{[(**--UPLOAD FOTOS Under Construction.--**)]}
Visually, it's easier to delineate the variation: the Chicanos carried huge black eagles on red banners in front of their march; the Lesbians & Gays carry an arch of multicolored pastel balloons. You might say they are more celebratory, more happy, more "gay," but... the shadow of death by AIDS hangs over this celebration... along with the cold grip of persecution and scapegoating.
You are not surprised that some of the Justice Coalition audience stays behind to join with this second big rally of the day.
Once again, the police and march mediators have timed the arrival perfectly. Most of the Chicanos have left when the Queer phalanx comes down the street, and by the time their green light comes on, the Lesbians and Gays have all entered the zone and gathered around the stage, raising their banners and signs.
A woman begins the speeches:
CAN THE REPUBLICAN PARTY HEAR YOU!
Cheers ring out in the Free Speech Zone.
GOOD, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW THEY ARE WITHIN THOSE WALLS, ENGAGING IN AN ORGY OF DEMOCRACY!
"Shame! Shame! Shame!"
A young man takes the microphone:
I AM ANGRY THAT ACROSS THE STREET THE REPUBLICAN PARTY IS SEEKING TO DENY OUR RIGHTS TO BE A FAMILY! AS A QUEER YOUTH OF COLOR I AM COMMITTED TO DENOUNCING THE REPUBLICAN PARTY... AND I TELL THE GOP TO GO TO HELL!
"The most dangerous woman in America" is introduced.
I BRING YOU GREETINGS FROM THAT PLACE BETWEEN LOS ANGELES AND NEW YORK - I BRING YOU GREETINGS FROM AMERICA! ...I HAVE A MESSAGE FOR THE LEADERSHIP OF THAT GRAND OLD PARTY - THE GOP - YOU ARE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE!
Cheers, laughter.
The volunteer host gets up from scribbling in his tent, and wanders through the crowd, listening.
A man's voice echoes across the thousand listeners:
WHILE THOSE ACROSS THE STREET ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH TAX CUTS FOR THE WEALTHY, WE ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH THE POOR AND THE HOMELESS.
Next Group. Same Group.