The Balcony

Usually the cheap seats. This time they were the only seats in one of Tech H.S. gyms.

The occasion was a drill meet for area JROTC units. Our son was participating with his IDR, Infantry Drill Regulation team. There was a lot of excitement and energy. Perhaps too much for some.

My wife and daughter were recording the proceedings covering the portion inolving Tech. Most of the kids were doing well. Our son and his team were exceptional (If I may say so -s-). What happened at the balcony was what got my attention.

Several parents etal were there, including my wife and daughter. Most were attempting to tape. This had been going on for some time.

After Washington H.S. had finished their moves, they came upstairs and took seats above us. Some whiners complained they couldn't see. The people at the balcony rail were blocking their view. This was odd, since no one else complained earlier and there were several seated similarly to these kids. I might add that there was not a huge crowd period let alone at the rail.

Yet, these whiny ones enlisted the aid of their First Sergeant. He yelled that people at the rail were causing a 'safety' problem and that they were obstructing other's views. Not so, as I explained above. No one clamored nor was anyone rude (except for the aforementioned kids). No one hung over the rail, which was quite secure.

The next move got my attention. First Sergeant 'ordered' those at the rail to sit down. Wow. He must have forgotten these were civilians. He must have been blind concerning the circumstances. Or was overindulging his little babies.

He said 'please' but his tone was unmistakable. Maybe he was simply used to his role in the Army and JROTC re issuing commands. Perhaps I was making a mountain out of a mole hill. I don't think so.

He overreacted and forgot civvies are not under his orders, nor subject in any way to them. Or maybe he thinks they are. Small 'emergency' so he jumped in to take control. It was a small and quick incident, not very noticable in the scheme of things that day.

What was further interesting was that all sat down. They complied without question. Again, a mountain/molehill situation? This is what I think.

People are continuing to be conditioned to obey 'authority' without question. There is little room to think for oneself supposedly. Let the armed forces/police think for you. Don't be afraid. They are here to help.

For those within service, orders are what they are. They serve a purpose in the chain of command. Of course, those orders may be subject to scrutiny. For military to issue a command to civilians even in this small incident even at school is at best inappropriate. But this guy was just overindulging his brats. They yelled, 'Thank you First Sergeant', when the citizens complied. What would he have done if someone failed to obey? What might he do if ordered to 'pacify' the populace in a supposed 'real' emergency? What would be his limits?

There are many reported abuses of power by military and police. They are increasing. Where will it end? The worst possible scenario is clear, as is our response. We must ready ourselves for every eventuality.

We must be observant concerning military and militarized cops used in socalled 'emergency' sits.

As for us, we had prepared to go. I had worked all night and needed to go home. I stayed to see my son perform his duty. I hope when he is a Marine pilot, he will take his oath seriously. He has been raised to do so. We will see how he comes through.

If we hadn't left, I would have questioned the First Sergeant. In fact, I'm going to contact him and see what he says re this affair.

A little matter? Perhaps. Perhaps not. It simply reminds me we must watch the 'watchers'.