I'm not brave.
I'm not fearless.
Believe me.
I was shaking in my boots, and I didn't sleep for two nights, fearing what would happen next. Was that mop moved because he had intentions of breaking the back window, reaching in, opening the door and simply walking into my house?
Anyone who would be that blatant to come back numerous times, knowing that I was on to him... and to walk around someone else's yard in broad daylight and steal whatever took his fancy... well, who knows what might have happened next?
I'm just mad as hell that these "kids" (actually, I think this punk was about 19) are allowed to get away with this kind of behavior - and worse - and the police are basically turning a blind eye towards it.
I'm mad as hell that last year, my friend was "rocked" by a gang of teenage girls, just a block from my house, requiring 2 stitches to her cheek... and the polices response was:
"Well, it IS school holidays right now, and you've just got to expect things like this at this time of year, don't you?"
NO!
No we don't have to learn to expect any such thing! I expect our police force to do what they're paid to do - and to keep us safe.
To put honest, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens first and foremost, before the scum that seem to be running the show.
No more pandering to the low-life's and no more excuses about their behavior.
I don't give a rat's arse that his parents split up when he was a baby, and he was traumatized by it... or that his father smacked his arse when he was a little boy. Too bad... so sad.
Tough shit.
Yeah, bad things happen to people as they're growing up... But when are these kids going to learn to pull up their socks, wipe their noses, and move on to become productive citizens?
I'm sick to death of good people suffering, because the laws and government are more interested in protecting the *rights* of the baddies.
I'm sick to death of pedophiles being given suspended sentences, because it's deemed "a risk to their well-being" to be thrown in prison, where bigger, badder guys might take revenge on them.
I'm sick to death of the police not logging crimes - even crimes as petty as stealing a pack of cigarettes - because it raises the crime statistics and makes them look bad.
And I'm sick of a government that allows this kind of stuff to go on.
Statistics mean nothing... if they're not logged, reported, or taken seriously.
We pay, through our local rates, for protection from the police. But do we get it?
No. Who gets protection? The bad guys.
Little old ladies (well, I'm not little, and I'm not old, but that's beyond the point and besides, I'm on a roll here) have to take matters into their own hands, and do the police's business for them.
All the police have to do is come in and put the scum in the patrol car, drive him to the station and then let him go, because the courts will just say that he had a bad childhood.
Poor baby.
Look...I'm not blaming the police at all. I know they do the best they can, with the limited resources available to them. The two cops who responded on Sunday, were the only officers on their shift - day shift - for a town of 100,ooo citizens. They were doing the best they could.
For crying out loud, I was married to a cop for nigh onto 16 years. I know what he went through - and what they go through - on a daily basis, because I witnessed it first hand.
Nobody goes in to law enforcement, with a dream of letting bad guys get away with everything.
So it's not entirely the fault of the cops.... it's partially the fault of honest, decent people who are afraid nowadays to make waves, because of fear of retaliation.
They say that the squeaky wheel gets the grease... and I swear by all that's holy, I will keep squeaking until the day I die.
And I'll keep stringing that fishing line...
Okay, I'm off my soapbox now.
I may need it... to hit some other low-life over the head.
No one could make a greater mistake than he who did nothing because he could do only a little.
20 comments:
AMEN SISTA!
Years ago there were a lot of hoodlums, gangsters, whatever you want to call them, hanging out in my neighborhood and terrorizing people. After I was robbed and shot by one of them, I decided that everytime I saw them I would call the police and tell them what they were doing. The neighbors also began to call. After a few months of us calling everytime we saw them just hanging around or looking like they were plotting, they finally went away. Of course the police got tired of our phone calls, but we would call the non-emergency number to just let them know they were out and about.
Be careful and watch your back!!!!
Oh I so agree with everything you said. Now get a gun... you can protect all your property...including the patio..shoot that sob with some rock salt...he won't be back!
