Is the blowback worth it?

Several couples and widowers are being represented by the Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders in Massachusetts in filing a suit to overturn the small part of the Defense of Marriage Act that prohibits the federal government from recognizing gay marriages. It would not challenge the part that allows other states to refuse to recognize such marriages. At the moment, this only affects marriages in Mass. and Connecticut. The case will eventually get to the Supremes.

This, of course, leads to a big debate: Even though couples in Mass. will be ahead, is the blowback in other states worth the risk? This is a big issue with gay rights groups in North Carolina, the only southern state without a marriage protection amendment and where a bill for such an amendment has been submitted yet again (3rd time?). Will most of the South have to wait until the Supremes rule? Is it safe to put the issue before the Supremes -- are we sure of a win? Should Mass. widowers have to suffer the lack of their dead partner's Social Security pension because the rest of the country is so backward? Are gays in Mass. focused only on themselves or will they help when the blowback hits NC? Are lawsuits the best way forward or should we spend more effort getting the hearts and minds of the people ready for gay marriage? If not now, when? There will be blowback for many years. Obama has said he will repeal DOMA. Should we wait for him to do it?