Just Another Day in da 'Hood

[ozzie]

Great letter Ozzie.
Please email me. I have a way for you to get a hold of many celebrities.

taj4167@yahoo.com

Thanks darlin... should have guessed you'd have 'how to be a groupie' tips for me!

Seriously, thanks all for your cheers. Wasn't looking for kudos, just trying anything I can. Peace.

[PaulC]

Something can be done to stop-or at least put a dent in the violence. Form citizen patrols, work with police, get a volunteer reserve police officer program going. Volunteer's would be trained in the use of firearms, take downs, etc. Turning this into an Oprahesqe march with lots of groovy posters, march related ball caps & t-shirts, and rightious indignation will do squat. Symbolism over substance never works.

Supposedly America has 5% of the worlds population,.. and we have 25% of the worlds prison population.... But then again,.. with all those evil pot heads we imprison maybe the symbolism of freedom far surpasses it's substance...

A little light reading.... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_prison_population

[Papins]

I'm not sure I get what your "potheads" remark has to do with anything-maybe you can explain? Anyway, absolutly address the underlying problems to the violence, but while your doing that, people still have a right to not be victims, and live in a safe neighborhood. The recent shooting(s) victims were two people who lead a life of helping others. Yet they were the victims of violence. I hear comments about more police in the neighborhoods. So. It's not that you mind someone trained in the use of firearms and who maybe has to use violence to stop violence-you just don't want to be the one who does it.

[marignygreg]

Starts at World Trade Center at foot of Canal ( not the Aquarium ) at 11:30 A.M. Organizers are asking folks to arrive at 11:00. My car is in the shop till Wednesday at which point I'm going to drive all night from Chicago to take part in the March. The surviving members of The Hot 8 will march with us as well as the family of the man shot on Danziger Bridge. PLEASE tell any and all your N.O. contacts to come to the March cause it is THAT important.

[ozzie]

Starts at World Trade Center at foot of Canal ( not the Aquarium ) at 11:30 A.M. Organizers are asking folks to arrive at 11:00. My car is in the shop till Wednesday at which point I'm going to drive all night from Chicago to take part in the March. The surviving members of The Hot 8 will march with us as well as the family of the man shot on Danziger Bridge. PLEASE tell any and all your N.O. contacts to come to the March cause it is THAT important.

Good onya! I so hope this march brings national, if not world attention to the cause. My thoughts will be with you.

[rosetree]

A sincere "thank you" Ozzie!

[PaulC]

I'm not sure I get what your "potheads" remark has to do with anything-maybe you can explain?

My remark concerns the billions of dollars spent and the millions of man hours wasted imprisoning people for pot... Obviously that time and money would be far better spent concentrating on real criminals and their real crimes... People who grow and smoke pot(numbers that do not include me),.. get jailed through the use of insane automatic sentences while the crud who use guns go free... Weapons of death are treated easier than pot... Totally ridiculous policies....

[Corona]

But the one thing about the March is it's generating public awareness and the media will be involved. That's one of the outcomes we wanted know? For America to know what's going on down there? Anderson Cooper will be at the March and who knows who else. I think it's a good thing and it gives the citizens of New Orleans who attend the chance to be together, to network, to motivate, to feel empowered....as a united front. I think the march is very important but yeah, you're right it can't stop there but they can't do this themselves.

Ozzie, what a FANTASTIC letter!!!

[Corona]

Sorry the above post was addressed to Papins email about the March being "symbolic" instead of substantial....

Greg, I passed on your message about attending the March to New Orleans friends.

[Amyloves...]

Starts at World Trade Center at foot of Canal ( not the Aquarium ) at 11:30 A.M. Organizers are asking folks to arrive at 11:00. My car is in the shop till Wednesday at which point I'm going to drive all night from Chicago to take part in the March. The surviving members of The Hot 8 will march with us as well as the family of the man shot on Danziger Bridge. PLEASE tell any and all your N.O. contacts to come to the March cause it is THAT important.
Greg the WTC is at the foot of Poydras Street (across from Harrah's), not Canal. Thanks for posting this. On Saturday, I called and spoke to one of the women trying to organize the event and she was hoping for a good turnout. Ken/MsSeebass went to the planning meeting on Sunday and it seemed there was a large crowd there. I have a meeting tomorrow till 11 but I'm trying to get there as soon as I can. I'll at least make it to the rally at City Hall.

[ohio]

I'm not sure I get what your "potheads" remark has to do with anything-maybe you can explain? Anyway, absolutly address the underlying problems to the violence, but while your doing that, people still have a right to not be victims, and live in a safe neighborhood. The recent shooting(s) victims were two people who lead a life of helping others. Yet they were the victims of violence. I hear comments about more police in the neighborhoods. So. It's not that you mind someone trained in the use of firearms and who maybe has to use violence to stop violence-you just don't want to be the one who does it.
There are mechanisms in place for policing society. I'd rather those become functional instead of recruiting vigilantes or whatever you want to call them. My problem with groups like that is their tendency to police society with their own agenda. Like when they decide they will no longer tolerate people who drink, or play 'unacceptable' music, or have hair that is too long, or skin the wrong color. At that point they become the problem and not the solution. It has happened, and it will again.

[NOLA]

I have a meeting tomorrow till 11 but I'm trying to get there as soon as I can. I'll at least make it to the rally at City Hall.

Amy, the March is Thursday, not tomorrow. I will be there and am trying to recruit a few others. If I can find an appropriate Threadhead pin to wear, I will do so, and I will keep an eye out for you and Ken and others...

[NOLA]

Corona, you are absolutely right about public awareness. The State of Louisiana has close to a $1 billion surplus and they are fighting in Baton Rouge over how to spend it - but I haven't seen one proposal yet for using it to help New Orleans (which is the true economic engine for the entire state) in its recovery. The opinion in the State Capitol seems to be "it is FEMA's job to fix New Orleans". Some of that state money (largely generated by the sales taxes on rebuilding materials purchased right here in Orleans and Jefferson Parishes) could go a long way toward restoring the criminal justice system (hiring more and more qualified DA's, upping police pay, getting police back into permanent facilities, building a new crime lab, etc.) which is the only thing we can rely on until the more pervasive underlying problems are addressed (poverty, homelessness, mental illness, drugs, poor schools). Fixing those things will take a generation or longer and we can't wait that long- we need immediate action on the violence problem.

