"Sign" of the Times, Part 2

It was only a matter of time.

The highly publicized skirmish between High School District trustee Ken Mettler and several protesters of Proposition 8 is making headlines around the world.

Isn't "You Tube" a wonderful thing?!

As both sides now arm themselves for the stretch run to Nov. 4th, I encourage everyone to check out the *uncensored* version of the encounter that's available in cyberspace.

It isn't hard to find.

**Be forewarned, the uncensored version is not a Disney Pixar film, and neither are the people who claim to be the victims. This video is rated "R" for language.**

Listening to the protesters of Prop 8 asking Ken Mettler why he was taking back the altered "Yes on 8" signs is quite entertaining.

Maybe going to retrieve the signs in the midst of a rally wasn't the smartest idea in the world.

Maybe Mettler was looking for a confrontation. He says he wasn't but it's obvious the protesters wanted to mix it up.

The "No on 8" people were prepared with camera's rolling, like well trained paparazzi, to "spontaneously" capture the encounter for all to see.

Now, the video has been dissected to death. Accusations are flying that the video had been altered. Where are the missing frames, one local station began crying!!

The version that was given to ABC23 by the amateur cameraman at the rally did not appear to have any missing frames of video.

Just one long bouncy shot with random zooms, that might make it appear the video was altered.

As for the "fight" or "attack" as some have called this, here's a quick recap from the video as I see it.

You see a hand reach towards Mettler, followed by a woman's body obstructing the altercation long enough to see Mettler then try to kick the 20-yr old protester, while throwing an off-balance punch that may or may not have connected.

That's it.

The police looked at the video at the scene and decided not to press charges.

But you can bet this video will be played out again and again.

I'm surprised it hasn't been used in a "No on 8" TV ad yet.

A father-like figure gets into a scrape with his rebellious son, and daughter, and boyfriend, etc, etc, etc.

Both sides are claiming victory, but there's only one real way to solve this.

Get Mettler and the young alleged victim into the ring for a cage match.

It's obvious we are well beyond a civil discourse on this topic. Maybe we should round up another panel discussion so Mettler and another local conservative can get verbally assaulted by a heavily biased audience, instead of engaging in a spirited exchange of ideas.

Nope, maybe it's time to climb through the ropes.

We'll provide a referee, corner men, the whole deal.

My money's on the old guy who's passionate for his cause, not the youngster looking for a fight.