Society has a lot of ills. Among what would be a rather lengthy list, is a hesitancy to help our fellow man when needed. 

Many have heard this: Don’t scream "help," scream "fire." 

Based on many experimental tests and real-life situations, it’s an absolutely fact that people just don’t want to get involved. If someone yells for help, bystanders and neighbors may turn a blind eye to what’s happening. Various reasons are given, including these two: One, being more concerned about their own safety. Two, a reluctance to call the police and get involved. 

Anyone who can completely ignore the pleas of another has zero redeeming qualities in their character. I can understand a reluctance to putting oneself in harm’s way, but being unwilling to call 911 and report what you heard or saw? Thoroughly despicable. Zero excuse for it.

In psychology class, our professor told us about the stabbing death of Kitty Genovese. More than 35 of her neighbors witnessed three separate attacks over a 35-minute period. They also heard her calls for help and not one called the police. He’d leave and come back. Stabbing her again and again. After she was finally dead, one person called. Police were there in two minutes. 

At that time, the detective in charge of the case voiced disbelief that “good people” failed to call the police. 

I beg to differ with that assessment. They had access to phones and didn’t call? She was yelling for help. Her cries of "oh, my God, he stabbed me," "I’m dying," and "please, help me" went unanswered. Those were not good people. Not a good one among them. 

Winston Moseley was later arrested and sentenced to death. That sentence was later commuted to life in prison. I’m an advocate of the death penalty. Don’t get me started on how I feel about that decision. He deserved to die. 

Bringing me to this column was Sunday’s action by a McMinnville Public Works Department. He was asked to help save two pieces of equipment before floodwaters at Pepper Branch Park washed them away. Without hesitation, he assisted. Very commendable. When the bulldozer was washed away, he was in it. 

When I contacted him about reporting that incident, he offered various reasons/ concerns as to why he didn’t want to be named. One of those reasons struck me: a concern for public scrutiny leading to disapproving comments.

I attempted to ease each of his concerns, but I couldn’t ease that one. The old saying "you are (bleep) if you do and (bleep) if you don’t" is accurate. It’s a phrase used to say that you cannot escape being criticized, whatever you decide to do. 

There are those who sit on the sidelines and just wait for an opportunity to criticize others. I bet they are among the group who would refuse to call 911 when they know someone needs help. Not nice people. 

Standard reporter Lisa Hobbs can be reached at 473-2191.