Rep. Blumenauer on video responding to questions about DOMA back in July:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_srb7u0acbA

For me, the most important lesson here is one Democrats should learn for today: If you give a sop to the right in the hopes that it will either (1) lead them to the table of compromise and/or (2) take the steam out of their efforts, you're an idiot. Because giving them anything only ever emboldens them, and not infrequently strengthens them.

Dear Earl,

You owe us.

Who cares what they call it? That's a side issue that detracts from the real problem. Just extend benefits and rights to everyone, regardless of orientation. If you live for someone for most of your adult life, you should have the right to see them in the hospital.

Let the intolerant religious nuts and the intolerant atheist nuts duke it out on their own dime.