Sorry for the ramble...

[Amyloves...]

Amy, the March is Thursday, not tomorrow. I will be there and am trying to recruit a few others. If I can find an appropriate Threadhead pin to wear, I will do so, and I will keep an eye out for you and Ken and others...I'm in space....I know it's Thursday and so is my meeting. Sadly for me I thought today was Wednesday so this is gonna be a long week! Came back on here to correct myself but you already busted me!

[Rossvegas]

Mayor and Police Chief to announce new crime initiatives


As pressure on the city’s elected officials continues to mount, Mayor Ray Nagin and Police Chief Warren Riley -- along with dozens of other elected officials -- plan to address the public on the recent rash of violent crimes at a 5 p.m. news conference, according to City Hall.

Nagin and Riley will be joined by District Attorney Eddie Jordan, criminal and juvenile court judges, the City Council and other community leaders to outline initiatives to address the crime rate in New Orleans.

The news conference will be held in the 2300 Block of Fourth Street at South Liberty and LaSalle Street, the site of the year’s first murder.

(Man, I wonder if that Krewe will be wearing Kevlar jackets...)

[Papins]

Again, I still don't get the connection between pot laws and stopping violence, but OK. Neighborhood patrols, volunteer reserve police is my idea of a solution. Combine that with improvement in education, and a decent job market. What are some other ideas for solutions to stopping the violence?

[Corona]

You guys watch the press conference on WWTYL? I personally thought it was awesome...very powerful in some areas. If they can pull off this plan, I think it's going to fantastic for the city....some of the highlights were (and be careful you locals) 3 X the checkpoints for alcohol, insurance and drugs....they said expect to be stopped if you're
out betweem 2a.m and 6 am. I guess it starts today. They've
pulled admin cops off the desk to go on patrol 3 days a week, merged the
quality of life unit with the ???? unit (can't remember). More patrols,
more check points, more foot patrol officers...a hiring
incentive....some person will be announced in the next couple of days
who is coming in for community police development....Councillman Thomas
was awesome...he addressed the thugs in a very powerful and passionate way. LOVED IT! James Carter did a great job. Chief Riley was pretty good and the plan sounds pretty thorough....50 crime cameras being installed around the city with the goal of 200 by the end of the year. They also begged for citizens to come forward as witnessed and then Carter's office is launching some sort of "report card" system to keep the police, D.A. office, public defenders etc. accountable to the public with more transparency. They also talked about tougher sentences for homicides, a specialized homicide prosecution division (correct me if I'm wrong cuz I'm doing this from memory). There was a lot more....like I said, if they can pull this off, New Orleans has a chance at a future. Cheers to everyone who came forward to cause shit, scream and make themselves heard. I wish I could be at that March, I think it will be beautiful. Please don't tell me I'm being naive...it's nice to have hope again :)

[grisgris]

Papins, the day of the volunteer reserve police is slowly dying. With most police departments going to National Accredidation, the reserve officers must have the same training & standards as the full time paid officers. In LA they must be POST certified & pass the full police academy & physical fitness training. They also have to have psychological & medical testing. Most volunteers have full time jobs & find it hard to get throught all of this, much less with the strain on the family. Our department was accredidated in 94 & maybe have had less than 10 people meet the requirements.

[Corona]

Here's the story on Nola.com:
Mayor stops short of curfew but plans checkpoints on N.O. streets
1/9/2007, 5:32 p.m. CT
By MARY FOSTER
The Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — City officials, struggling to curb the violence that has killed nine people so far this year, stopped short of calling a curfew but said police will set up checkpoints between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., when about one-third of the city's violent crime occurs.

Officials also said the checkpoints will target drug and alcohol violations as well as checks on motorist insurance. Increased foot patrols, using sheriff's deputies to help police officers and focusing on speeding homocide cases through the court system were other elements of the plan to attack crime.

"This city will focus on murders," Mayor Ray Nagin, flanked by Police Superintendent Warren Riley, District Attorney Eddie Jordan and other city officials, said at a news conference held at the site of the city's first murder of 2007. "We're drawing a line in the sand, and we're saying, We've had it."

A curfew had been opposed by the city's tourism leaders, who said businesses still struggling with a falloff of business since Hurricane Katrina could be further hurt. While Nagin did not declare a curfew, he said the message to citizens was to stay off the streets in high-crime, early morning hours. It was unclear where the checkpoints would be set up.

Absent from the news conference were state officials.

Gov. Kathleen Blanco said her office has been talking with New Orleans police for almost two months about a plan to curb the violence and made a formal request for one a couple of weeks ago as a prelude to additional state funding.

The state budget for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1, is being formulated now and an action plan on crime is needed to secure state funding, Blanco said.

"We obviously can't abandon the city," Blanco said.

Since June 2006, Blanco said the state has spent about $15 million to keep 300 National Guard troops and 60 state police in New Orleans, and another $15 million housing Orleans Parish prisoners in state facilities.

There is funding to keep the guard and state police in town until June 30, she said.

"We know it's going to cost us more next year if they stay," she said. "For one thing, the hotels that were providing free rooms are withdrawing that, so we'll have to pay for them."

New Orleans neighborhoods have become "a haven for criminal activity" and the state needs federal help to stop the recent crime wave there, Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., said Tuesday.

Landrieu presented 10 ways the federal government could help relieve the wave of homicides.

"These proposals will not end crime in New Orleans, but they are specific, they are doable," Landrieu said in a Capitol Hill news conference.

She asked for more agents from the FBI and the Drug Enforcement and Administration, an emergency grant from the Justice Department similar to the one awarded to New York City in the wake of the Sept. 11 attacks, and money to build a new police academy and put a camera surveillance system in police patrol cars and around the city.

Landrieu said she wants the cameras "not only to catch criminals but to monitor the activities of police to make sure they're carrying out their duties in the most responsible and professional manner." This week, two police officers were reassigned to desk duty after a complaint that they beat a man walking in the French Quarter and seven officers are under indictment for shootings in the turmoil after Hurricane Katrina.

Guns are on the streets of New Orleans in record numbers since Hurricane Katrina, said senior special agent Austin Banks of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Since Katrina, we have traced every firearm recovered by the New Orleans Police Department," Banks said. "And our investigation shows we are tracing just as many post-Katrina as pre-Katrina even though we have a much smaller population."

