"I'm well aware of the dual history and reputation of "the travelers" in the US"
I assume that you would put put this question about anybody you meet - or would you?
I would never wish to spend time with anybody who owned a gun - which would include a large number of your fellow-countrymen.
Or anybody who voted for a political thug like Bush - or went to a Tea-Party, or supported the use of chemical weapons on a civilians, or allowed their government to hold political prisoners without trial.....
All communities have good and bad elements; the difference with Travellers is if a Traveller misbehaves, suspicion then falls on the whole community - racist stereotyping - as demonstrated by they above comment "When in doubt. don't".
Travellers come in all shapes, sizes and personalities - I spent thirty-odd years of my life in their company, listening to and recording their songs and stories and enjoying their tremendous warmth, hospitality and bottomless generosity.
If you feel you have to put them through an examination before you spend time with them - stay at home, lock your door and turn your television on.
Jim Carroll