I need a lawn

Amy and I were really excited to hang our newly-acquired political sign from the balcony.....we picked up 5 signs from a woman in St Paul - they read "Another Catholic Voting No," and we gave 4 of them away to other folks we know. The sign was up for about a week before we were asked to take it down....because hanging a sign is not a privilege of renting property.....and deep down, I knew it would likely be a problem, but I did it anyway.....and I don't regret it. Neither does Amy.

Because a small action like deciding to hang a sign out on a balcony for a week really is enough to cause someone to think about this vote....this election....this amendment. My life with Amy is about refusing to hide in the shadows. I know it sounds cliche, but if living my life...in the open...with the woman I love can be enough to make even one person pause to think about this issue, then I will have achieved more than I ever dreamed possible. That was a painfully long sentence. My bad.

I know this amendment is coming from a place of fear.....and I do understand that.....because I also have some stupid fears. But here's the catch: I know that most of my fears are completely irrational.

Some folks are suggesting that my relationship with Amy is going to diminish the sanctity of your marriage. But in order for that to happen, you've got to allow it. Because I'll tell you something - nothing you do with your love....nothing you say to your love....nothing you decide to eat for dinner....nothing you watch on tv.....nothing you choose to drive down the road will ever be enough to change my relationship with the woman I love. Nothing. Period. You simply don't have that kind of power over my life......and guess what? I don't have that kind of power of your life, either. I just don't. And you're just going to have to deal with that.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to spend some time looking at houses for sale.....because I'll be damned if I'm going to be denied the opportunity to put a sign in my yard the next time something comes along that stirs up a passionate response in my bones.