What Does Seagull Steamroller Say About Us?

They're noisy. They're slobs. At times, they're belligerent. We could be talking about people in your own family. Certainly, mine. But we're talking about seagulls. The difference between us and them is

that we can achieve higher sensibilities.

Apparently, none of them were in evidence last October when Jeffrey Karczewski of Hamilton decided the birds should be flattened under the tires of his car in a shopping center parking lot in Eatontown. One of them died. Jeffrey pleaded guilty to related charges this week and incurred a $750 fine.

I suppose that, having been the icon on WOBM's legendary bumper stickers all through the station's formative years, the seagull gets a wide berth with me. But the incident is disturbing for two reasons: Firstly, that it happened; secondly, that it took Jeffrey Karczewski two months to admit it.

At age 22, Jeffrey's got a lot of living yet to do. Life takes on different meaning when you witness its beginning, and even more when you witness its end. We have no way of knowing how much value he places on it. However, it's a reasonable assumption that his value will change over time, whether the life is human or one of those creatures who cohabit the planet with us.

The syndrome isn't new or exclusive. Still, it's rare. It's been nearly 10 years since a trio of teens admitted beating exotic birds to death in Lacey Township. Recidivism afflicted at least one, who spent extensive time as a guest of the Ocean County Corrections Department. There's a generation now reaching maturity who have gotten as many driving tips from Grand Theft Auto as they get from the New Jersey Driver's Manual. Things that die in video games usually return. Not so in mall parking lots.

It doesn't have to be this way for Jeffrey Karczewski. He has time. Let's hope he spends it wisely.