ISSUE: Unkind, illegal acts

OUR VIEW: One woman has message about senseless acts

It's is not uncommon on our news and opinion pages at The Times and Democrat to detail the stories of good deeds. Whether these are the accounts of people honored in our Community of Character or those praised by others for returning purses and wallets or helping stranded motorists, people like to read about good deeds.

During the holiday season especially, all think of good deeds, reaching out to help people through formal programs and individual acts of kindness and generosity. On the down side, there always are the warnings from police about those who would take advantage of the season, robbing gifts directly from individuals or invading homes in search of bounty.

But what of the totally senseless act that does nothing but cause pain and suffering to the victims. Here is a story we believe needs telling. If only the person or persons responsible could know the impact of their actions. And if only they cared.

The writer is Kathleen Smith of Orangeburg:

"This is to the suspect, or suspects, who for whatever reason decided to vandalize four vehicles at the Orangeburg Mall around 2:30 p.m. on a recent day by slicing up six tires. I am the owner of the black Jeep. You slashed two of my tires. They were purchased a month ago. You also sliced two of my sister-in-law's tires. She just got her car out of the shop and surely didn't need this.

"The other two women I didn't know, but I'm sure this was something they could have done without. New tires and a tow truck were the last thing on my mind that day.

"I want you to know that I've worked at the House of Pizza for 12 years and I've worked hard as a divorced mother to take care of my family. But I still struggle every month to pay my bills. Your little act of vandalism cost me any hope of being able to buy my two new granddaughters anything for their first Christmas.

"I would like to thank Orangeburg Public Safety for their swift response. They were wonderful considering they had four really upset women to contend with.

"Lastly, I would like to ask why there are no video cameras on the building or in the parking lots. If there had been, we might have had a chance of catching the person who did this.

"I have little hope that the person who did this will get caught! But I was raised to believe that "What goes around, comes around." So I still have hope that your punishment will come from a higher power."

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