78 replies to this topic

[Darthvader]

Dude, what is wrong with just a reinforcement every now and then to keep an eye out for suspicious activity? Even if it's a false alarm, it's good to talk to your kids and help them recognize risks. I think it's great this kid had the smarts to protect himself. We'll probably never know if it was a false alarm, but it's OK to be on guard for such things.

There is nothing wrong with telling kids to be alert and aware of such situations. The problem here is the MOM who sees a van that's not a Escalade or Yukon on their uber-snooty Parkway neighborhood and then the emails start flying to half the city with unsubstantiated reports and no facts. If that's fine with you great but how'd you feel if you were the guy trying to make a buck and the cops and every soccer mom in town hassle you because your car doesn't fit in?

And believe it or not kids can embellish stories and even make things up so to start this rampage of fear and alerts based on a kids story is really irresponsible.

[Andrea V]

There is nothing wrong with telling kids to be alert and aware of such situations. The problem here is the MOM who sees a van that's not a Escalade or Yukon on their uber-snooty Parkway neighborhood and then the emails start flying to half the city with unsubstantiated reports and no facts. If that's fine with you great but how'd you feel if you were the guy trying to make a buck and the cops and every soccer mom in town hassle you because your car doesn't fit in?

And believe it or not kids can embellish stories and even make things up so to start this rampage of fear and alerts based on a kids story is really irresponsible.

Just before my kid left on his bike to go to school thins morning, I reminded him to stay away from cars,Don;t talk to ANY strangers.... and especially stay away from white vans!

You can think it is dumb all day. You are not a daddy.... until you are, you will not understand.

[ChipShot]

And believe it or not kids can embellish stories and even make things up so to start this rampage of fear and alerts based on a kids story is really irresponsible.

This happens all the time.

My neices do it constantly, and it drives my brothers crazy.

Sometimes they're legit, but otherwise, "save the drama for yo mama".

[Darthvader]

Just before my kid left on his bike to go to school thins morning, I reminded him to stay away from cars,Don;t talk to ANY strangers.... and especially stay away from white vans!

You can think it is dumb all day. You are not a daddy.... until you are, you will not understand.

As usual, you have no idea what you are talking about.

[Folsom Guy]

Dude, what is wrong with just a reinforcement every now and then to keep an eye out for suspicious activity? Even if it's a false alarm, it's good to talk to your kids and help them recognize risks. I think it's great this kid had the smarts to protect himself. We'll probably never know if it was a false alarm, but it's OK to be on guard for such things.

I may get called on the carpet for straying off the topic - but, this is the kind of attitude at the highest levels in our govt led to 9/11.

There's no harm taking note of activities that are out of norm....and acting on them in an appropriate manner

A stitch in time save nine...

[Andrea V]

As usual, you have no idea what you are talking about.

you only have chipshot who agrees with you.... what does THAT say???

[ChipShot]

As usual, you have no idea what you are talking about.

+10

It's become an epidemic around here!!

[gm2005]

I think that van is the one that is delivering all the yellow pages. However, I would have reported the activity like that to the police too.
As a matter of fact, Folsom PD has told the people in our area to report any suspiscious car to them, as about a year ago ER had a lot of home and car break ins.
So, I don't think this is over reacting and yes, those who don't have kids will never understand, no mattar what.

[Andrea V]

+10

It's become an epidemic around here!!

Wow, 2 childless children agree with each other.... yeah....

[Darthvader]

I think that van is the one that is delivering all the yellow pages. However, I would have reported the activity like that to the police too.
As a matter of fact, Folsom PD has told the people in our area to report any suspiscious car to them, as about a year ago ER had a lot of home and car break ins.
So, I don't think this is over reacting and yes, those who don't have kids will never understand, no mattar what.

It's good to know that tossing phone books out of a van is suspicious, now I know when to call the cops and have them diverted from other crimes like car jackings at the Outlets or people making illegal right turns by the High School.

[Folsom Guy]

+10

It's become an epidemic around here!!

Just out of curiosity - what's your educational background? If you don't mind sharing...

[Andrea V]

It's good to know that tossing phone books out of a van is suspicious, now I know when to call the cops and have them diverted from other crimes like car jackings at the Outlets or people making illegal right turns by the High School.

I did not read that the van described in the OP, WAS the van that was passing out PHONE BOOKS!

So it does not make sense that you say "" It's good to know that tossing phone books out of a van is suspicious, now I know when to call the cops and have them diverted from other crimes""

[Darthvader]

I did not read that the van described in the OP, WAS the van that was passing out PHONE BOOKS!

So it does not make sense that you say "" It's good to know that tossing phone books out of a van is suspicious, now I know when to call the cops and have them diverted from other crimes""

So you're just as guilty as the rest for spreading paranoia without having any facts. What emoticon should I use for that?

[ChipShot]

So you're just as guilty as the rest for spreading paranoia without having any facts. What emoticon should I use for that?

Lipstick.

[Bill Z]

And believe it or not kids can embellish stories and even make things up so to start this rampage of fear and alerts based on a kids story is really irresponsible.

So let's flip this and get hypothetical

You're a Dad.

Your kid says, " While walking home from school today, I noticed some dishevilled guy was driving slow in a white van and it seemed like he was following me."

You tell him "Don't cry wolf, it was probably nothing, I bet he was just delivering phone books".

Tomorrow, your kid is abducted by a white van.

How are you going to feel then?!


Before I became a father, I knew becoming one would change my life forever, but even knowing that fact, didn't prepare me for how much it would. With a new born, first waking thought is, "Is my son still breathing?", then you hear it on the baby monitor and you know it's OK.
You find yourself concerned with their bowel movements (sign of healthy eating and digestion). Those thoughts are now mostly gone. But two of my worst fears I never expected are:

"I hope I don't die before he has grown to adulthood"

"And God, please don't ever let me accidently cause serious harm to my child"

Kids are different, you can love your wife and your siblings and your parents, but none of that love compares to the love of your child. At least not for me, and I'm pretty sure my wife feels the same

I love my wife dearly, but if she were to suddenly die, I know I would be heart broken and all, but I also know I could go on, that I would be able to "get over it". If my son were to die, I honestly have no idea how I could function in life after that.