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In Search of an Explanation
Most of us would stand up and say we're proud to be part of the North Country. What a place to live, surrounded by mountains and lakes and streams and the climate to enjoy all four seasons.
Plattsburgh has always seemed like the perfect size city, with entertainment, restaurants and social events enough to keep me happy. It took me five minutes to drive to work. A mall is right around the corner. We have several high schools to keep competitive sports at a peak, and a college in our midst. I drive through the Plattsburgh State campus daily.
When an important issue called for a rallying point, North Country residents have jumped in full force. Remember the storm over the closing of Plattsburgh Air Force Base? How many thousands gathered, not just from the city, but from all around the county and then some, to show support for PAFB?
If someone is ill, there's a benefit to raise money for medical expenses. Businesses donate raffle prizes and we donate money generously. Not long ago I attended a dinner benefit at Mainely Lobster to raise money for the medical expenses of Brian Mehan, a Plattsburgh High School graduate and Plattsburgh State student and baseball player, who is undergoing treatments for cancer.
It was quite an event. Great food, great conversations, lots of donated items for auction and an overflow crowd. We all wished that we could just wish away Brian's troubles. Many of us oldsters figured, with a full life lived, we'd trade places so that a nice guy like Brian wouldn't have to go through such problems. It was heart-warming to see the support that the North Country was giving Brian and his family.
But sometimes events take place in the North Country that are embarrassing. The recent arrest of two 27-year-olds for allegedly stealing canisters of donated money for Brian Mehan made me sick. Shoplifting cigarettes, beer, clothing might be explained away. But shoplifting money donated for someone who needs cancer treatments defies explanation.
I don't know the two people arrested. But I do know someone who knows the female involved. My friend told me that the girl is a nice person, but has had a troubled past. In addition to her petit larceny charges are drug charges.
Does someone get to the point where they need money for drugs so badly that they would fall so low as to steal from someone fighting for their life? Maybe if you have a drug problem it overtakes all else in your life. How sad.
While Brian Mehan is in Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center undergoing treatments, two North Country residents are sitting in jail. They have allegedly stolen from a young man fighting cancer. I hope they have plenty of time to think about their own lives and their embarrassing actions.
The North Country is better than this.
Comments
I was a law enforcement officer in the state of Colorado for the last six years. I have seen things far worse than this done by people addicted to drugs. Malnourised children and babies living in filth and crawling in animal feces, elderly people being abused and neglected by their own family for their social security money, home evasion, burglary, theft, shootings, all to suport drug habits. All this and more in a county of less than 37,000 people. The largest city in that county has a population of 8600. The county Jail runs at nearly max capacity all the time. A recent survey showed that 89 percent of the inmates in that jail were there due to drug related crime. The drug of choice in that area is Methamphetamine. I recently spoke to local law enforcement officers and they tell me that they are starting to see that drug in this area. The best defense is a strong offense. Educate yourself on what to look for and turn these people in when you suspect drug use. Dont feel sorry for these people, they know what they are doing is wrong. Call the District Attorney and demand the harshest penalties possible for all drug offenders.
Posted by: LaPoint | January 23, 2008 11:39 PM
I have known Brian and his family ever since Brian first put on the spikes to play Little League baseball, as my son David and Brian are the same age. You couldn't ask for a nicer kid! I had planned on going to the fundraiser at Mainely Lobster but when I got off work and drove down Tom Miller Rd I knew that there wasn't a parking spot to be had. I do know that the event was very successful but would have liked to have been there.
The couple in question appeared in City Court today and the "gentleman" apologized for his actions, saying that he needed the money for cigarettes and food but the "lady" later admitted that the money actually went for drugs and some food.
I can't imagine being at a point in my life where the only option (in my mind) that I would have would be to steal to satisfy my habit.
This reminds me of the young man from Vermont who was in the hospital in Boston and, while there, several other young men broke in to his house and stole his video game console and some games.
I would like to offer the following advice to Judge Clute and Judge Bezrutczyk -- I would sentence the couple to 300 hours of community service, to be served at the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. I would then do what I could to get them the help that they so desperately need.
Posted by: UPS Dave | January 22, 2008 7:17 PM
Even though it is unfortunate that people have chosen to steal from Brian, We can not let these two people over shadow all the good that everyone in Plattsburgh has done. Brian is very appreciative of all the well wishes and donations that have been made to help him fight this cancer. The North Country has again shown everyone what a big heart they have. And this is what my nephew Brian will be thinking about when he is receiving his treatment, that he has a whole town praying for him.
Posted by: Theresa Sullivan | January 22, 2008 5:34 PM
Foxy,
It is hard to condone stealing for any reason. Although there may be some noble attempts at justification (Robin Hood comes to mind), most often taking what rightfully belongs to others is wrong. It seems especially sad that someone could or would sink so low as to steal from someone fighting cancer. It does seem as if the worst of human nature surfaces often where drugs are involved. One of my pet peeves is the notion that drug use is a "victimless" crime. Drug use affects far more than the users as family, friends and society are impacted. I certainly feel sorry for the young man directly affected by this, but also can't help but feel a little sorry for the two people who have allegedly commited the crime. I understand that they have made their "choices" but can't imagine what their lives must be like.
Posted by: Tombear | January 22, 2008 3:43 PM