Let your guard down on occasion

As I read the newspaper and converse with neighbors and those I meet in the city or the workplace here in Everett, I have found it difficult to find people who don’t have high stress or hyper-vigilance when it comes to issues regarding safety, crime, etc. I understand that the world we live in is sometimes dangerous, but I should hope we all don’t have to belong to the “nosy neighbor gossip club” or to be willing to report “incidents” and “situations” to the authorities anytime someone looks at you funny or shares an unpopular opinion.

I have found it difficult to work or engage in conversation with others in the city of Everett due to the level of suspicion and obsession with issues regarding crime or law among most of the populace here. Also, due to the world political situation and popular culture, it is hard to discern between those who are truly the “good guys” and those who are the “bad guys.” Some people I meet try to prove they are not criminals by imagining all sorts of horrible punishments for those found guilty.

I don’t have an answer for the culture and situation, just a wish to be able to relax and “live and let live” among my fellow citizens.

Brian A. Caldwell

Everett