I maybe shouldn't write this entry.

But it's been on my mind all day, so...

I first heard of the Rainbows maybe twenty years ago. And, having grown up in the real hippie era, I have to admit they had my sympathies.

When one of their annual gatherings was close by a few years ago, I tried, unsuccessfully, to convince the wife it was worth a drive, just to share in the experience.

So, when news reports came out this year about Forest Service officers pulling guns on peacefully protesting Rainbows, I admit I suspected someone of our law enforcement people had overreacted.

Until I saw the videos.

And these are videos taken by Rainbow participants, posted on Rainbow sites.

First off, the "guns" the officers pulled as they made arrests?

Paintball guns. Yes, loaded with rubber balls, which can and do inflict damage. But I hate to point out to some of you folks, people buy those things for toys for their kids around here.

Claiming the officers came in with "guns" drawn is really a misrepresentation.

But what really shocked me was the behavior of the Rainbows. Including several of those recording the videos. They were the ones whose speech was violent. They were the ones who were threatening. Jumping through bushes and shouting at people just doing their jobs, calling them "pigs", "assholes" and "terrorists" is in no way peaceful or nurturing. Nor is physically blocking their path, and trapping them in the mob.

It is without a doubt, hateful and threatening.

Yes, there were a few Rainbows trying to chant in protest. But they were a definite minority. Likewise for those who tried to keep the hotheads back a respectful distance. Yes, they were there.

But a definite minority.

Most of the people in these videos were no different from the violent mobs that terrorize streets with lawless abandon after their home team wins a championship.

No nobility. No grace. No humility.

The Rainbows are not who I thought they were.