You Can't Make Mistakes.

There has recently been a spate of attacks in Kalamazoo. These attacks seem to be unprovoked, carried out by small groups of individuals who are walking through the city, often in broad daylight. This is disconcerting for two reasons: 1) These attacks have gone relatively unreported until a recent feature in the local newspaper. 2) These attacks are unlikely to let up when the college community leaves town for the summer in the next few months.

This is clearly an indicator of economic downturn, which doesn’t really make it better. When things get rough, people turn to crime. Everyone’s morals shift when there is change for the worst.

Regardless of the cause, Kalamazoans need to stay on their toes and keep an eye out. If you are being attacked, attempt to get away, and move to a place where there is a large group of people. If you see a police officer, attempt to get closer to him/her. If you are running away from someone who has a gun, or who you expect may have a gun, run in a zig-zag pattern to make you a less-easy target.

We live in scary times–not just in the world in general, but in our own backyards as well.  This is why it is ever more important that we take care of each other, watch out for our neighbors, and know how to defend ourselves. The effects of terrible situations nation and world-wide are going to be felt by each and every one of us. It would do us good to keep that in mind.