Yep, It's Definitely Friday...

Sorry, no "follies" this week, and we'll be revealing why that is as you read farther down.
Meanwhile, it's another nice autumn day today...although temps will get a bit warmer, topping out in the MID-70s. Still plenty of sunshine to go around and maybe a mild breeze and a cloud or two to pass the time.
And yes, some trees have already begun their fall foliage display.
One of our trees has the outermost leaves turning a nice red-orange.
So, time waits for no one, especially on the weekend, so get comfy, pour yourself another cup of whatever you're preferring this morning, and let's get started with what's been going on...
*** First out of the litter-box today is YES...ANOTHER SHOOTING on the city's...(...all together, folks...)...SOUTHEAST SIDE!

And it's a FATAL shooting to boot, so add another notch onto the homicide tally.
That makes THIRTY TWO HOMICIDES.
This happened last night around 2315 hrs at the Southbridge Apartments (behind the old location of the Southtown Mall) in the 8000 block of Hanna St. (extended).
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130927/LOCAL07/309279953
Police responded to a call for a signal 113 (shots fired) and when they arrived they found a man in front of one of the apartment buildings.

The man was unresponsive and soon pronounced DOA on scene.
Two black males were seen fleeing around another building on foot.

A K-9 unit was called to locate the suspects, but was unable to get a good track.
Again, no motive, no suspects, two runs, one hit, and no errors...helluva inning, wasn't it?

Yes, this marks the 4th shooting in about a week...so, I guess we DO have a problem, especially in the MINORITY COMMUNITY...at least by the body count and ethnicity of the vics, sure LOOKS that way. I hear one pastor is holding an "emergency" meeting to address the violence.

Jordan Lee Calland

Now, if you ADD in the man that was shot a week ago in the parking lot of the Twin Oaks Apartments (22 year old Jordan Lee Calland), was later declared brain dead, and taken off a ventilator SUNDAY, the coroner will most likely call this one as a HOMICIDE also...so that will make the total this year (so far) of  THIRTY THREE HOMICIDES...
I know, you need a damn score card to keep track of the body count as they all roll by, don'cha?
*** Okay, this next (and final) part of today's post is gonna be kinda rough for me, so I hope you'll understand.
Yesterday, our female cat, Penelope entered into eternal rest after a rather brief illness.

Yawning was a great hobby.

She had been losing weight for a time, as I mentioned before, but recently, she had taken to leaving "piddle-puddles" on the rugs...not a big deal, I  cleaned them all up.
She was still skinny as hell, even though she was eating.
And yesterday morning was pretty much usual...until I heard some crying from the back room.
She got into the litter-pan, but could not get over the lip of the pan, and she was stuck halfway out.

When they were both but babies

I picked her up and noticed she could no longer stand on her own at all.
I carried her back into the family room, curled up my jacket for her to lay in, and cuddled next to her.
For me, it was the start of a very emotional ride on that roller coaster.

She loved a grocery bag when hiding

She tried to get up a few times, but could not.
I tried to get some water into her on my finger...no go there.
She did bat lightly at a small green "mouse" we bought for her last Christmas...and then she laid back down.
The only sounds she made were plaintive little meows with each breath...and that will tear your heart out, trust me.
When it was time for "din-din", Rassie (her brother) came out, but Penny wasn't answering the bell, so I took her dish to her and she did eat as I held it up for her.

One of a few "outside" patio adventures

And yeah, I cried more than I have in a LONG time. Didn't think I had it in me at my age.
Goes to show you can even surprise yourself.
When Wifey came home, she could tell I was a wreck, and I asked her if she could take Penny to the vet for what was to be a final trip.
I've already had ONE cat die in my arms...and Penny's feet were ice cold already, her breathing was a bit on the labored side, and she was as limp as a rag doll in your arms.
Well, I got the carrier down and before I placed her on her blanket inside, I hugged and kissed her good bye...one last time.

Penny loved Christmas boxes - very comfy.

I told her that we were going to stop the pain and suffering and that she would be in a better place, even if we weren't there with her.
Yeah, it sounds corny, but somehow, you get a feeling as if they know and appreciate all you do for them over the years.
When Wifey got back, she told me she was sorry, but Penny wasn't coming home. I knew that much and was trying to resign myself to the fact that our small home was going to be a somewhat larger and quieter, and our family was going to be smaller, without having her roam about wanting attention and meowing for her food.

