Letter to the Editor: Where Are the Good Samaritans?

To the People of Rockville,

I had been energized and uplifted by the recent talk about getting to know your neighbors in the wake of the Cleveland kidnappings.  I was thinking that people would be inspired by Charles Ramsey, as I have, and get involved when they saw something amiss.  This is why I am so upset that my daughter and my goddaughter couldn't get anyone to help them last night.

This is what happened:  I dropped them off at a Rockville movie theater for an evening show.  I gave my daughter my cell phone and told her to call me when the movie got out so I could pick them up.  When the movie ended, she tried to call me but the phone wasn't working.  They asked two theater goers in the lobby for help, but they both refused.  Then they went to the ticket booth asking for help but the employee said they couldn't use the phone (it doesn't dial out) - clearly missing the point that these two girls needed a way to contact me.  The girls tried to find another store that was open, but it was 9 p.m. on a Sunday, and everything was closed.

Not knowing what to do, and having never had this problem before, they walked home in the dark.  They were terrified.  I understand that there are scammers out there who are out to deceive, but please, let's not let a few criminals stop us from using our common sense.  If two girls ask to use your phone, don't just turn them away.  Find a manager, or someone in charge, and make sure they get the help they need.

It may save their life.

Kate Berman