You offer up a lot there, Pat, but I'll take on a few. You mention the "lack of push back". I've read many articles regarding the outrage felt by most of the GOP candidates. Similarly, various conservative voices are speaking up in opposition (Family Research Council).

As to the president's "evolution" on this issue, I'm guessing that he probably was in favor of marriage equality a long time ago but he made the political calculation that it was in his best interest to keep it to himself. It's not a left versus right decision, it's a political decision that most in that arena make.

I do think the public's perception of gays and lesbians was influenced by the mass media but I'm not sure it was due to some sort of agenda that the writers and producers had. And I think your use of the term "militant gay army" is way off base. Sure, in any social movement, you'll see extreme elements, but I think something more grassroots accounted for the speed of the nation's change of attitude. I think the popularity of Ellen and other gay entertainers (Elton John, Neil Patrick Harris to name a few) played a role. But more importantly, I think that at last, gays and lesbians felt more comfortable to come out to their family, friends, and work colleagues. Once they were no longer abstract members of "the other", most of our fellow citizens knew they were just like us, regular people with hopes and dreams.

As to what battles lay ahead with respect to church marriages, I hope your worries don't come to fruition. I believe that the US Constitution allows churches to the right to establish their own membership laws and rules. Time will tell and if you're prediction is correct, we'll take it up here.

Peter T.