Cha

  I very much do recall being 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22...and feeling the electricity of people practicing have a say politics in the streets.  In reaction to that fresh experience feeling some elders accused us of being oversensitive twits.  Some parents downplayed magnitude...if everybody jumps off a bridge, are you going to?  Some just olders begged us not to get involved so they themselves wouldn't get back in "it".  And middle agers matched the excitment with the necessitating steady hand where the rubber meets the road.

  As people with international friendships we kept in touch with each other as best we could, but it wasn't like following the red tee-shirt through Disney World.  When we counseled don't get lost we meant literally and spiritually since political activity can elevate the emotions to that kind of experience.  We were hinged on TV and Radio news in those days but it was "brave" to get out there.  There is a "scene" in the book Lipstick Jihad where the author does get out there and sees rumbling earthquake.  Splits in solid earth shaking, and responses.  Those with guns shoot.  Those with permissions to repress, repress.  Those without water, get thirsty.

  Media doesn't mediate on such days.  It is not a referee.  Political leaders make choices like public comments or keep it in the vest.  Political parties see perceived "turning points" as maybe pivot points, definitely fodder for strategizing.  For most not the street there is a wait and see what the mob will do approach.  As a young person with loved ones in the mob there was stomach-lurching dread.  And there was also assurances from Israelis, we'll be okay.

  Such events bring up old but ever-evolving debate...talk about this plainly?  Use metaphor?  Confront the realities of what this is saying?

  When it's out there in the world Americans might brave a question like, But that's just there, right?

  We pictured boots walking...left, right, left, right, left right

  Then a writing on the wall.  The writing on the wall, trips up the feet in the boots.  Pendulum swings left, right, up, down, stills into "lame duck" and clearly not functioning, something.

  Scoldings.  The enemies are watching!  Weakness, this!

  And it's hard to herd.  People have developed "social influencing" and ways to impact impact zones of crowds.  Big splash in tidal pool seems even bigger.  In America we tout proper elections as safeguard against unruly mobbing.  And quip, get out the muskets.  Such events like loose political climes put more responsibility on citizens to hold down the fort.  Tow the line on Constitution.  But as Lexington onward has proven time and time again...holding and towing does not prohibit violence.

  An invigoration then.  Making call even more clarion...be extra careful and caring.  Caring and careful: Isn't that the core of safety?!