Should a president allow states to decide, let the national debate resolve itself—or lead and antagonize the opposition?

What’s more moral? Easy. But what’s most effective?

Up ’til now, he’s stayed out of the national Gay Marriage Rights debate, while pushing legislation that makes him the most pro-Gay Civil Rights president in US history.

But now he’s beginning to get more directly involved—and while it may not make good politics, and strong statements may only inflame the opposition and cause them to dig in their bigoted heels, I applaud his recent statements. We want guts and rusk and honesty in a leader, don’t we?

“I think what you’re seeing is a profound recognition on the part of the American people that gays and lesbians and transgender persons are our brothers, our sisters, our children, our cousins, our friends, our co-workers, and that they’ve got to be treated like every other American. And I think that principle will win out.”

“I think we’re moving in a direction of greater equality and — and I think that’s a good thing.”

Bonus: