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The last question she asks in the above clip is …
“Much more to come. But it is a rather unsettling beginning for the opponents of gay marriage, that their first victory was earning the right to not be seen in public making their case. I know there’s gay pride, but isn’t there anti-gay pride too?”
Ms. Maddow is obviously making a rhetorical stab at those she has no interest in describing accurately. I personally don’t know whether it is best to YouTube-ize such an important trial or not. There isn’t any right to hide in a public court case but there is a “right” to a fair trial. If this is what is necessary to have a fair trial … I guess we are all going to have to actually work at reading the transcripts instead of watching the trial on YouTube.
I would think even the brilliant minds (and there are quite a few) wrapped up in “gay pride” would be ok with each side being assured a fair trial. Right?
Consider the obvious reality, that quite a few who do have “gay pride” also have a big case of gay revenge. Harassment, intimidation, vandalism and death threats abounded against Californian citizens who supported Prop 8. I can see why the lawyers defending Prop 8 wouldn’t want to expose some of those same people or other witnesses called to testify to further harassment.
This is all posted with the understanding I don’t live there and would be one of the millions watching it if it were to be Youtube-ized. It’s also posted with the understanding that regardless of the case, Prop 8, the biased punditry of Ms. Maddow … I can’t help but think about all those who identify as gay or gay couples who are looking for a successful outcome in this trial. Many of us on a Christian post-gay journey shared their goals and dreams because it was the only definition of love and hope we had at one time in our lives. I personally could probably, and accurately, empathize with what they are thinking and feeling. I even understand Ms. Maddow’s spiteful comments and will allow that understanding to inform my prayers.
Regardless of the outcome, it will be seen as a great victory by the “winning” side but in reality … we’ve all already lost if the process continues to dehumanize all involved.
About Randy Thomas
You gave an apt description of a pretty clever tactic which, to my thinking, has been used by some activist opponents of Prop 8 – create a climate of fear, then denigrate the people who are frightened by it. That’s not going to change, regardless of the court’s decision. Still, I’m proud to see Exodus blogging against people denigrating people, whether they’re doing so from the RIght (as criticized in earlier posts) or from the Left, as with Maddow. Great post, Randy.
Thank you sir! I appreciate that very much.