By Barbara Morris
Ever since the momentous Obama election campaign, the world of politics seems to be spinning faster and faster — sometimes in unexpected ways. Some politicos, once elected, assume the position will be theirs forever. Sometimes they are forced to leave for one reason or another, including when a new face appears and makes a sensational entrance. When that happens, everyone may try to rationalize why.
Here is a clue. Those who will listen to all of their constituents not only their few favorites, those who treat their constituents as equals and those who are willing to follow the highest moral code are the ones who deserve to survive. The “blue wall of silence” many politicians accuse the police of resorting to the fact that their own wall of silence is now so much taller and wider. It is too obvious for their constituents to ignore.
There has been anger boiling up every time constituents are told, “You must sacrifice and do it willingly so I and mine cannot only maintain but improve our status.” It is time to start over with a clean slate and keep it that way.
Speaking of a clean slate, graffiti vandals are similar to some politicians who are willing to keep messing things up for everyone else. Graffiti is a plague that must be stopped since it is spreading worldwide faster than the H1N1 virus. This is, in fact, the season for both, so be careful. We need help from everyone to change their attitudes, especially since some of them need to be saved from themselves.
Graffiti vandalism has become, to some, a form of addiction. Once apprehended, some vandals have told law enforcement that the thrill of breaking the law and endangering their lives and the lives of others is so controlling they could never give it up.
We will need judges to come down harder on these people. Graffiti sends a message of lawlessness, causes a reduction in property values and, in tough economic times, costs big bucks and man-hours that are too hard to come by to eradicate. Graffiti, therefore, is not a minor crime. Sometimes these are dangerous criminals.
Although some of these vandals are youngsters being bad, they are not all any particular age, sex, race or status. They will dangle off or over things, race moving things and run next to third rails, never giving a thought to how someone else might have to risk his or her life to help should the reckless vandal’s life become in desperate need.
They have fallen onto moving vehicles, causing accidents. We do not want to see such messes nor to have children see them. We do not want to have to clean them up after the accidents or pay for their recovery if they should survive. In short, we want graffiti and graffiti vandals to disappear — just like we want the bad politicians and others to disappear. We all must help. Remember: Graffiti vandals have respect for no one and nothing, including houses of worship and public and private property.
They call what they do “art,” but unless they have permission from the property owner, no matter how beautiful or cute, it is a crime. The secret words in this case are “proper permission.” Without those words, the not-so-secret words are, “You’re under arrest.” The NYPD is offering rewards of up to $500 for the arrest and conviction of anyone who commits graffiti vandalism. Help your house of worship, school, store or club and encourage friends to turn graffiti vandals in to the police.
Put police posters in conspicuous places. Call 911 for crimes in progress; 311 to provide information. You may be able to keep that individual from a life of extended crime, injury and death. Remember that some graffiti is related to drugs and gangs — two more headaches we want eliminated.
Other NYPD warnings: Two white males — one 29 years old, 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds and the other 31 years old, 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds — have water company IDs and claim to be testing water pressures. Do not open your door, but call 911. If you have not called for their services, they may be coordinating a burglary of your house, especially if you are elderly. Be careful and stay safe.
