Dear Source,
I wonder how many persons are truly concerned about the steady deterioration of our society, as evidenced by the lack of compliance of our own laws and regulations. What is alarming about this phenomenon is that we find this lack of compliance on all levels in our society. We also witness the lack of compliance in all three branches of government. It appears that nobody cares about being law abiding, only when the violation of law and regulations adversely affect the individual resident in some form or fashion. Are we really a society of laws? Having laws is not enough to qualify as a civilized society. Compliance is most important, respect for law and order is the unmistakable sign of a civilized society.
I have heard many persons who have traveled express admiration for certain societies they have visited. They comment on how orderly the people behave, how clean the communities are, how the motor vehicles operates in such safe ways.
Some of those same people when they return home fall back in the same old rut of disobeying their own laws and regulations. Sound familiar? Do you know anyone like that? There are so many persons in our community like that, even those that profess deep religious conviction and devotions to Christianity are found to be amongst those who fail to comply with our laws and regulations. Why? These same persons consider themselves to be decent, upright persons.
Please understand me, I am not here suggesting perfection, that no one would make mistakes or even be negligent some times, causing accidents. I am referring to deliberate acts of disregard for the laws and regulations of our society. In other words, acts of delinquency by the adults in our community.
We have our young confused by our behavior and speech, by our wanton disregard for our laws and regulations. Is that part of the "culture" we hear some people talk about so much? Do we really want to improve our lot?
In general, the host population, the native population is the group in the society that sets the pattern of behavior for immigrants and transients. I am not a sociologist, but I perceive a difference in our society. The host population has been practically neutralized by their own actions, by internal bickering, jealousy and envy, rather than respecting each other and expressing true love for themselves and others like themselves. The host population has failed to develop and transmit their positive cultural traits to their descendants and immigrants. Consequently, immigrants fill in the vacuum with their own cultural traits. The immigrants follow what they see the locals do, such as disregarding their own laws and regulations. Another factor in the waves of lawlessness is the lack of consistent and fair enforcement of our laws.
We read in the newspapers recently about the alleged unfair enforcement of the laws and regulations on the island of St. John. The sporadic and inconsistent enforcement of laws and regulations create distrust in the population. The practice of seasonal enforcement of some laws, targeting only certain persons or businesses does not promote respect nor co-operation for and with law enforcement agents. In my view, what is sorely lacking is proper training and supervision. Too many officers are left to themselves with no specific direction and coaching from supervisors; they seem to be on "auto pilot."
Can the current administration provide the proper leadership to improve our law enforcement record? While I am normally optimistic about most human endeavors, I have to be honest and realistic. From the evidence presented thus far, that is very doubtful, because of poor appointments. The exercise of oversight responsibility of the Senate does not offer any better hope. Where does that leaves us the community, those of us who believe in law and order? I believe if we are really concern about the state of affairs in our community as it regards to law abiding and law enforcement, we must join forces and pressure our representatives in government to do the right thing for the community, do their job more effectively. The Citizens Coalition for Better Government encourages you to form your neighborhood groups, civic groups to be more active in promoting positive changes in our community.
J. J. Estemac
St. Thomas, V.I.
