The (Circus) Arena of Ideas

By Robin Dembroff
Hearts should be breaking.
In a story released yesterday, November 13, on FoxNews, a report was given of an elderly woman who attended a “No on Prop 8″ rally in order to support traditional marriage.
Sixty-nine year old Phyllis Burgess came holding a large foam cross, and video footage reveals the brutality with which she was received by the “rally,” or better termed, “mob.” I would encourage everyone to watch the footage and reflect on the method by which we “exchange” ideas in our present society. As you watch, you will see the cross being ripped from her hands and trampled upon by the raging protesters.
Bringing a big cross and conservative views to a vehement liberal rally was, granted, probably not the wisest idea. However, that is no excuse for the violent retaliation of the crowd.
To add irony to insult, as Burgess tries to escape from the scene–likely to avoid being injured–the camera follows her, and one of the protesters blocks the camera’s view by shoving a sign in front of Burgess’ face.
And what do you think this sign said?: “Vote No on Prop 8:
Equality for All.”
The road we dare not…trample?
This leads me to wonder: if those who claim to believe the ideology act in a way that spits on their own theory, what is their foundation for expecting it of others?
Robin Dembroff is a Sophomore in the Torrey Honors Institute at Biola University majoring in Humanities, with an emphasis in Philosophy. After college, she is interested in pursuing speechwriting within the political arena.