As the weather cools and the leaves begin to turn, let me take you back to a moment of controlled insanity this summer- the scene outside the Supreme Court before, during and after the Hobby Lobby decision was announced.

Media found themselves camped between “women’s rights” protesters on one side and  “religious freedom” and “pro-life” protesters on the other.

Court employees and security serenely watched the action from on high.

To the victor went this hydra’s tangle of mics.

A man in the “religious freedom” camp prays for a win.

The “women’s rights” protesters were a colorful bunch.  Lots of rainbow flags, which I didn’t necessarily understand as they pertained to this particular case.  Someone explained it to me, but I can’t recall just now.

The runners are the highlight of the Supreme Court decision spectator sport.  They dash with all their non-athletic might from inside the court to deliver the decision to their counterparts waiting outside. Why the news channels don’t hire olympic sprinters for this particular task, I do not know.  I also don’t know why they can’t text their people the moment the step outside the court.

As you may recall, the Court sided with Hobby Lobby.  The “pro-life” and “religious freedom” protesters reveled.

And the other side?  This woman was so sad she refused to talk to the media, despite hanging her head very photogenically.  I supposed sometimes folks making public statements need private moments- especially when their understanding of logic and reason and justice has just been completely upended.