Fear of the Bad Old Days in NYC

Today's New York Post had a real eye opening and thought provoking article that I wanted to share. The article talks about the "Revenge of the Bad Old Days" in New York City, where crime was rampant, graffiti and destruction was common, and people didn't feel safe in their homes.

I first moved to NYC in the closing years of those "bad old days" and completely understand both the desire to forget and the need to remember. I have lived all over the world and can say whole heartedly that in my opinion, New York City is the greatest city in the world. I understand that much of the problem has to do with decreasing police forces, but I urge people to be vigilant.

NYer's are often stereotyped as being self absorbed or as people who don't care about their fellow man. We know that this isn't true. But when punks destroy bus shelters, apartment buildings, and businesses we all suffer, both the loss of our neighborhoods but also our own security. Criminals see a community where graffiti is tolerated and panhandlers are placated as a place where they can rob, rape, assault, sell drugs, and further damage property without fear of being arrested or even reported.

So how do we protect our communities? Here are some ideas:

1. Get involved with (or start) a Neighborhood Watch

2. Report crime, vandalism, and pan handlers to the police. If you don't report it, nothing will be done about it.

3. DO NOT give money to pan handlers. They stay in an area because the spot is financially lucrative. Instead, donate money to organizations that feed, cloth, and provide training to homeless people to get them back on track.

4. Donate time and/or money to New York Cares which provides access to hundreds of events taking place in NYC that benefit the community as a whole.

5. Set a good example. Make sure that your trash gets into the garbage can and clean up after your dog. Often criminals target uncared for blocks first to establish a base of activity.

6. Get involved with one of the community improvement organizations. These organizations sponsor graffiti cleaning, mural painting, garden and park cleaning, and other activities designed to make the neighborhood a cleaner, more friendly place.

We do need the number of police on the streets to increase. But we can't let apathy return us to the "bad old days" of crime and fear.