Yes, this is a time of turbulence and trouble. Law enforcement is on its toes. Terrorism is rampant. Police are on alert for internal as well as external threats. The atmosphere is fraught with the fear of imminent danger and the chance of violent attack.
Luckily, the residents in Altamonte, Florida, can now, breath a sigh of relief. A band of lawbreakers and their activities were discovered and stopped by local police. The cops stormed a clubhouse in the Escondido Condominium. Four elderly Jewish women were caught red-handed.
Their crime was in plain view. They had been making wagers of up to $4 in a game of Mah Jongg. Some said the ladies should have known better than to engage in such illegal pursuits. After all, they were not innocent kids caught in the web of peer pressure. The perpetrators were ages were 87 to 95.
Apparently, there was a snitch. Perhaps he or she was just answering the call of “See something, say something.” Perhaps it was just a yenta looking to make a little trouble.
The ladies had to pack up their tiles and leave the clubhouse. Reports claim there were several follow-up visits by police to ensure the crime spree was over. Of course, current conditions require a zero tolerance policy when it comes to strict adherence to the law.
The news is good for the grandmas. A review of the gambling law in their city revealed they can play when the stakes do not exceed $10 and the participants are over the age of 18. They will resume their game.
It is impossible to picture Israeli police involved in a raid of a senior citizen shesh besh (backgammon) game. It seems we have come to a juncture in America where we have lost our collective common sense. There are limited resources and numbers in the areas of law enforcement. We need to use them wisely.