Scribblings

Just when I thought it was safe in this neighborhood...

...my neighbor comes across the street to tell me about a violent break-in catty-corner from us. The neighbors across the street back to the lake and police believe that's where the thieves came from. They kicked in the back patio door to this unknown neighbor's house and took what? We're not sure. I don't know the names of the people who had their house broken into because I so tend to keep to myself. My neighbor from across the street says it's like "Little Harlem" down two nearby streets. I had no idea. I guess I better open up my eyes. Now before anyone jumps at me about "Little Harlem" my neighbor is herself an African American and she's the one that used the term.

As for me, I knew there'd been another gang related shooting not far from the home of one of Kristin's friends. In this case, two young men were arrested for firing into the house and attempting to kill the fellow inside. In the township, in a very troubled neighborhood in town, another young man was shot and killed. This, too, was gang related. I have been seeing police everywhere lately.

It angers me as much as it worries me. Kristin's only a freshman at the high school. I think it's just going to get worse before it gets better. I worry about her safety and the quality of education in that building. I'm angry because of the increasing violence--why are they coming to my town? There's nothing here!

I believe that is probably exactly the problem. There are too many poor people to exploit and tempt into selling drugs and whatever. There are too many bored teenagers with nothing to do. Why is there no teen center here? Why are there no PAL leagues? I guess I should stop complaining here and go down to the township and find out if anything can be done. I know the teen center is supposed to open ... sometime.

Also meanwhile, as my neighbor across the street said, we have to watch out for one another. I better pay more attention to what is going on.