It is hot today in western Washington, the hottest day this year.  You can bet that even late tonight will be humid and I have no air conditioning.  Have you ever felt it was unsafe to leave the windows open on a hot night?  Today the local news reported that burglars entered a home by merely breaking a screen.  The responding officer said people should keep their windows locked tight or put bars on them. I’m a law abiding citizen, why should lock myself in a sweltering cage while the criminals have free reign in the cool night air?   

          This reminded me of a news stories from last winter.  People were starting their cars a few minutes before they had to leave for work on the cold mornings.  Police said they shouldn’t do that, it made it too easy for the criminals to steal the vehicle.  Some communities even made warming your car in your own driveway illegal.  All too often what should be legal activity is restricted because our society panders to criminals. 

          It has been scorching today and I’m as cranky as can be.  I can just hear the police officers warning me to shut every window tight.  No, I’m not going to do either.  I should be able to rest comfortably in my home so, tonight I’m sleeping with the windows wide open.  I might even leave the doggy dog open.  However, if any criminal thinks this house is an easy mark, they might want to reconsider.  As the cool air blows through the bedroom window tonight, I’ll rest comfortable in the knowledge that if the dog doesn’t get them the gun certainly will.