This page will is dedicated to Hot Button Issues. The name implies chronicity, controversy, flared tempers, etc.. Topics that leap to mind include: harvesting native plants from public/private property; victimless crimes; speeding and other driving problems; police department unresponsiveness; prosecutorial failure; criminal recidivism; the skate park; etc..
Why dedicate a page to such issues? The best answer I can think of is because these issues are without long-term resolution. Perhaps we could visit this page whenever hot issues arise to see what was discussed and even resolved (over the short term) before.
Much Ado About Meat
Today is Sunday, September 13, 2009. I've received so many copies of a message being passed around that I thought it's time to address it here.
The economy suffers, crime is on the rise. We're all on edge. People we know (or know of) have been victims of theft. Our homes and businesses are under siege. The police offer little hope. We consider buying guns, attack dogs, alarm systems, surveillance cameras, fencing. We consider pulling up stakes and moving elsewhere. Pretty soon everyone becomes a suspect. That neighbor who keeps to himself probably has something to hide, there seem to be juveniles around that weren't here before, etc.. Rumors start, some circulate and escalate.
Best Western Beef is the latest victim of hysteria. Many of us have seen these guys driving a white pickup with designer license plates and a chest freezer in back. They're door-to-door meat and and seafood salesfolk. Only now, hysteria wants us to believe that they're somehow connected to the rash of burglaries. Maybe you've heard the rumors: "John Doe's house was burglarized a week or so after that meat truck was in the neighborhood."
Well, as some have claimed, I did speak to the company's owner on Oahu, and not only has he heard the rumors, his business is suffering, and he has begun filing lawsuits against those he believes are slandering him. I put myself in his shoes for a moment and didn't like what I saw. As he said, he's a legitimate businessman offering a legitimate product. Some people like his products, others don't. Same can be said about every business and product on the market.
The messages forwarded to me have not only propagated the rumored connection between the salesfolk and crimes, but saw fit to criticize the product, as well. Could it be his competition distributing the message? Maybe his business is failing and he's spreading the rumors himself so he can capitalize in civil court. Maybe the rumors are true. Or maybe they're just rumors with a dash of personal opinion tossed in.
Comment provided by the undersigned:
I have seen and spoken to the folks in the truck from Best Western. They ARE legit, even if their door-to- door style is making some of us nervous, given the rash of illegitimate activity in th area involving a white pickup. I'd like to make a couple of points where they are concerned. First; they have a massive white freezer filling most of the bed of the truck; you just can't miss these folks or mistake them for someone else, although I would suggest to them that one of those magnetic signs on the side of the vehicle would pretty much remove all doubt for the folks who see them. Second; they, like the rest of us, are trying to make a living. They are certainly NOT going to run away if someone approaches them or tries to flag them down - that person is a potential customer, and nobody runs away from money; at least not these days. This guy often has one or more kids with him, and he's respectful and happy to stop and talk story.
Some of us may be uncomfortable with his going door-to-door and, in effect,"cruising" our neighborhoods in these uncertain times, but the fact is, the guy's not doing anything wrong or illegal, and this is just how he has to do his business. If you see him and have any doubts about him, flag him down and talk to him. He is personable, and will understand your concerns. If you see a white pickup w/no freezer cruising the area, get the tag number and try to flag him. If he runs away, or can't justify his presence, report him/them.
Meanwhile, if you DO come across our "meat man", please be nice. Remember, this IS Volcano, and we have even more of a reputation for Aloha spirit than the rest of the state. At least this has been the case for the more than 20 years that I have lived here. Let's not allow our worries over a couple of bad apples ruin living here for ourselves and our neighbors, as well as visitors to our home.
Please share this message. Yes, we have a problem, and we need to be on the alert; but let's keep our heads, and not punish the innocent out of fear.
- jan buckley
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