Whatever happened to common sense?

The community I live in had a big pow wow with the County Sheriff this evening and I was amazed at some of the comments. After being told the number of deputies on duty at any given time, which was very few to cover 900 square miles, one person asked why there hadn't been a follow up on the information he supposedly had on possible suspects for the rash of burglaries we've had recently.

It seems the 16 year old daughter was home alone and a couple of men drove up trying to sell an asphalt driveway. Since the length of the driveway would have supposedly made the cost prohibitive, it was automatically assumed it was just an excuse to case the place and see if anyone was home. Without any laws being broken, except maybe endangerment to a minor that was left alone, the Sheriff was supposed to drop everything and send his understaffed deputies out to check on the report?

Another question was whether the state provides information of recently released prisoners. When told the parolees were reported, he wanted to know if those who had served their time were also reported to the sheriff. I always thought when you served your time, your obligation was fulfilled, you were free to go and do as you pleased and the offense wasn't continuously held against you.

Crime, especially burglary, is on the rise due to the economic situation. It's part of the fall out from a failure of the government's stimulus efforts, where there are many people out of work because of policies and laws passed in the last year or so. The government has taken over industries, which is far removed from the powers invested in them through Constitutional directives. There are unfunded mandates that are passed on to the local communities, which are creating economic hardships at every level of society.

There isn't a sense of propriety in much that is taking place now. The people seem to have lost any sense of what is proper in their quest for more things and have allowed the government to dictate what will or will not be done. The existence of the "nanny state" is evident in meetings, like what was held tonight. "They", the Sheriff's deputies, are supposed to protect property and prevent crime from ever happening, which is a ridiculous concept.

I have a gun that goes with me to meet strange vehicles. I don't leave the premises unoccupied very often and that in itself is a deterrent to crime. My wife is proficient with a shotgun, which is probably the best defensive device to use, especially when it's loaded with buckshot. We have made a living right here on the farm since 1987 and were satisfied with what we had (not having a television probably helped keep the "wants" under control). It would probably be better if everyone would heed these words: Philippians 4:11 Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

Contentment with what we have would ease a lot of economic burdens and bring over extended credit cards back under control. Taking care of yourself has always been part of being an American, so why would anyone expect the Sheriff to provide protection?