Today a funny thing happened. I was about 99% sure I saw a kid swipe a copy card out of a copier at work. I asked in the office next to mine, “Does someone have a copy card in the copier?” “Yes” came the reply from a woman wearing a black turtleneck sweater. I said, “That kid in the red just took it out of the machine” as I pointed at a student who was about 100 yards from us. The woman in black sighed “oh.” A long, saddened, oh. I was completely baffled by her reaction. I opened my mouth wide and in my best diaphragm teacher voice yelled “HEY!” Everyone looked at me except the kid. “HEY! IN THE RED!” Again, no response. He was just about at the end of the 200-yard hallway so I took off running. He made a left and disappeared. I knew he was headed toward the side door so I moved a little faster. When I got to the end of the hallway, a man said “he went out the door and to the right.” I ran outside and there he was, not too far ahead of me. I said “Hey! You in the red! Give me that copy card! Nooowww!” as if I were scolding a child. My voice was firm and loud. Pretty scary, actually. He said he didn’t have it but saw one by the door we had both just come through. I said, “Oh yeah? Show me” and followed him indoors. Sure enough, it was on a janitorial cart by the door. I gave him a “you don’t fool me” look just as the woman in black showed up to retrieve her card. The kid walked back out the side door and the woman in black said to me, “Thank you. I can’t believe you ran after him. I think you got your workout for the week.” Yes, I was panting. I said with a smile, “Sure. Tell me there’s actually some money on that card.” And there was, about 600 copies worth. After the incident, I thought I should have said something to that kid like “next time we’ll press charges.” See? I didn’t follow through. The woman was happy to have her card back so the scene just dissolved.
The point of the story? I’m a hero? No. I need to work on my cardio? Yes, but no, not the point. The point is I took action. Why was that woman so shocked? Why did she sigh? That kid stole something of hers and she was instantly resigned to letting it go without a fight. When did we become so complacent to have our things stolen from us? Do we even notice anymore? We need to be aware and fight for what’s right. To fight for our rights. Upset the downward momentum.
Greetings, Duff! Why do people hesitate? I think in today's world it isn't always wise to 'fight back" and maybe that is why people don't take action. my hubby was in Brazil and was pick pocketed (is that a term?) and he chased the fella about 6 blocks until he realized he was being led into a seedier part of town so he stopped and resigned to losing the $150 he had in his money clip, plus the clip of course. I always have a knee jerk reaction to do what you did, but sometimes I do question the wisdom in certain situations. Good for you!! We can't let them win!
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