New Orleans population is down from its pre-Katrina total of 455,000 to about 200,000 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The ATF has found the length of time it takes a legally purchased gun to become involved in a crime is five years nationally, Banks said.

"In New Orleans it's only six months," he said. "That tells me that people here are buying guns for the bad guys."

[Rossvegas]

That is some great news, Lis...I'm cautiously optomistic!



I've been reading about a device called a "SpotShotter" that is apparently being used in Boston. I've copied and pasted parts of the article below - this sounds like something NOLA could REALLY use right now in a very big way...



A sophisticated acoustic gunshot detection system that has helped detectives in North Charleston, S.C., solve a homicide, and police in Gary, Ind., make 15 gun arrests in a single night may be on its way to Boston.

Councilor Robert Consalvo wants to equip the city with a network of acoustic sensors, each the size of a 1-pound can of coffee, which can pinpoint the sound of gunfire within 30 feet of its origin and dispatch police to shooting scenes in less than 10 seconds. Consalvo said he believes such a network can help police make arrests and stem Boston's wave of gun violence, particularly since much of it is concentrated in small ''red zones" that total about a half-square-mile.


''This will allow the police to respond in cases where people are afraid to call 911," Consalvo said. ''It also tells the criminals that are out there: 'We're watching you.'"

The gunshot detection technology relies on a network of acoustic sensors that its manufacturer says can track gunfire from as far as 1 1/2 miles away and can isolate shots from other sounds.


James G. Beldock, chairman and chief executive of ShotSpotter Inc., the manufacturer, said the system costs about $250,000 for the first 2 square miles of sensors. He said after the initial deployment, the cost drops to about $3,000 to $5,000 per sensor. For the system to work effectively, cities are required to install about 10 to 12 sensors per square mile, Beldock said.



Police Chief Garnett F. Watson Jr. of Gary, Ind., said federal grant money has helped his city pay for the system, which he says is so precise when recording where shots are coming from that officers have arrived at crime scenes and found suspects, gun in hand.
Watson and several other law enforcement officials in cities using the technology said police can deploy officers more effectively and efficiently when they're not relying on residents to report shots fired.
Watson said officers have begun leaving notes at houses telling suspects that the ShotSpotter system alerted police to gunfire. He said police have also had special units target houses where shots are fired routinely.


In Rochester, N.Y., a small city with a relatively large amount of gun violence, police are using federal money to install the system on both the east and west sides of town.
In Columbus, Ohio, Beldock said, the FBI hired ShotSpotter to cover 90 miles of Ohio highway with the system to help trap the highway sniper who struck there in late 2003 and early 2004.


Beldock said the FBI is currently installing the company's technology in Washington, D.C., to fight violent crime. And in North Charleston, S.C., police Sergeant Karen Cordray, who runs the crime analysis unit, said police credit ShotSpotter with a 31 percent reduction in violent crime last year in a high-crime neighborhood covered by the system.


Cordray said police there credit 21 arrests since 2003 solely to ShotSpotter. She said that in five instances, police have arrived at a crime scene and found the suspects still present.
''Our response time is two to three minutes to a shot spot call," Cordray said. ''ShotSpotter has already got the guy en route at the point when the citizen is calling. . . . It's never going to take the place of actual police work, but it's a great tool."

[Corona]

wow, very promising Ross!

[Amyloves...]

I thought the press conference was good too....very strong statements made by all involved. Some stuff not mentioned above.....They're making an aggressive effort to expedite every murder case through the court system. They're also supposed to have 300 citizens actively involved in tracking every upcoming case from the arrest phase through the entire system to have accountability and determine shortcomings in the system. (I thought that was a great idea...sounds similar to what MADD does w/ DUI cases in some places). They also explained the involvement of the church leaders. They have committed to visiting the families of the last 30 murders in the city to attempt to counsel them and also to help curb retaliation and they'll continue that process. They've also created some kind of coalition among the churches to work on a "way out" program for those who feel trapped in a life of violence and drugs. I don't quite get why they're mentioning alcohol within the aggressive stops and searches though. Just doesn't seem like that should be part of the focus here. (Of course drunk drivers and lack of insurance is an issue here, but not as part of this problem.) I'm glad they're feeling some heat about all of this. I was glad to hear some specific statements of what they'll do. This gives the leaders something to answer to.

[PaulC]

Again, I still don't get the connection between pot laws and stopping violence, but OK. Neighborhood patrols, volunteer reserve police is my idea of a solution. Combine that with improvement in education, and a decent job market. What are some other ideas for solutions to stopping the violence?

The connection can be found in the possibility of massive amounts of wasted funds being put to far better use elsewhere... I don't need protection from someone growing pot on their own land,.. or in the privacy of their own home... I do need protection from violent thugs...

The following is maybe all hot air,.. but the growing violent trends are an intense subject matter and all possibilties of finding solutions should be considered,.. especially easy aspects of a solution... Hey,.. a guy can dream can't he???

Improved education (what happened to that huckleberry who called himself the education President?) and a decent job market (there's that same huckleberry,... missing in action again) are certainly real and concrete answers to the existing problems... As for real and present needs,.. the afore mentioned huckleberry did stand in Jackson Square and promise massive and continued federal help did he not???... Another missing link,.. and possibly the most elusive,.. is the need to elevate parental (well intentioned adult) involvement... Kids + the mean streets do not = a good life,.. for them or others (who might later suffer the consequences of their hardened lives)...

To repeat myself (I tend to do that),.. people who aren't harming society should not be given automatic and incredibly tough jail sentences... Rewriting /relaxing the current laws would create an instant source of funds that could find their way toward many more useful purposes... Imagine the money that the gov't. could raise by control and taxation of the same weed that many of our forefathers cultivated... Every red (eyed) cent could go directly into fixing real problems... Back to the present... The man power employed (WASTED) by law enforcement to enforce the current ridiculous laws could be quickly redirected to stemming the rising tides of violence... A simple act of Congress at any time could near instantly empty all those overcrowded prisons of harmless pot heads and just like that space and money would be freed up,.. space and money that could be used to find, convict, and house violent criminals.. We all agree that those types deserve to inhale the air found in those jail spaces....

It would be strange to see our gov't. act in ways that made "cents",.. but there certainly is a (possible) connection to be found....

[PaulC]

Spotshotters can all be paid for by pot plan ......

