Lagunans live in interesting times

Lagunans may be cursed -- or blessed -- to live in interesting times, and to live in an interesting place.

A judge has ruled that the Patriots Day Parade Assn. may reject an entrant, the Minuteman Project, whose members consider themselves the epitome of patriotic and who freely exercise their First Amendment rights all over the country.

Parade organizers rejected the group because of fears that the controversial, anti-illegal immigrant organization -- which has marched in Laguna numerous times already -- would bring a discordant note to the positive, upbeat tone of the parade.

As association spokesman Charles Quilter III says, “We want to unify the town.”

Minuteman attorney Richard Ackerman is gleeful as he watches Laguna Beach twist in the wind on an issue that he considers to be one of simple discrimination.

Of course it’s not that simple, but it is an ironic truth that the precedent for rejection of a parade entry was set in the 1990s, with the judicial upholding of the refusal of organizers of St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City and Boston to allow gays and lesbians to join.

Ackerman claims that the conservative groups he represents “will win whether we win or lose” in Laguna Beach, because the principle of discrimination they value will be upheld.

No matter what, don’t expect the Minutemen won’t be a presence on March 4. The streets are public and our Constitution allows opinions to be expressed openly.

Minuteman Project founder Jim Gilchrist has been quoted as promising “1,200 demonstrators” will come to Laguna on that day to make their displeasure known loud and clear.

Laguna can expect an interesting --and educational -- day in the pursuit of patriotism and First Amendment rights.