Priorities

The west end of our city has a reputation locally as being the "monied" side of things - not as true as it used to be, but that is definitely where some of the blue bloods, privileged types, and overly impressed with themselves live.

I was reminded of that fact working on a call today. Bit of juvenile vandalism, unfortunately involving explosives - just another in an exciting summer trend.

As we are talking with one area resident, asking if she heard or saw anything, and she's discussing all the reactions amongst the neighborhood her first comment is "Oh, I was just sick - I don't want the news media out here interviewing people on this, or folks talking about our street."

Not "I hope no one got hurt," or even "Gee, I hope there wasn't a lot of damage." No, her very first fear was that someone might associate her neighborhood with those "common people" whose children do such things.

Sometimes it's all I can do to keep my mouth shut...