If it wasn’t so downright discouraging and – for obvious reasons – disturbing, it would almost (notice I say almost) be funny. You know what I mean, the constant stream of repeat offenders that one sees on a near-daily basis in the pages of The Evening Sun. Whether it’s your daily dose of the Police Blotter, a county court round-up or the monthly installment of grand jury indictments, more often than not there seems to be at least one or two (or three or four) names that “ring a bell,” if you get my drift.
Not that it hasn’t always been that way, I’m sure; every village, town and city has its fair share of troublemakers and ne’er-do-wells.
Regardless, it’s fairly easy to break the more serious criminal activities in our area down, if in a general sort of way: predatory sex, drugs and crimes committed in an effort to purchase and/or steal more drugs. And while alcohol abuse and drunk driving also rate right up there, well, that’s nothing new, is it?
The problem, as I’ve heard time and time again, is a lack of responsibility. I’ve heard this from judges, district attorneys, law enforcement and public defenders. And in all honesty, if I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard the phrase “take responsibility for their actions” in a court of law ... let’s just say I could go out and buy myself a nice, shiny pair of shoes. You know, the expensive ones, and I’d have a nice chunk of change leftover.
Responsibility, defined in cases such as these as “reliability or dependability, especially in meeting debts or payments.”
Because that’s what our local repeat offenders can’t seem to get through their head. When you commit a crime – once caught and convicted – it’s your duty to make-up for that crime to the community as a whole. In some cases, this is as simple as paying restitution or just appearing in court. In others, some time behind bars, either here on the county level or in state prison.
It’s that simple. And there’s always an excuse, trust me.
“My parents beat me as a child.”
“I’m a third generation alcoholic ... it’s genetic.”
“The drugs make me feel good.”
“My dog told me to do it.”
Far too often, in any number of scenarios, people are quick to blame others for their own mistakes. I’ve done it, you’ve done it, we’ve all done it. And like a pathological liar, people will continue to do so – many times – until they’re either blue in the face or they convince the other party (and themselves) that what they say is true. Once again, it’s all about responsibility.
I’m certainly not one to talk, as I’ve had my fair share of screw-ups over the years. In fact, it’s not until I came here to The Evening Sun that my life made a much-needed U-turn for the better, but that’s a column for another day.
Thankfully, none of this has permanently damaged (at least I hope so) our small-town communities, countywide. This always has been – and still is – a great place to live and raise a family. Yet it’s obvious – just reading the paper or watching the news – that crime is, if not on the rise, certainly a constant worry, even here in our remote little corner of New York State. And with the growing epidemic that is prescription drug abuse (extremely addictive), it’s no wonder that crimes associated with such abuse are also so prevalent; burglaries, robberies and violent crimes, to name just a few.
In any case, I’m not trying to preach here, but for those who continue to commit these crimes, please make an attempt, any attempt will do, to consider the consequences of your actions. Being responsible – and accountable – to oneself is the first step toward being responsible – and accountable – to the rest of us.
Follow me on Twitter ... @evesunbrian.
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