My daughter was out canvassing for Marriage Equality today.

[crim son]

My GOD, people can be despicable. I was cringing listening to the remarks and insults she's been putting up with. Interestingly, supporters seem to be pretty ignorant about the degree of bigotry and hatred out there. She was at one house and the whole family gathered around the door and basically shouted her down and told her to get off their property. This she did, but a few minutes later a young man who'd been in the house came up behind her on his bike and stopped her. He apologized for his family, said they didn't know he was gay and by god, could he please sign her petition... cute, though sad for him.

It hurts to see my baby girl go through this but she amazes me with her strength and persistence for this vital cause.

[Aristus]

1. That took some real courage.

I'm pretty sure I couldn't do it. Too many bigots with guns out there...

Sounds like she inherited your bravery, your compassion and love, and your nine kinds of dazzle... ;-)

[crim son]

2. You be crazy man!

She's more brave than I've ever been... I've opted to donate money rather than do what she's chosen to do. She's actually working her way up in the organization and doing very well. They've asked her to start an Equality Maine extracurricular group at the college she's attending next year and she was laughing about the challenge, noting that the only other such group is called "Wings of the Bible" or something like that.

I hope nobody makes her life hard.

Hi, Aristus!

[Quantess]

3. Wow, she is brave.

I went door to door for Obama last fall, but there is no way I'd go door to door for such a contentious subject such as marriage equality (unless I still lived in San Francisco).

I like the part about the young gay man who signed her petition.

[crim son]

9. I'm with you.

I told her that I'd be a detriment to the cause if canvassing. I'm giving financial support instead because I'd probably start hitting people if they were so rude to me as they've been to her.

[elleng]

4. TERRIBLY sad for him.

I won't forget him. Thank your daughter.

[crim son]

10. I did convey your thanks.

And I hope that the young man sees that there is a way out, so to speak. The local organisation is strong and supportive.

[AllenVanAllen]

5. It sounds like she has a good heart,

good for her and good for us all. :hi:

[crim son]

11. I don't know what to make of her.

She's partly outed herself and thus her devotion to the cause, but she's been an activist for whatever moves her since she was in middle school. She can't stand to see injustice and do nothing about it. She's a good girl, sort of like a hurricane sometimes.

[WillParkinson]

6. Thank her for me...

And I wish the boy the best of luck. I hope he can move beyond their bigotry.

[crim son]

12. I hope he can, too.

Chasing her down was maybe a step in the right direction. And I did pass on your thanks. She appreciates it very much.

[knixphan]

7. I took the time to pat a canvasser on the back yesterday

And told him to keep up the good work.

There are more people in her corner than she knows. And like I say to my Facebook peeps, we should remind each other that we've got each other's backs. ( feel free to friend me, all Progressives welcome. http://www.facebook.com/people/James-Parris/598423721 )

[crim son]

13. I just sent you a request.

I bet you made a difference. After one particularly difficult encounter K was visibly shaken. At the next house they heard her spiel, then told her she needed a break and invited her in for lemonade. It's things like that, and your pat on the back, that help, truly.

[GreenPartyVoter]

8. She can come to my house. I won't yell at her. :^)

[crim son]

14. That's because you're a sweetheart.

We're in Bangor but who knows, she might find herself in other towns. And thanks!

[GoddessOfGuinness]

15. "supporters seem to be pretty ignorant about the degree of bigotry..."

That's because it's something we don't openly discuss with those whom we suspect may feel differently. I'm thinking we've been too PC with the homophobe culture.

Good for your daughter for taking a stand. How sad that the young man who signed the petition must hide who he is or estrange his family!

[crim son]

17. ...

Thanks, GOG.

[Odin2005]

16. She's got guts!

Dayum! That's a job that could get a person shot.

[crim son]

18. I've told her.

I don't think she believes me, despite the shit she's confronted. At this time, this is her calling, though, and all I can do is advise caution, real caution.

[MrsBrady]

19. you apparently did a good job as a parent that she would do this work n/t

[crim son]

23. My one triumph; I am a good parent.

If only I were also beautiful and shapely! :P

[Vidar]

20. My hats off to your daughter's determination & courage.

[crim son]

24. Thank you, and I will tell her what you wrote. n/t

[cwydro]

21. She sounds like a good girl.

You've done a good job there crimmie.

[crim son]

25. I think I instilled the compassion.

The rest is all Kira. Thanks, my friend.

[cwydro]

27. Ah, I think you can take some credit for the intelligence as well,

not to mention the good looks!

[dembotoz]

22. we SHOULD ALL DO SOMETHING LIKE THIS

maybe it would get us off our collective fat asses and back into the fray.

alas fellow du'ers we are asleep at the switch once again.....

[crim son]

26. We don't all have the courage; I know I don't.

But we should all do something beyond merely being aware, I agree.

[ThomCat]

28. Please let her know that you have friends that really respect her

and what she is doing. :hug:

What she is doing is going to have an impact. Getting out there to meet people always has more impact than remote, impersonal stuff. Some people will open up to her, like that kid, who haven't opened up before. Some people will remember this and decide that now is the time to take a stand. :)

I'm very glad you're helping and supporting her while she does all of this. You're an awesome mom. :loveya: