One of the distinct traits of the era we live is the acceptance of everything that’s unique or different. As a result, the lines that define normalcy have become faded, if not wiped away altogether. The question must be posed; what is normal? It’s a small town in Illinois, and earlier today, this low-key locale made national news as it was host to a high speed chase that occurred Monday morning.

This chase resulted in a shoot out and the death of 57 year old, Robert Sylvester. Sylvester was suspected of robbing four banks prior to yesterday. The cops began chasing him on I-55 and the pursuit ended near Peoria, IL. When he left his vehicle, he jumped over concrete barrier reports say, as well as initiate the gunfight.

Several things come to mind as I write this. First and foremost, I-55 is the interstate that runs through Mississippi, and the one that I’ve been accustomed to for most of my life. And I’ve been through Peoria. Nice city. Sits on a river and everything. It felt odd to hear them both mentioned in the news.

Secondly, what is a 57 year old doing robbing banks and firing guns at policemen? Shouldn’t someone be thinking about retirement at that age? Perhaps the bank money was Sylvester’s special 401K plan.

So what’s to blame for this unfortunate incident? The same thing that everyone’s blaming for all our current problems: the economy, of course.

The economy’s making people do some mighty strange things. Soon the strange will become normal. And the only thing that will remain normal is the name of the small town in Illinois.