I was protesting in front of the Minneapolis Hilton just minutes ago with the "LEGAL MARRIAGE FOR GAY COUPLES NOW" shower curtain, unaware that Sarah Palin, the GOP Vice President nominee, is apparently staying at that hotel. Really, I was downtown just to recharge my parking card when I went by the Hilton and there were mounted police and a small group of demonstrators dressed in pink on the street. I wasn't planning on protesting anywhere but the banner was still in the van from a previous occasion and I thought, what the hell, maybe I can get trampled or gassed. So I parked a few blocks away and walked there, positioning myself across the street from the hotel's main entrance which was crowded with SUVs, Cadillacs and police. During the half hour I was there, there was nothing but affirmations of my message from pedestrians and passing motorists.
One well-dressed man in his thirties, looking very much like a Republican delegate and later identifying himself as an Alaskan, walked up and stood beside me, leaned forward to look at the sign and said, "Palin supports that. I know, I'm from Alaska." I guffawed, "She doesn't' even support domestic partner benefits." He said, "Yes she does." I said, "She stopped domestic partner benefits for state workers." He said, "Only three people signed up for that program." I said, "It's the principle." He reiterated that he is absolutely sure Palin supports gay marriage. I expressed more disbelief and he said, "I'll go ask her." He crossed the street, went passed the police and into the Hilton. I stayed for another five minutes or so but my meter was running out so I had to go.
I think it would be pretty funny if she actually supports marriage equality. My, wouldn't that convention feel screwed by McCain?
Still, we have a lesbian friend, Amy, who used to live in Wasilla, AK and likes Palin. She told us of Palin, "She loves the gays." Hmmmmm.
