The pro-rights demonstrators, despite plenty of signs, banners, balloons and thought provoking speeches were almost totally ignored. One reason for this biased coverage was the brilliant choice of Mona Lee Locke as the guest of honor. The photogenic former local newscaster and wife of Washington Governor Gary Locke is a media magnet and very influential with her old colleagues at area news outlets. It would have been difficult for them to provide positive exposure to anyone who opposes her policies. This was another harsh lesson for supporters of civil rights.
Logical arguments are useless against an emotional message specifically tailored for a biased media.
It is also a mistake to dismiss the Million Mom March based on the flower power theme and zombie-like performance of its foot soldiers. There are sharp minds running the show, at least in Seattle. They know how to manipulate their supporters and the media. Their disingenuous tactics make it hard to discern their real goals, but it's a safe bet that they won't stop until they get what they want. All rights reserved.