Into the belly of the beast...

[Saphire]

..that's where I went this weekend. I live in San Antonio...as some of you know, the outlying areas around central Texas is republican, but most of the cities are fairly liberal leaning. Knowing this myself, I made the decision to climb into the belly of the beast. I went to the "Gun Show" held here this past weekend. Here's what I found.

1. The Teaparty. Yes, they were there in force. All three of them. They had their little booth set up, and had some tired old t-shirts (from the fracas last year), more old bumper stickers (also from last summer) and a few old flags (you guessed it, left overs). Other than that, I didn't see anyone at their booth except the workers. IMHO, teaparty is old, worn out and useless. They don't even bother anymore around here.

2. However, walking around I did overhear more than one conversation about the state of the States. Lots of grumblings about Obama and "libruls" tearing the country apart, blaming same for economic and health ins. woes. Lots of talk of "protecting" themselves. Over the loudspeaker I heard "no cameras allowed." One vendor told me it was because the "lame stream media would use them to make us look bad." Scary.

3. Lots of other booths set up for paraphernalia ie: flags, buttons and t-shirts spouting 2nd amendment. Lots of folks wearing such clothing along with their kiddos. And guns, guns and more guns. Lots of guns.


By the time I had walked the whole thing, seen what I had seen, heard what I had heard, I was more than ready to leave. I felt fresh meat...really out of place, like if anyone found out I was a "stinkin' librul" I might be in trouble. On the other hand, I almost felt like a spy :).

So I went home and took a shower with the knowledge that they are not the only ones armed. I know other people like me are out there like me.