I started this thread expressing sadness. Now I have a different, more hopeful perspective - and fwiw, not from the many posts to this thread that display the usual ineffective bickering and finger pointing by the usual suspects on either side of the political spectrum who are mostly concerned with personally belittling one another, playing the martyr, one upsmanship, or otherwise getting in the last accusatory word or pointed finger, which is not to say I do not appreciate or learn from the thoughtful, rational posts and links that also have been made.

As I continue to follow the news reports and editorials within North Carolina I comprehend that a sea change is occurring that I think likely is reflective of the nation. The good news is there is real discussion and real thinking about this issue that is likely to lead to greater recognition among many that this is a human rights issue. This discussion is broader and involves more of the population than likely would be occurring at this point in time without this amendment, and without it's passage. This North Carolina amendment is not a "last gasp" but I think it is nearly so, and will have the effect of raising the consciousness of people within the State and around the nation. There will, of course, continue to be the idiotic sniping and finger pointing among our citizenry that is reflected on this thread, but clearly the times they are a changing, and the day is coming - not soon enough, but clearly now sooner rather than later, when a vast majority of people will look back and be appalled at the ruckus. Rather like Jim Crow in that while racism is still alive and well, the number of people, including rather obvious racists to whom separate drinking fountains still make some kind of sick sense are a bonafide rarity.


I don't think I am being overly optimistic in thinking along these lines. I guess time will tell.