SWAT teams to me equal cool effect in American movies. It almost came as a shock to realize that they exist in reality. But come to think about it, D.C. is the one place I can think of that would constitute a natural habitat for SWAT teams (I just love typing SWAT!). It’s the capital of the US (or, as it’s often referred to, “ the capital of the free world”. I’m not going into that discussion). It’s also where most government agencies, such as the FBI, the CIA (well, technically that is in Virginia), Pentagon (also Virginia) have their headquarters. It’s where you find the White House, Capitol and other buildings that are significant in this country and beyond. If there ever was a place that needed the somewhat frantic protection a SWAT team can offer, D.C. is it.
However, one might wonder what it is a SWAT team actually does. Aside from the blackness of their costumes and the really big guns, what is the difference between a SWAT team and a well trained cheerleading troop? From my experience, the main difference lies in the fact that while the prime goal of a cheerleading troop is to entertain and make their audience cheer; the SWAT team’s purpose is to make their audience curious. At least this is how it looked. People were swarming around the closed-off street, hoping to see something exciting (possibly a human pyramid). Cars were slowing down, driving off the road, crashing into one another – but no one cared, because they were all so fascinated by the SWATters.
Nothing interesting happened, of course. After I had snapped my picture, I was eager to get away before someone had the bright idea to confiscate my camera, so if the SWAT team actually entered the building, I missed it. There was no explosion or gunshot, though, and the ten o’clock news only featured stories of swine flu and car accidents (completely unrelated).
It was nice, though, to see that they really exist. Now I’m waiting for King Kong or Godzilla to materialize.
8 comments:
You know, the only SWAT team I've ever seen was ALSO in DC. It is sort of an exciting experience. The snipers on top of the White House were equally intriguing... like if you tried to climb the fence you'd get SHOT. Eeek!
verification word: schoot (I think the verification is not random)
What intrigued me about the White House snipers is that they are GIANTS! Or, they look that way, because the White House isn't as big in reality as it looks on pictures. It's pretty and impressive and all that, but it's not very big. So those gunmen on top of it really look incredibly big.
And spooky with the verification! I agree, not random at all (which is even more spooky - the word verification is watching us!!!)
I've seen a SWAT team right here in Tucson. They were just riding down one of the main streets. Looked almost just like your picture except there was a big SWAT sign in yellow on their truck and clothes. It was really cool. But since Tucson has a TON of drug related crime I'm not too surprised I saw a SWAT team here.
*snort* You like to type SWAT too, don't you, Marjorie? ;)
I wonder how you apply for a job with those guys? What are the perquisites? Do you have to be mean? Focused? A killer? Muscular? Probably. A Shakespeare quoting, bible carrying, long-harried ‘60s hippie refugee with flowers in his hair probably wouldn’t get in the HR door. Come to think of it, though, which type would I rather come to save me, if needed? Hmmm. Have to think that over. Not.
Best Regards, Galen
Imagineering Fiction Blog
*snort* How about cheerleading experience? Do you think that counts? (And would you want a cheerleader to come rescue you?) ;)
I've never thought of the connection between cheerleading and SWAT teams, but now that I have, I'm intrigued! I disliked cheerleaders in high school...wonder if I'd also dislike SWAT team members?
Elizabeth
Mystery Writing is Murder
You know, I never thought about that, Elizabeth! Do you think SWAT team members also ruled the high schools of America (judging from my impression of cheerleaders from TV-shows, that seems to be what they do...)?
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