Behind the Tape… By Cpl. Richard Dascall TYBEE BEACHCOMBER | SEPT 2017 37 There’s been vast amounts of rhetoric of late regarding the divisiveness of our nation and the moral and social responsibility we share as a people to make our democracy work. It turns out that the social network can be a down right lonely joint on occasion, even for presidents. Many may express sentiments pertaining to the level of dysfunction, others may plead that things could be better, but aren’t too bad… Ultimately, the shared value of the understanding to commit to open dialogue in a free exchange of ideas is what determines our progress from this point – as a community, a people, as we let the societal outcome ‘chips’ fall where they may. It’s interesting that as society becomes more transparent, a byproduct is to retreat within, which can be a limiting dynamic for a healthy republic, and a bummer for an extrovert with limited tech-savvy. History tells us that numerous aspects of successful negotiation formalities throughout history – or so we’ve been told – were successfully reached while gathered around a campfire. For what it’s worth, I can’t think of a better way for people to work things out between them than to sit around a campfire and work through a shared task. When I think about the movies I watched growing up as a kid and the decision making of native peoples, military generals, and the dudes on the Busch beer ads, an epiphany ensues. Let’s consider the feasibility of taking Congress to a campfire on a chilly autumn evening in the Beltway and facilitate the discussion by announcing that winter is coming, and reminding them that it would be much easier for them to get re-elected if the electorate could not be affected negatively by their actions. Thankfully, being a voter is not a preexisting condition. Necessity is the mother of invention, and the fear of dying of exposure (literally, politically, metaphorically…) is an effective motivator. We can even start a movement, a la ‘Alice’s Restaurant’ style, if you want to join. The next time you have something to discuss with someone, or have a ‘dust up’ at work with a particular boss or coworker – you just march right up to that insensitive ass and invite them to a campfire! Throw in some S’more’s, and/or other refreshments of choice, and you’ll be hardpressed to not come away with a solution, a better understanding of the other person – unless you’re one of those who can’t get along with anyone. In that case, you’re either going to run out of firewood, or get diabetes. The struggle is real, what can I tell you? It just so happens, if you are on Tybee and find yourself in such a predicament, or just discover that you’re in the mood for a campfire, I know just the place ... after all, we’re starting a social movement folks. Let the healing begin, y’all! From the RIVER’S END... By Woody Hemphill And here we are again. Another month in the books and winter quickly approaching. Kids are back in school, the weather is cooling off, and the island is becoming just a little less crowded. As we come into this part of the year, our concerns begin to change. As the rentals become vacant and businesses change over to winter hours, unfortunately criminals see the opportunity to prey on our citizens. While the police department is committed to the preservation of both life and property, we’re not everywhere at all at once. Some precautions you can take to protect your valuables are: leave your porch light on when you go out of town, have a neighbor pick up your paper, and as always, LOCK YOUR DOORS! The majority of the thefts we see are from unsecured vehicles and homes. Just taking the time to lock your door can be enough to deter a criminal. Several years ago we had a vehicle filled with four people come to Tybee late in the evening in the middle of winter. When they came here they were stopped by an officer for a minor infraction that resulted in a warning. But when this car was stopped, the officer noticed that there were four people and not much else in the car. Several hours later, the same officer saw the same car. This time it was to the roof with all sorts of lawn equipment. When the officer stopped the car, several of the occupants ran away on foot. They were all eventually caught that same night. The subjects in that vehicle had been breaking into cars and garages for several hours, taking anything of value they could carry. The common thread is that none of the cars were locked and none of the garages were secure. As everyone is most certainly aware of by now, repaving has begun on Highway 80 and Butler Ave. I’m sure everyone is ready for that construction to be done with, I know I certainly am. But while it’s going on, please be cautious while driving in the construction area. In certain parts it can seem like the lanes are narrower, causing cars to bunch up. Further than that, there are people in the roadways doing work every day, all of whom want to go home when they’re finished. While I certainly understand the aggravation that comes with this construction, I urge you not to let it affect your driving. Our officers are patrolling the roads and will be writing tickets inside of the construction zone. So please take your time to watch your speed and be aware of the other vehicles around you. As always, I hope this finds everyone in great health and great spirits. Enjoy the rest of your summer and have a wonderful Labor Day!
20503TB
To see the actual publication please follow the link above