The news is filled with numerous events of shootings and crime in general. Random violence, break-ins, shoplifting and looting are a daily occurrence.
With the defunding of the police and prosecutors not doing their job, we the citizens are at the mercy of criminals. Criminals have no respect for decency, property or the lives of anyone.
While prosecutors and judges release suspects for whatever reason, there is another part of society that insists and demands on morality and decency for everyone, that think people have their rights to do what they want. Where is it written that there is a right to steal and/or destroy property belonging to other people. Do some think they deserve what others have worked for? There is no free lunch. The attitude is if they want it just steal it; and let nothing get in the way.
Some people think there is no difference between right and wrong, anything goes. This is not the way of civilized people. The looters, rioters, shooters and arsonists are not civilized. They have not learned, or have forgotten, what it means to be a responsible citizen. They have not learned morality. This is something that used to be taught in schools and churches. Since all references to God and religion have been removed from schools and all public areas, we have seen a dramatic increase in criminal behavior.
There is a thought that minor violations should be ignored and forgotten. But getting away with a minor crime might lead to someone to commit a bigger crime, with no thought as to potential consequences and no thought to the victim.
With no guidance from a moral standpoint, nothing will stop the criminal from continuing to commit various acts of bad behavior. This leads to more and greater crimes, and less safety for neighborhoods and families. It also may lead to retaliation from the victims, which means more crimes are committed.
The solution to this crime wave is a return to high ethical and moral standards, and a return to going to church or other religious venues. Even atheists and agnostics can have high morals and ethics. It is their choice to believe in a supreme power. It is also the choice of any one to be a law abiding citizen, respecting others and their property. Instead of criticizing or banning any reference to God, we as a country would be better off respecting good behavior.
Our country was founded with Christian principles. Look at the Bill of Rights and compare them to the Ten Commandments. One of the rights is the freedom of worship. I’m no religious scholar but I am sure no faith believes violence and crime is part of the religion.
Herb Dettmer is a retired Bowling Green resident, U.S. Army veteran and writes this column representing the viewpoint of “Joe Average” citizen. He is freelance writer and author of “Others,” a devotional book. Call or text “Joe” with comments at 419-494-4641.
