http://justinsomnia.org/2005/0.....tolerance/

:D

I think there is a huge difference between having different objectives and a “split”. I wouldn’t call it a “split”. At the early morning protest, we were all there on the same sidewalk together. We didn’t march in a circle with a bullhorn like they did, but nobody yelled at each other or broke out into any arguments either. We got along great with everyone there.

And while I can’t speak for the Unity Rally organizers, I doubt they would call it a “split”. But perhaps someone should contact them for a comment.

But that’s not to say we didn’t approached this in two different ways. We offered our assistance; they chose to follow a different direction. We disagreed with their direction, but neither of us “split” over anything.

I recognize the huge amount of work that goes into organizing something like the Unity Rally. They did a great job with what they had — especially with logistics and mass organization, things we could never have pulled off.

I do believe that with more input from our experience and knowledge, the whole thing could have been even more constructive. I also believe that there are things that we could have done differently to facilitate that better. (Based on this experience, we are discussing ways of improving our own processes should we do this in the future.)

But our efforts, unfortunately, weren’t coordinated. We’re all volunteer, as were they. That’s the pitfalls of two loosely-organized groups trying to meet the same challenge.

While we believe it could have been better, it was still a success by every measure. We were very happy to have been on hand in Indian Wells, to welcome each of the 1,400 Love Won Out participants with a cheery “Good Morning!” and bright smiles, an image that is very different from that painted by Love Won Out organizers. And we got many, cheerful smiles and waves in return. (Yeah, along with a few nasty shouts — but very, very few).

And we were happy to be with the larger Palm Springs community at the Unity Rally later that morning.

At the end of the day, we met our objectives and I’m sure the Unity Rally organizers are satisfied that they met theirs. And we’ll be happy to do it all again, whether we do it in direct cooperation with, or simply alongside, other groups in the future.

The Unity Rally was a large coalition of groups that excelled at attracting and rallying progressive advocates for tolerance. XGW, on the other hand, is a small nonpartisan information resource that draws a politically independent crowd. Still, we offered our info and experience to the Rally organizers so that they could make the strongest possible case to the public and media. We’ll happily make the offer to coalitions in the future.

Anyway, gay-friendly or no, any interview with Anne reveals her as something of a kook. But I would be too if I’d had that kind of childhood.