I was pointed to this story and these comments a short while ago. I'm saddened by what happened to both Sam and Kevin and disgusted with what was unprovoked violence by cowards. It frustrates me further to read the comments certain individuals here who clearly want to provoke a response from those who would otherwise empathize with what has happened.

To those here who are trying to provoke and stir hatred with hatred. Pathetic! For those here who empathize or have been themselves victim to such hate crimes. You’re not alone unless you stand alone and unfocused to what is going on around you.

Am I shocked or surprised by all this? No. It has happened before and it will happen again but more and more, by each hate crime and each act of violence, there are those who will not fall victim to hate and will defend a right to exist and the right to express love for those they care for.

Most humans are by their very nature aggressive and filled with opinionated righteousness. Own it! But only the cowardly spill into venomous acts of cruelty and hatred when weakness is perceived. Little fear of repercussion or little remorse is shown when anonymity prevails, and more so when no will or reason tempers those actions. That is less than human and the hallmark of an animal. Once those attackers are caught, and I trust they are reading this because it is only a matter of time, then their own fears will cause them to die a thousand times over.

But the bigotry and hatred inflicted upon those by unthinking cowards is only exemplified by the ignorance of those commenting here to try to make a futile point, get a rise from others or otherwise distract those who are easily angered. It’s sad really because, for all that you might say, you really only demonstrate your incapacity for simple reasoning, empathy and humanity. Further, you obviously do not understand a cogent argument when faced with one, resorting to poor insults instead, but trust that there are growing numbers of us that are not only more intelligent than you but better able to defend themselves.

Kevin and Sam, I am sorry for what happened to you as it is the hardest lesson for the unprepared but understand also it is a crueler world that surrounds those that try to make some good in it. I want you to know that this is a compassionate wish from me to you both that you learn well; that that does not kill us shall make us stronger and you shall both be stronger in your feelings for each other and resolved in defending your right to love who you will.