Can you see that white flower in the middle of the above photo? It's an iris- one of the star bloomers at this time of year. Until a few minutes ago, that single iris was surrounded by many others.
Here's what happened: I happened to be looking out of my living room window into the park on which my house is situated. That's when I saw a woman walk up to the flower bed of irises and bend down. I thought she was just getting a closer look, until I realized that she was actually picking the flowers! There were no people around, and she certainly didn't know that I was watching from inside my house.
As she walked toward the parking lot with her booty, I debated whether I should let it go or confront her. The decision was made as I found myself standing a few feet from her car, saying (in a voice loud enough to be heard but not yelling), "I think that what you just did is illegal."
She mumbled a dismissive "yeah" without looking at me and proceeded to enter her car.
Not quite ready to let it go, I added, "Not only that, but it's not fair to your fellow man."
No response, and she drove off.
I've been around long enough to usually have a sense of whether I've done the right thing or not. In this case, I'm unsure. As the sole witness to this woman's indiscretion, was I morally obligated to let her know that she was seen and judged? Or was it none of my business? Was I standing up for the taxpayers of this city whose money paid for those flowers? Was I upholding the law? Was I speaking on behalf of the many people who enjoy this park and its flowers? Or was I just using her weak moment to try to boost myself into a morally superior position?
10 comments:
I think you were right and I would probably have done the same. But I believe I would have gone one step farther, taking her license # and calling the city. I don't know if you call the police or the parks department, and I don't know if anything would be done, but I would have tried. hmmmmmm. Maybe I wouldn't confront her if I planned to call the city, in fear of retaliation. Now I'm not sure, either. I look forward to hearing other opinions.
I think you did the right thing. She was being a thief.
Dear Lynilu,
Well, I feel better knowing that you also are a bit stumped by this! I thought of calling the police, but then I thought about all the drug dealers, rapists, murderers and bank robbers they're dealing with, and thought better of it. I think this is a tough call. Thanks for weighing in!
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Annie,
I didn't think of it that way, but you're absolutely right. She was committing theft. Thanks for the validation!
Hugs,
Betty
I would have definitely said something to her and probably called a selfish b*tch to boot!
Kudos to you. I think I might have gone one step further as well. Maybe taking her picture and inserting it in a wanted poster of some kind and putting it up in the park. Too many people ignore scofflaws these days.
Oh Honey...I'm glad that you were
the one who said something...If
it had been me...The flowers she
so rudely picked would have been
'growing' out of her a$$...She
would also have my fist removed
from her face...
You have such a better temper than
I do...
HUGS!!!!
Laurie
Dear Patti,
Yep. I can see why. I guess I did let her off easy!
Hugs,
Betty
Dear Big Dave,
I'm glad to hear that you feel that way. I wondered if maybe it was none of my business.
Hugs,
betty
Desr Laurie,
I guess that woman was lucky! I'm not always that calm. I was having a calm day when it happened.
hugs,
Betty
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