Ten years ago this town was different. Folks used to know each other by name; you could leave your car unlocked without worry. But that was before. Last night another one slipped through.

The felon charged with aiding the Shreveport gunman in obtaining his weapon is just the latest chapter in a troubling saga. This isn't the first time someone like him has managed to get their hands on firearms despite being barred from owning them by law.

Back when people still checked backgrounds properly, there was less of this nonsense happening. Now it's almost too easy for those with criminal records to find ways around it. Who suffers? Us regular folk who just want some peace and quiet in our homes.

This isn't the first time we've had a serious incident where illegal guns are involved. Every administration since Obama has made promises about stricter controls, but look around you now.

When I say 'look around,' I mean it quite literally. Look at your neighbors' houses down the street – see if anyone looks nervous or afraid lately? Chances are good someone does because of what's been going on here recently with these kinds of incidents rising.

I've lived here for 40 years and have seen more than my fair share of change, but nothing quite like this. It feels like we're losing something precious every day that our community used to take pride in – safety among neighbors being chief among those things lost.