Frightening: Common sense needs a revival
Last week presented a couple of reminders that we all must do a better job with personal responsibility and accountability, because what we do (or do not) as individuals can affect the safety and wellbeing of entire communities.
Let us start with guns. If you choose to carry a weapon — concealed or otherwise — that is your right. Maybe it is even part of your job. But please do so properly and safely. Do not, for example, carry it while jogging, in a holster so unsecured that it falls out.
Losing a weapon in a public place, whether it be a parking lot or wooded park, means that it could be lying around out there somewhere for anyone to pick up. For example, McDonough Wildlife Refuge is the training grounds for a local cross country team. What if a student was to stumble upon the weapon, or worse, what if someone younger thought they had found a toy?
It is a frightening thought.
But speaking of frightening, there is another plague of irresponsible behavior sweeping the area that is striking more fear into residents than ISIS could ever dream. Despite nearly every law enforcement agency in the area telling residents they have had no actual reports, the creepy clown craze is being spread around social media in the form of rumors and third-hand reports of sightings that is bordering on criminal. (Yes, there was one report to police in Vienna that someone said they saw a clown standing along a road; police responded and found nothing.)
When elementary school children are so terrified that their school feels the need to call in police officers just to reassure them, the older students and adults who are recklessly spreading such nonsense should be ashamed of themselves. If you did not see it yourself — and better yet, get proof and report it to police — do not pass it along. Otherwise you are simply contributing to a growing panic.
Use a little common sense and decency out there. We are better than this, folks.