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To view this on the COS website, click here [[https://conventionofstates.com/news/reflections-on-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow|reflections-on-yesterday-today-and-tomorrow]]


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====== Reflections on yesterday, today, and tomorrow ======



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|I think it was about 50 years ago when I finally arrived at the airport. I say finally, because the flight lasted more than 14 hours. I was exhausted. I was anxious to get home, be with my family, and see some of my old friends. I’d been away for over a year, but it sure went fast.\\ \\ I departed the plane and started walking to my connecting gate. A woman with a child was walking toward me. They seemed happy and excited. I imagined they were going to Disney World or some other fun place. I smiled. \\ \\ When the woman made eye contact, she grabbed her child’s hand and quickly crossed to the other side of the aisle. I thought it was strange, but what isn’t?\\ \\ I had some time and decided to stop and have a coke. My one bag was heavy. I found a table to sit and relax. There were three or four tables around me with travelers. Within a few minutes they all got up. Some left the area and one couple moved to a different table. I thought it was strange, but what isn’t?\\ \\ I got to my gate and found a seat. I was sitting for only a few seconds and noticed some of the people getting up. Boarding was over an hour away. There weren’t a lot of seats and some of the travelers found other seats and some just moved to the window and stared out. I thought it was strange, but what isn’t?\\ \\ Now some 50 years have passed, and most of that year, as well as my experience in the airport, have been forgotten. Today, I stopped by a Lowe’s store to pick up some nails. I was checking out and asked if they would honor my discount. \\ \\ The clerk asked for my phone number and then said, “Done. You want a bag?” Nope, I said. And then she said, “Thanks for shopping at Lowe’s and thank you for your service.” I thought it was strange but what isn’t.  Then I thought about what happened to me 50 years ago.\\ \\ Who am I? I wonder how our law enforcement professionals will feel in 50 years.|


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|Login Required to view?  |No                                                          |
|Created:                 |2020-07-01 17:06 GMT                                        |
|Updated:                 |2020-08-10 07:00 GMT                                        |
|Published:               |2020-08-03 04:00 GMT                                        |
|Converted:               |2025-11-11 11:56 GMT                                        |
|Change Author:           |Joan McDermott                                              |
|Credit Author:           |Dennis Fanetti, District Captain, Missouri House District 89|