What's Going On In The Big Rip?

Crime--and plenty of it. Murder, theft, vandalism, you name it.  Seems like I've been caught in a crime zone.

Before I left for my trip, I learned that a young man had been killed in an apartment complex by a 19-year-old. Rumor has it that it was over a woman but the official statement is robbery.  Supposedly, they were friends.

I returned to learn that my hairdresser's father-in-law was murdered on Friday night; his body dumped in front of Domino's. Dumped because there was no blood at the scene, supposedly. Tragedy struck this family in much the same way a few years ago, I understand. His brother's body was dumped on the railroad tracks.  That is a cold case and it looks like this one will be also.

In between, a burglary ring operated on several stores along Route 51, boring holes in the back of the buildings to gain access. Emily's, the liquor store, the steakhouse. Liquor taken from the liquor store; the safe was too heavy at the steakhouse; and Emily's opening round of cash was taken.  Cut the wires so the cameras were of no use. It seems that the insurance deductible for some of these buildings is so high that the amount of loss doesn't justify making a claim.

Vandalism is rampant throughout the county, it seems. The Ripley Power and Light office, in Halls, was vandalized; a young man who hit a pole while driving under the influence tried to destroy the cruiser in which he was placed.  Other businesses, farm crops, and machinery have also been damaged.

What is going on? A full moon? Or just plain evilness? And where are the police, our friends in blue,  who are sworn to protect and serve?

Say a prayer for the Theus family as they go through their grieving period.  Burying any loved one is hard but to bury someone maliciously killed and not know the who, what, when, and why, doubles that load.

And say a prayer for the Big Rip.  We need it.

Be safe. Be Blessed.