Kansas is America's heartland. Kansans are a God-fearing people. They take their bible so seriously (and literally) that some Kansas public schools have to teach 'Intelligent Design" as equally plausible as evolution. Some believe the Earth to be tens of thousands of years old, rather than the four billion or so years theorized by most scientists. I imagine a typical Kansan's view of New Yorkers mirrors that expressed by Ted Cruz, as he derisively referred to "New York values." New York, they imagine, is one immense, depraved, violent cesspool.
The lady who checked us in to the Kampground couldn't have been more friendly. We were welcome to pitch our tent anywhere on the tenting field. Since it was the 4th of July, she suggested our family head to the fairgrounds for fireworks at 9 pm. She gave directions, and said we could just park on the side of the road. Most people 'live down there' and would be walking. At least she hoped they would be walking, since they were most likely drinking all day. "Just be careful," she said, "to watch for people lying down in the road." This is the family entertainment she suggested. We passed.
Later in the evening, she mentioned that the cops watched a particular bar because they often have gun fights. "No really," she confided, "they sometimes shoot at each other there." This wasn't said in horror, but rather in an 'Awe shucks, them good ol' boys are at it again,' sort of way.
We stayed at Kamp and watched the sunset, and later watched the fireworks from afar. It was a good night.
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