In Europe, we have armed soldiers patrolling the streets to protect against terrorist attacks because we let the terrorists in - this is good and acceptable.
In America, we want to keep prospective terrorists out of the country instead of having soldiers patrol the streets - this is evil and intolerable.
This is what is known as “conditioning.” It’s getting the public used to the idea of a police state and eternal terrorist attacks.
However, our next destination was taking the train to Paris. My son hadn't been there for a few years, and was too young to really remember the social scene anyway. However, I assured him that when we arrived in Paris is would appear to be an armed camp under military lock-down.
Sure enough, the second we stepped off the train @ Gare du Nord, there was a 4-man patrol of para-military troops with submachine guns and German shepherd walking along watching people descend. That was only the beginning - the closer we got to the terminal, the more the number of military/police personnel increased.
We were staying by the Eiffel tower, and while that had an obvious security presence, nothing came close to the Xmas markets along the Champs des Elysees. First off all, there was something like 20 personnel carriers and/or mobile command units parked at the major intersection. Secondly, we started playing a game of trying to ID the different kinds of security personnel: regular cops, special cops, para-military cops and military patrols.
My wife and I have been to France many times. I mentioned to her that it's really a wonder what the French got in return for living in this kind of environment. Is their economy that much better, is their quality of life improved, how exactly did they benefit?
It was a little surprising to see uniformed soldiers carrying rifles, but it was comforting.
They were no-nonsense and fully engaged in observing the surroundings. It was not for show, they were deadly serious.
And, by the way, it was a wonderful trip!