[marignygreg]

I hate to be a party pooper,but I have no faith in these Boneheads and do not believe any of them anymore. My house in Marigny is 2 blocks from the Quarter yet you NEVER see a cop. I get tired of seeing 8 or 9 cops shooting the shit on Bourbon Street under the guise of "crowd control" while murderers terrorize the Treme and Marigny only blocks away.

[glinda]

I still think a new police chief is needed. This one has proven unreliable. But many of the steps outlined sound like good ones. Community policing has had a positive impact here in Chicago, in many neighborhoods.

[Rossvegas]

Amy, my guess is that they've included alcohol searches in the mix to ensure that there is a wide net of "reasonable and probable grounds" for pulling someone over. I don't know what it's like down there, but up here, you can't pull over someone just because their subwoofers are causing earthquakes and they're wearing bandanas! (Unfortunately.) By including alcohol (or insurance checks) they tend to cover their constitutional asses a bit better. If it means that the charges don't get tossed out of court on a technicality, then it's a good thing, right?

[ScoopJohnD]

I remain optomistic and the details I've read here encourage me, quite simply because it's the first time I've actually heard specifics out of any of these people. That alone helps the psyche of the citizens. And now it's time for the citizens to keep their feet to the fire. We on the outside can see what happens when things get desperate and raise appropriate hell, but it is incumbant on you the locals to really make them accountable. You are there every day, you heard what they said and you saw who was on that stage. Remember their names and their words, and question them all the time. NOT when things get so desperate, but all the time, whenever there is deviation from the words and ideas that were presented today. DO NOT assume they will follow through. Use the community leaders and church officials who were on the podium today as your sounding board. Lean on them HARD. If you don't see something that was promised in your neighborhood, ask your neighborhood leaders why. If you see those promises and then after a few weeks they disappear ask why. Big things AND small. Treat these promises and plans as if they were things you pay for in your own homes. If you have cable TV and it goes out, and it stays out and you keep getting billed I bet you're on phone, pissed off and demanding action. Well, this is a whole helluva lot bigger and it DEMANDS that you be proactive. You are living the results of waiting too long, and now you see that voices can be heard. Seriously, has Nagin said anything that comes close to being as specific as what he said today? I may be wrong, but I don't think so, and that's because YOU spoke up. DON'T LET IT STOP!!

[ScoopJohnD]

And one more thing. DO NOT let today's press conference cause you to diminsh the anger and despair you show in Thursday's march. The cynic in me says that Nagin got out there this quickly to take the bite of Thursday's march. DON"T LET THAT HAPPEN!!!!

[rosetree]

Scoop, I agree with you.
The one thing that was not addressed was long term ideas. The biggest problem is youth violence. We have a large number of under-aged kids roaming the streets, killing each other and anyone else in the way. They have no regard for human life. Life to them is as fleeting as a movie or a video game, but in real life, you can't reset after the gunshots. Parents have to be held responsible. It used to be, in the projects, there was a law that said if your child was a criminal, you would be held responsible and you could be kicked out ( I don't think that it was used much).
Our problem is even deeper. These kids are totally unsupervised. Their parents aren't here! Who is responsible now? What happens to a 15 year old child who gets arrested. Juvenile hall? early release? Then what? These kids came back to a vacuum and see a chance to step in and prove themselves. Clean up the kids, and the crime rate will plummet. But how do you do that??

[ScoopJohnD]

I think long term can't be the focus right now. Obviously it should not be forgotten but right now this is immediate and needs complete focus, simply because if this is not solved it will overwhelm those who might choose to address the long term problems. And by that, I don't mean the politicians, but the good private citizens like teachers, and doctors and artists like yourself. They are the heart of a city.

[rosetree]

Riley just said that these new initiatives were only being done because the citizens finally spoke up!:mad: He really got his head up his butt...He needs to go...

[ScoopJohnD]

Riley just said that these new initiatives were only being done because the citizens finally spoke up!:mad: He really got his head up his butt...He needs to go...

Unbelievable!!! One the questions I had, but didn't want to ask since the press conference seemed like a positve development was what the f took so long? Now I know the answer, cause he's a friggin moron!

Well, now you know..........don't ever be quiet, about ANYTHING.

[rosetree]

I think that it is a positive thing for the city. At least Nagin came out of the groundhog hole, and Oliver Thomas showed the indignation that we have been waiting for from our elected leaders. Let's see if they stick to their promises. I just don't see the justice system working here, maybe the feds involvement will help.

[ScoopJohnD]

Regardless of the tone of my last post, i still think it's a positive development too. Just keep the heat on em.

I also read that post from Ross about Shotspotter (is that it's name) and emailed the press and media guy for the company asking if New Orleans had inquired about it, what type of govt. funding other cities used to get it (since no money seems to be a favorite out for Nagin) and requesting that he urge the CEO to approach New Orleans, if New Orleans hasn't already approached them. As I put it in my letter, I don't think there could be any better publicity for your company and product than if it did as advertised in New Orleans.

Can't hurt, right?

[VWGal]

I think Scoop is right, I can totally see Nagin responding to the cold chilld that ought to be running down his spine in anticipation that Anderson Cooper will bring even more national attention to what's been going on. Actually, whatever it takes, I am glad something has been announced. And if they can show the efforts being undertaken later this week, then suddenly a different message is being played out in the media. I want more people at Mardi Gras and Fest, we don't want to be wandering around an sparsely populated city -- people make the Fest what it is. The more who hear that New Orleans is working at this, the better Mardi Gras and Fest will do, and the more likely it is that you and I will be attending each year until we're wheelchair bound. This news helps me feel better about visiting in three short months -- BUT, I think everyone, including the T-Head Nation, do need to keep up the pressure and not be easily placated. The march is a very important public display of solidarity. Keep sending those letters going...

[Carolina Beadhead]

I've been waiting for Chris Rose to jump in. He finally did today:

http://tinyurl.com/y6uwkr

[ScoopJohnD]

Well, this is pretty impressive, just got an email back from Shotspotter and I only emailed them a few hours ago. The content is less than encouraging however. Maybe I'll send this to the papers. Here's the reply

John,

Thank you very much for your letter and we really appreciate you loving
your Country and the City of New Orleans.

Every City, big and small has problems with crime. Police have a huge
challenge across America to do more with less. I am sure that the City
of New Orleans already has a good understanding of the grants programs
and what is available to them in terms of Federal funding and are
pursuing everything possible.

