You never know who is going to hop up and position themselves on "your" ledge during events like this. I'd staked my claim for my space very early on in the day, and made sure I didn't have to leave to go anywhere! I know how this stand your ground stuff works from Mardi Gras and JazzFest. What was requested here as an opportunity to "get my things situated", became pushing in to the woman's space beside me, who then eased off elsewhere. We had a bit of a chat. This woman was part of a group from the Sandyhook area where so many children were killed in their school. I was with her 100% in her cause, if not her personal crowd etiquette.
I am not a gun person. We live in a gun society in the USA, and a number of people who are out there carrying guns have no idea how to use them. I've always teased that I'd be a greater danger to myself with a gun than to others. Recent experiences have opened my eyes even further to the damage that the proliferation of guns has in our society. When I see a gun, I feel threatened and unsafe. I recently asked a supervisee of mine: "Why would you need to take your gun to the French Quarter Festival?" (Now, keep in mind that guns are not allowed at the French Quarter Festival to begin with.) Her response to me was: "Everyone has one."
One of the things that I am most grateful for in Europe is that even though conservatism and far right politics are on the move there too; it is not a gun society.
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