Suze wrote: > The theory of trained citizens looking out for each other though has proven to work. > My neighborhood, for example, and others, began citizen brigades a few decades ago. >Much like the minute men of revolutionary times, these folks, armed with nothing >other than flashlights and two-way radios, took to > the streets to reclaim them.
This captures the OPPOSITE, (or oppotips), of what I perceive the TIPS program to be about. A Neighborhood Watch is looking outward to protect citizens from more danger where the "danger" signs are more tangible: prowlers, unfamiliar cars cruising slowly by an empty house and things like that. The TIPS program is looking inward to protect citizens from their very own neighbors and the "danger" signs are far less tangible. If I dislike the phrase "God Bless America," and discuss it respectfully with my neighbor, does that put me on a "watch list?" If someone else is critical of our government's plan or a law and works against it, does that put them on a "watch list?" Perceived danger can be so subjective, it's a frightening thought to leave it to a neighborhood watch program no matter how well intentioned or trained. MG
