I live in a very very small town so I drive twelve miles to the next town for shopping and most of my junking. It is not a huge city. It's population is around 45,000 and really still has a nice small town atmosphere. It has a very decent junior college and one of it's programs is the refuge center. It provides all kinds of services, education and relocation, to hundreds of displaced individuals from all over the world trying to adjust to the United States. It is very successful and is a nice reflection on the community. Yesterday while I was shopping at one of my favorite junk stores I was witness to an ugly ugly incident. The thrift stores are often filled with recent refugees buying clothes and other needed goods.While I was there (in broad daylight in what I would consider a safe part of town) two gentlemen came out of the store while I was loading my loot in my car and looked dazed and confused. I asked them what was wrong and they said there bicycles were gone. The refuge center makes sure every individual gets at least some sort of transportation and many community members donate bikes to help them get started. They said they had left them right outside but not locked up. I was livid and ashamed. The clerk inside the store said that just last week some elderly lady had left her walker outside and someone had stolen it. I have to admit not only was I ashamed but a little creeped out by the fact that one of my favorite stores was located in a very active crime area. I realize that some individuals harbor bad feelings toward immigrants but most likely it was a small time thief stealing to maintain an alcohol or drug habit. What ever the reason SHAME ON YOU. It made me feel ashamed and embarrassed and a little scared. I will never shop in that store again without feeling just a little tainted by the experience. And I hate the fact that I now feel the need to look over my shoulder just a little more in my own hometown.
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