Today’s story falls into the “Jus’ when you thought you’d seen it all” category. If Paul Harvey’s golden tones still graced the news, I know he’d have this story in his “For what it’s worth department,” ending with his famous chuckle.

I know the story really is no laughing matter, but sometimes you have to laugh anyway, just because of the irony. When the amazing blond read the story to me out of the Dallas Morning News this past week, I knew you and I would have to sit on the front porch and discuss it.

The story comes to us from way up in Milwaukee. Maybe that’s a key to what happens. I know we’re living in a time of changing values, but I have to think that such changes are even more evident up there than it is in our Southland.

Here’s the story: Last Wednesday two robbers dashed from a Milwaukee jewelry store with a bag full of loot, including both cash and gems.

But they didn’t get far.

No, it wasn’t a heroic civilian that chased ‘em down.

Nor did the police bolt in and seize them.

Two other men - robbers by trade themselves - waited outside the jewelry store while the thieves were robbing it; and when the two thieves bolted from the store, the other two ambushed them and stole the loot from them.

See what I mean about changing values. Thieves can’t even trust thieves any more.

After the first two did all the work, the other two - who, by the way, happened to be quite a bit younger — figured they’d reap the rewards. Something about that just doesn’t seem right, even for thieves.

A fight ensued right there in the middle of the street before both sets of thieves got into their cars and sped off, one car chasing the other.

Not too subtle of a getaway, for sure.

Naturally, it wasn’t long before the police joined in on the fun. When it was all said and done, the police prevailed and all four thieves found themselves behind bars.

Busted!

When you read a story like this, it makes you wonder why anyone would want to get into that kind of business anyway. It’s way too risky. The white collar fellas have it figured out a little better, I guess. They know they can take people’s money and get in their cars - probably a Lexus - and drive away calmly and not have to risk those high speed chases and things like that.

All of this got me to thinking about what happened with the AIG folks the past week or so. I’m sure you read how they gave all of those high-powered executives $165 million in bonuses after the government helped bail them out.

Makes you kind of mad, doesn’t it!

But don’t worry. There’s good news:

The government caught them outside the jewelry store and stole ninety-percent of it in taxes.

Readers may contact Steven Bowen by e-mail at Steven.bowen@redoakisd.org.