Maybe it was the weather. Less than one-third of the people showed up for today’s opt-out rally compared to the previous one.
By one-third, I mean that the no-choice crowd had seven people in attendance, compared to about 20 last time. Still no diversity in terms of ethnicity; they were, and always have been, whites.
The opt-out crowd also had fewer supporters this time around as well, but well over 100. Clergy of all faiths where there.
I had two very troubling interactions at today’s rally. The first was reminiscent of a political leadership and bureaucracy that feeds on fear (instilling fear in others, fearful for losing their own positions of control). An official inside the MCPS office building was photographing the demonstration. Why was he doing that?
Second, I approached one of the no-choice supporters and asked why is it necessary to have LGBT studies in the schools. She told me that “those people” (the opt-out crowd) have to learn how to function in today’s society. (I’m quoting from memory.)
A white person really believes s/he has the right to tell an enormous crowd of residents of color what they need to learn so they have the ability to behave the way s/he thinks they should?
