Congrats to our winner: Elena Kuptsynova!

And thanks to http://www.opusoneproductions.com/ for supporting local blogs!

I used a random number generator to select winners for the two giveaways (TOTEM and Uh Huh Her).  The winners have been contacted and I'm hoping they are all sorts of excited.  I'll announce their names as soon as they get back to me. 

Thanks to everyone for playing!

I watched the media coverage and Presidential press conference last night with a strange mix of relief and sadness.  I can't rejoice in someone's death, but I am hopeful that his death will lead to a better world for all of us. 

From Pam's House Blend ...

Is this the final proof that Barack Obama is the legitimate President of the United States?

Pam herself posts extensive media clips with a little sober commentary of her own and the transcript of the Presidential remarks.

And tonight, let us think back to the sense of unity that prevailed on 9/11.  I know that it has, at times, frayed.  Yet today's achievement is a testament to the greatness of our country and the determination of the American people.

The cause of securing our country is not complete.  But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to.  That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.

Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are:  one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Thank you.  May God bless you.  And may God bless the United States of America.

Towleroad has clips of the spontaneous rally at the White House last night.

Politgot from Metro Weekly has similar clips with much more detail and on the ground interviews.

Thoughts from Bilerico

And from The Advocate a hat tip to President Bush

The president reiterated that this war is, in no way, a war with Islam, and that bin Laden was not a religious leader, describing him as a mass murderer, and that his victims included many Muslims. The President continued, "So his demise should be welcomed by all who believe in peace and human dignity."

"Tonight we are once again reminded that American can do whatever we set out mind to," the President continued. "That is the story of our history, whether it?s the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens, our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the word a safer place. Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power but because of who we are, one nation, under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."

Authorities have been searching for the terrorist leader since the September 1, 2001, attacks. Capturing or killing Osama bin Laden fulfills a goal first set by President George W. Bush.

Finally a few reminders of the losses to the LGBTQ community from LezGetReal.

So what does all this mean?  A simple reminder that while these are LGBTQ media outlets, they do step outside of the "gay agenda" to report.  Clearly, this is a significant moment in American history, including the LGBTQ community.  I'm not seeing references to "agenda items" like the repeal of DADT or the repeal of DOMA to provide family benefits to LGBTQ soldiers. I'm reading good reporting and interesting commentary on an event that transcends our identity as gay Americans.  But those are valid issues to raise in the coming days and returning to our struggle for full equality in our nation, a nation a little more secure, is one of the things that does make America great.