We have launched several inquiries to the City management over the last
year offering to present our solution as a tool for their crime fighting
efforts. To date we have had no response from Mayor Nagin and City
management based on our inquiries. This could be that with all the
other priorities, our crime fighting solution has not bubbled to the
top.

It has been our experience that there is nothing more powerful than
concerned citizens such as yourself to elevate awareness. We fully
expect that in short order, our system will be utilized in every City in
the US that has a violent crime problem. Rest assured that we have
tried very hard to get the City's leaderships attention and will
continue to try, however as a company, we must respond to the Cities
that are motivated to solve their problems now rather than later.

Any assistance you can provide us in bringing awareness is greatly
appreciated.

Thank you,

Gregg Rowland
Senior Vice President
3515 Ryder Street
Santa Clara, CA 95051
TF: 888-274-6877 x219
C: 562-650-2673
O: 408-329-9219
F: 408-608-0340
gregg@shotspotter.com
www.shotspotter.com

[Blitzzzzz]

......... the more likely it is that you and I will be attending each year until we're wheelchair bound......

I have no intention of letting a little thing like mobility stop me from going to New Orleans. I'm thinking Segway, just hoping it won't have to be bulletproofed!:cool:
http://www.segway-rentals-now.com/images/deluxesegsign.jpg

[Michelino]

Open Letter to the Entertainment Industry...


That's a very powerful letter Tanya. It articulates the mixed feelings of love, frustration and sadness that many of us Nola fans find in our reaction to the current crisis of violence. Personally, I've been avoiding returning to read this thread because of my response to the tragedy and hopelessness has been wavering between anger and utter denial. But your letter, among other posts here, reminds me that a better response is to shine light on the problems of New Orleans' recovery in hopes that all will see what needs to be fixed.

[ozzie]

Well, this is pretty impressive, just got an email back from Shotspotter and I only emailed them a few hours ago. The content is less than encouraging however. Maybe I'll send this to the papers.

Please send to the TP Scoop.... asking why?

[ozzie]

I've been waiting for Chris Rose to jump in. He finally did today:

http://tinyurl.com/y6uwkr

and as always he gets right to the heart of it.

[Corona]

God Rosetree, you hit the nail right on the head. It is the kids being arrested for the murders, robberies etc. I've been watching that trend in the T-P. The kids who have lost everything, came back to the only city they knew but with an even bigger chip on their shoulder and many with no supervision. That's what makes them so dangerous. Really, in their minds, what do they have to lose now? The anger fuels them and kids in general have a "fuck it" mentality. These kids, who have lost everything, are even more extreme.

My current job entails working with a lot of really troubled kids and many are Young Offenders 18 and under....what I see is anger, hurt, a sense of entitlement, ego-centrism, intellectual delays, zero ability to delay gratification and no regard for others. My population of kids are what we call the "hard to serve" kids in our community. Most of these kids are like this because of enivronmental neglect/abuse and many from witnessing domestic violence..some kids are addicts, initiated by their f*cked up parents....bottom line, they didn't have their basic/emotional/social needs met as children. (please don't take this as blaming the parents...some kids are messed up for other reasons and came from good parents, I'm talking majority here though).

The answer? I don't know. We deal with that here....right now a consideration is to lower the age from 18 to 16 where the kids are charged as adults in the justice system. Do I believe that would be a deterrent? I guess but I think it's only going to produce more serious problems when these kids get out .....due to victimization. I think that whatever juvenile detention centers are there now need to be utilized for one, re-vamped programming isl likely needed and stiffer sentences need to be given to these kids....but they also need rehab, to learn life and social skills, religious intervention and then opportunities to excel in a half-way house once they get out. Cafe Reconcile program comes to mind...TEACH them skills they can use. So, in a nutshell, 'send a message that there will be stiffer sentences for violent crimes but teach them skills' is what comes to mind for me for starting to address the juvenile criminals. Sorry for rambling......this is a tough one.

[ohio]

The connection can be found in the possibility of massive amounts of wasted funds being put to far better use elsewhere... I don't need protection from someone growing pot on their own land,.. or in the privacy of their own home... I do need protection from violent thugs...

The following is maybe all hot air,.. but the growing violent trends are an intense subject matter and all possibilties of finding solutions should be considered,.. especially easy aspects of a solution... Hey,.. a guy can dream can't he???

Improved education (what happened to that huckleberry who called himself the education President?) and a decent job market (there's that same huckleberry,... missing in action again) are certainly real and concrete answers to the existing problems... As for real and present needs,.. the afore mentioned huckleberry did stand in Jackson Square and promise massive and continued federal help did he not???... Another missing link,.. and possibly the most elusive,.. is the need to elevate parental (well intentioned adult) involvement... Kids + the mean streets do not = a good life,.. for them or others (who might later suffer the consequences of their hardened lives)...

To repeat myself (I tend to do that),.. people who aren't harming society should not be given automatic and incredibly tough jail sentences... Rewriting /relaxing the current laws would create an instant source of funds that could find their way toward many more useful purposes... Imagine the money that the gov't. could raise by control and taxation of the same weed that many of our forefathers cultivated... Every red (eyed) cent could go directly into fixing real problems... Back to the present... The man power employed (WASTED) by law enforcement to enforce the current ridiculous laws could be quickly redirected to stemming the rising tides of violence... A simple act of Congress at any time could near instantly empty all those overcrowded prisons of harmless pot heads and just like that space and money would be freed up,.. space and money that could be used to find, convict, and house violent criminals.. We all agree that those types deserve to inhale the air found in those jail spaces....

It would be strange to see our gov't. act in ways that made "cents",.. but there certainly is a (possible) connection to be found....
I'm familiar with that logic, and it is logical. Don't expect it will come into play any time soon though. Party on, Paul!

[NOLA]

I, for one, intend to copy the letter Scoop received from Shotspotter and send it to Nagin, Riley and every member of the City Council with a letter of my own asking why, WHY has this offer been ignored? Will some of you join me in this effort?

I am somewhat encouraged by the announcements yesterday, but still intend to participate in the march. We've got to keep the heat on the politicos or their promises will all be forgotten in short order.

Although not specifically stated, I am hoping the checkpoints will also be used to check for firearms. I don't know how you do that with our privacy rules and prohibitions on search and seizure, but somehow we've got to get some of these guns off the streets...

