Is anybody else a tad bit afraid of the crazies?

[LWolf]

45. I haven't flown anywhere since 2005.

When the economy crashed, so did my budget. If it's not in reasonable driving range, I generally don't go. I have picked up my son from our local airport many times; security didn't seem to be an issue, at least on our end. He didn't seem concerned from his end...L.A.

I don't really like crowds; I generally do my best to avoid them.

I was in the middle of a crowd of more than 15,000 people crammed into a small area for a firework show on the 4th; there was literally no space to move, no where to go. It was a diverse crowd, including a Muslim family about 6 feet away. No fear. The crowd was happy, patient, and welcoming of each other. I wondered what it would be like to try to leave through the gates when it was over; again, people were patient and friendly, and we all made it out just fine. No fear. My grandson and I walked a couple of miles through the city at 11:30ish, leaving crowds behind us at the various parking structures. We weren't fearful. We were exhausted yet energized, laughing and talking through the dark streets to our hostel.

I'm sure there are crowds that aren't that friendly; as a matter of fact, right in that neighborhood a few days later, a demonstration was disrupted by a man with a gun, who was peacefully taken aside and away.

The way to address your concerns? We've got to build a non-violent culture; inclusive communities. Let's focus on how to accomplish that, instead of feeding the fear that feeds violent responses.