So instead of asking the Council individually on their opinions, should I simply forward all requests to Brian Flowers?

Since I kinda started this discussion (no office WCP or LL), what I'm getting at is simply how sincere or trustworthy should are expectations be towards our elected officials?

My opinion, if you haven't gleaned it by now, is to be leary of politicians bearing gifts. I wonder if there was a "Gays against Fenty" platform or signs, other than Clark Ray being present?

So if you want to influence the political process successfully, like the GLBT community clearly has done, get your people to the polls and start shelling out bucks to the lawmakers who stick up for your causes.

That's the way the game is played. You can choose not to play it, but don't act all shocked sitting there on the sidelines.

As for your other point, that the mayor and the council members are only parading to win votes, well yeah, duh. THEY'RE POLITICIANS! That's what they do! It's pretty much their only job requirement. You should be happy that they view the GLBT community as being powerful enough that they have to pander to it, unlike the aforementioned white supremacist crowd, which they just ignore.

Granted not all (note I said some), switched positions in terms of the referendum, but honestly, I would hope that GLBT folks can see through the obvious smoke screen put out by some of the elected officials. There presence at the parade wasn't really about support, unless they were solicited to participate. There presence was about being seen, faux solidarity, and giving the illusion of support while trying to garner potential votes.

Look at it like this, note how many {INSERT POLITICIAN NAME HERE} signs there were. If they were really supporting and celebrating GLBT, it wouldn't be about electioneering, campaigning, etc. What LL captured was opportunistic politicians...unless like I said before that the council who sponsored this event solicited elected officials attendance.

I also doubt that the Mayor or Council would march in a KKK rally, but the question remains, depending on the event, some would march simply to get their names out there. Not for any real reason of support.

Fenty having his SONS there was an interesting touch.

And Q, what was your point again?

The fact that EHN can show her face after the 'Vote' failed takes some guts. She looks well though. LOL!

Passing out beads, grinning, and driving (renting) expensive cars is all about campaigning. Makes me wonder though, if there was a Christian Pride parade would they be out in force passing out green crosses. Or if there was a KKK or Neo-Nazi parade would they be passing out swatzikas, etc.

If only we could get them to come out and support...say ALL of DC citizens, maybe things could be a little better.