Chuck -
Very sad, indeed. First time I ever saw police with assault weapons on the street (actually was in their airport) was when Linda, myself and Jodi visited our oldest daughter, Wendy, and her family. We landed in Frankfort, Germany and were almost immediately greeted by "Der Polizist". Scared the crap out of us............thinking there was some type of ongoing attack or other incident going on. Actually, it was just the norm at that time in their country. Never, in my wildest imagination, would I have thought we would see in become a routine sight in our own nation. On the bright side of things, we just attended a July 4th celebration, parade, fireworks and other festivities in Poultney, VT where old fashioned patriotism is very much alive, as it is here in Queensbury and all of upstate NY.
Best to you, old pal.
Dee and Linda