In today’s local newspaper an article was printed warning about potential dangers of being seen wearing a clown costume. I think of parades and parties when I think of clowns. Apparently law enforcement is reminded of those who use the “shielded identity” a clown mask provides to commit crimes. I learned from the article that some clown groups are turning down opportunities to entertain for their own safety. I learned that in the state of West Virginia there is a law against wearing any mask. One local sheriff posted notices that if you were injured by someone else while wearing a clown suit, you would be arrested rather than the person who posed a danger to you.

As I read the article in the paper and write this post, I can’t help but feel as a nation we are “getting off the rails” when something so simple as dressing in costume can be illegal. When people who wear costumes are automatically feared, we have lost one of the greatest values a society can have: that value is TRUST.

I pray that in the future we are able to regain a stronger level of trust in our society!