Jeeeeez, how have I missed this thread?!
On gay issues and John Kerry: let's not forget that it was Kerry who introduced the first ever comprehensive gay and lesbian civil rights bill when he was first entered the Senate in 1985. His track record is strong and there is frankly no comparison of his record to the incumbent.
Raith, you're right that one election is not going to lead to equal rights for gays, but a president can make a huge difference. To wit, before 1993, no openly gay person could serve in the foreign service or in the Peace Corps. Openly gay people could lose their jobs in the federal government simply by acknowledging their homosexuality. That was only 10 years ago, and today the idea seems ludicruous. One president exercising his executive order priviledge can make a huge difference -- and, in any case, sets a tone for the country.
John Kerry will take our civil rights to the next level. George Bush will continue to work against us. And, that's why I protesting this week.
Stop worrying about what I'm doing -- focus instead on what you're eating.