Friday, January 30, 2009

Arson

This story has gotten some national attention, though I think Coatesville is often erroneously described as a "Philadelphia suburb." It's a former steel town about 45 miles away with a large African-American population (not suggesting racial motive here).

Just this week, 15 Coatesville rowhouses burned to a crisp. The city's on edge. Nervous residents are sleeping in their clothes with their most cherished possessions close by, just in case.

Some living through the horror of the flames. All living in fear that it will happen again.

Sadly, chances are it will. After all, the city has suffered 15 deliberately set fires already this year, equal to the total number there last year. Those match-happy terrorists are still on the loose, no doubt high-fiving each other for their attention-grabbing arsons.