Friday

We took the golf cart downtown after lunch. We walked through the market in Pioneer Park and then downtown.

Toby got petted by several people and got to practice some commands.

We got harassed by a man alongside the Pinellas Trail. Apparently, he thought we were “fucking queens” and “disgusting.” We were simply walking our dog. 

Apparently, the governor attacking Disney for defending gay people has given people permission to express their hatred and insecurities. It doesn’t feel good to be publicly and personally demeaned. 

Why do I refuse to vote for Republicans? Because even if they are not homophobic themselves, many of them do not mind exploiting hatred and homophobia to gain political power. They’ve been doing this for as long as I can remember. George W. Bush won re-election in part by scaring voters about the threat of gay marriage and the “erosion of traditional family values.” In the 2004 election, constitutional amendments banning gay marriage were put on 13 state ballots to increase turnout, especially among evangelical Christians, who were much more likely to vote Republican. The current governor is just the latest example of making people afraid of the “gay agenda” in order to win re-election and amass power.

That is why I vote for Democrats because the party fights to protect the rights of minorities, of which I am one.

What are those traditional family values Republicans are so fond of? White supremacy, hate, lying, cheating, insurrection, authoritarianism, homophobia? No, thanks.

Everyone is deserving of respect and dignity, except for those who spread hate and fear.

On our way downtown to spread our gay agenda.

The “shell path” through Highlander Park.

We walked the causeway this morning in 64 degree weather.

A load of Caladesi Island visitors on their way from Honeymoon Island.

John got this shot of a bird scratching his beak.

Toby got to ride in the back seat of the car rather than in his crate when we went to fetch our Chinese takeout. He did really well. They grow up so fast.

Miles walked: 9.2

Miles biked: 5.27