At the original Dinosaur in Syracuse, a dull workday behind and a Lucy Kaplansky concert ahead. Here are two moments unconnected to either, but which definitely set the tones of the day.

My first stop on the road was in downtown Rochester, to file a routine document. Never got to. For this errand was at the county clerk, and the line of Patriots seeking their new or improved gun permits was out the door. I saw more camo in that line than an infantryman would have, and I knew that if I stood in line and listened to the paranoia live, my head would either explode or be shot off. So I just gave up.

Hours later, I pulled into the 'Cuse, and stopped at the court library to get my bearings. Down the hall from my table, a young Latina was having trouble working the copier. Couldn't figure out how to place the document, or work the payment gizmo. She didn't have enough to get anything out, and I barely had more than she did, but I fed a quarter in and hoped for the best. It worked: she got the two copies she needed.

Of a draft Family Court order of protection.

I cringe to think what might've happened if I hadn't been there. I find legal laity to be incredibly timid and intimidated by the system, and clearly some civil servant had just left her to fend.

Not like that parade of special armed snowflakes from earlier. I'm sure the Republican county clerk was kissing each and every one of their asses while they waited.

My hope is that the day will come when we look out for the urgent needs of all our citizens, not just the heavily armed ones. And, as I may hear Lucy sing in a bit, I pray that day comes Someday Soon.

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Current Location: US, New York, Syracuse, Onondaga, W Willow St, 272