Crime and (very little) Punishment

I have told y'all about the vagrancy, vandalism, drug and prostitution problems currently going on in my neighborhood. If you didn't see it, see post of May 14 "I Vote for Tough Love."

Anyway, this is a sign one neighbor made for his yard. It's already become popular, getting TV news coverage and the attention of City Hall.


the small print at the bottom of the sign says,
PLEASE WAIT HERE FOR THE NEXT AVAILABLE
CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE

(following is part of an article from KTRK-TV / Houston)

It is getting some people mad on the street.

"The solution to the whole problem is, complain all you want and move out," said one woman who didn't want to be identified.

Dirkmaat (the sign maker) and his neighbors aren't moving. The district council member says they shouldn't have to.

"I'm excited when people just say, 'You know what? I'm not taking it any more, and somebody's going to do something about it.' And our office stands willing to be a part of that process," promised Ada Edwards, Houston City Council member. Part of that process, she says, is to organize a meeting between the police chief and the residents. The sign will be spreading. More residents are ordering them for their yards and some homeowners are even planning to make up t-shirts.

(HP) I will keep you posted as developments occur. Or as occurrences develop.