Our Local Pack
This just in
I *don't* think it's a case of the straw that breaks the camel's back. I think it has something to do with a fear of THE PACK. Mentally, I can handle one-on-one's. But how do you defend against a pack?
I hate to add to this list but on June 4th another incident happened. An OLL kid was on his bike and was riding slow, talking to another boy and some girls. They had left Ellenberger and were going down a side street, to where he lives, when a group of 15-20 African American kids surrounded them. They told him to give them his bike and hit the kid on the side of his head and took his bike. They then just took off. When the group had approached them they all were on bikes but one. They were around 15-17 years of age. Several of them had dread locks, except the one who took the bike was bald.Maddie goes to class with one of the boys who was attacked. It's odd that this incident is the first one that makes me want to move to the 'burbs. Sex offenders, killings, daylight muggings of friends as they walked their children home from school (not to mention multiple break-ins to my car and our bikes stolen at least 3 times)...and I've never CONSIDERED moving.
911 was called, after the fact, without much results.
-----Original Message-----
From: Karen M
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2008 06:13 AM Central Standard Time
To: [30 e-mails deleted]
Subject: Ellenburger Park Activity
On Thursday afternoon, June 5, a group of 3 girls and 2 boys rode their bikes north on Whittier as they left Ellenberger Park. The 14-year-old boys turned east at the next block only to be called back by the girls who had been surrounded by at least a dozen older boys on bikes. The two boys returned to help the girls. After being punched in the head multiple times, the group forcibly took a bike from one of the boys. While most of the group left with the stolen bike, two members stayed back to prevent the victims from calling for help until the group was gone. A police report has been filed.
Two weeks prior a 14-year-old boy was intimidated by a group of 4 older boys (not the same ones) while he was walking with a group of girls near the NW corner of Ellenberger . An officer patrolling nearby pulled up to the group causing the older boys to take off.
Inquiry is being made into the level of security at the park.
I *don't* think it's a case of the straw that breaks the camel's back. I think it has something to do with a fear of THE PACK. Mentally, I can handle one-on-one's. But how do you defend against a pack?
3 comments:
The gospel for today seems oddly apropos:
Mt 5:38-42
Jesus said to his disciples:
“You have heard that it was said,
An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.
But I say to you, offer no resistance to one who is evil.
When someone strikes you on your right cheek,
turn the other one to him as well.
..."
So...I'm left as a bloody mess as they bike away, laughing? It SO goes against the grain. But I guess that's part of it's power.
And what about "All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing"? That rings true.
I'm in a quandary.
Maybe it's the difference between personal attack/defense, and impersonal/coordinated attacks and coordinated/communal defense?
Maybe Jesus meant that you'll suffer less violence if you cede your bike immediately and willingly....?
Maybe turning your other cheek deflects more severe violence....?
So you were sitting in the self-same park as the "pack"? (as per your Wed twitter)?
Yes...same park...Ellenburger.
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