And she had a great singing voice.

Wifey and I had Penelope (and Rassie) since before we were married, so it's a bit on the traumatic side to lose someone that's been with you for almost 18 years.

Yes, this was my favorite chair.

And I say "someone", because a pet BECOMES a part of your family...they endear themselves to us, and we look forward to them always being there...until it's time for them to move on...
And I suppose that's where this story has a somewhat happy ending for our little lady.

A long time back, I came across a poem called THE RAINBOW BRIDGE, and it's meant for those of us who have lost a beloved pet through our lives (and I've lost a god number of them in MY life).
The odd thing is that the author of the poem is UNKNOWN...
Here's a link to the poem:
https://rainbowsbridge.com/poem.htm

Pet Heaven has a new angel.

Now, as a believer in God, His son, and the Holy Spirit, I also have to believe that God holds wonders in store for us when we depart THIS life.
And I believe that HE would not want us to grieve incessantly, and therefore demonstrates to us the things in which we should have hope.
I want to think that our Penelope is waiting...for us. IN a place where she no longer has to suffer from infirmities, much like where those family members that have passed on before us also wait.
Maybe it sounds kinda dumb, but it's what I feel.
You need some form of closure.
And in that, there will be a wonderful day of reuniting when OUR turn comes around.

We will miss you, "Neepers".

So, here is to our little princess...who made us laugh, loved to play with us, always liked to hide, was a faithful sister to her (litter-mate) brother, and because of her, we got to know more about ourselves...and that's a pretty good epitaph for anyone...no matter HOW many feet you possess.
Do have yourselves a great weekend.

Be well, make a difference to someone today, and as always...
Stay SAFE out there, America.
( and if you have a pet...give 'em a hug...for no reason at all)

Thursdays Thoughts...

It is looking to be another nice day, weather-wise in the Hoosierland today. In the outlying areas in and around the county we're seeing ground fog (some schools were delayed, but not in town). Temps today will again reach into the lower 70s...which means in several months, we'll be wishing for such temps.
Looks to be a sunshine-filled day with low humidity and low pollen counts.
A great day to get outside for a spell and take in the sights.
In the meantime, let's see what kind of stuff been going on...
*** First up, the answer to yesterday's WHO SAID THAT? quote:
"The family unit plays a critical role in our society and in the training of the generation to come."
This was spoken by retired Supreme Court judge, Sandra Day O' Connor and here's her WIKI:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandra_Day_O'Connor

Appointed in 1981 by President Ronald Reagan, she served until 2005, when she announced her plans to retire, pending the appointment of a successor.
On 31 January, 2006, Samuel Alito was nominated to take her place.
And on 12 August 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor of the USA.
The article mentions the votes she cast and how she leaned more to the conservative side when voting, and although many deemed her as pro-abortion, she personally found abortion to be repugnant (that was from Reagan's diary entries).
She didn't do bad for the daughter of a rancher.
Sometimes controversial in certain decisions, she did defend the liberties and freedoms established by the Constitution.
Nope...not bad at all.
Moving on...
*** Yes, friends, ANOTHER shooting on the SOUTHEAST SIDE of Fort Wayne leaves one woman in critical condition.
Here's the story link:
http://www.wane.com/news/crime/person-shot-on-warsaw-street
I heard about this a couple hours before the news posted it...because I saw the FWPD cruisers fly past the house in "hollywood" mode -( lights and sirens). This happened last night around 1930 hrs in the 4500 block of Warsaw St near Congress Ave.
Police responded to a person shot (in a car) in front of 4512 Warsaw, and initially I heard dispatch notify the responding medics that there was a head wound.
A female victim was found in a silver Chrysler Concorde parked at the house suffering from several gunshot wounds, and was transported to hospital in serious condition, but was later downgraded to critical.

A passenger next to her in the car was uninjured.
Witnesses stated that a dark-colored SUV (I heard Ford Explorer on the radio)  left the area, heading south, and had a shattered passenger window. Police were wanting to know if that had anything to do with the shooting.
Now, if this was a "random" act, that should disturb the crap out of ANYONE around here (this did occur within 3 blocks of our "Fortress"), but even if this was a "targeted" hit, that should ALSO bother the hell out of everyone.

Randomness denotes an obvious LACK of regard for human life in general, while being TARGETED says to everyone that we have some people in this area that are living the WRONG kind of lifestyle..(oops, I mean thug-culture) and perhaps ought to go live ELSEWHERE.

