>> After Walk Summary <<
As posted to the event page on Facebook:
First, the turnout was HUGE, despite rain. Approximately 58 people started the Walk, and more joined as we continued, bringing the total to an estimated 65 people, including 15 or more students. Simply stunning.
I simply can't thank everyone enough for braving the weather and/or the distance, to come.
In attendance were (and forgive me for not remembering everyone or not remembering everyone's name) Ben and his girlfriend, who traveled from NE Ohio (!), and Molly & Phil from Bowling Green, all four of whom had attended the Bowling Green Walk two weeks ago. Also in attendance were Ilya & Stephanie, and Rodney & Butch, who traveled from Louisville, KY. From Columbus, Ohio came Dominic and Kendall, and from Northern KY came Mike and Cory. Unreal.
At the assembly point were various media, including a Chinese student (the first of two we spoke to) who was somewhat astounded at the armed assemblage.
We walked through part of campus, guided by my memory and by Max and Abby (MU students) as well as other students and employees. We walked on a couple of town streets, then into the uptown area. Conversations were held by various participants along the way, and the group stopped and talked to a couple of female students who hadn't heard of the Walk. (and they weren't the only ones)
Finally, just before we ate, we stopped and talked to various protesters, including Magda Orlander and Evan Fackler. We repeatedly invited them to lunch to continue the conversations (and to get out of the rain), but they politely refused. It was a real shame.
My impression is that in their minds, a discussion of guns ought to be about *everything* that does or may involve guns. Regardless, it's too bad the discussion didn't continue, although I understand Stephen J. Feltoon, the MU grad who suggested an MU Walk to me, had a pleasant conversation after we left to eat.
That's it for me!
Please post YOUR impressions, thanks again for coming, and please FRIEND ME so you are notified of future events.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1701346233480167/