COMMUNITY RISES ABOVE WORK OF SCHOOL VANDALS

Cape Girardeau was provided a striking example last week of one of life's unfortunate truths: it is much easier to tear something down than build something up. This unnecessary and regrettable lesson was delivered at the hands of vandals who transacted their business at Franklin Elementary School, destroying plants, breaking windows and generally making a mess of things as the academic year is about to commence. Ironically, these criminal acts also set a stage for a brighter aspect of human nature, the type that accepts setbacks as something to be risen above.

The philosophy of a vandal is not easy for most people to grasp. Who knows what satisfaction comes to a person who uproots plants and damages public property? Authorities believe the offenders are youthful and, if they are caught, some hard lessons will surely adjust their thinking. Sadly, though, damage does not get undone simply because punishment induces someone to see the light.

Giving this case of vandalism a more troubling slant is that it follows a concerted effort on the part of Franklin School teachers and parents to upgrade the building's appearance. A committee was formed two years ago with the purpose of brightening this property, and a good job was done of it, mostly with the sweat of volunteers and the dollars of interested citizens. Taxpayers weren't called upon for this project, only those who could have easily stood back and done nothing. This commitment is at odds with the passions of a vandal, who in this case hit first the things bedding plants and other landscaping niceties volunteers worked so hard to put into place.

Fortunately, this is a city that maintains an interest indeed, a genuine affection for its institutions. When the vandalism was discovered, those who had worked on the Franklin School improvements bemoaned the waste ... and then set about putting things back in place. Beyond that, others who heard of the destruction stepped forward with cash and plants and a general willingness to make things right. Through a senseless act, the value the community placed on the Franklin efforts was more clearly defined.

It's a shame that the good works of people aren't immune to those few who enjoy their destruction. Nothing will change this unhappy fact. However, it is heartening to know plenty of people particularly of this community understand this truism and lend their effort and spirit to offset it.