Hate crimes and regular old muggings

Today coming home from work a neighbor told me that last night up the block a woman was attacked, and the guy who rushed out of the house to help the woman, also beat by the perps. Apparently, I failed to notice the various cops and the helicopter responding to the scene. Add that to other muggings and gay bashing that I’ve heard of, this seems to be on the increase. However, I’m tempering it with the sense that things seem to get worse before they get better.
The good that I’m hoping that will come of this post is a reminder that you need to BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS. For the love of Pete people too many people are walking along yakking away on cell phones, texting, and rocking out on ipods. I’m not saying live in fear, just be safe. Take a cab if you’re drunk. Have your keys out when walking at night. Turn off the mp3 player or at least have one ear free to hear what’s coming up behind you. Make the phone call quick and hang up. If you’re walking with friends still remain aware.
We’ve been through this cycle before, let’s work to bring back the sense of safety by becoming safe.