Those are pretty damn realistic-looking play assault rifles. And that little kid is holding a package with a fake but scary-authentic pistol, even if it has an obligatory red trigger. This led to the sight of small Laotian and Cambodian children running around the tents and temple buildings, firing at each other and one image of a teen pointing the pistol right at the head of a seated kid, cocking it, and firing. Just to complete this incredibly uncomfortable, combat flashback-worthy scene, we were surrounded by sugar cane and rice farms.
The cops, and there were many, present seemed to eyeball the kids and teens bemusedly. But you know, in a different context, and perhaps a different race, some kid could get shot by the police over one of these things. That's not being p.c. or over-cautious. It's just the times and the place we live in.
(Note: The Rude Pundit is on one of his Red State America sojourns. So he's offering a series this week of fucked-up and strange things he sees in his pilgrimage. Also, it's easier than grappling with the news while he's on something like a vacation.)