Slappy Marches For Civil Rights

It was a big day of firsts for Maddie. Her first Metro ride and her first protest.

People poured out of the Metro, heading to City Hall.
For those of you who don't know, in the recent election, California passed Prop 8, which amended the state constitution to restrict the definition of marriage to a union between a man and a woman. This overrode the recent CA Supreme Court decision to recognize same-sex marriage. On Saturday, there were protests all across the world, reacting to this sad and unfair piece of legislation. The lawn and streets around City Hall were packed with protesters of all sexual orientations, races and genders.

And there were a variety of protest signs, some funny, some serious.
Here are some of our favorites:

- "I mean... We went to prom with you."
- "Chickens - 1; Gays - 0" (In reference to the passage of Prop 2, which put strict standards on the confinement of animals).
- "No more Mr. Nice Gay."
- "If you really want to stop gay sex, why not let us get married?"
- "Hate makes your ass look fat."

We also saw many signs of people who said:

- "Fighting for my marriage." and listed their marriage license numbers and pictures of their weddings.
- "Love, Not H8."
- "Equality For All."

This is Erin and John's sign (and by default ours). In fact, when we were marching, the Jim Lehrer Hour came over to interview us. Sadly, after realizing that Erin and Jess were not a couple, he told us that although we did have valid opinions, he would continue on his search. Oh well - Sam still wanted to find him and tell him what an excellent program they do.

We marched through the streets of downtown.

Although Maddie had a similar initial reaction to the protest as to that of the hockey game, ie lots of people and loud noises = scary, she quickly got into the swing of things. She began to enjoy looking at all of the people, became used to the shouting, even enjoying being bounced to the chanting, and perhaps realizing the importance of the event, stayed awake throughout the entire thing.

Although she did begin to nod off, just a little, at the end.

After marching in the 90 degree heat, we all decided a lunch break was in order. In a smart move, we all headed to Japantown to a local ramen shop. There Erin ordered the only vegetarian items on the menu, and had a delicious, filling lunch of ...edamame and rice, while John and Jess ordered raman soup and proceeded to sweat profusely through lunch. Sam ordered cold noodles, and finished his plate, happily.

On the Metro ride back, there was a man with this sign.
We believe this says it all.