[ohio]

And one more thing. DO NOT let today's press conference cause you to diminsh the anger and despair you show in Thursday's march. The cynic in me says that Nagin got out there this quickly to take the bite of Thursday's march. DON"T LET THAT HAPPEN!!!!
My thought as well. Does show that citizen outrage does garner some attention and hopefully some action. Now get busy on the groovy posters!

[Rossvegas]

NOLA, I think that was the point in making the checkstops ostensibly for "insurance, alcohol, etc.". You can't just pull people over because they look like trouble (although I don't understand why) and all it would take is some eager civil rights lawyer to get a whole bunch of the charges tossed out of court. By stopping them for alcohol, they can say: "the suspect was driving too fast/too slow, we suspected consumption of alcohol or drugs and we searched the car. We didn't find any drugs, but we did find a loaded Glock...."

[Rossvegas]

I find it interesting that it has takens such an "uptick" in violence for NOLA to do something about this problem. I wrote to Mayor Ray a few years ago asking for cameras and better lighting in the Quarter, and I suggested that all it takes is one dentist and his wife to get jacked up and the city risks the loss of an entire convention. Of course, I never received a reply.

The whole thing reminds me of the prevalence of AIDS in the Caribbean. Most people don't realize that AIDS/HIV is at outrageously high levels down there, and yet the Caribbean governments aren't exactly eager to advertise it because it would obviously kill their tourism business. Meanwhile, drunken North American frat boys are having a great time with the local girls (and boys) and nobody is the wiser.

In as much as I cringe when I see people (including us) shining a spotlight on the epidemic of violence in NOLA right now, I also realize that the problem will NEVER get solved until the powers that be are shamed into change. Call me cynical, but I think that if Nagin et al had their way, all of these murders and attacks would be swept under a very large rug. Thanks to the internet - and people like us - that isn't going to happen.

[mightyradgumbo]

Shotspotter is being looked at in Boston and is in the (hopefully) final phases of being added to the budget and should be looked at for any major city-Boston is expected to pony up 1.5M for purchase and maintainance over a four-year period!!! A small price, I say, to stem the tide of violence. Like NOLA, Boston is being beseiged by late-night shootings by people who have no business even being out that late at night-fricken 15 and 16 year old thugs that either came from broken homes or think that they invented tough. Our new police chief and the new city council president have really drawn the proverbial line in the sand here, in cooperation with Mumbles Mennino our mayor, that will hopefully bring an end to all this shit. As a whole, community leaders, religious leaders and the citizens I think we have hit the breaking point up here. It feels that way too in NOLA. I think it is at the point of put up or shut up and the most important thing to assist in putting up is community involvement. As one of my fave bumpersticker says "when the followers lead, the leaders will follow".

[Amy Winette]

I have no intention of letting a little thing like mobility stop me from going to New Orleans. I'm thinking Segway, just hoping it won't have to be bulletproofed!:cool:
http://www.segway-rentals-now.com/images/deluxesegsign.jpg

Haha, I thought the same thing when I read that line Blitzzz, being in a wheelchair wouldn't stop me from going to fest! Someone will roll me around. Or the guy who invented segway made that chair that climbs up stairs, etc. (that Stephen Colbert was riding around in during several of his shows last year)

[BigDag]

I've seen folks in motorized wheelchairs at Fest. It looked like a great way to get around, actually.

[Amy Winette]

I hope I won't need that for another 50 years, but when I do . . .

[glinda]

Wow. Just keeping up on this amazing thread is challenging. But I am absolutely bowled over at how the threadhead nation is becoming a global political force for change in New Orleans!

I sent a few emails to the mayor's office, Convention & Visitors Bureau, etc... but looking at all that this group is doing, near and far to New Orleans, WHILE keeping up on the latest news, developments, technology, etc. is amazing.

Ozzie's moving letter, Scoop's direct communication with Shotspotter, NOLA and Amy and MarignyGreg in the march, the patry fund raising for NOMC, the volunteer coordination, and so many more positive actions. THIS is what gives me hope! Threadheads are not only friendly fun fine fest folks, they are making a big difference in the world. Proud to know y'all.

[mwgirlonherown]

Thought I'd share...doesn't appear to be from a national news agency.
Nothing insightful, however, it's great that the NYT, as well as the Chicago Tribune continue to publish news features re: New Orleans.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/10/us/10orleans.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

[glinda]

Just copied Anderson Cooper's people on the shotspotter CEO's email.

[Corona]

Right back atcha Glinda...this is wonderful isn't it :) I love this group and have for almost 3 years now...I can't believe it's been that long already!

[rosetree]

How insensitive is this?????
From yesterday's news conference..
Asked after the news conference about the public cries for his ouster, Riley said, "I'm still alive."
WTF?

[NOLA]

I find it interesting that it has takens such an "uptick" in violence for NOLA to do something about this problem.

Ross, I hope you mean the city and not me!

I think I've rounded up a few folks here at work that are planning to march with me tomorrow. I'm hopeful that this will be big enough to garner national media attention - and having Anderson Cooper along won't hurt. Any other local Threadheads planning to march?

[rosetree]

We are thinking of closing the studio down and going with the whole krewe...

[rosetree]

This is my letter to the editor of the T/P today:

How insensitive and callous is the man that heads our police force? When asked, at the press conference decrying the increased murder rate in New Orleans, about the cries to oust him from his job, Chief Riley replied “I am still alive”
Our mayor should take a page from Mr. Benson’s book and apply it to our situation today. The Saints needed change in a big way after last season. They fired the head coach, sent players away who did not fit the new coach’s mold, and offered good pay for players who wanted to come here and take a chance and help the Saints and our city.
Mr. Mayor, you should fire your Police Chief, let the police officers go who don’t want to help our city, and hire new ones and offer them an incentive to be here. Who would have thought that the Saints would be in the position that they are in now 365 days ago? Maybe you, like Mr. Benson, can turn this bad situation into a “play-off” quality city.
Please Mr. Mayor, take the bold move that we have been waiting for. Don’t let our city become a war zone. Too many good people are leaving, and good ones are not taking their place. What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? The mayor who let our city down? Or, the mayor who brought us back from the brink?

[Corona]

oooh very good letter Mark!

[rosetree]

NOLA: We WILL close the studio and give our employees paid time to go with us to the march. We will start at the Algiers ferry @ 11:00. I hope that there are a ton of people!

