Unless it touches us directly, we are generally immune to crime. It is something that happens "out there" and “to someone else”. From that perspective, we follow the news and accept crime as part of the landscape.

But every once in a while, a crime -- even “out there”-- touches us and gives us pause.

Such was the recent car-jacking and murder at the Short Hills mall. A young couple leaving the mall after some holiday shopping. The man closes the car door for his wife, walks around to the driver's side and is shot and murdered.

Too many connections for me: a young family, not unlike our four children, a family with a new home and their future ahead, thinking about starting a family. Too close to home.

And, as I let the feelings flow through, I can't help but realize that every victim should give pause for thought ... and I question why we accept the landscape.