by Bill Curtis

I have a column in mind, and it came from reading my copy of the Breezy Bulletin. I had read about what the "Darlings" did to the basketball court and the bocce court for no reason other than to be smart in front of their peers.It really irked me. I often attribute their vandalism to Budweiser Light, but it could also be the "Look at me " I'm a real bad a--, look at what I did.

The Bulletin also mentioned about the "Darlings" complete lack of respect for authority and their use of ski-masks and "hoodies" for immunity from being identified. Unfortunately our youth are immune from instant justice by adults. The law protects minors from being treated as an offending adult would be.

A case in point. Last time in Breezy I was leaving parking lot 2 heading home with my two Jersey friends that had accompanied me to my Utopia. As we were passing the Coop's garage 4 teenagers on bikes were heading right for me, the lead bike had a kid on his handlebars and couldn't see anything, so I tapped my horn to alert him. They parted, and as they passed, greeted me and my visitors with, "F--- you! and continued on their way. That was our "Darlings" introductory greeting to my friends.

Everyone of these young people are someone's precious son or daughter whom they think the world of, who when not with their friends are probably respectful law abiding individuals. But when they are in a group with no adults that know who they are, its almost like a Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transformation takes over. They often seek recognition and vie for approval of their peers by outrageous acts.

Years ago teens roaming around on school nights was rationalized by there probably was nothing for them to do in their then small bungalow homes. But that's no longer an excuse in our McMansions with every electronic gidget and gadget available.

I recounted the vandalism that occurred in Breezy to my son that has a home in Bound Brook NJ and he told me that a neighbor of his had mentioned to my son that if my son saw any young kids he didn't know on the streets after dark to call the Police. My son said, "You mean for Halloween?"
The neighbor said no, anytime. There's a curfew for teenagers and below. If you don't like what you see, call the Police, and they'll respond..

I know the folks in Breezy feel very confident about not being a victim of a crime, and that compared to most parts of NY City it is Utopia, but why are the young people so hostile to adults and the things that are for their enjoyment?

Young people know that an adult can't legally accost or try to detain a so-called child, so they have no fear and will defy adults openly. It's the "You can't touch me" syndrome.

Should we have groups of men patrol the gathering places as additional eyes?

Should young persons apprehended be turned over to the 100th precinct?

Should Breezy have a curfew on school nights?

Should cameras again be installed overseeing the athletic areas?

I'm sure our Security people pretty well know who the core troublemakers are. It's a small town with essentially no transients. So it would behoove Security to make examples of the small minority that tend to make the rest of the kids act out things they normally would never do. But then the cry of, "Not my child, my child would never do anything like that". would be heard over and over.

That brings us back to the cameras. "One photo is worth a thousand words".

Bye