CARNAL NATION

The New York Times reports that President Obama is in a tight spot. Two judges of the federal appeals court in California have ordered that employees of their court are entitled to health benefits for their same-sex partners under the same program that insures millions of federal workers and their families. However, the Office of Personnel Management, a federal body, has instructed insurers not to extend the benefits ordered by the judges, citing the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act. If the President sides with the Office of Personnel Management, he risks alienating many of the groups and constituencies that helped him win the election. During his campaign, he promised to "fight hard" for the rights of gay couples, and as a senator, he sponsored legislation that would have provided health benefits to the same-sex partners of federal employees. However, if he challenges the Defense of Marriage Act and grants the benefits, Mr. Obama risks alienating conservatives, whose cooperation and support he desperately needs for his economic, education, and healthcare plans.

What is a President to do? Perhaps he might recall his own words, spoken shortly after taking the Oath of Office:

"On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.  On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn-out dogmas that for far too long have strangled our politics.  We remain a young nation.  But in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.  The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea passed on from generation to generation:  the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness."

Mr. President, you know what needs to be done. You said so yourself.