((Update - 1300 hrs - The shooting victim has been ID'ed as Jalesia Veazey of New Haven))
What we WON'T hear is he black community up-in-arms over this...again (as usual).
To them, this must be part of "their culture" - the culture that our police should be made AWARE of, and that not everyone gets treated THE SAME...(from my post a couple days ago)
I'm sorry, but ANY culture that allows such deplorable behavior and activities needs to be dealt with...the people who practice such things need to be held accountable, because THEY are placing EVERYONE ELSE...of EVERY ethnicity AT RISK...period.
This sub-culture of deniability, lack of accountability, lack of respect and denigration of their OWN race should be the MOST important factor ANY ethnic community leader should be addressing, and not just be praying and holding a rally now and then.
It takes more than that...a LOT more.
They need to get out their butts out in the damn streets and make a fuss AGAINST such behavior.
Go door-to-door.
In other words...do something REALLY  PRODUCTIVE.
But, I'm sure the crickets will drown them all out nicely.
*** I told you a few days ago about the SOUTHWOOD PARK area of the near SW side of town, and how THEY have been targeted by a rash of burglaries in their neighborhood.

Well, there's a follow-up story...of sorts.
http://www.wane.com/news/crime/burglaries-up-so-far-in-2013
Burglaries are UP...all OVER Fort Wayne, it would appear...imagine that.
Could it have ANYTHING to do with the LACK of FWPD officers on our streets?
(no doubt)
Good thing we can redirect a couple officers DOWNTOWN on bikes and on foot, though...
(because THAT'S what's important)
Like I've said here numerous times...crime IS spreading...both WEST and NORTH.

Look at the stats and read the news.
The SE mooks aren't content to just remain here, and with good reason...
There's not a helluva LOT of good people and decent places left to steal from these days, although some still try.
A PDF file in the news story concedes the fact there is MORE burglaries taking place in the city.
The worst part is that MORE of them are occurring when people are HOME...it's called being BRAZEN.
Off. Mike Joyner says the best thing is to HIDE.

Okay, we can call this a "WTF???" moment.
Why HIDE when Indiana has a "Castle Doctrine" law?
Who can afford a "safe room", and can any of these nice, older homes really accommodate one?
Closets aren't the BEST place to hide...watch ANY horror flick!
Why not just SHOOT the damn thieves when they enter?
Seems THAT would make a much stronger statement to the crims out there.
Maybe the citizens over in the Southwood Park area might do themselves a favor and ARM UP...a LOT!
*** A woman might have to give up her "pet" squirrel...
Here's the story link:
http://www.wane.com/news/local/woman-upset-she-has-to-give-up-pet-squirrel

Sara...and "Rocky"

So, a woman takes in a infant squirrel after a tree is taken down on their property, nurses it to adulthood and lets it live in her home...what the f$ck is wrong with that?
It's not rabid, has been domesticated to a large degree, doesn't go outside...I see nothing wrong.
I mean, it's not like taking a damn MOUNTAIN LION out of the wild and making THAT a pet, right?
Well, the DNR thinks otherwise (as do all government agencies these days).

I suppose catfish or lake bass can't be kept as pets either?
Hell, I treat these critters better than any of the locals around here... because I CAN!
"Rocky" is kinda cool, even if he does leap from lampshade to lampshade.
These people know what they have to do to insure a good life for this little guy.
To turn it out NOW would be a death sentence for the squirrel.
Sara Householder plans to do what it take to keep her little buddy...and I for one, hope she can.
*** Lastly today, there are people that will care for the smallest of God's creatures, and those who would take the life of a fellow human being.
Now THAT is about as differing of views as east is from west.
What makes one person want to help, while the other person wants to hurt or maim?

Perhaps it comes down to our old friend...CHOICES?
Perhaps it was a better sense of FAMILY that dictated the better behavior?
Perhaps it was the whole "if you do this to the smallest of my creatures, you do this unto me" thing from the Bible?
Well, we know what might drive the one person who cares...but what about the other one that doesn't give a rat's ass about themselves, society or life?
Again, it's got to be a plethora of BAD choices, or the desire to not HAVE to make ANY choices...apathy can do that to people.
With good upbringing comes good results...can't really argue that.
Maybe it's time to put THAT into practice...a lot more often.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

Humpday Happenings...

