Michelle Obama Confronts Gay-Rights Protester, Threatens To Leave Fundraiser

[News_Editor]

WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) -- U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama confronted a gay-rights protester during a Democratic Party fundraiser in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday evening and threatened to leave the event if the activist did not stop interrupting her speech, witnesses said.

Obama was about 12 minutes into a 20-minute speech at a private residence in Washington when she was interrupted by a heckler, calling for an executive order to bar discrimination by federal contractors based on sexual orientation or gender identity. "One of the things that I don't do well is this," she told the audience in response to the interruption.

Amanda Terkel, a senior political reporter for the Huffington Post who attended the event as a pool reporter, said the first lady left the lectern and confronted the protester face-to-face. "Listen to me or you can take the mic, but I'm leaving," Obama told the heckler. "You all decide. You have one choice."

Many of those attending the event began shouting for Obama to stay, and some of them turned against the protester by telling her to go. The protester was then escorted from the event as she shouted, describing herself as a lesbian who is "looking for federal equality before I die."

Obama then returned to the lectern and continued her speech to loud applause.

Heather Cronk, co-director of the pro-LGBT rights group GetEQUAL, identified the protester as one of their activists, Ellen Strutz. She said there were three other GetEQUAL activists at the event as well, including two college students. They were identified as activists from Ohio, North Carolina, and New Mexico.

Tuesday's fundraiser was hosted at the Northwest D.C. home of Dr. Nan Schaffer and Karen Dixon, a lesbian couple whom were legally wed in the Canadian city of Vancouver in 2008. The event was attended by approximately 200 people and tickets for the fundraiser ranged between $500 and $10,000.

President Barack Obama came out in support of same-sex marriage in May 2012, an unprecedented step for a sitting U.S. president. Obama has raised millions of dollars from lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) donors as a result of his support for equal rights for same-sex couples, and his administration recently urged the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a law that bans federal recognition of same-sex marriages.

Support for same-sex marriage has increased across the United States in recent years. A Gallup poll in 1996 found that only 27 percent of Americans were in favor of same-sex marriage, but the latest survey conducted last year found that 50 percent of Americans are now in favor of allowing marriages between people of the same gender.

(Copyright 2013 by BNO News B.V. All rights reserved. Info: [email protected].)

[JetsetBkk]

"You all decide. You have one choice."

Congratulations on correctly using the word "choice". A lot of people would have said "You have two choices".

[geriatrickid]

"You all decide. You have one choice."

Congratulations on correctly using the word "choice". A lot of people would have said "You have two choices".

Well, the unspoken choice would have been to clock the rude woman that abused her invitation to an event to see the 1st lady.

There's a time and a place for things and the loudmouth obviously had no manners. That this uncouth boor would expect Mrs. Obama to be able to dictate Presidential actions is indicative of an idiot at large.

[Jingthing]

Don't be dissin Michelle!

I'm afraid Obama will be spending his second term defending against overblown "scandals" and dealing with toxic obstructionists in the legislature.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Jingthing

[scorecard]

Don't be dissin Michelle!

I'm afraid Obama will be spending his second term defending against overblown "scandals" and dealing with toxic obstructionists in the legislature.

dissin?

[Jingthing]

Don't be dissin Michelle!

I'm afraid Obama will be spending his second term defending against overblown "scandals" and dealing with toxic obstructionists in the legislature.

dissin?

[cup-O-coffee]

I don't see what the fuss is about. I think Obama overreacted. Hecklers are all over the place; even at comedian shows. Simply remove them and get the show back on the road. It's no different than when at a movie. Silly, really!

[chuckd]

Maybe she simply decided that the $500 she paid to attend the event gave her the constitutional right to voice her opinion.

What it reminded me of was the child that said if everybody didn't play by his/her rules, he/she was going to take his/her ball and go home.

This heckler is hardly the prototypical heckler found at Republican events. Republican events are heckled by labor union thugs.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sturtz said she paid $500 to attend the fundraiser, part of a protest cooked up by the gay rights group GetEqual, which gained notice in Obama’s first term for hectoring him during speeches and demanding more action on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues. Sturtz, who gave $5,000 to the Democratic Party and Obama’s campaign in 2008, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, said she was devoting herself to full-time activism now pressing the White House on the employment discrimination issue."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/06/04/michelle-obama-confronts-protester-threatens-to-leave-fundraiser/

[Jingthing]

If she had a message for Michelle that she thought might be conveyed to the President, surely there was an opportunity for some open discussion as part of that event AFTER the speech?

