Such evens sadly, have become a way of life in the United States. I am truly surprised that any foreigner would want to come here on vacation. Taking a chance of bodily injury or dead is too much of a risk.
I kept thinking thru the day yesterday that your inner investigative journalist would want to be back there at the scene …and writing this story. And that you weren’t totally alone…that you had Sophie’s comforting presence.
I’m one of many who may be feeling relieved you won’t be at the Sugar Bowl game today…
Horrific......the war at home! At least 15 were killed and who knows what serious injuries to those who survived. It breaks my heart. The reality of your presence there before such an event will sink in over time. On all the trips I took to NOLA, I was on Bourbon at night only once. That was enough. That was over 20 years ago. At that time, police cruisers were parked at each end. It was closed to traffic. Perhaps they no longer do that. Thankfully, you're safe. The Front Page is my first read each morning.
And...what about the so-called innocent people, like myself. I have never been to Bourbon Street, but I plan to travel in that area and on the recommendation of friends and Mr. Tngley, think about going to the WWII War Museum.
Doesn't all tragic shooting events make all of us a little nervous about our day to day lives?
I have to point out, as well, is that New Orleans is an example that if you had 30 good guys with a gun, Ford 150 plowing into a crowd... and here (https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cx2n7ez071yo) it is stated several police officers were shot...
So relieved you weren't near Bourbon Street at the time of the attack. Our country is infected with the scourge of selfishness and insanity and it has been getting worse for a long time. You are right, it is no longer surprising to fathom the loss of life in an instant of madness, to say to yourself, it's not safe, anywhere, at any time. I thought of our town and it's villages and city and its relative safety and for now, I'm very glad you are headed back home.
I just read something on Facebook, a little essay on the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” For decades it was on the top of everyone’s favorite Christmas movie list, but apparently recently it has fallen way down in the standings, especially among the younger generations. The author thought that it might be because the movie’s message that a meaningful and wonderful life is one of sacrifice and service to one’s family and community just doesn’t resonate with today’s audience. Nowadays it’s all about self-fulfillment and how to get what you want. Forgoing self-gratification for the greater good is seen not as a virtue, but as the mark of a stifled, “inauthentic” neurotic. Thinking about the ease with which people today do things like drive a truck into a crowd, or shoot up a school, I can’t help but agree with the author.
Ken- thank you for this important outreach that could possibly be instrumental in getting Dan Stec to hold a town hall in our area amongst people he knows and has worked with in the past as Town Supervisor. A town hall could be helpful in signaling to him that should he win, we would need him to be, unlike Stefanik, accessible and transparent and working on behalf of all in District 21. And to question his partisanship because many of us do not support extreme Maga policies and plans; how will he represent those of us with whom, for example he knows and has worked with collaboratively and personally on local issues, and how will he protect all the people, even those who may disagree with some of his agenda? His roots and are local and regardless of political party should not be seen or treated as Trump calls the enemy within but as neighbors from the same town with common need and interest for our community health and safety.
Hate to imagine if the killer had gotten there sooner....the event seems to echo the fears of what it may feel like post 1/20😔. Guess we better stick together and keep eyes and ears open
Glad to hear that you are okay and were not on the street when this terror attack took place. I can only imagine the horror the victims and witnesses to the carnage felt as an American citizen and veteran plowed a large pickup truck through the crowds.
Sadly though, but not surprising, were the first instincts of so many Republicans to blame Biden, "assume" it was an illegal migrant, and play the political card, such as Sen. Kennedy at the mess of a press conference. Even Mike Lawler who represents the NY17 chimed in to imply that the attacker was a southern border crosser.
In any case, if Stec is elected to "represent" NY21, hopefully he will not devolve into the likes of Stefanik who quickly assumed the tragic car crash of last year at the Rainbow Bridge POE was a terror attack, blamed Biden and touted the "border crisis". After it was determined it was none of the above, Stefanik never corrected, nor retracted, nor apologized for her statements...but, then again, she never does.
So why insnt there any enlightenment regarding theFACT that this man is a US BORN TEXAN - not an illegal immigrant? If it isnt done immediately at the time someone spouts this misinformation/lies, its too late! There is no "correction" made.
I think nowadays it's a knee jerk reaction for GOP/MAGA politicians and right wing networks to immediately place blame on "the other", especially foreigners or Democrats, before any facts are presented.
I recall on Jan 6 2021 Stefanik's spokesperson, Alex DeGrasse, posted on Twitter how it was Antifa attacking the Capitol. He then deleted that tweet when it was clear that it was Trump's inspired MAGA crowd.
It's easier for them to gin up their base to point fingers & blame on those they feel are their "enemies" rather than wait and report the truth.
So frighteningly close to such a horrible event. Thank you for the description of the streets and where you were---truly worse than the fictional police dramas on TV. Truth, unfortunately, stranger than fiction, again and again.
There was a post on pos_tfnKKK's facebook page (not her election page, the page where she is supposed to represent all of ny21) about mass shootings in the US in 2024
There were a lot, no surprise..
