By Barbara Morris
When a baby arrives, communication is immediately demanded. That first cry is crucial — it is the first of many future attempts to let someone else know something.
Language, looks, gestures are all tools of communication that can make one welcome or unwelcome in society. The leaders of our country have appealed to us and the rest of the world (as law enforcement has been doing for some time) to hone our communication skills. Listen and pay attention to what is going on within your boundaries. Be your cormnunity’s, our country’s, eyes and ears, and then communicate important or suspicious information to the proper authorities.
Sept. 11 should have taught us all that our lives may depend on doing just that. Remember, if someone commits a “little crime” that goes unreported and unpunished, that same individual will, in all likelihood, try again – maybe something bigger the next time.
No more than a couple of days after the crimes that destroyed so many lives on Sept. 11, I was shopping in a store on Merrick Boulevard, when I heard a man standing near me say, “All he does is take kids who make little mistakes once in a while, have them arrested, thrown into jail upstate to make money.”
When I turned to see who the speaker was, he seemed to be looking my way (possibly for some reaction.) When I gave none, he turned his back toward me and there in big bold letters, I read, “Shame on city hall!” I’m told there’s one in every crowd — one person who wants to go against the will of the world if need be, just to be contrary.
I couldn’t help wondering how many lives have been saved by having some of those erring “kids” arrested and jailed. I don’t mean only their victims or potential victims. The “kids” themselves are less at risk when they are corrected as soon as possible. Please remember that. Those in charge of young lives should give them consistently clear, fair disciplined rules to follow. They should tell them the rules and warn them of the discipline they face if they don’t follow them. They need to get to know their friends, and warn them against association with troublemakers. Warn them against known areas with bad reputations. Warn them about conduct that may give the appearance of being illegal, even if it is not. An observer's perception counts. The value of truth should be taught at an early age. Once someone lies, can others (or even the person who has lied) ever REALLY by sure that will never happen again?
I think it would be wonderful if as many people in our communities as possible (especially some of the young people) would answer this country’s call for help. We have been asked to participate in civil defense-type programs. There are many programs in which individuals can participate right near home. Yet, I still hear that same old line: “It’s a great idea, but I don’t have any time to do it myself.” I don’t believe that. There is SOMETHING everyone can do! Do it! Start with little things: Instead of posting flyers illegally, or dropping even one scrap of paper on the sidewalk, don’t do it. Help bring back civility. Develop a good-neighbor policy, even if it is only to smile or say “Hi,” or to simply respect the property rights of others. Join a civilian patrol, police auxiliary, or law-explorer program. Become a block watcher or drug buster, or attend Precinct Council meetings and pass pertinent information on to your associates. Don’t waste, but protect water and air quality. Don’t waste heat, fuel or electricity. Do not take any part in road rage. With the holidays coming up especially, do not drive under the influence of any substance that will permit you to be anything but fully responsible.
When preparing mail, remember that the Postal Service has been in crisis over anthrax crimes. Please be sure to mark your return address on each item to be mailed. When mailing packages, be prepared for the possibility that you may be asked to show a photo I.D. showing that you are the sender. Remember, too, that there are many more ways you can help.
The more we REALLY help now, the less we’ll have to help later.
