Three Down, A Nation to Go
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27650743/
I’ve always felt that real change, significant change, really big change begins with small actions. Whether it’s changing a mindset or shouting down a hateful voice, that action multiplied can lead to a wave that is unstoppable by any know means. In attending a Join the Impact rally in Philadelphia against the recently passed California initiative Proposition 8 (aka Proposition Hate) which takes away previously ganted same-sex marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples there, I witnessed one small action which can lead to a much larger change.
As I mentioned, I was at the Philadelphia rally, mainly to snap a few pictures and for some observation. As usually happens when more than 3 gay people assemble at a given place, a few backwards thinking evangelists made their way into the mix, three to be exact. And as is their nature when confronted with that which does not conform to their world view, they began shouting and preaching their usual hate speech to the crowd. That homosexuality is an abomonation, it’s a sin, God hates fags, AIDS is Gods punishment to the homosexual, etc. As I’ve been to many Gay/Lesbian rallies and gatherings where these people inevitably show up, I’ve noted that the usual response is to simply ignore them. However, today seemed to be different, as the level of anger and urgency in the crowd was taken up a notch. As if some level of defensive telepathy worked its way through the crowd, it made its way towards where the evangelists were preaching. First a few individuals, then groups, and eventually the entire crowd which I would estimate to be about several hundred at the time (official estimates put the crowd at a peak of 6,000). It became clear to the three that they were hopelessly outnumbered, and after a period of shouting back and forth, the three with a tiny megaphone against hundreds, the three evangelists eventually gave up and were escorted away from the crowd. The whole incident was relatively peaceful, but it underscored just what kind of fight we’re in for. These three represent a mountain of hatred and bigotry that disguises itself Christianity and religion. However, the thing about mountains is that eventually they erode. They wear down through nature and time and other forces. Mountains can be moved, one grain (or three) at a time.
I believe the dynamics of this issue are similar to those of race relations. We have seen an evolution of opinion on race relations in this country over time and I believe the gay marriage issue will be solved over time as the older generation gives way to the younger. Those who advocate change now will not be comforted by my assertions but the change will come; slowly and over time. Maybe not in my lifetime but it will come.
“my friends” lol, i voted for mccain, and i will tell you this; some have lashed out but i myself believe that obama is the smarter of the 2 candidates we had, problem being that he is doing exactly what the republicans predicted him to do. he’s putting nothing but old thoughts into his cabinet and he’s going to get the same old crap we’ve had for the last 30 years. he’s not surrounding himself with change and it doesn’t look good. as far as gay marriage is concerned, go get married thats fine but there is only one reason for government to acknowledge such an arrangement. to promote reproduction and the continuation of our people. gays can be married it’s just that the government shouldn’t accknowledge it, i say this because the most problematic issue we ignore and should be facing is numbers. government is supposed to deal in Running a country, not dealing with and or acknowledging what people at a personnal level want and or think. what is best for the country going forward. gay cannot reproduce therefore not producing anything that will help the country grow and produce goods in the future. wanna know why the country is fucked right now? cause our elected officials keep letting “Feelings” and money run the show and it’s destroying us. so i say get married, but if you can’t have children then maybe the government should not acknowledge it, it serves no perpose to society. and this you can apply to heterosexuals if you like as well because reproduction is the only reason to justify the government being involved at any level. and by the way ur democrates had better reconsider their blanket backing of unions. some are good but most are bad and are destroying us. there are lost of great teachers out there, but they are carrying the bag for lots of bad ones, and the UAW have run our car companies bankrupt. if you don’t agree with that then your not worth talking to and please don’t vote anymore. i’m going to support obama because he’s president of our country but i’ll tell you this, supporting him starts with letting him know that if we wanted clinton again we’d have elected her. the people voted for change! not bill clintons cabinet all over again