Tim Engstrom’s column in the July 22 Albert Lea Tribune was very interesting.  The part that hit home for me was about not leaving your 7-year-old alone for any period of time.

Mr. Engstrom said that no child in the history of Albert Lea has been abducted by a stranger and gone missing.  That does not reassure me that it could not happen here.

Whoever thought that a 16-year-old from nearby Waseca would plan a massacre at his high school. My point is that unthinkable things can and do happen in our area.

When I was 7, I was allowed to ride my bike and play in the neighborhood parks by myself.  We allowed our own three young kids to play in the parks by themselves.  Today, I would never think of allowing my 7 year old grandson to play in the park by himself.

The times sure have changed.  As Mr. Engstrom would say: “ Way to go, society.”

 

John Wojszynski

Albert Lea