I scheduled my vacation to Hawaii a long time ago. Unknowingly, I put myself in the middle of the security preparations for the APEC Leaders Summit. Apparently this is a big freaking deal. Amongst other important foreign dignitaries, the President will be staying in a (much nicer) hotel 1/2 mile up the beach from mine. The entire island is readying itself . . .
It’s been amazing to watch many work crews moving cement barriers, placing fences and screens where they were not present before. All this movement directed by fit, clearly non-local guys casually dressed in concealment garments with radios. Blackhawks and F22s fly overhead routinely.
Out to sea, I see a Navy destroyer and Coast Guard cutter—lest anyone assault the beachfront from the ocean. I am sure there will be SEALs and other sea/ground forces present.
It’s been very interesting to be close to the so-called presidential bubble. I leave the day before anyone arrives for APEC. I’m glad about that.
No matter who you are, you’re going to be pretty inconvenienced by the security presence—unless of course you are the President. The President’s day will go along exactly as planned with no concern or probably even a thought for the literally thousands of other folks inconvenienced for his safety.
I explained this to my ten-year-old son. He remarked: “Why all this for just one person?He’s no more different than anyone else.” I thought about that and remembered Animal Farm. “Son, everyone is equal. Some are more equal than others.”
I honestly don’t begrudge the President his security bubble (at least until it inconveniences me personally). He is absolutely a prime target for violence. His office represents a nation hated by more than a few.
I do think, however, that being inside of this bubble could make one totally out of touch with the security concerns of the average individual. One could fail to understand why an average American would “cling” to his or her gun for the safety and security of themselves and their loved one.
We are humans, equal in the value of our lives—no matter what position we hold. We all have the same right to self-defense.