Guest Editorial | Alan Dean

What prompts me to write are concerns I have regarding the President’s recent decisions. 

Just over a month ago President Obama “came to terms” with the issue of same-gender marriage, thanks in large part to his children or their friends’ parents.  

Since this is LGBT Pride Month, President Obama, and his wife Michelle, are hosting lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender guests.  

At a recent White house reception he let these individuals (supporters?) know that they will have a friend and “fellow advocate” in the White house as long as he is President.  He made sure to let homosexuals know that though it may have taken more time than they would have liked, they have seen progress and lasting change under his administration.  The President reminded these guests of his recent public embrace of same-gender marriage.  

He stated while some Americans may still be “evolving” on same-sex marriage, he and his wife “have made up their minds on this issue.”  I think it interesting it took an election year to heighten his evolution.

Couple the change in the President’s position regarding marriage with his statements, made just a few days ago, regarding a change in immigration policy, and it makes for a startling trend as we move closer to November. The President stated the government will stop deporting younger illegal immigrants who came to the United States as children, having had no choice but to accompany their illegal parents. If these younger illegals (under 30 years of age) have been law abiding individuals, they should be allowed to stay and contribute to our society.  It was quickly pointed out this does not change their status or move them ahead in the immigration “line,” but it will allow them a chance to become legal residents.  

This policy change partly fulfills the goals of the “DREAM ACT,” a plan that has never been adopted by Congress, which would establish a pathway towards becoming legal Citizens for younger people who have gone to college or served in the military.

Though it may anger some Republicans, I agree with this policy.  Why deport those who could be encouraged to become legal residents that will contribute to American society? Why send back those whose primary allegiance is to the United States?  

Here’s my problem: President Obama went around Congress, in an election year, to make this change in immigration policy. Latinos have been very vocal in their opposition to the administration’s deportation policies.  

This change, as reported by the Associated Press, may affect as many as 800,000 immigrants who now face deportation. This immigration policy change took place a week before President Obama is scheduled to address the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Offic-ials’ annual conference.  Even liberal press outlets have called this policy change pandering.

Our President’s position on marriage has recently changed.  His position on immigration has recently changed.  I wonder what group might be next on President Obama’s list of prospective supporters.  I have no naïve sentiments that Mitt Romney is the solution to all of my concerns or fears.  

But if President Obama is re-elected, and the odds are still in his favor, what does that say about our system of government?

I want a leader, not a candidate masquerading as the President. And for all those who support his re-election bid, will he deliver on his new promises, or having received the support he needed to win, just go back to life as it’s been during the first three years of his tenure as President?  

That’s something we should all fear!

EDITOR’S NOTE: Alan Dean is the pastor at First Covenant Church in Red Oak, and can be contacted at deanage_01@yahoo.com.