Another Thing To Beware Of

Dear Ann Landers: For the past month, my next-door neighbors have been having construction done on their house. Last week, I was at home doing chores in my family room when I noticed the light flicker and dim. This has happened when my husband has been using power tools in the basement, but he wasn’t home that day.

I went outside and discovered that my neighbors’ construction workers had plugged equipment into my outdoor outlet. I was so angry, I ripped the plug out and tossed it into my neighbors’ yard. What nerve! I could not believe they would try to pull this stunt. Heaven only knows how long they have been doing this.

When I went back inside, I contacted the Better Business Bureau but was told it doesn’t handle this type of situation. I would take the construction company to court, but how do you prove electrical theft?

I left a message with the company saying that I was aware of what its crew had done and that I was plenty mad. I don’t expect to hear anything, but at least by printing this letter, you can help warn others to watch out. - Irate in Michigan

Dear Irate: Thanks for the warning. Readers, take note. If your electric bills are unusually high, check around.

Dear Ann Landers: I am writing in response to a letter from “Concerned Citizen in Wichita.” He wrote regarding prison and privileges. He said no privilege can replace freedom. He is correct. However, if you value your freedom, don’t commit crimes.

He also mentioned that while people are in prison, their children grow up, their parents grow old, their spouses divorce them. While I am sympathetic to the fact that these things happen, people who commit crimes should know that if they get caught, they may have to miss out on some important events in their lives.

Then he said there should be more funds for reform and parole. Yes, everyone should be given the opportunity to turn their lives around, but I don’t agree that we taxpayers should have to foot the bill. I think if the TVs and VCRs were removed from the cells and the money were spent on reform, we would be on the right track.

As a final note, I have to say that people aren’t afraid of the prison system anymore. Criminals know they will get three meals a day, clothes to wear, a bed to sleep in and more recreational luxuries than a lot of upstanding citizens have access to. This in itself is a pretty sad commentary when you think about the homeless people who don’t have it anywhere near as good as prisoners. - Just Plain Mad

Dear J.P. Mad: You aren’t the only one who is upset by the perks enjoyed by inmates, but be aware, please, that the treatment of prisoners varies according to locale. Changes are, however, being made nationwide because of complaints like yours. Thanks for the input.

Dear Ann Landers: If you never do another thing for me, I implore you to put this in your column.

So many well-educated people say, “I feel badly,” when we know that “feel” is like the verb “to be,” which never takes an adverb. Either you feel good or you feel bad. I cringe every time I hear “badly.”

Thanks, Ann. I know you will follow through on this special gripe of mine and print this letter. - College for Teachers, Class of ‘47

Dear ‘47: Here’s your letter. Please know I feel good about your comments. It is one of my pet gripes, too. Thanks for writing.