September typically marks the beginning of autumn, although you wouldn't know it when it's 100-plus degrees in Southern California. It also is a busy time for me. Here's why:
First, my son and daughter have birthdays on the 6th and 29th. Oh, and I celebrated mine on the 14th; second, it's the time of year when presidential candidates are hyper-focused on the November election. As usual, I've been busy commenting on the Trump and Harris campaigns; and third, it's the season when football and baseball collide. So far, it's been a rocky start for USC and the 49ers, while the Giants need to regroup and wait 'til next spring.
If you ask me, September also is a time to reflect on the past eight months and prepare for the remainder of the year. That said, I want to thank you for subscribing to my FreidomReport blog, and thank the New York Times, Washington Post, New York Post, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, Orange County Register, Daily Pilot, Laguna Independent, Stu News Laguna and Stu News Newport for publishing my letters. With this last thought in mind, here's my latest letter. It's running today in the Daily Pilot.
I hope you have a great weekend.
Bad guys notice displays of wealth
It happened again. First it was a stick-up at Fashion Island where the intended victims drove a Ferrari and a Rolls Royce. Now it’s South Coast Plaza where a shopper driving a Lamborghini SUV was wounded during an attempted robbery (Man shot Sunday night in attempted robbery at South Coast Plaza, police say, Daily Pilot, Sept. 23).
The way I see it, if people have enough money to own such expensive vehicles, then they probably have enough to buy an understated town car, like a 2021 Subaru, to drive to the mall. Why call attention to yourself when bad guys are looking for rich, easy targets to rob? Like the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” My new version goes like this: “The next time you get the urge to shop at South Coast Plaza, do it without a neon target on your back.”
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach
In foreign lands, some American travelers have learned to leave the bling, Rolexes and diamonds at home when they go out to public places. I say that’s smart.
Car-jacking harms not only the victims but also the community spirit and reputation. Stronger police presence and proper convictions well publicized will curtain the criminals at home.
Otherwise, crime pays. Ask T-Rump. Accountability or some old story and results.
Has it come to this? I think I saw this in a Sci-Fi movie several years ago. But joking aside, I don't know what the answer is, but certainly more law enforcement, security guards at malls like this, tougher laws. I can't believe that we can live in a society where you can't drive your real car, women can't go out wearing their jewelry or even dressed up. No, this is America, not a third world country. Somehow with all the law enforcement, we are still missing the mark.