[ohio]

nice, Mark! and nice letter too!

[ozzie]

That's for sure! Onya Mark.

[chuck-d]

I am beginning to hate everyone, and it just aint my nature.

Karma come swiftly, and please let there be roast beef po boys when I get there.

[Amyloves...]

I'll be late for the march but I'll join in and definitely be at City Hall at noon.

[ScoopJohnD]

Mark, excellent letter and even better closing for the day and paying your employees. Action like that mean alot. Amyloves......soooooo glad you are going, can't wait for the details. Just make your voices heard.

[Michelino]

NOLA: We WILL close the studio and give our employees paid time to go with us to the march. We will start at the Algiers ferry @ 11:00. I hope that there are a ton of people!

Godspeed to all you marchers today...and I hope that this march helps to turn the corner against the violence.

[Corona]

Wish we could all be there with you.....hope all is peaceful yet strong....don't let the bastards get you down and make your voices heard real loud...this is YOUR city. We love you!

[peteup]

Yes, be heard!! Right with you!

[ozzie]

We share everyone's good wishes for y'all for tomorrow. We'll be right there with you in spirit.

[Rossvegas]

I'm with Ozzie...remember what we've lost and fight for what is left, and I hope you feel the spirit of all of us far-flung threadheads walking shoulder to shoulder with you.

[glinda]

Aint gonna let nobody
turn me 'roun',
turn me 'roun
Aint gonna let nobody
turn me run
I'm gonna keep on a-walkin'
keep on a-talkin
marchin' into freedom land

We're walkin with y'all today!

[katowoman]

You guys are inspirational. Understatement, btw.

Your voices will be heard today in New Orleans. We're with you in the march, and please take all of our strength and support with you.

[mangoon]

Cant say it any better than you guys already have. Good luck today,good thoughts are with you.

[katowoman]

March mention up on Anderson Cooper's blog
http://www.cnn.com/CNN/Programs/anderson.cooper.360/blog/

[rosetree]

OFF TO MARCH!!!!

[PaulC]

Forward,... MARCH....

Deliver onto them the righteous anger they deserve.....

[mwgirlonherown]

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

My heart is with y'all.

[Papins]

add to the list of demands: NO BAIL FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS, build bigger prisons/jails/work farms, no parole for repeat offenders.

[Amy Winette]

So glad the march sounds like it's being very well attended. Schools even busing high school kids in. YOU GO NOLA!!!!!

[t.o..fester]

add to the list of demands: NO BAIL FOR REPEAT OFFENDERS, build bigger prisons/jails/work farms, no parole for repeat offenders.

But will that include any threadhead who may have their own little run-in with the law?

[NYMAMA]

Wher are Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson lately? It seems to me they were very helpful in getting "Clarence" reelected. How come we don't hear from them now?

[KeyWest Bruce]

It was so good to see that many people banding together for such an important issue. I wish throngs would have taken to the streets of N.O. to protest the incredibly slow Road Home program, the money that the people do not seem to be receiving, even though hundreds of millions were donated or allocated for rebuilding. the difficulties and roadblocks making it nearly impossible for New Orleanians to come home (especially renters); and on and on.......But at least the people rose up today, and blasted that awful mayor.....damn, how did he get re-elected!? It is wonderful to see some activism and anger, which New Orleanians shouldn't even have to be dealing with....isn't it enough that they're struggling to rebuild the city? A very sad state that they have to deal with murders and inept leadership. But this may be the spark that ignites change. I totally support a recall of Mayor Nagin. I don't trust him. Just bought "When the Levees Broke" on DVD, and one of the features is Spike Lee doing a running commentary along with the movie. According to him, he is in Bush's pocket. Bottom line...what is he really doing to help those New Orleanians around the country who want to come home?

[Papins]

But will that include any threadhead who may have their own little run-in with the law?....Why yes it would. That's the funny thing about the law. It was written for everybody.

[t.o..fester]

....Why yes it would. That's the funny thing about the law. It was written for everybody.

Okay, I'll tell my dad he cannot come to J.F this year. He'll be heartbroken.

[PaulC]

Okay, I'll tell my dad he cannot come to J.F this year. He'll be heartbroken.

lol t.o.......

When the news of the (promised) extra heavy crack down on late night drinkin' (an' drivin') issues in New Orleans first came up,... I must admit I gave thought to all the fest heads who may not enjoy finding themselves on the wrong side of that (right) law (and order)....

Lucky for me,.. I'm a public transportation kind of fester....

taxi, street cars, n' walkin' = good thing (3rd one,.. maybe not so anymore)...................

[BigDag]

It just doesn't stop.

http://tinyurl.com/ybuxes

[Papins]

must be time to break out the "stop the violence" t-shirts...

[ohio]

must be time for someone to fly down there and start patroling the ninth...

[Papins]

Not a problem on my end-as long as others are with me. I ain't John Wayne, and I'm not pretending to be. You, I, and everyone else, has a right to be safe.

[ScoopJohnD]

must be time to break out the "stop the violence" t-shirts...
How ironic, sarcasm about the worth of making your voice heard on Martin Luther King Day.

[Papins]

'scuse me, but t-shirts, catchy slogans, and groovey posters won't do you squat against a thug determined to wreck havoc on you. And what the hell does MLK day have to do with my comment?

[Fables of Faubus]

It just doesn't stop.

http://tinyurl.com/ybuxes


My thoughts and prayers are with his family. It hurts to read about it. My heart goes out to his loved ones.

[Corona]

me too Fables....me too. That poor momma :(

[ScoopJohnD]

And yes, may that mother somehow find the strength to carry on.

[Papins]

Pray for the dead-fight like hell for the living. Most of the folks on these boards are tourists. To those of you who live in New Orleans, what can we as visitors do to help?

[Rossvegas]

Papins, with all due respect, your "kill 'em all and let God sort it out" approach to dealing with thugs really isn't an option.

When I lived in NOLA back in the late 70's, I recall meeting an old woman (in her 70's/80's) who had shot a young black man just for cutting across her lawn. Her rationalization to me was: "you just never know what those n*ggers are up to." (Seriously.)

Is that the kind of society we want? One based on paranoia, prejudice, fear and revenge?

I truly loath these thugs as much as the next guy, but turning NOLA into a battleground of "good versus evil" means that a lot of "good" - both black and white - are going to wind up in a puddle of their own blood. At what point do you determine who is a true "thug" and who is just a kid with a doorag making his way through a neighbourhood to his friend's place to study?

