Over the past couple of years a new sense of lawlessness has evolved in some large American cities.

Organized groups of people have set upon various retail outlets to commit what amounts to robbery by intimidation. Commonly called “looting” or “smash and grab,” these violent episodes are a scourge on our judicial system. Our legal authorities seem unable or unwilling to stop these blatant crimes against a civil society.

Last week the spokesperson for the current administration, Jen Psaki, blamed COVID-19 for this recent rash of urban crime. Someone should explain to her COVID-19 does not hinder one’s ability to determine right from wrong or alter a person’s moral compass.

Our defense against the COVID-19 is vaccination. Our defense against “smash and grab” is the arrest, prosecution and strong sentencing of those involved.

Bill Eddie

Bend