[BillF]

I was half hoping one of the unwashed miscreants had tried something with me . . [emphasis added]

Two problems here.

First, as DC Chapter co-leader always emphasizes to us, the police often see the retaliation and not the first punch. Therefore, we try to back away from any aggression or threat by the other side. (Yes, it's tough to do sometimes.)

[Some leftist grabbed my forearm at the wait. He was not in a fighting mode, but did it as a "let me talk" gesture, I just shouted at him to keep his hands off me, even as I was tempted to take a lot stronger action.]

Second, and especially if it was the anarchists, it would be 3 or 4 of them who tried something with you, not one. The anarchists like the odds that way.

[Mr. Buzzcut]

First, as DC Chapter co-leader always emphasizes to us, the police often see the retaliation and not the first punch. Therefore, we try to back away from any aggression or threat by the other side. (Yes, it's tough to do sometimes.)

ESPECIALLY when you're 100% Eye-talian! ;)

Second, and especially if it was the anarchists, it would be 3 or 4 of them who tried something with you, not one. The anarchists like the odds that way.

Just like a hockey brawl ... I 'd be right at home ... ;)

Still, I suppose I wouldn't have wanted to risk arrest and miss the shindig!