[chuckd]

If she had a message for Michelle that she thought might be conveyed to the President, surely there was an opportunity for some open discussion as part of that event AFTER the speech?

It takes a lot more than $500 to get an audience with one of the Obamas. Normally $32,400 will get a photo op and dinner with several hundred others.

[Jingthing]

If she had a message for Michelle that she thought might be conveyed to the President, surely there was an opportunity for some open discussion as part of that event AFTER the speech?

It takes a lot more than $500 to get an audience with one of the Obamas. Normally $32,400 will get a photo op and dinner with several hundred others.

This was a private residence. Maybe you're right there was no opportunity to speak to her, but that's not really so clear from the news story. I support the protester's cause but don't agree with this tactic.

Gay political activism has generally been very productive in the USA, but that doesn't mean each and every action by all gay activists have been helpful.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Jingthing

[Morakot]

"You all decide. You have one choice."

Congratulations on correctly using the word "choice".

Grammatically correct, but as if the protester had any choice. She felt that she no choice but had to interrupt the speech, regardless whether we think this was the right things to do or not. Plus as if she had any real choice of taking up the mic.

"Choice" the most farcical term in contemporary American English.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Morakot

[jpinx]

"You all decide. You have one choice."

Congratulations on correctly using the word "choice".

Grammatically correct, but as if the protester had any choice. She felt that she no choice but had to interrupt the speech, regardless whether we think this was the right things to do or not. Plus as if she had any real choice of taking up the mic.

"Choice" the most farcical term in contemporary American English.

Not really -- the heckler had many choices - shut up, sit down, dance....

Was that "Y'all decide" not addressed to a single person? English at it's american best

Heklers thrive on the argument - no point in saying they shouldn't do it - but hat's off to the first lady for going toe-to-toe with her tormentor

Edited June 6, 2013 by jpinx

[Chicog]

"You all decide. You have one choice."

Congratulations on correctly using the word "choice". A lot of people would have said "You have two choices".

Since the word "choice" implies two or more possibilities, that is redundant.

She is correct.

[Scott]

I think this is typical Michelle Obama. I remember seeing her on one of the late night talk shows (I don't remember which one), but she was asked if she would consider running for public office. She was very clear that she would not and she would not make a good politician. She said one of the differences between her and her husband is that he had almost infinite patiences. She said she didn't and wouldn't take any lip from people. Not a good trait for a politician.

I think this is an example of what she was talking about.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Scott

[F430murci]

I think this is typical Michelle Obama. I remember seeing her on one of the late night talk shows (I don't remember which one), but she was asked if she would consider running for public office. She was very clear that she would not and she would not make a good politician. She said one of the differences between her and her husband is that he had almost infinite patiences. She said she didn't and wouldn't take any lip from people. Not a good trait for a politician.

I think this is an example of what she was talking about.

Very true about her personality. Refreshing to see people in political limelight not just sucking up and kissing ass.

[Potosi]

One would think the gays could fade away from the headlines now they can marry, but no they don't. What is it this time they want? Federal equality? Are they making stuff up?

[geriatrickid]

One would think the gays could fade away from the headlines now they can marry, but no they don't. What is it this time they want? Federal equality? Are they making stuff up?

They cannot marry and are still denied some basic rights that some of us take for granted. I don't think the rude woman spoke for the majority of gay people, particularly those with some manners.

[Publicus]

"You all decide. You have one choice."

Congratulations on correctly using the word "choice". A lot of people would have said "You have two choices".

Well, the unspoken choice would have been to clock the rude woman that abused her invitation to an event to see the 1st lady.

There's a time and a place for things and the loudmouth obviously had no manners. That this uncouth boor would expect Mrs. Obama to be able to dictate Presidential actions is indicative of an idiot at large.

A raging idiot.

The major aspect I grew to strongly dislike about living in New York city was all of those raging radical feminist lesbian warhorses Interestingly enough, they much more go after "straignt" women more than men (although their hate of all men is intense). I don't know many, if any, gay guys who actually hate women. Gay guys are content to love men.

