The Price of "Security"

Several days ago, a couple of teenagers stole a car and drove it through our back "security gate". They trashed a woman's car, but they got caught. The new security cameras are working!

The neighborhood has gotten safer in the last year or so and I have to admit that the security guards management hired are doing a pretty good job. Still, we've given up freedoms and privacy in the name of feeling secure.

They keep changing kids' curfew around here. It used to be they had to be in by 10 pm (which I thought was late for little ones..), then, it was 8 pm -- which we heard from the security guard and not from a community newsletter.

Last night my 16 year old was sent inside before 7 pm. The guard said it is the new curfew. She wasn't out on the town, running around on the streets. She was just OUTSIDE. He was nice about it and all. But this is starting to get ridicilous. My daughter wasn't upset. I am a little peeved.

Of course I don't want my kids running around at all hours of the night. I even understand the idea of a neighborhood curfew. But what is next? The days are getting shorter. Soon, they won't let my daughter through the gate because it is past what... six? I can't even tell you how many times she has been questioned on her way home from CHURCH.

The car that got stolen was taken at 2 in the morning. Am I crazy or is it the good kids that are restrained by curfews?

Whatever happened to parental responsibility? Let my daughter sit on the one patch of grass in this place. Collar the thieves and vandals.

A little over a year ago, my oldest daughter was assaulted on her way home from work. It was just past 10 at night. "Good thing for the security camera." My husband said to the police officer. "That?" the cop said, indicating the camera in front of the office, "It is a dummy. Doesn't work." Luckily, there was a witness. And yes, my daughter was okay. Bruised and scared out of her mind, but okay.

I am grateful for more security and I suspect her assault may have helped prompt the working cameras.

But maybe the security guards should be out a little later. Think?