You rock my world, Kate. Yes, the little bastard needs a good whopping but it sure needed to start a bunch of years ago. I know it's hard for the police, but what are they getting paid to do? Drink coffee and eat donuts? Cripes! When are the politicos going to realize that they will have to answer at some point. I always thought that Oz would be a great place to leave because you all are always depicted as no nonsense about criminals and now I'm learning that you all have the same problems with heathens as we do... rather steal than work, police feeling that their hands are tied, etc., etc.
But I am so proud of you for all your Nancy Drew rigging of the fishing line, flour, cans and boards with nails. You are so right that people have to start doing something.
I'll get off my soapbox now. Do you want me to send you another board and a box of nails?
Helen
Oops, place to LIVE... not leave. I'd still love to come 'down under'...
Helen
We had noticed somebody had been coming into our car port so we put up a fake security cam (batteries not included) and it seemed to detour them from going to the back yard via the front yard. But then they started climbing over our 6 ft wooden fence in the back, not only stealing huge bags (like recyclers use) full of aluminum cans but two huge bicycles that only Miguel could ride that were chained together. We staked out the back yard one night (rifle in tow) waiting. That following day we found a beautiful 85 lb. long haired German Shepherd who needed a good home on Craigs list. He's a very friendly dog, but my kids have made sure the neighborhood knows that he's only friendly on command, (not really, my chihuahua had more bark and bite then he does) but the neighbors don't need to know that :)
OOPS! Noticed I made it sound like we no longer have Scooby our Chihuahua. We do and he's still a better watch dog then Max :)
So true. There's a reason these hoodlums are running around cause they know nothing is going to happen to them.
I think you did an excellant job dealing with your punk.
Gangs are a big problem. Few people fail to see that the gangs are spreading into the suburbs and are not just in the inner cities. I wish I had the answer, but I don't--unfortunatley.
When all is said and done my friend - it could be you in court for hurting the little twerp. I won't get on that soapbox though or I'll be here for hours.
My answer - hit 'em so hard the first time, they won't come back.
I remember my brother being dragged home by the ear by Mr Policeman for being out after dark. Doesn't happen now. Couldn't - Mr Policeman would be in the shit for touching the little *darlings*.
You get'em tiger!
And maybe you should try greasing that wheel with some good ole CRISCO!
Kate, wow! Didn't realize Aussie land was that bad! Come to my house fresh air, land, and chickens! Oh by the way you do have to worry about the skunks and coyotes.
You may not 'feel' brave, but you still acted in a brave manner. My hat's off to you, Kate! You did (are doing) the right thing!
I'm with you! Great rant...and so true! I am getting caught up on my blog reading...so nice to spend some time here with you this morning. :)
Left you an award on my blog!
You think you're not brave???? Oh no, Erma. You're one tough cookie and the punk better think twice...he doesn't know who he's messing with!
Hey, Katie... Just dropping by to say howdy and let you know I'm thinking about you.
Hope things are settled down.
Helen
I know you must be afraid of retaliation. We went through something similar years ago and we did end up getting windows smashed out of a car. But more than anything the punks needed to know the neighborhood was not afraid and we would do whatever it takes. That stand does put you in the line of fire but exactly what are the options? You're alREADY in the line of fire if they're acting out on you.
Truly, GOOD FOR YOU, Katie for taking a stand! I've missed you!
All I can say is OH MY HOLY COW ...what a little SH*T HEAD! Rrrrr... thieving little b*$tards like that piss me off (sorry for the language, my hormones are raging-got to let it out SOMEwhere). I am so sorry you have had to deal NOT only with this punk @ss, but with the 'system' that is designed ...supposed... to help you. I LOVE what you did to set him up and all ...just CRACKED up at that. Girl you are my kind of woman ...love it, love it, LOVE it! Please do take care and perhaps you can/will get SOME peace soon.
*
p.s. I'd say scare the cr@p out of him and shoot off a pistol in the ground, but with you being in Aussieland... well, I hear they think less of gun ownership than our current (cough, cough) Administration over here in the US.
GIRL, YOU GOT A FAT HONKIN' A-FREAKIN-MEN FROM ME!!!!!
Yes, I'm yelling. Deal!
Post a Comment