Sunday, November 15, 2009

SHARPENING OUR ANTENNAE

I applaud my readers who are working hard for all the multitudinous charities and causes out there since there probably has never been a time when people needed help more. And all of us give in various ways, monetarily and otherwise. However I have become passionate about doing something to change all that I see taking place right in the neighborhood, so to speak.

A devout listener of the news, it blows my mind about the crime that is continually reported. Recently three kids down here aged 13-15 set another kid on fire by pouring alcohol all over him and lighting a match to it. The victim is in the hospital having suffered burns over 85 percent of his body.

Then we have the head of a very well known law firm here in Ft. Lauderdale who appears to have scammed investors to the tune of a billion dollars. This news all peppered with stories of the Ft. Hood tragedy. Prior to all this every week there was a story of a father who killed his family and then himself. WHAT IS GOING ON?

Influenced as I am by all the Law and Order programs and shows like it that I watch, I realize the importance of being a keen observer of what is going on at all times. I tend to walk around lost in thought, oblivious to what's going on around me....always have. Others walk around texting and seeing nothing else around them. Well for me that is going to change. Especially when it comes to youngsters. Watch them. Notice if they are out of control. Notice if they are too quiet or too angry....they may be future assasins. Watch and listen to what the kids talk about...you may hear an immunity to criminal acts. I don't play them, but every year I purchased video games as holiday gifts with names like monster and war. No more.

Try and make sense of the guys and gals who are actually covered with tattoos and piercings. What are they trying to tell us? I suppose it's the same thing that the older gals are trying to tell us when they cannot get enough botox into their faces. Why are so many people desperately trying to find a way to feel better about themselves? In the same vein, don't ignore the young teenaged girls who send photos of themselves in a state of undress over the internet? Speaking of which...with so much texting and tweeting going on, emphasize to your kids how important it is to watch what they reveal on the internet...same goes for you!

We have to become aware of how those around us behave. There are many people around us who have lost jobs, money, homes, etc. Watch out for how they are acting. We have to watch out for symptoms of future criminal behavior. We even have to watch out for a psychiatrist like the officer in Ft. Hood who talks 'terrorism'. We have to observe fellow workers, neighbors, schoolmates, people in the military, friends, and yes, our own children. And if we see something criminally disturbing, start with the police, hopefully they will follow up on what you tell them. So many criminals are finally apprehended because of a vigilant bystander. We must be that too. In fact if you are concerned about anything you are seeing or hearing begin by just talking to a friend. Share----it is really important.

It's holiday time and we all try to make it joyous, although for many it is anything but. Nevertheless, it is a time when some of the worst crimes are committed. So watch and listen. Indeed sharpen your antennae. I'm not sure I can be of help, but I am here in case there is something you are seeing or heariing that is truly troubling.

Just something to think about as we go from day to day in troubled times. Hope you enjoyed the session.

Dr. Mimi Scott
917 846-2449