“Ma’am, please stand over here to be scanned.”
I sank and moved to the side holding Declan’s hand.
We both had crossed through the security screen together, in fault. And then told to cross again, one by one – each of us setting off the metal detector warranting further inspection. I, with metal on my Birk shoes (thanks VSCO girl, Cate, for the recommendation) and Declan with my phone.
My nightmare – being singled out to stand in front of a crowd of strangers for display.
I grabbed my phone from Declan, tossed it into a bowl for X-Ray and he crossed without issue. But as I still wore my shoes, I was singled out and asked to stand to the side for a full body scanning by the guard’s handheld metal detector.
Standing in front of a line of people that wrapped around the building, I stood, arms stretched as the scanner crossed over me as I intently watched Declan’s wanderings.
Once cleared, I joined Declan on our trek to the Liberty Bell.
My husband sailed through his line and met us at our destination. And we grabbed a picture.
That wasn’t the only picture we grabbed. As a special treat to the boy who loves all things presidential, we decided to take him into the city where so much American history resides.
And he was not disappointed.
He enjoyed his time seeing the presidents. A little frightened by how life like all the statues were, Declan wouldn’t get too close.
He even developed a presidential “look.” Mr. Serious Face.
And of course, he is preparing for HIS time as president.
Eventually he got to the end of the portraits and saw that Bush, Clinton and Obama all smiled. So, he asked for a new photo.
Declan had a great day.
When I got home, I heard of the tragedy in Texas. Another mass shooting.
The next morning – another one – in Ohio.
The frustrated angry part of me started to surface.
I had been forced to the side of a national monument for airport level scanning. To see an artifact. A lot of effort when in to be sure I wouldn’t blow up some bell.
Getting scanned to see The Liberty Bell wasn’t a thing before. In fact, we saw a lot of history that day and went through A LOT of security.
Why?
Because 9/11 happened. A HORRIBLE, TRAGIC event that left our nation stunned. Know what? We reacted.
In the days and weeks after 9/11 we had a whole new national security system. There was no way anyone was getting anywhere in, out or around this country without a BUNCH of new steps.
I thought about all this after all the tragic events that happened here in the states this weekend. How easy we could change laws. The powers that be acted very quickly to halt acts of terrorism but haven’t done anything to change gun laws after horrific acts of violence, the domestic terrorism of mass shootings, inside our country.
And I must say, there is some heavy security around the Liberty Bell.
Living in the US I have learned one thing is for sure. We CAN make a change quickly. We just haven’t when it comes to mass shootings.
I know that Declan wants to be President. He figures when he turns 35 it will be his turn. And his “black and white thinking” brain may be the perfect answer for this national problem.
Although it makes me sad to think we’d have to live through another 27 years of unnecessary death and heart broken families.
Every time there’s a high profile shooting, I think, “This is it, now we’ll change.” But we never do. I was reading some stats today about public opinions surrounding guns. Americans love their guns. Even their AK47s. I don’t see a change in our gun laws happening around the same time we start cutting CO2 emissions. Meaning never. I hope you guys got your picture with the Rocky statue.
I agree – they do! Even IF there came a “hand in those crazy assault weapons no civilian needs” time I doubt anyone would actually turn them in. And any new laws would be for the future and protect what those purchased in the past and already possess. One can hope.
It was actually like European Vacation. We have been in the city in the past two weekends and drive past it saying, “Look kids! It’s Big Ben!” But instead the Rocky statue. All my races end there and I find myself posing with him 2-3 times a year. And I realized on non race days – there is one heck of a line to pose with Rocky!
I saw an article related to the shootings about gun laws aren’t the problem, attitudes are the problem. There’s some truth in that.
More guns than people is ridiculous but what makes people want all those guns? I wish there were ethics classes taught as part of general education.😕
I like Declan’s happy face better than his serious face. I’d vote for him. 👍
With my pain-pump I set off ALL the scanners. I have a card I carry but still have to go through the whole routine. I might have tweezers or something 🙊
I have been reading all sorts of stuff too. Attitudes – I agree with that too. When I looked at it from the perspective of terrorism – which the US went right after 9/11 with The Patriot Act and creating Homeland Security Act – I found this: “the reluctance to call mass shootings committed by white, American perpetrators domestic terrorism comes from the idea that terrorists are not “within the fabric of America.” ” I dunno….they may want to rethink that one or I’ve got something defined wrong in my head.
Me too 🙂 He put on the role of President as soon as he saw all the boys. Really was an interesting trip and I think we all learned a lot. Really interactive stuff.
I think someone attacked the bell right around 9/11with a hammer. Because the otherwise the amount of security around the thing is REALLY excessive. I guess I would get used to it, but every time I cross, my fingers are crossed that I am metal free 🙂 It’s like a cheering relief session when I pass through the first time! 🙂
I get the hands on at the airport, due to titanium plate, metal rod, and 7 screws in my wrist.
It’s a very different world we live in, unfortunately.
Yow – yeah, I guess that would set it off. I guess I would get used to it too – We just stood in the line for about 20 minutes and then I was the person everyone looked at with the “Oh, C’MON!” If it happened all the time, I probably would just be used to it. It is so different. Just seemed like a lot of security but I guess it does need to be there.
Better to be safe than sorry.
I can’t wait 27 years. Tell your son to arrange a coup.
Will do 🙂
What a brilliant trip, and I’m glad you have some fab photos of happy memories!
In the UK, we just seem to keep having murder after murder, often with knives, sometimes a gun, and the perpetrator tends to get away with it, or just gets a handful of years in prison. There’s no sense of justice or prevention to stop it happening again.
I can only imagine what it’s like with such horrific mass shootings. I saw the news and my heart aches, and I can’t help but think how terrifying it would be to be there while it’s happening, or to be waiting at home for news from your loved one who just popped to the shops but hasn’t returned. I’m not sure what the answer is. I hope Declan can show the world some logic and turn things around when it’s his turn for presidency!
Caz x
Thank you so much, Caz! x
I bet D just loved that trip. He’s got the Presidential look already. He brings happiness into this world. His take on the world would lead us to a better place.xx
Yes tougher gun laws won’t stop all crime. Bad things will still happen but it will stop some stuff happening. Some lives will not be ended prematurely. Isn’t that a step in the right direction. Isn’t that worth more than these crazy notions of ‘it’s my right to carry a weapon’. How can an assault weapon be seen as a right. They need to get a safer hobby – old US car restoration comes to mind.
Totally agree. Any step is a step. There is an extreme gun love in some in this country that is hard for the rest of us to understand when so many innocent lives are being taken.
I was somewhat thankful today when he said he wanted to build houses for people that didn’t have a house. I think I would like him to do that over President any day.
But Nicholas Cage makes accessing our national monuments looks so easy! In light of that, his assailant makes carrying a firearm around the national monuments look so easy as well… *sigh*
Hahaha – yeah, that’s true! I was looking at all the monuments he was on top of or being tough all around. I even gave a couple Nicolas Cage impersonations for fun 🙂
✌️❤️ love your words here
Thank you so much, Lee 🙂
I love that your son wants to be president and history! My son is the same, although he is now going into 11th grade. He doesn’t have any social media because some day he wants to run for president too. You are right we can change. Let’s hope these kids do it!
That is so neat to hear! Your son will get to be President first and then pass the baton off to Declan some years later. They’ll make all the necessary changes! So awesome 🙂
Yes!