To the editor:

Something recently happened in our great city that truly disturbs me.

My wife, alone on a bike ride, flipped over her handlebars, and as she lay bloodied and writhing in pain on the path, a dozen or more people must have jogged or rode past her without offering any assistance.

Last year, my family moved here from New Jersey, partially for a new career opportunity, but mostly on the premise that Kansans were polite, Christian folks with strong values and always willing to lend a hand. Obviously, in this instance, that is untrue.

While we have met plenty of caring people, many of whom we now call friends, this me-first-heck-with-you attitude that has permeated our mindset must cease. Even in Kansas.

In the end, society will be judged by our random acts of kindness. Strangers helping strangers in a time of need. I just hope the good folks of Lawrence can remember that.

Jeffrey Alderman

Lawrence