The Shockin' Rodeo

What happened to the good ol’ days – back when Rockin’ Rodeo was full of cowboy hat toting, too tight jean wearing, boot scooting line dancers?  The type who drink too much Coors Light and whose biggest offense might be to proposition one of the many ladies circling the perimeter.  Seedy?  Yes!  Tasteless?  Definitely.  But at least no one got shot.

Two people were shot last Sunday morning outside of Rockin’ Rodeo.  If memory serves me right, there have been quite a few “incidents” involving Rockin’ Rodeo patrons lately.  The police say this shooting was gang related.  According to witnesses, Meko Seward (the man who was shot and later died) was “involved in an argument during which gang-related slurs were exchanged.”  Then he walked outside and got into it with some dudes in a van parked out front.  (Not a good idea.)  The next thing anybody knew, bullets were flying and Seward was on the ground. To add a real gangster like flare, the passenger of the van popped off a few more shots as they sped away; critically injuring an innocent bystander.  And, not to be outdone, someone in the crowd fired back.

What the hell?  Do these people really think life is like some action flick?  And why in the world is everybody walking around with a gun?  It’s Rockin’ Rodeo for heaven’s sake! They’re supposed to be there to party.  Have some fun.  Get drunk and shake their ass around.  How do gang fights and blazing guns equal a good time?

I have to admit, I didn’t care for Rockin’ Rodeo much, even back in the good ol’ days. But I’d take that crowd over this one any time.