Continuing the discussion from Advice for when there is a “teen takeover” in a public place and innocent people are being beaten/hurt?:
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I don’t see how one can associate a protest with a teen takeover.
Ask the Dept of Parks and Rec’s, they might have some answers.
“I moved to the edge of one of the groups and walked with them. An 18-year-old girl named Mekala told me the event was coordinated by “DPR.” I asked what the letters stood for and she didn’t know, only that “DPR” puts these events together for teens to “come out and have fun.” She said the organizers reach the kids through Instagram.
It turns out DPR is the District of Columbia’s Department of Parks and Recreation. The teens I spoke to that night said they were there for the government-organized event.”
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There was a No King Protest in my community. At the time I had my Every Day Carry (EDC) firearm (Glock 19 Gen 5 .9mm) concealed (by law we can open carry). There was very few people in the area where I approached. I know by state statutes that merely talking with someone while carrying concealed (no printing - outline of firearm showing through clothes) even when nobody else knows, the conversation is still considered an armed confrontation. I also had my red President Trump ball cap on. My intent at approaching this protest was only to ask questions and understand the viewpoints of those who are protesting. I kept my personal space clear (360°) around me and very carefully approached the protest. I already made up my mind this was going to be a very respectful, genuinely clear, positive, conversation with absolutely no hint of any negative attitude in my voice or demeanor. I truly wanted to understand their viewpoint. I certainly, at no time in the conversation, was I going to give any of my opinions about anything. The way that I was dressed already carried a message, and so I wanted to understand thier reaction or interpretation to my position. I kept my demeanor inquisitive, calm and understanding while I showed that I cared more for them as a person and refused to push onto any of them my views. So, the first person (a woman about 50 years old?) I approached said to me (without me saying anything) in a veryirritating voice “I don’t want to talk to you”. Then she distanced herself from me. The next person indicated she did want to talk with me. I found out from her that we actually had a lot in common. She was married, retired from active military service, and lived in the community. In our conversation I never disagreed with her anytime and encouraged her to continue sharing her viewpoint with me, while at no time did I share my opinion with her (I allowed my appearance to speak for itself). We had a long conversation as she vented her frustrations about the leadership in our current federal executive branch. At first she was very iritated in our converdation, but through our discussion, I could tell she was calming down quite a bit. Upon ending the conversation, she apologized to me for being so upset about our current federal administration, but her frustrations were not directed towards me. She thanked me and appreciated our conversation. We both left on very good terms. She wanted to shake my hand. I learned about the humanity “of the other side” I shared with her, that despite the message she understood from my appearance, we as Americans can disagree without getting all wrapped up around the axel. Take care. Blessings Michael 2378
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No, “teen takeovers” in Washington, D.C., are not government-funded programs or events. They refer to unorganized, spontaneous, and often disruptive or illegal gatherings of youths in public spaces (such as the Navy Yard or NoMa). [1, 2]
The confusion around government funding stems from public debates and political rhetoric. Critics and officials—such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office—have argued that taxpayer-funded public spaces, infrastructure, or lack of legislative fixes indirectly accommodate the chaos, while local youth advocates have pointed out that city budget cuts to actual government-funded positive youth programming and recreation centers contribute to the problem. However, the gatherings themselves are unauthorized street incidents, not sponsored or funded activities.
Keep telling yourself that, hell you can even quote news sources if you’d like. Many of us know, because we have been really close to it, that the government will do this stuff without blinking an eye, but not have the balls, yet, to admit to it. Just wait, before long it will posh for this government program or that government agency to happily take credit…
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Can you bring up an example?
What, A question? Say it isn’t so…
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Yes, Do you want me to answer that? Another question. You’re not supposed to answer a question with a question since we are teaching each other forum etiquette.
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Really?
Why is that?
Can you elaborate?
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England has a king. We have Trump. Any more questions need to be answered?
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Protests are legal, teen, takeovers are not. Do you have an opposing argument to that?
Not legal
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