Stolen scooters and loss of security

The unthinkable and ridiculous happened this past Saturday night – Sunday morning. Another scooter was stolen from our carport.

Yup.

This time, it was Sam’s electric scooter that he had received for Christmas. Adelyn’s identical pink scooter was parked right next to it (and has since been moved from the carport).

I can’t even begin to tell you how aggravated I am about this. We’ve lived in this house for almost seven years, and this is the first time we’ve had to address the issue of security and locks and cameras. Monticello has always been the kind of town that you can leave your doors open and your car unlocked. No more, apparently.

In the past few months, we’ve had good friends who go to Journey (and live next door to one another) have push mowers taken from their carports. The crime wave (and I would have thought it ludicrous before these events to call it that) that has settled in on our community seems to have crashed into a shore of disbelief and inaction.

Daily, we are seeing stories reported in local media about drug busts. Recently, we lost a teenager to a stabbing at a family event over the July 4th weekend due to senseless and uncontrolled rage. Somelocal youth were caught stealing electronic equipment from businesses and churches.Another man was arrested for sexual indecency with a child. Another group of young adults was arrested for stealing prescription drugs from a local pharmacy. In a town of 10,000.

In response to the stabbing (and probably the collective feeling of fear and loss of security), some members of the community have organized a “Stop the Hate” rally where there will be singing, a candle-light vigil, and speeches from local pastors and community leaders. I applaud their intent. Hopefully, it will be the first salvo fired in our community’s fight to reclaim its moral center.

However, a rally cannot replace our responsibility to be involved. Involved in our community’s welfare. Involved in people’s lives. We must be intentionally involved in life. For some of us, that may mean running for office in the future. For some of us, it may mean holding our existing political leaders accountable for proactive, visionary leadership. For some of us, it may mean confronting dead-beat dads. For casting a personal vision for kids and teens that is greater than what they see on TV, in the sports world or through fashion.

This loss of security we are all feeling in our community should provoke acts of heroism. For many, it simply means speaking up. Whether in confrontation, encouragement, suggestion, or contribution, your voice, vote, and values can only count and make a difference if you speak up and follow through.

Now… if anyone wants to contribute to the scooter fund… 😉