The Cost of Crime

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In recent years, the effectiveness of law enforcement in addressing retail theft has become a subject of growing concern. Despite the traditional adage that criminal activities are ultimately futile, some argue that current policies and practices have inadvertently created an environment where shoplifting and property crimes seem increasingly consequence-free. Challenges in the judicial system, including expedited release processes and potential limitations on law enforcement’s ability to respond, have raised questions about the deterrence of such criminal behaviors.

Now, there are complaints. It’s no wonder there is an increase in prices. It is but one of the costs of crime. It is a price the public pays when they encourage crime, such as bulk shoplifting, also known as theft. When done in mass, it becomes a major cost of doing business.

Retail theft extends far beyond the immediate financial loss of stolen merchandise. Businesses are compelled to invest heavily in enhanced security measures, often with minimal deterrent effect. Moreover, the broader societal cost manifests through increased law enforcement expenses, ultimately borne by taxpayers in an ongoing cycle of economic burden.

As retailers evaluate profitability, grocery stores often become the first casualties of economic shifts. Gradually, one store closes, then another, until an entire neighborhood transforms into what urban planners call a “food desert.” This systematic withdrawal creates a predictable cycle of economic decline, leaving communities bewildered by the sudden lack of essential services. The consequences are clear, yet those responsible seem perplexed by the outcomes they themselves have engineered.

Today, one of the big complaints in polls is increasing prices. Wake up, folks. An increase in prices is but one of many when lawless theft is permitted to run wild. Yet the Democrats have seemed to encourage the theft. Now they are the first to complain, blaming it on those trying desperately to put a stop to the fire originated by the Democrats.

Put the criminal in prison, which will decrease crime and help to control peace.

By the way, it will also make our cities much safer too. That is kinda important too.

Memories

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The familiar route home, a path I’d traversed countless times, suddenly felt alien under the night’s dark canopy. As I navigated the shadowy road, a disorienting moment seized me—I was lost, despite knowing every curve and landmark. My speed dropped instinctively, and my eyes darted frantically across the landscape, searching for a recognizable silhouette or landmark. Seconds stretched like minutes until, mercifully, the terrain’s contours realigned in my mind, and recognition washed over me like a wave of relief. The sudden return of spatial awareness was profoundly comforting, a reminder of how our minds can momentarily disconnect from the most well-trodden paths.

As I approach my late seventies, the subtle signs of cognitive decline become increasingly apparent. Memory lapses emerge more frequently, compelling me to develop small strategies to navigate daily challenges. I find myself repeating tasks, correcting initial missteps, and occasionally experiencing moments of genuine concern. These subtle shifts can be overwhelming, transforming even simple routines into complex navigations that test my patience and resilience.

More than twenty years ago, despite having a sharp memory, I still occasionally forgot things. After breaking my ankle and relying on crutches, I quickly learned that navigating stairs was a challenging skill. Like many others who have used crutches, I initially went to great lengths to avoid stairs finding alternative routes whenever possible.

The familiar workplace demanded occasional navigation of stairs, a challenge I had grown accustomed to. On this particular day, I maneuvered through the doorway and ascended the steps with practiced precision. Reaching the center of the room, I paused, surveying my surroundings with a contemplative gaze. Supported by my crutches, I lingered in that moment of uncertainty, acutely aware that my memory had once again abandoned me, leaving me adrift in a sea of forgotten intentions.

As I glanced back at the steeps I had just ascended, a weary realization washed over me. My imminent return would inevitably resurrect the very reasons that initially compelled me to this challenging journey. The prospect of climbing these unforgiving steps twice, rather than the single arduous climb I had hoped for, loomed before me like an unavoidable burden.

As I retraced my steps, the purpose of my initial climb suddenly crystallized in my mind. Purposefully, I ascended the stairs once more, this time with clarity. After swiftly completing my intended task, I descended back to the room where I had started, mission accomplished.

That day, I proved something very important. For the remaining time I was on crutches, I never again forgot why I went from one room to another. That is to say, given the proper encouragement, a person can train their brain. I know I did. When something is important enough, one can keep from forgetting it.

Well, I suppose that’s not entirely true. For some reason, I can’t remember the filter size for my furnace. Every time I go to the store and get to where the filters are, I am reminded that I don’t know the size and I never wrote it down. Now my furnace needs two filters badly, and it keeps getting colder outside.

I guess I will have to make a special trip… In the cold.

Baseball & Football

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From age six, I loved playing baseball. The problem is, now I am far too old. As for football, I use it for napping. Fifteen minutes, and I’m out like a light. I suppose I could record games for the summer, but so far, it just takes a bit longer for me to fall asleep.

My passion for ping pong remains strong, though opportunities to play have become increasingly rare. The sport demands a controlled environment, as even a slight wind can disrupt the delicate balance of the game. While I’m confident in my initial skills and believe I could hold my own against casual players, my age suggests that sustained, intense play might challenge my endurance. I’m eager to find a suitable venue and a worthy opponent to reignite my love for table tennis.

Too, Too Late

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I’ve always had an interest in trains. I haven’t a clue why. As I approached seventy, it came to me that I chose the wrong profession. I also like to travel. It is very possible I might have been happy as truck driver. However, thinking back over it, I think I would have been happy with most anything on a train.

But alas, I really don’t think any railroad is looking for anyone to do anything who is eighty.