[DocN]

I see the Obama- haters are out in full force again!

[chuckd]

I see the Obama- haters are out in full force again!

Nah. Just me.

[chuckd]

Article from the heckler's point of view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First lady heckler speaks out: Michelle Obama ‘came right down in my face’

8:05 AM 06/05/2013

The LGBT activist who heckled Michelle Obama at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser says she just “couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

GetEQUAL activist Ellen Sturtz interrupted the first lady Tuesday night to call for the Obama administration to sign an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I lived and worked in the closet, hiding who I was in order to earn a living,” said Sturtz said in a statement released early Wednesday morning. “I had planned to speak tonight with DNC officials but, as the First Lady was talking about our childrens’ [sic] future and ensuring that they have everything they need to live happy and productive lives, I simply couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

“I’m looking ahead at a generation of young people who could live full, honest, and open lives with the stroke of the President’s pen, and I was hoping that the First Lady would share my concern for all of our young people,” she added.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/05/first-lady-heckler-speaks-out-michelle-obama-came-right-down-in-my-face/#ixzz2VUujRZNX

[samran]

Article from the heckler's point of view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First lady heckler speaks out: Michelle Obama ‘came right down in my face’

8:05 AM 06/05/2013

The LGBT activist who heckled Michelle Obama at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser says she just “couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

GetEQUAL activist Ellen Sturtz interrupted the first lady Tuesday night to call for the Obama administration to sign an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I lived and worked in the closet, hiding who I was in order to earn a living,” said Sturtz said in a statement released early Wednesday morning. “I had planned to speak tonight with DNC officials but, as the First Lady was talking about our childrens’ [sic] future and ensuring that they have everything they need to live happy and productive lives, I simply couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

“I’m looking ahead at a generation of young people who could live full, honest, and open lives with the stroke of the President’s pen, and I was hoping that the First Lady would share my concern for all of our young people,” she added.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/05/first-lady-heckler-speaks-out-michelle-obama-came-right-down-in-my-face/#ixzz2VUujRZNX

Give her a quarter and tell her to call someone who cares.

The first lady came down and addressed her face to face on what is appropriate. If instead she simply turned her head and nodded to the Secret Service to drag her out of there, the headline would have been 'First Lady refuses to come down from ivory tower to speak with the great unwashed'.

You can't win with some people.

[Credo]

It seems that Mrs. Obama can be quite a feisty lady. The Secret Service probably spends part of it's time protecting the public from her, and yes, I am being sarcastic.

[chuckd]

It seems that Mrs. Obama can be quite a feisty lady. The Secret Service probably spends part of it's time protecting the public from her, and yes, I am being sarcastic.

They probably spend some of their time protecting HIM from HER.

[Publicus]

It seems that Mrs. Obama can be quite a feisty lady. The Secret Service probably spends part of it's time protecting the public from her, and yes, I am being sarcastic.

They probably spend some of their time protecting HIM from HER.

I like the way you just keep cracking yourself up.

[Scott]

A rather caustic video and replies to it have been removed.

[Publicus]

Article from the heckler's point of view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First lady heckler speaks out: Michelle Obama ‘came right down in my face’

8:05 AM 06/05/2013

The LGBT activist who heckled Michelle Obama at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser says she just “couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

GetEQUAL activist Ellen Sturtz interrupted the first lady Tuesday night to call for the Obama administration to sign an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I lived and worked in the closet, hiding who I was in order to earn a living,” said Sturtz said in a statement released early Wednesday morning. “I had planned to speak tonight with DNC officials but, as the First Lady was talking about our childrens’ [sic] future and ensuring that they have everything they need to live happy and productive lives, I simply couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

“I’m looking ahead at a generation of young people who could live full, honest, and open lives with the stroke of the President’s pen, and I was hoping that the First Lady would share my concern for all of our young people,” she added.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/05/first-lady-heckler-speaks-out-michelle-obama-came-right-down-in-my-face/#ixzz2VUujRZNX

Give her a quarter and tell her to call someone who cares.

The first lady came down and addressed her face to face on what is appropriate. If instead she simply turned her head and nodded to the Secret Service to drag her out of there, the headline would have been 'First Lady refuses to come down from ivory tower to speak with the great unwashed'.

