Cream City Sputter

I just got a great phone call.  *insert sarcasm here*

A close friend was robbed tonight, on his way home after a long shift as a security guard.  He was robbed at a stoplight on his moped...right on his moped...I just can't get over that. His girlfriend called me and sent me a picture from her cell phone.  Mind you, it took the ambulance 40 minutes to arrive.


Now, violence in this city is nothing new.  This is not always a great place to be.  About a year ago, a mob of children beat a developmentally disabled man to death with shovels, bats, bricks, and fists.  Similar things happened after that incident, and not surprisingly these acts of violence peaked with last summer's gas prices.  The worst crimes involved mobs of people beating and killing a single individual for honking a horn, or cursing.  These crimes happened "way over there" or in that place that "I never would drive through."  The crimes were confined.

Not anymore.  This happened right near the marina, which is (was?) a very good area.  He was beaten by a man and a woman (probably a couple) that took his wallet and his moped.  "Hey honey...I'm too lazy to walk.  Let's go get that bike."

If just weeks after a price increase, this act of violence takes place,  it is to be the first of many.  This makes me sick and absolutely has shaken my fundamental belief that "all people are basically good."

I can go on and on...but, this comes down to one point: You can trust your neighbors, but only as far as you can throw them.  Mopeds are great for gas mileage...but which is more important...your pocketbook, or your life?  Anyone know how to make yourself safe on a bike without a big weapon?

Seems that it is high time that alliances be formed...people have to band together...watch each other's backs....it's the only way.  None of us can do it all alone...even if we have someone to go home to.  What if we don't make it home?  Then all is lost...

Sorry for the rant...I'm off for a drink.