Yes, it's THAT day again, and we've a wonderful day on tap here in the Heartland of America.
Temps today will wind up in the lower 70s, and it's going to be another sun-filled day...well, perhaps a cloud here and there..
No rain until this weekend.
In other words, it's a great day to get out and get about.
So what are you waiting for?
Oh, I know...must be that motto of the week thing...
Well, wait no longer. Here it comes, kids.
*** Yes, it is time for our Motto of the Week aka WHO SAID THAT?
"The family unit plays a critical role in our society and in the training of the generation to come."
And in this day and age of the government wanting to take control of the "family" from parents most of all, I find this wonderfully apropos.
So, WHO said that? The answer will be at the top of tomorrow's post.
Meanwhile, back at the dinner table...
*** Okay, so who has taken the time to watch ANY of the new shows that are debuting this week?
Well, I've seen TWO (so far), and if you know anything about me (and most all of you should...by now...LOL), you're probably going to know WHICH ones I have found worthy of regular viewing,.

-- First off, I watched THE BLACKLIST on Monday (NBC - 8PM)...and I have to say it was VERY intriguing, but then again, most ALL pilot episodes are.
Still, that won't dissuade me from tuning in further to see what develops.
James Spader does a masterful job of being the quasi-antagonist in this series and he plays it with an air iof such subtlety, that you wonder what HIS agenda might be.
To start with, he appears to be a criminal that would find MENSA boring.
And he's taken to a rookie FBI agent for some reason -kinda like Hannibal Lechter, but without the dietary peculiarities..

It's what Spader's character KNOWS that is the most curioys, though.
And he WANTS to work with the feds (quid pro quo, naturally) to bring in these "big fish" who are at work in OUR country, plotting God knows what.
And the people on this "blacklist" are inculcated into every aspect of society be it government, business, private sector...you name it.
Looks to be more twists in the plot than can be found in a pretzel factory.

Spader has come a LONG way from STARGATE, when he played the timid genius Dr.Daniel Jackson, and it's also far removed from BOSTON LEGAL, where he starred as attorney Alan Shore. Although Alan Shore had a strong moral code, he was not beyond using unethical means to achieve an ethical end.
And it's possibly from THAT character that Spader draws the most...and that's a good thing for the viewer of The Blacklist.
It's a keeper, as long as the producers can keep up the suspense without divulging too much.
-- The next show was MARVEL'S AGENTS OF S.H.I.E.L.D. (this to me was a no-brainer as far as at least wtching the poliot ep.).

The show stars Clark Gregg as Agent Phil Coulson, who was reported to be killed (by Loki) in the movie THE AVENGERS during the Battle of NY.
(how they brought him back remains one of many mysteries)
Ming-Na-Wen plays Agent Melinda May, an ace pilot and weapons expert.
Brett Dalton plays Agent Grant Ward,  who is a black OPS specialist.
Chloe Bennett plays Skye, a civilian"new recruit" and expert computer hacker...and a superhero "groupie".
Ron Glass made an appearance as Dr. Streiten.
But what REALLY made me want to watch is the fact that JOSS WHEDON was at the helm of this production.
And you can never discount the possibilities of "guest stars" from the BIG screen...(Samuel L. Jackson has already expressed interest in a guest role as Nick Fury). And naturally, the agents of SHIELD allude to many OTHER superheroes as they conduct their business.
I can't see Whedon allowing this show to become anything but good and edgy, s his past series have been, and that is ALSO a good thing, whether you;'re a fan of the comic books or not.
*** Next up...the movie IRON MAN 3 came out on DVD yesterday (and about ten different "sets"), and many have touted this as the BEST Iron Man yet..

Sad to say, we might not see Robert Downey Jr. behind the armor, with the possible exception of the NEXT Avengers movie (yes, that's already in the works). Who will become the new "shellhead"?
I don't know, but let's hope it doesn't become a remake of a remake of a remake of a reboot...like Batman and Superman.
Personally, Downey portrayed Tony Stark So damn well, it will be hard to see another under the armor.
And I see they're already running TV previews for the next THOR movie, entitled THE DARK WORLD...and we also have the NEW Captain America movie due out in a while, entitled THE WINTER SOLDIER.
It would appear that FINALLY, some people got together, used their brains, and figured out that superhero movies CAN be made well (as well as the comics were), AND can make a ton of money (that's a given).
The only thing to watch out for is OVEREXPOSURE...can't have too much of this all at once, otherwise, people WILL tire of it and move elsewhere (it's the whole societal ADHD with being chronically entertained that could cause problems).