You can't win with some people.

Very true.

The screamer ought to be hollering at Speaker John Boenher and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell instead of the wife of a president who is making history in the matter of gay rights. She also might want to shriek at her own governor, depending on which state she is from.

[chuckd]

Article from the heckler's point of view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First lady heckler speaks out: Michelle Obama ‘came right down in my face’

8:05 AM 06/05/2013

The LGBT activist who heckled Michelle Obama at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser says she just “couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

GetEQUAL activist Ellen Sturtz interrupted the first lady Tuesday night to call for the Obama administration to sign an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I lived and worked in the closet, hiding who I was in order to earn a living,” said Sturtz said in a statement released early Wednesday morning. “I had planned to speak tonight with DNC officials but, as the First Lady was talking about our childrens’ [sic] future and ensuring that they have everything they need to live happy and productive lives, I simply couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

“I’m looking ahead at a generation of young people who could live full, honest, and open lives with the stroke of the President’s pen, and I was hoping that the First Lady would share my concern for all of our young people,” she added.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/05/first-lady-heckler-speaks-out-michelle-obama-came-right-down-in-my-face/#ixzz2VUujRZNX

Give her a quarter and tell her to call someone who cares.

The first lady came down and addressed her face to face on what is appropriate. If instead she simply turned her head and nodded to the Secret Service to drag her out of there, the headline would have been 'First Lady refuses to come down from ivory tower to speak with the great unwashed'.

You can't win with some people.

Very true.

The screamer ought to be hollering at Speaker John Boenher and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell instead of the wife of a president who is making history in the matter of gay rights. She also might want to shriek at her own governor, depending on which state she is from.

Why should she be screaming at Boehner and McConnell? What she wants is for Obama to sign an Executive Order that has already been prepared and awaiting his signature.

Neither Boehner or McConnell have jurisdiction over Executive Orders.

She could shriek at her own governor but he is a Democrat and that would do little good. He would probably blame it on Bush.

Thank you for your concern about my amusement. This administration is giving me a laugh a minute now. You will have to admit my comment was bordering on the truth just a smidgen though.

[Publicus]

Article from the heckler's point of view.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

First lady heckler speaks out: Michelle Obama ‘came right down in my face’

8:05 AM 06/05/2013

The LGBT activist who heckled Michelle Obama at a Democratic National Committee fundraiser says she just “couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

GetEQUAL activist Ellen Sturtz interrupted the first lady Tuesday night to call for the Obama administration to sign an executive order that would prohibit federal contractors from discriminating on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

“I lived and worked in the closet, hiding who I was in order to earn a living,” said Sturtz said in a statement released early Wednesday morning. “I had planned to speak tonight with DNC officials but, as the First Lady was talking about our childrens’ [sic] future and ensuring that they have everything they need to live happy and productive lives, I simply couldn’t stay silent any longer.”

“I’m looking ahead at a generation of young people who could live full, honest, and open lives with the stroke of the President’s pen, and I was hoping that the First Lady would share my concern for all of our young people,” she added.

Read more: http://dailycaller.com/2013/06/05/first-lady-heckler-speaks-out-michelle-obama-came-right-down-in-my-face/#ixzz2VUujRZNX

Give her a quarter and tell her to call someone who cares.

The first lady came down and addressed her face to face on what is appropriate. If instead she simply turned her head and nodded to the Secret Service to drag her out of there, the headline would have been 'First Lady refuses to come down from ivory tower to speak with the great unwashed'.

You can't win with some people.

Very true.

The screamer ought to be hollering at Speaker John Boenher and Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell instead of the wife of a president who is making history in the matter of gay rights. She also might want to shriek at her own governor, depending on which state she is from.

Why should she be screaming at Boehner and McConnell? What she wants is for Obama to sign an Executive Order that has already been prepared and awaiting his signature.

Neither Boehner or McConnell have jurisdiction over Executive Orders.

She could shriek at her own governor but he is a Democrat and that would do little good. He would probably blame it on Bush.

Thank you for your concern about my amusement. This administration is giving me a laugh a minute now. You will have to admit my comment was bordering on the truth just a smidgen though.

Generally speaking, blaming Bush covers a lot of ground to include doing absolutely nothing with or for GLBT people.