The Fringes Collide

This weekend, during which tens of thousands of people will assemble here in Washington to protest plans for war in Iraq, is an example of activists of varying interests coming together to present a united front. Everyone from anti-globalization socialists to anti-imperialist libertarians will be singing songs and carrying signs together. The city, however, will also feature a very different clash of activist group interests. Those clever kids at PETA are at it again, attacking the gay leather pride enthusiasts gathered at the Washington Plaza Hotel this weekend for their fetish-wear of choice. “Wear fake for the animals’ sake,” reads one placard, competing for cleverness with the imperative “Pleather yourself.” At least both groups can probably agree that the U.S. shouldn’t bomb Iraqi widows and orphans.

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