And that was my thought
Not because it goes up just about every year (you know like global warming)
Not because it is something we could do something about.
No, what is amazing is we don't even care. If one elon batteries go off the road or catches fire, we try to fix that. But needless killing is okay.. Some would say that is exactly what the Second Amendment says - you have the right to kill.
Dan Hodges -- his profile describes him as a British political commentator -- stood out.
"In retrospect," wrote Dan Hodges, "Sandy Hook marked the end of the U.S. gun control debate. Once America decided killing children was bearable, it was over."
Our children should not (NEVER) be collateral damage.
and there were about eight police officers there.. and I just thought, well that is the aftermath of a big party day.. never did it cross my mind.. "I bet 10 people were killed)
I find the cops in New Orleans to be reactive as opposed to proactive, unlike New York City’s more modern police force. Maybe it takes a catastrophe to shake things up. Unfortunately.
Quite honestly: I can't believe, as a group, how ignorant we are....
On my "dam deckstec is a liar bingo card" I did not have: won't respond to questions from constituents..
No one asked: "dam decktec, will you respond to your constituents?"
That should have been the first question, because it looks like it is the last question too.
Imagine.. the questions are already there, he deckstec could find a way to obfuscate his answers.... and his team wants to think about it.
And speaking of 'thinking' ny21 is a small district when it comes to people, but a large district when it comes to space.... and doing media interviews would be a great way to cover a lot of ground (so to speak) without leaving his house.... his tower of solitude... and they have to think about it.
=====
All that aside, and in hindsight... the thought should have been: what questions do you want to ask all ny21 candidates. I am going to stretch my neck out there and assume dam deckstec is the only one that will have to think about taking questions from his constituents... but the others should have been asked as well.
Stark and sadly true, “It was another mass casualty event.
It did not surprise me.
It has become a way of life for our country.”
Dear Ken,
I’m very glad that you are safe.
Such evens sadly, have become a way of life in the United States. I am truly surprised that any foreigner would want to come here on vacation. Taking a chance of bodily injury or dead is too much of a risk.
I had just seen your post on Facebook, when Julia Dunn on CBS6 news announced the incident. So very glad you were ok.
I kept thinking thru the day yesterday that your inner investigative journalist would want to be back there at the scene …and writing this story. And that you weren’t totally alone…that you had Sophie’s comforting presence.
I’m one of many who may be feeling relieved you won’t be at the Sugar Bowl game today…
Horrific......the war at home! At least 15 were killed and who knows what serious injuries to those who survived. It breaks my heart. The reality of your presence there before such an event will sink in over time. On all the trips I took to NOLA, I was on Bourbon at night only once. That was enough. That was over 20 years ago. At that time, police cruisers were parked at each end. It was closed to traffic. Perhaps they no longer do that. Thankfully, you're safe. The Front Page is my first read each morning.
And...what about the so-called innocent people, like myself. I have never been to Bourbon Street, but I plan to travel in that area and on the recommendation of friends and Mr. Tngley, think about going to the WWII War Museum.
Doesn't all tragic shooting events make all of us a little nervous about our day to day lives?
I have to point out, as well, is that New Orleans is an example that if you had 30 good guys with a gun, Ford 150 plowing into a crowd... and here (https://www.bbc.com/news/videos/cx2n7ez071yo) it is stated several police officers were shot...
It is still mostly closed to traffic.
So relieved you weren't near Bourbon Street at the time of the attack. Our country is infected with the scourge of selfishness and insanity and it has been getting worse for a long time. You are right, it is no longer surprising to fathom the loss of life in an instant of madness, to say to yourself, it's not safe, anywhere, at any time. I thought of our town and it's villages and city and its relative safety and for now, I'm very glad you are headed back home.
I just read something on Facebook, a little essay on the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life.” For decades it was on the top of everyone’s favorite Christmas movie list, but apparently recently it has fallen way down in the standings, especially among the younger generations. The author thought that it might be because the movie’s message that a meaningful and wonderful life is one of sacrifice and service to one’s family and community just doesn’t resonate with today’s audience. Nowadays it’s all about self-fulfillment and how to get what you want. Forgoing self-gratification for the greater good is seen not as a virtue, but as the mark of a stifled, “inauthentic” neurotic. Thinking about the ease with which people today do things like drive a truck into a crowd, or shoot up a school, I can’t help but agree with the author.
I think after the one billionth selfie I saw... I knew that
Ken- thank you for this important outreach that could possibly be instrumental in getting Dan Stec to hold a town hall in our area amongst people he knows and has worked with in the past as Town Supervisor. A town hall could be helpful in signaling to him that should he win, we would need him to be, unlike Stefanik, accessible and transparent and working on behalf of all in District 21. And to question his partisanship because many of us do not support extreme Maga policies and plans; how will he represent those of us with whom, for example he knows and has worked with collaboratively and personally on local issues, and how will he protect all the people, even those who may disagree with some of his agenda? His roots and are local and regardless of political party should not be seen or treated as Trump calls the enemy within but as neighbors from the same town with common need and interest for our community health and safety.