It’s a Different Game

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Modern football has evolved dramatically, transforming from a simple, unified approach to a highly specialized sport. In the past, players were versatile, seamlessly switching between offensive and defensive roles. Now, teams deploy intricate strategies with dedicated specialists for every position, including precise kickers, agile wide receivers, and strategically positioned defensive units, reflecting the sport’s increasing complexity and strategic depth.

Beyond that, there are special teams. There are teams for kicking and teams for receiving. The first time I heard the term “linebacker,” I had to ask what it meant. When I heard “safety,” I figured it out on my own. In the days of Knute Rockne, one-hour games didn’t last over two hours. Certainly, the last two minutes didn’t last fifteen-plus minutes.

One might question whether it is better or not. However, there is no way a person can deny that it is different. One might argue that it doesn’t matter so much, but it does. Every time there is a new record, one must question whether it would be the same in the game that used to be. In a world where rules are altered at the drop of a hat, one must question the wisdom.

Indeed, it goes beyond what happens on the field of play. It would seem there are changes off the field as well. Sometimes I believe that is where the worst rule changes have occurred.

Drug Free?

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Often, I have seen ads that contain the phrase “drug-free” or something similar. For years, I wondered, just what does it mean to be “drug-free”?

The term “drug” is difficult to define precisely. I suppose even oxygen could be called a drug, as it can be prescribed by a doctor. It does raise the question: What exactly is “drug-free”? If I were to challenge an advertisement with this claim, how would I go about it?

So, I purchased a product, and the label has in large letters, “Drug Free.” Can I believe it? I decided to consult the all-knowing internet. Not much help there, at least from my perspective.

Perhaps there is a medical book that defines it, or a legal dictionary. I do not know. Mostly, the internet simply jumps to traces of drugs in the blood, which has nothing to do with that stuff I picked up off the shelf.

As near as I could tell from an hour of searching, a drug is something not in a normal diet and is taken for the purpose of medicating.

While many might be swayed by the latest marketing claims, I prefer to maintain a skeptical perspective. This particular assertion seems more like a calculated promotional strategy designed to capture attention rather than convey substantive information. Consequently, I’ll approach it with measured indifference, recognizing it as likely another hollow attempt to generate buzz.

Actually, that is not entirely true. At least I’ll know it has no opioids in it. That’s nice to know.

A Man Used

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Every year about this time, the networks are busy extolling the actions of Martin Luther King. Honestly, I can’t say a whole lot about him one way or the other. During his active years, I had just joined the Marines and was soon bound for Nam. My mind was occupied by many other things.

However, there were a few undeniable things I did notice because they were so obvious. Yet, it seemed to me that no one else noticed them. If they did, they kept their mouths shut in fear of what the world would think of them. To be sure, anyone who spoke the wrong words in public soon wished they had swallowed those words instead.

During the rise of political correctness, individuals became increasingly cautious about their internal dialogue, fearing potential scrutiny and judgment for harboring thoughts that might be deemed inappropriate. The pervasive atmosphere of social surveillance created an unspoken anxiety that even one’s most private musings could be exposed and condemned.

Frankly, I even became careful of how I say things, even though I have said a thing or two that are strictly out of bounds. Mostly, I believe I get away with it because I have the undeniable facts behind me. Besides, who is going to listen to an old man near death.

Martin Luther King was a peaceable man. I don’t know to what extent, but clearly he wanted to settle the true and tragic segregation without violence. This certainly made him a very respected man by both sides of the problem. He was, to be sure, making great strides. His sound words found the ears of many.

On the other hand, there were those who had no desire to keep it peaceful. I guess there were and are a number of groups that wanted equal rights to take more violent efforts. That put them at odds with Martin Luther King and his efforts.

Then, Martin Luther King , Jr was assassinated, and it all changed overnight. It forced me to come to some conclusions. The conclusions are not politically correct, but they are difficult to outright deny.

I cannot help but wonder if Martin Luther King was being used by factions that wanted violence. Perhaps it is not a stretch to suggest that he was being used and aided by communists. They might have been helping in coordination and financing.

Okay! There, I said it. Am I wrong? Can you prove it? Do you even have any proof that I am wrong? Let me add one more question. In light of the fact that it was the design of the Soviets to overtake the US without war, it was and is stupid for them to stand in the way of anyone or anything that is helping them. So, why not help Martin Luther King any time he had the same or similar goals?

The communist’s problem was, they were ready to take it to the next level. They wanted riots. They wanted to threaten. They wanted violence. It is the way the communist operates. In case you don’t know, they have written it down for all to read. It is fact, not speculation.

So, suddenly, on one day, the biggest problem standing in their way is gone. He has gone on to his reward. Personally, I believe he has gone on to be with the Lord.

Then suddenly, there is violence. There is no one or nothing to stop it.

If you truly like Martin Luther King, if you really want to celebrate his life and what he stood for, you might want to take a few minutes to stop and truly study and understand his goals and not those who likely engineered his death.

As I said, he was a man of peace, not violence.

Pushing the Limit

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Bill and his wife were summoned and refused to show up. I guess they were the chosen ones. If nothing happens, the Democrats will know it means less than nothing, and all the rest will ignore it. If they prosecute, even if not successful, it will send an important message. If the prosecution is successful, the message becomes stronger. Bill’s friends won’t want to go before Congress but even less to prison.

Clearly, Bill thinks he will not be charged. He thinks he will get away with it. The bad thing is, he just might.