only 50 years ago, was split over the issue of civil rights. His Kenyan ancestry is one linked in with Islam, and so represents a faith which many in the USA feel they are at war with. Therefore Obama has taken on both racial and religious challenges to his political career. Now through sheer bravery, or perhaps voted winning bravado, has come out in favour of same-sex marriage for homosexuals in the United States of America. This, of course, is controversial when the political and religious landscape of that nation. However, Obama uses Jesus Christ and his Golden Rule to justify his stance. Why?


The Golden Rule, found in the Gospel of Matthew 7:12, is one of the most famous maxims in history:

       "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

It had been used for centuries as a means  to defend the disenfranchised and weak; and deter those who would suppress and reign tyranny over others. Notions of individual rights and laws for the protection of people owe their existence, to an extent, to the Golden Rule. This is all made all the more powerful by whom this quote is attributed to, Jesus Christ. His position with one of the world's leading faiths made the Golden Rule more accessible to a wide array of peoples. As Christianity expanded, so too did the maxim of the downtrodden. However, as the expansion of faith of the Trinity has in theory slowed down, how relevant is this pithy saying for a President to use?


When one wants to justify a stance, and is faced by possible backlashes from the society they live in, it is very supportive to apply local beliefs and customs. The Obama family consider themselves to be Christian. Those who are so openly opposed to same-sex marriage also claim to be Christian, and apply it to their polemic in opposition. However, this staunch denial of Obama's view is only possible through ignoring anything that may undermine them, such as the Golden Rule. 
   Obama is clearly applying this in his recent statement. To be President, one cannot afford to be stupid ( George W. Bush being the exception that proves the rule). He is not only reaching out to the homosexual community with the USA, but also to any Christians who are perhaps of the same opinion as himself. The Republicans have been very hard on women, and this has turned many against them. Now Obama is forcing Mitt Romney to force his hand, and he did in his opposition to same-sex marriage. Obama is applying both religious and political means to gain votes. This may sound somewhat cynical, however in an election year, he can not afford to miss a trick. 


There is little doubt in my mind that President Obama is sincere what he says. There is no reason to think otherwise. However, in applying the Golden Rule, he is striking at the heart of the Christian Right. It is undoubtedly going to be greatly in the President's favour, and should bring him both further support and resources. However, now that he has said something, he will be expected to act upon it. If he is re-elected this year, then he will be expected to apply the Golden Rule and follow through with same-sex marriage endorsement. This may be further exacerbated by a call from other groups for their rights and opportunities to be opened up further. President Obama has set a precedent, however can he handle the responsibility which comes with the rule.