Hate to imagine if the killer had gotten there sooner....the event seems to echo the fears of what it may feel like post 1/20😔. Guess we better stick together and keep eyes and ears open
I wonder if there were more people there at midnight than 3 am?
And did you reach out to Paula Collins' team?????
I have written about Collins’ views before last election. Have they changed?
Glad to hear that you are okay and were not on the street when this terror attack took place. I can only imagine the horror the victims and witnesses to the carnage felt as an American citizen and veteran plowed a large pickup truck through the crowds.
Sadly though, but not surprising, were the first instincts of so many Republicans to blame Biden, "assume" it was an illegal migrant, and play the political card, such as Sen. Kennedy at the mess of a press conference. Even Mike Lawler who represents the NY17 chimed in to imply that the attacker was a southern border crosser.
In any case, if Stec is elected to "represent" NY21, hopefully he will not devolve into the likes of Stefanik who quickly assumed the tragic car crash of last year at the Rainbow Bridge POE was a terror attack, blamed Biden and touted the "border crisis". After it was determined it was none of the above, Stefanik never corrected, nor retracted, nor apologized for her statements...but, then again, she never does.
So why insnt there any enlightenment regarding theFACT that this man is a US BORN TEXAN - not an illegal immigrant? If it isnt done immediately at the time someone spouts this misinformation/lies, its too late! There is no "correction" made.
I think nowadays it's a knee jerk reaction for GOP/MAGA politicians and right wing networks to immediately place blame on "the other", especially foreigners or Democrats, before any facts are presented.
I recall on Jan 6 2021 Stefanik's spokesperson, Alex DeGrasse, posted on Twitter how it was Antifa attacking the Capitol. He then deleted that tweet when it was clear that it was Trump's inspired MAGA crowd.
It's easier for them to gin up their base to point fingers & blame on those they feel are their "enemies" rather than wait and report the truth.
I think those corrections are made, but if you don't have a steady diet of news, you might miss it.
Yes violence sits right beside us. Let these tragic happenings cement our intentions to bring good actions forward.
Diane
So frighteningly close to such a horrible event. Thank you for the description of the streets and where you were---truly worse than the fictional police dramas on TV. Truth, unfortunately, stranger than fiction, again and again.
Very glad that you are okay.
Sad
I had a similar experience, with the same thought
There was a post on pos_tfnKKK's facebook page (not her election page, the page where she is supposed to represent all of ny21) about mass shootings in the US in 2024
There were a lot, no surprise..
And that was my thought
Not because it goes up just about every year (you know like global warming)
Not because it is something we could do something about.
No, what is amazing is we don't even care. If one elon batteries go off the road or catches fire, we try to fix that. But needless killing is okay.. Some would say that is exactly what the Second Amendment says - you have the right to kill.
(shooting in 2024: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-41488081)
but I have known this. I read this quote/tweet: https://twitter.com/dpjhodges/status/611943312401002496?lang=en
Dan Hodges -- his profile describes him as a British political commentator -- stood out.
"In retrospect," wrote Dan Hodges, "Sandy Hook marked the end of the U.S. gun control debate. Once America decided killing children was bearable, it was over."
Our children should not (NEVER) be collateral damage.
Sadly they are!
also, on similar experiences. I like to go to webcams, especailly Saranac Lakes
(https://www.earthcam.com/usa/newyork/saranaclake/?cam=saranac1)
And when you go to it, at the top there is the suggestion of other popular webcams, on Jan 1, I clicked on Bourbon Street
(https://www.earthcam.com/usa/louisiana/neworleans/bourbonstreet/?cam=bourbonstreet)
and there were about eight police officers there.. and I just thought, well that is the aftermath of a big party day.. never did it cross my mind.. "I bet 10 people were killed)
There was police all over Bourbon Street when I was there.
I am sure.. at night, but the next day to see that many police on the corner at 10 am.. seemed odd
I find the cops in New Orleans to be reactive as opposed to proactive, unlike New York City’s more modern police force. Maybe it takes a catastrophe to shake things up. Unfortunately.
Quite honestly: I can't believe, as a group, how ignorant we are....
On my "dam deckstec is a liar bingo card" I did not have: won't respond to questions from constituents..
No one asked: "dam decktec, will you respond to your constituents?"
That should have been the first question, because it looks like it is the last question too.
Imagine.. the questions are already there, he deckstec could find a way to obfuscate his answers.... and his team wants to think about it.
And speaking of 'thinking' ny21 is a small district when it comes to people, but a large district when it comes to space.... and doing media interviews would be a great way to cover a lot of ground (so to speak) without leaving his house.... his tower of solitude... and they have to think about it.
=====
All that aside, and in hindsight... the thought should have been: what questions do you want to ask all ny21 candidates. I am going to stretch my neck out there and assume dam deckstec is the only one that will have to think about taking questions from his constituents... but the others should have been asked as well.