f r e s h s t a r t

Saturday, October 20, 2007

 

I just witnessed your life decision

Earlier in the week I was standing in line at the Walgreens at Jackson and State, waiting to buy a tube of lip balm and a padded envelope. This drugstore is always crowded and the staff is surly, but it’s close to school. In the area next to the checkout, amongst the other impulse buys such as candy and gum and batteries are small canisters of pepper spray, complete with a carrying case and key chain. I’m a cautious when I’m walking alone at night, but I’ve never felt the need for a chemical defense. I respect the fact that some people need it to feel safe, but I think that the decision to carry any kind of weapon is significant.

While at that Walgreens I watched someone become the owner of a canister of pepper spray. A woman about my age with a basketful of purchases walked up to the counter and picked up a canister of pepper spray. She got back in line, examined the package for about a minute, and then bought it.

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