The podium at the I 64 reopening was full of dignitaries, including the governor, two members of congress and local officials. Naturally, they had to be protected from any wild, violent mobs that might show up, protesting the completion of a major public works project ahead of schedule and under budget. Actually, the highway patrol sergeant with the rifle was part of the color guard for the national anthem and that stuff. However, the plain clothes spook in the right foreground is something else. I mean, the thing in his ear, the dark sunglasses on a very cloudy day, that hair and the camera - for what? Recording the faces of possibly anarchist freelance photojournalists like me? I don't know what his intention was but he sure stood out.
These officers from the Missouri Highway Patrol attended the official opening of the rebuilt section of Interstate 64 a week ago. Clearly, they lack enthusiasm for the ceremony. Was it disdain for the officials giving tedious speeches or had they worked the night shift before the 10:30 AM ceremony? Hope they feel better.
