Reports of violent protests have been very scarce over the past two days.

Around 2:30 p.m. Mountain Time, I walked down 16th Street, where several protesters from a group OfficialStreetPreachers.com had several anti-gay posters and banners. One of them was “Homo Sex Is a Threat to National Security.” No doubt, many passersby loathed their message, as most of the city’s visitors are Democrats who bristle with indignation at the thought of discrimination against gays and lesbians, and further lefty protesters, who bristle with indignation because they the Democratic party is insufficiently dedicated to fighting discrimination against gays and lesbians.

But nothing happened, at least while I was there. The sign-carriers were surrounded by probably two dozen cops in full riot gear, with nightsticks, helmets, armor, etc. While many, many folks were standing around with cameras, awaiting an altercation, none seemed likely. If that sign couldn’t start a violent clash in this city at this moment, I don’t know what will.