Learn to give the people just enough to make them want more...that's the key. And don't rely SOLELY on CGI and SPEC FX...take time to develop the plot and characters as well.
I haven't seem any other TV shows that are noteworthy this week, but you never know what might show up on the cable and satellite channels.
Familiar shows return in their own time and promise to draw us in like THE WALKING DEAD and SONS OF ANARCHY and HELL ON WHEELS.
There is certainly NO lack of viewing...just what to watch when everything seems to be airing AT THE SAME TIME SLOT...LOL!
*** Lastly today, I do have to marvel (not a comic reference) at the amount of shows on ALL these channels.

Time was you had THREE channels...until PBS showed up. And then came UHF channels (mostly regional and local fare with reruns initially airing). We went from 3-4 channels to around TWENTY in less than a few years...
And then came CABLE TV, and with it, a hallway full of doors waiting to be opened for our viewing pleasure.
But something never comes along without a sacrifice here and there.
The sacrifice came in the content of what we watched.
I'm not a prude, just aware of what's being transmitted to our homes all day, every day (and night)...24/7/365.
There's some good content, and a lot of tripe, and much more in-between. What are we watching today...and why?

I think it's all a "test" of some sort...to see if we in fact DO have a dark side that bows to the absurd, the incredulous, and the mundane.
Many fall victim to such things quite easily...others...well, it takes a lot more than TV shows.
I think we ALL have to watch what we watch, what our kids watch, and what is passing for "family" entertainment these days, because somehow, a Mickey Spillane novel isn't quite what I have in mind for any impressionable child.
We need to all be attuned and alert to what is good and bad...for ourselves and our kids.
Children are the product of their parents and will tend to mimic then in some manner.
So what we display to them does have an effect...our choice is to determine what that effect will produce.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

Sure FEELS Like Fall...
And that's not such a bad thing, considering.
The temps are wonderful for sleeping, and the "heat of the day" is enjoyable.
Today in Hooseirland, the weather is as follows - The high today will be into the 70 degree range after a morning that sees us with temps in the low 40s.
Plenty of sunshine today, a mild breeze, and the low-lying areas might even see some morning fog.
So, let's get this show on the road and see what's been going on,...fair enough?
*** First out of the stall today is another Indy LEO shot while answering a call.

This makes it TWO in less than a week down there, with one officer killed in the line of duty.
Here's the story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130924/NEWS07/130929715/1006/NEWS
Officer Greg Stevens encountered an armed individual in the courtyard area of an apartment complex on the city's east side.
When told to drop the weapon, the perp decided to shoot at the officer. Rounds were exchanged with both being struck by bullets.
Stevens was released from hospital several hours later, and is expected to make a full recovery. The perp was in fair condition and will face attempted MURDER charges against the office (good!).
This comes just days after the shooting death of IMPD officer Rod Bradway, age 41, on the NW side of Indy.
Here's that story:
http://www.wishtv.com/news/local/police-officer-shot-on-northwest-side

In this exchange both the officer and the shooter (a black male named Steven Byrdo, who was holding a former girlfriend hostage when the shooting took place) were killed.
A fund has been set up in memory of Officer Bradway to help his family (he had two children) through this difficult time.
The link to the story has information on how to donate.
Moving on...
*** Another "Costaplenty Square" coming to downtown Fort Wayne?
(Yasureyoubetcha)
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130924/LOCAL/309249984

Imagine that...a SEVENTY-ONE MILLION dollar "investment" to the DOWNTOWN area...and much of this will be paid by...(...wait for it...)...THE TAXPAYERS. Wow, we couldn't see THAT one coming, could we?
(Stevie Wonder probably did)
This building will take over the spot where CINDY'S DINER currently is, forcing the owner to move elsewhere...(don'cha love eminent domain?)
Of course, this will mean a significant boost to the downtown area, as our "king" has stated to the serfs and vassals around the realm.
And screw ALL the other parts of town, especially the SE side...which needs more help than you can shake a stick at.
So, in the short term, we will have a gorgeous (and costly) downtown...which will still not thrive qs much as the city "leaders" believe.

