How did a group dedicated to discussion regarding a Democratic POTUS, on an ostensibly ...

[Liberal_Stalwart71]

367. I can and will happen, we just have to remain diligent. Look, I never thought

all the progress we've seen would never become a reality in my lifetime, and I'm a bit younger than you, but we've made tremendous progress. Maybe that's why I'm so optimistic when it comes to this president and what is possible. The road blocks put up are deliberate; they are meant to stall the progress we have made. That's why the hatred. That's why the roll back of important gains we've made, like voting rights, citizenship rights, etc. (that's why I believe that there's more hatred now...look at all these attempts to undo these rights!). Anyway, even on the issue of HIV/AIDS, progress continues to be made. I'm so sorry about your brother. I, too, have lost loved ones very close to me. Dear friends. My father's partner 20 years ago. Others in my family are battling with the disease but not letting it define them or keep them from living.

I got involved because my love for all these people I've lost strengthened me. I made the decision to get up and do something rather than wallow away in my own depression. It's been so amazing, too, working with these groups. I live and work in D.C., so I'm surrounded by activism. It keeps me motivated and constantly working. We have to keep pushing Congress, the Courts, the White House.

Here in D.C., we pushed the council on marriage equality and shamed Marion Barry into finally relenting and supporting it, too. Shame on him! Same with Maryland. You see, I believe that hearts can change. It was many in the black clergy who were the worst to convince. After President Obama embraced marriage equality, we worked on them, one by one. It wasn't easy, but seeing President Obama's change, a lot of them came around and their heart's softened.

Some of them now--with just a little education--are the biggest supporters of marriage equality. Yes, that's right! Some are now the staunchest SUPPORTERS in Maryland. They were key in getting marriage equality through the state legislature in part because they witnessed how Obama evolved on the issue. (Me, personally? I think he was always for marriage equality but like most Democrats was too afraid of the politics to admit it, but that's another story.)

Anyway, the fight continues. We still a long way to go, but champions for the cause like you and your sons, it's not over. The Koch Bros. time is limited. They have limited influence as well. They spent millions upon millions on elections and got nothing from it. They may have been able to influence a few state elections here and there, which is scary, but their influence is very limited. Hang in there. Things will change but it'll take some time.