If you haven't heard yet, apparently Sonoma County separated an elderly gay couple and sold off all of their worldly possessions. This, despite the two men having used every legal device open to them. Rather than re-printing all of the details here, I will just give you the link. Sonoma County Separates Elderly Gay Couple
Yes, this incident is terrible. Yes, we should protest, write letters and spread the word. Yes, Sonoma County should get the crap sued out of it and the money should go to Clay. Yes, the county personnel responsible for this tragedy should all be fired. None of this will bring Harold back or reduce the hurt that Clay will feel for the rest of his life.
Incidents like this bring to mind something that my mother taught me. Our votes and protests have power, but it's our wallet that really speaks. When locations and businesses refuse to support your rights and/or ideals, stop giving them money. This may mean that the children of religious fundamentalists lose out on Disney products. This may also mean that gay people won't be able to get their cheap WalMart fix. If you truly believe in what you say you believe in, you're willing to sacrifice for it.
If you aren't willing to give up that cheap Chinese toy, or listen to your kid beg for their Mickey fix, or forgo your favorite Sonoma wine... don't complain. If you aren't willing to sacrifice for your beliefs and/or rights, why should someone else?
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