…from the desk of R.E. Vanella.
So I’ve been having real trouble trying to describe my emotions lately. I’m a bit of a spaz anyway. Nervous energy. Broader-line Frenetic.
I’ve been wound up even more lately, but at the same time exhausted. A lot has to do with the state of the neighborhood, I’m sure. From three doors away to three time zones away.
I’m starting to think it’s survivor’s guilt. Affluent white guy with no kids. I could keep my head down and my mouth shut and with any luck get through this dangerous circus OK. But this is some very nasty business that simply cannot be ignored. People are going to be broken soon. For those already broken I can hardly imagine.
Already I’m starting to not like what I see. My wife and I live in the neighborhood adjacent to the enclave near the park. Home to Messrs. Coons and Purzycki, among others. So it just so happens the WPD now patrol the area with a K-9 unit, a kitted out Tahoe, dark tint and all, trolling for suspicious persons rummaging unlocked cars for loose change at 3am. Also on the most wanted list are afternoon parcel thieves. Bane of the Highlands. If mommy doesn’t get her Amazon Prime order someone’s getting it! My missus was trailed two days ago for a few blocks because our vehicle “matched a description.”
Is this a coincidence? Some areas have witnessed the most violent January in a string of pretty fucked-up Januarys and Mayor Mike assuages the fears of the good folks near the park. The local ‘hood social media thing my wife tracks shows the lieutenant in charge of this detail has been posting twice daily updates! (He’s called Lt Dan, I shit you not, and he is apparently a very nice fellow.)
Do our neighbors dodging brass in Quaker Hill or Eastside get this white-glove attention? (I would love for someone to confirm that they do…) Maybe that consultant Ramsey can look into it for a six-figure fee.
I’ve decided to channel this into something and to not let it wear me down. I’m standing up, everday. I urge you all to do the same.
Today I’ll be delivering a personal message to the Wilmington office of Christopher Andrew Coons. I was encouraged after going in person to Carper’s last week that Timid Tom actually turned up at PHL last weekend. It was politically expedient, sure, but that’s the point. We must make it in their interest. Feel me?
To that end, I’m considering a once weekly personal trip to our Congressional representatives Wilmington offices. Just a five-minute check-in. I think it would be a good idea to go in small groups of three or four. Nothing nasty or confrontational, just the added pressure of a squad. One person delivers a message signed by the others who remain silent. We could have coffee afterwards. I would name it the airing of grievances if it wasn’t already taken. Far more juice than an email or phone call.
Who’s interested?