And, it will cost the people paying the taxes...with this coming on a 2014 budget proposal that will see a potential "savings" of $5 MIL...while spending more for police and fire, along with this downtown redevelopment...
HOW will that happen, exactly?
Is this administration also laboring under the "spend money to save money" principle?
Guess that's the way of the Democrats...at least it always SEEMS that way.
*** And speaking of other areas of town that get "neglected", there's THIS:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20130924/LOCAL/309249986

It appears that the Southwood Park area of the SW side of town is being targeted with numerous burglaries of late and could soon see itself become blighted...as our area has become.
Well, that can't be good for those living there, can it?
Bordered by Pettit Ave, Calhoun St, Rudisill Blvd and Old Mill Rd, this part of town nudges up against Foster Park, and is almost directly adjacent to OUR sector "45" on the SE side. I've been following crime trends every week, and I can say that I have noticed more crimes occurring just west of us, which bears out my statement made ages ago that crime WAS spreading both north and WEST.
(and being right never gets old)

The brazen burglaries are happening while people are IN the damn houses...asleep during the night (as normal tend to do), and that leads me to believe that the crims would probably be black, and I say that because of the number of crimes that happen "after hours", as they love to roam about untill after 4AM

(Most shootings happen between midnight and 0400 hrs) (when they usually get to sleep until 11AM...that is a proven fact in the way this part of the ghettohood becomes "active" during the course of any given day.
It could be some white trash looking to score quick turnaround items or cash for drugs, too.
Those on "crank" tend to stay up for DAYS anyway, but given the proximity to the SE side and all the thugs living here, I;d say my first supposition might be correct. We will have to see if increased police activity in THAT area nets a few arrests for the break-ins.
A crime-prevention meeting will be held Monday at 7PM at the Shawnee branch of the library, behind Bishop Luers H.S.
*** I went to the urologist to get an update on my condition...and I passed with flying colors!
(let the pigeons loose)
Nice to get a clean bill...before the REAL bill arrives...(uh, oh)
Still, Wifey is relieved to have a healthy husband back, while I bemoan the COST...LOL.
(...all the stuff we coulda got for that money...OY!)

No one to the left of us...

While we were at the Carew Center (located one block east of Parkview Randallia) I had my trusty camera with me and snapped some interior shots...that place is beautifully designed, and very well though out.

No one to the right of us...

Thing is, it's almost DEVOID of foot traffic...as in patients coming for exams or staff.

I love this fountain in the atrium

The parking garage is damn near empty as well...pick your spot...they got LOTS of 'em.
Amazing how such a facility is not utilized a LOT more than it is...but hey, I'm not complaining one damn bit!
I find it refreshing to be able to drive in, drive out and not be bothered with anything close to a crowd (in that place, two people could be a crowd...LOL)
The entire medical park is pretty nice, as I viewed it from the aerial photos on Google maps.
Sure beats the ghettohood...ANY day!
(then again, what doesn't, hmm?)
*** Lastly today, more violence in more places...we hear it and read about it, and see it every stinking day.
And why is that?

Well, the recent mall shootings in Kenya seem to bear out a hypothesis I've been toying with...
We know that at least one of the Kenyan shooters was from Minnesota, and what else is in Minnesota?
The MALL OF AMERICA...!
Could it be a "test run" for a domestic targeting?
Could it be a "training ground" for overseas events?
Hard to say, but it does appear to be one thing that's very disturbing.
The manner in which these radical Muslims become violent and do heinous crimes mainly against CHRISTIANS and JEWS seems a bit too familiar., because the NON-violent Muslims never seem to open their mouths and decry the behavior of such radicals.

Now, follow me on this...in America, in our urban areas, we have street gangs, comprised mainly of young black (and in some cases Hispanic) males, and the NON-violent people in THESE communities mirror the Muslims, in that they don't seem to decry such behavior, other than to say "we need to stop the violence"...and that's about it.
They may hold a rally of prayer meeting or two, but no definitive action to take back their OWN community from the thugs...and the same can be said for the Muslim communities both here and ESPECIALLY abroad.
Time to stop cowering, people, grow a pair, and speak the hell out.
Just like the Southwood Park neighbors that want their crime to STOP...all of us should be as vocal (or active at least) in our intent to halt crime whenever it rears it's head.
And the reason for doing so is simple:
If you do NOTHING...then that's EXACTLY what will get done, no matter WHERE you find yourself.
Therein lies the lesson for today.

Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.