This letter was recently published in the Calgary Herald and became the immediate subject of social media ridicule. The letter, from Michigan tourist Walt Wawra, about two aggressive men, drew a response from Calgary Cultural Ambassador Jenn Lutz who said the two were giving out "free" Stampede passes. "Been to the Stampede yet?" has become somewhat of a meme.

HERE'S THE LETTER

I recently visited Calgary from Michigan. As a police officer for 20 years, it feels strange not to carry my off-duty hand-gun. Many would say I have no need to carry one in Canada.

Yet the police cannot protect everyone all the time. A man should be allowed to protect himself if the need arises. The need arose in a theater in Aurora, Colo., as well as a college campus in Canada.

Recently, while out for a walk in Nose Hill Park, in broad daylight on a paved trail, two young men approached my wife and me. The men stepped in front of us, then said in a very aggressive tone: "Been to the Stampede yet?"

We ignored them. The two moved closer, repeating, "Hey, you been to the Stampede yet?"

I quickly moved between these two and my wife, replying, "Gentlemen, I have no need to talk with you, goodbye." They looked bewildered, and we then walked past them.

I speculate they did not have good intentions when they approached in such an aggressive, disrespectful and menacing manner. I thank the Lord Jesus Christ they did not pull a weapon of some sort, but rather concluded it was in their best interest to leave us alone.

Would we not expect a uniformed officer to pull his or her weapon to intercede in a life-or-death encounter to protect self, or another? Why then should the expectation be lower for a citizen of Canada or a visitor?

Wait, I know - it's because in Canada only the criminals and the police carry handguns. Walt Wawra- Kalamazoo, Mich.

Some responses on Twitter took an hilarious tone: "A clerk at London drugs asked me if I was having a nice day. I think she might have wanted to stab me." Another said, "Awkward moment at the entrance to Tims, one of those 'no you go first' situations, wish I'd had a gun."

Others took a more serious tone wondering what if Wawra had been armed, could the situation have quickly become deadly. What do you think? Is this an unsafe tourist or is he making a valid point? He has since defended his letter and his stance. LEAVE COMMENTS.

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