I read and chuckled at a post W3 wrote, about security guards, and wrote a post of my own ( below) Then I got thinking about something he mentioned. The over zealous security guards were in a library. A library.
That struck me as really sad. The fact, that in a free society, anywhere, we have to have security guards in libraries. Libraries have always been a safe harbor for me, because of the magic they contain.
Whenever I have traveled in the US, I have been easily identified as Canadian. Perhaps because of the, eh?, that is a natural part of our speech, but it's more than that.
I have left my purse at the table when I went thru a buffet line. I've waited for a gas station attendant to come and fill my car. I've handed my camera to a stranger and asked them to take a group shot of us. I've started conversations in both Disney and washroom lines.Where ever I was when I did these things, people made the same statement.
"You aren't from around here are you?" And I always smile and say "no,I come, I spend my money, and I leave".And I honestly can say I feel a relief, when I am on Canadian side of the airport.
I am always startled by holstered guns.And bars on windows. And ordering pizza with plexi glass between you and the cashier. Where I am from, I have never seen a security guard in a bank. ( With the exception of Loomis).I could go a month or two without seeing a gun.On any one. Except on TV.
Security guards in libraries.
Many years ago, in Sociology 260, I learned that Canada was about 10 years behind the US in social problems. I remember thinking, great, we can learn from their mistakes.Canadians could use US hindsight as Canadian foresight.
Naive?....No.......
Canadian.
9 comments:
Exactly.
The library is a government building and is therefore patrolled by these security guards along with all the other buildings the county owns.
Since 9/11 many municipalities have broadened the scope of duties for their Emergency Management Departments. Some have gone as far as to rename them "Homeland Security". While I disagree with the name (it's misleading) I do agree with the added focus on security. Emergency Management has always had to prepare for the unexpected, mass casualty situation. Right now, in America, a terrorist attack is a very likely source for that type of situation.
It's not a shift in focus so much as a widening of the field of responsibility for all those concerned with public safety. We've all had to learn to think outside the box, so to speak.
With this mindset, it is not hard for me to imagine a terrorist targeting a library. Think about it. It is the very quintessence of free speech. Many political views, religious doctrines, and social opinions are expressed there. However unlikely, it is possible.
I agree, Canada has a much lower threat. Security presence is probably not very common, especially not on the order of post 9/11 U.S.
Canada has maintained a largely neutral stance in the world. Our military is much more forward projected and maintains a presence throughout the world. We are perhaps the only staunch ally that Israel has and would rush to their aid were they attacked. Our less than neutral position puts us at greater risk.
Seems like you have a largely, "urban" view of America. Most of America is in fact Suburban or rural. Perhaps not to far removed from what you would find familiar. Though, these are not "travel destinations".
It always intruiges me to hear the "startle" effect that some people get when seeing a gun like you described. I wonder to myself, why? Every free country in the world got that way largely because of men with guns. They are apart of life here. If I see someone with a gun strapped on, I don't think wild west...I think, hmmmm...I bet nobody's gonna pull a stick-up here. It's comforting for me to know that guns are around. I, in stark contrast to you, fear a society with no guns at all.
Look at that....I've damn near posted an entire blog, on your site. Forgive.
I do no agree that Canada is neutral. Neutral means taking no side. Canada has played the role of peacekeeper for many decades. We are still in Afganistan. We did not support invading Iraq, but you can bet we'll be there for the clean up.
It is true my view of US relates to the tourist hot spots. Ain't paying good money to spend time in Kansas.( no offense to y'all or anything) I live exactly in the middle of the largest urban centers in Alberta, and we just do not have, what feels to me like a military presence. An armed guard in front of a women's clothing store in Vegas? And this was 15 years sgo. MacDonald's? It never makes me feel secure. It's one of those cultural things, I guess It's what you're used to.
Good points so I will hold your long winded comments against you.
I mean I won't, damn, time fer bed.
I live in a very urban place. I live in a place where people sometimes still where holsters with guns. The 'wild west' is changing too tho. Most businesses now have no guns allowed signs. I always got a kick out of it when an older guy would walk in to the grocery store I cashiered at wearing boots, jeans, t-shirt and a gun. My dad grew up in a very small farming community. People still don't lock their doors there. You see kids (young teens) walking down to Wal-Mart at night, down the busiest road through town. I think to gain the advantages of either side you give up a lot. And we each use our own list of preferences to decide where to settle.
I used to travel into Mexico a lot. I spent a summer there when I was 15. The town I was in had a very rural feel. My friend and I (both looking a bit out of place) would walk around each afternoon to see friends. But we also avoided walking past any of the Federales stations. Their rifles always left us feeling uneasy. Hmmm..it is late and I tired and I think I lost where I was going with this part. But I do find examining the differences interesting.
Jeramiah, No guns?, No security? In America? Oh yeah, there's a bright idea.
Hope, I wouldn't care if Canada was a veritable Utopia, I still wouldn't move there. I love my country too much. I expect you feel the same about your country. Where have all the patriots gone?
W3 Not trying to drum up citizens, so rest easy.
Now, you were kind of rude to Jeramiah, so seeing as this is MY blog, in the future I would like you to say, "I appreciate your opinion, but I do not share it"
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