If we lived in a world where all obligations were met and mistakes and wrong-doing were adequately atoned for:
- Kids wouldn’t dash across the street
- Drivers wouldn’t speed
- People wouldn’t trespass
- Property owners, including businesses and residences, would secure their belongings
- Adults would take care of children
- Cops and sheriff deputies would be a familiar and welcome sight as they make their rounds
- Trespassers would make up for their transgressions
But even on our island “paradise,” people make tragic mistakes, bad things happen to good people and change comes.
Safeguarding our prized lifestyle now has come to mean taking precautions. With the recent spree of break-ins and accidents around the island, many of us face the reality that even in our small community, we need to protect those we cherish, and our belongings.
Just one loving, caring parent may not see a little one dash out in front of them, with tragic results. That is why the Orcas School buses now pick up and drop off their riders behind the elementary and middle school buildings, in front of the high school. It’s safer.
One head of household may have their groceries stolen from their unlocked car in an Eastsound parking lot. It’s simpler, and less expensive, to lock your vehicle when you leave it as a matter of habit – the change in habit is worth it, and becomes routine.
And, as Michelle Marshal of the Office Cupboard suggested last week, if it happens that your home is broken into while you are there, if your car keys are on your person, you can hit the alarm button and the honking of the horn may protect you. It’s good defense, and if not the best offense, it may prevent further loss.
Meanwhile, all of us can build up our community body to look out for each other. Attend the Community Forums – the next one is this Sunday, a potluck from 4 to 7:30 p.m. at the Odd Fellows. Along with socializing, music and movement, those gathered can air their concerns in thoughtful discussion facilitated by Michael Mele.
Yes, it used to be that we needn’t lock our homes or cars, that the “honor” system was working, that cops “walked the beat” and were respected, if not feared, by everyone. But rather than lament the past, for now ownership and care means taking the extra step to safeguarding what we prize.
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