Anxiety & Politics (sort of)

[podling]

So apparently yesterday I *just* (as in, by minutes) missed the part where they netted and arrested people in front of the WTC PATH station. Which does explain quite a bit, like, the scary riot police people with the helmets and guns and big sticks, and perhaps (though not really) why that one cop (not in riot gear) grabbed my arm and herded me towards the left side turnstiles. I'm still confused about the whole not using the right hand side turnstile thing, and I was briefly angry... which, when I stopped to think about it was really more a combination of anxiety and feeling crowded. Now, it wasn't crowded downstairs, but there were riot police there... I guess in case people fleeing arrest managed to sprint down 3 flights of stairs. There were a lot of people to be navigated through on the sidewalk outside. It's weird though, it once again brought into sharp contrast the idea that safety is an illusion, accidents happen, at any time I could still be killed/arrested/stomped on for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, namely, on my way to or from work. I was also freaked out at the invading of my personal space. It's not like he hurt me, he just grabbed my arm, but at the same time, I think the knowledge that he, or one of the zillion other riot guards could've smacked me down, was just a bit... yeah. And actually, if I'd had my headphones on like I normally do, I'm pretty sure I would've really freaked out.

The funny thing is... that particular protest was actually one whose sentiment I agree with. I don't think images of the WTC, before, during, or after being destroyed, should be used as part of a political campaign. But I'm all too aware of how very much the current administration cares for the opinions of taxpayers. Well, the opinions of non-rightwing fundamentalist taxpayers, anyway.

Comments

[silme.livejournal.com]

You know, when it comes to political protests like that, I think that the riot cops are scarier than the protesters. A lot scarier. :(

[podling]

Well you know, it was weird because I really think that I shouldn't be scared... but on the other hand... big guns, big sticks, shielded helmets. Yeah. Every time they start deploying heavily armed people, even when the general mood isn't scary, walking by them is. I mean hell, lately there've been snipers on buildings. That is FREAKY.

[aussie-nyc.livejournal.com]

Great, I need to use that station on Friday.

Of course, the administration is doing its best to minimize the taxpayer status of those it cares about.

[podling]

Well, I mean, the other times this week have been fine so far. It depends more on where and when the protests are...

And yeah, seriously.

[tygerseye.livejournal.com]

The cop actually grabbed your arm? How about just asking you to go to the other turnstiles? Sheesh.

[podling]

To be fair, I tend to be in my own head while walking, but I really don't think he did say anything beforehand. In his defense, he only lightly grabbed me, but still. Yeah.

It's sad though... Yesterday before I walked towards the turnstiles I looked around and made sure other people were using them. I don't want to be on high alert all the time.

[trouvera.livejournal.com]

One of the reasons I rarely wear headphones in public places is I can't stand the thought of not hearing what's going on around me. I would have freaked out as well.

And I agree completely with Ellen, I find the riot police much scarier than the protestors. I can't believe they've arrested over 1,000 people in three days. My mom's been calling almost nightly to make sure I'm not in jail somewhere. She's kidding...mostly.

[podling]

I hear you.

With the headphones I wear lately, they have a volume thing on the cord, so I can quickly access it, but still. Actually, when I was in college and music-zoned (which I feel may've kept me from engaging as much as I possibly could've, but I digress...) my friends would yank them out of my ears to get my attention. So... it's not a new thing. Heh.

But yeah... I told my parents about the whole thing, and then my father and I got into an argument about the use of the WTC as a rallying point, and then about the current administration, though there was something I said about why Bush shouldn't be reelected that he actually said, "You know, I never thought about it that way." Not that he'll change his mind about voting, but knowing my mom and brother vote opposite him (always) makes it easier to bear...