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<\/a><\/p>\nAs I said previously, the main contingent of the counter-demonstrators came in two waves shortly after the NOM rally began. \u00a0 But even as NOM was setting up there were a handful of individuals there on the sidewalk near them, quietly speaking their truths. \u00a0 And among these was Mel White and his companions from Soulforce. \u00a0 I saw Mel occasionally walk over to some of the NOM folks and chat with them for a while. \u00a0 What was said between them I have no idea: much as I would have like to have snapped some photos of those conversations, I kept my distance. \u00a0 At 56 going on 57, I have a very negative opinion of the possibility of changing minds, let alone hearts of any of these True Believers. \u00a0 But I deeply respect anyone who still believes in their heart that it can be done. \u00a0 So I stay out of it. \u00a0 This is why I am not a professional news photographer. \u00a0 The spirit of Weegee laughs at my deference to the better angels.<\/p>\n
More and more I am seeing at these demonstrations, young heterosexual couples who see this struggle as their own too. \u00a0 And it is. \u00a0 Only on its face is this a fight about homosexuality. \u00a0 Look closer. \u00a0 It’s a fight over the right to love and be loved, waged by the power hungry war mongering human gutter, that throughout history has viewed the power of love as the essential enemy to be smashed wherever it exists. \u00a0 The gay rights struggle is the lover’s struggle.<\/p>\n There were also lots of individual folks bearing simple statements in support of the right to love. \u00a0 \u00a0 Sometimes you \u00a0 thought you saw another lonely heart, determined to stand up for what in their own lives is yet to be…<\/p>\n As I said, the main force of counter-demonstrators came in two waves. \u00a0 The first was peaceful and positive. \u00a0 The second wave were a tad angrier. \u00a0 And…louder. \u00a0 \u00a0 They were quickly asked\/ordered to move further down the plaza, away from the NOM event.<\/p>\n I understand this anger perfectly well. \u00a0 And I am not going to sit here and pontificate that this sort of demonstration is counter-productive. \u00a0 The other side turns us into scarecrows they can safely fear at a distance, and defeat with bar stool valor and junk food religion. \u00a0 They need to see that we are as human as they; and there is nothing less surprising on this earth then the sight of humans who have been attacked getting angry, and fighting back. \u00a0 When people are denied the dream of love, when that ability to love another, and accept their love in return is gutted out of them, what is left?<\/p>\n I have have said often, that the one who fights this fight and doesn’t put their head down on the pillow every night, just a little bit angrier then the night before, just a little more angry then they thought it was humanly possible to be angry, isn’t really paying attention. \u00a0 But it is oh-so easy for anger to become hate. \u00a0 And hate will kill your soul.<\/p>\n This is the lover’s struggle. \u00a0 When all you have left in it is anger, you are done for. \u00a0 It is for love that we fight. \u00a0 Every moment you can put anger aside and remember that, you defeat hate.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n