Security contingent

 

Last Monday in the nation’s capital was the passing of the flame from two men who sit behind the desk in the oval office. Every moment was well scripted and rehearsed and other than the cold weather forcing the parade to be inside, this was the best of this countries pomp and circumstance.

The city was full of soldiers and sailors, all bundled up in the dress whites holding rifles with fixed bayonets.  Maybe they were left over from a former president’s funeral, but the city was full of our armies finest. They lined every hallway and marched back and forth in tiled rooms displaying their jewelry and precision to the NEW commander and chief. Even with all the celebrities and government officials in the Sunday attire, boys and girls in uniform stand out from the crowd. Not all carried weapons. Many played songs and themes of the day to fill in between speeches and time to move the masses from room to room.

Along with the military occupation of the city, the law enforcement officers were out in force. After the security mishap from four years earlier, gates and check points and fences had been installed on every route and rest of the city shutdown. Whether it was the cold or a curfew, not as many on lookers were looking on.

The transition procedures seemed secure.

Now the current president has a contingent of secret service for protection. These are the guys and gals who wear the dark glasses, open the doors and stand close to the president without interfering in his actions but close enough to take a bullet. The first family members also get secret service protection as do the newly elected president. Don’t know if there is an A Team and a B Team and they make a switch after taking the oath of the office, but there are lots of guys in dark suits standing around talking into their hands.

Before inaugurations, as I’ve noticed, haven’t had the mass security of this Monday’s events. I could be wrong?

One thing I did notice about THIS event was the guest of the newly elected president. When you think you are important or lead an organization or have a large amount of money, you have a security contingent. Probably on a smaller scale than a head of state, but some folks walking beside you with weapons in their pockets scooping the surroundings so you won’t be harassed. These are the folks who drive your cars, open your doors and stand by the walls when you eat, prepare an agenda approved by investigations of potential danger and guard the gate while you are asleep.

What I was wondering was on Monday’s gatherings, how many security contingents were there? Did their earpieces get static from crossover Wi-Fi? Who leads the way when two (or more) important people walk down the hall together? Is there a priority for protection? If there is a problem, do these big burley guys stumble over each other trying to cover their particular mark? What is the police role or do they add to the confusion? With all those guns drawn, could there be a shoot-out?

Most of the people I know do not have a security contingency (that I know of). Some are scared enough of the world to buy (and sometimes wear) a sidearm. If they feel more secure carrying a gat is fine, if they know how to use this. I don’t want to live in the Wild West partner.

After a week in isolation and running out of food and drink, I’m awaiting the temperatures to get out of the freezing range. I’ll ride my usual route without ear buds so observe my route and listen for approaching vehicles. I scan my surroundings before and after entering a building and feel comfortable when I arrive home without conflict.