I think that only a combination of policing, technology, community, vigilance, prosecution and incarceration is going to solve this problem.

As for Scoop's comment, I suppose the same argument you've put forth about "stop the violence" t-shirts could have been used against MLK back in the day: "What's a big rally and a handful speaches going to accomplish?" It's all about baby steps...but at least they are steps in the right direction.

Papins, some of my most favourite and unforgettable memories are of the modest black families sitting on their stoops when I exited the Fest each day. Most of them had great smiles on their faces, and despite their poverty, they looked like "spiritual millionaires" to me. I would hate like hell to see anything (more) happen to those folks, just because their sons or daughters happened to be strolling through the wrong neighbourhoods...any more than I would want anything to happen to you.

The violence HAS to stop, and only when people stop sweeping it under the rug and start stating their indignation - through t-shirts, protests, activism, boycotts or otherwise - will all people truly be safe.

[Papins]

First off-lose the insinuations of racism towards me. It's a cheap shot. And whom are you trying to impress? I've often found that people who throw that accusation around have racist feelings themselves, and it's an exercise in transferance. Second. I never once said "Kill em all-Let God sort 'em out" so drop that notion too. What I've said is that marches and other symbolism over substance does squat when it comes to dealing with violent crime. It takes a proactive approach. The immediate concern, is that people have a right to be safe. There is no doubt there are contributing factors to the violence. They need to be addressed. In the meantime-people still have a right to be safe. It would be great to put more trained police on the streets (although I can hear the sniveling from some about living in a police state). That takes time & money. Do it. But know that it's not going to happen overnight. In the meantime, having neighborhood patrols working in conjunction with police is a start.

[Rossvegas]

Papins, I didn't insinuate that you were a racist, and I'm not trying to impress anyone...but thanks for accusing me of being a racist. If you would be so kind as to provide me with ANY proof - either on this board or the old one - of me bing a racist, I would be happy to wear the mantle of shame you seem so quick to apply to me. Never mind that three of my last four relationships have been with "women of colour"...

I'll wait for your proof.

In the meantime, here are just a FEW of the nuggets that you've posted in this forum topic:

“Who gives a crap if thugs kill thugs? It's the new Darwinian way. I hope these scrotes get what they deserve, and please, if some cop on the NOPD racks up the kill, don't be sniveling about the scumbag's civil rights being violated.”

Scoop: “Would you give a crap if it kept happening in YOUR neighborhood, where YOU were trying to live a good life, and it was accepted?” Papins: “nope...it would be a cleansing.”

“A neighborhood police force may be the answer. Get a firearms permit, learn how to use it. Train in basic take down and street fighting martial arts. Carry walkie talkies, handcuffs, learn to make a citizen's arrest. Get a lawyer to look out for your group. Involve all pissed off neighbors in one form or another. Get neighborhood churches involved. Patrol 24/7. Set aside personal feeling and work with the NOPD. Start a fund to pay off CI's (confidential informants) and if a dead thug turns up, call the garbage pickup and don't worry who did it.”

“Volunteer's would be trained in the use of firearms, take downs, etc. Turning this into an Oprahesqe march with lots of groovy posters, march related ball caps & t-shirts, and rightious indignation will do squat. Symbolism over substance never works.”

“It's not that you mind someone trained in the use of firearms and who maybe has to use violence to stop violence-you just don't want to be the one who does it.”

I'm sorry, but a lot of that sounds like "kill 'em all and let God sort it out" to me Papins.

For the record, please understand that I'm not on your ass about your anger. You have every right to be indignant, angry....hell, even furious. We all are. It just scares me to see us (myself included, Papins) get to the point where we are prepared to completely forsake the systems we have in place to exact some "vigilante justice", in whatever form it might take.

Peace.

[Papins]

Bro...all that I've written isn't the "Kill 'em all...." however I do say I don't give a tinker's damn if one thug kills another. I don't give a tinker's damn if a police officer kill's a thug. I don't give a tinker's damn if and attacking thug gets dropped by a citizen trying to protect him/herself. To defend one's self is moral. As for the racism charge. I just gotta wonder why you brought it up in the first place with regard to my post(s). Also. Why is it important for me to know that "Never mind that three of my last four relationships have been with "women of colour"...

[Rossvegas]

Man, I don't want to get into a pissing match with you, however....

Nowhere in my original post did I call you a racist. Read it again. And again. I was simply making a general statement about reactions based on FEAR, regardless of the colour of the target...period. I finished by saying that I didn't want anything to happen to the children of the poor black families in NOLA, and I didn't want anything to happen to you.

As for my "women of colour" remark, you accused me of being a latent racist, and I'll defend that (truly insulting) accusation to my death. (I happen to live in the most ethnically diverse city in North America, and I simply don't see 'colour' like others do.) I''ll spare you any more examples of my racial tolerance - you don't have a clue about me - but if you're going to toss around accusations like that, you had better have the balls to back it up. It's not an accusation I take lightly.

I'm still waiting for your proof, Papins. Or your apology.

[Papins]

you brought the issue of race into a response to my post. Me? I viewed that as an insinuation. And I gotta tell you, that last post reeks of; some of my best friends are_____. Why is this so important to you to let me know that you have black friends and date black women?

[Rossvegas]

Dude, where did I say that I have "black friends and date black women?" I said that 3 of my last 4 relationships were with "women of colour". You just assume that their colour is "black"? That's interesting...

Listen, you accused me of being a racist, remember? I only raise my previous relationships as just ONE piece of proof that I'm definitely not and I'm sorry if you interpreted that statement in any other way. Regardless, I'm still waiting for YOUR proof or your apology, but it takes a big man to say "I'm sorry" or I misunderstood"...

I'm not holding my breath to hear those words from you.

Again, I didn't raise the issue of "race"; I raised the issue of the danger of preconceived notions about various types of people and the danger in responding to those notions with a pre-existing prejudice. Obviously, you didn't read my post again. And again.

Papins, I wish you all the luck in the world with your approach to dealing with NOLA crime...but if I happen to see you walking through the Marigny with an AK47 strapped to your back, you'll forgive me if I duck into a side street, okay?

[Papins]

Again, I didn't raise the issue of "race"; I raised the issue of the danger of preconceived notions about various types of people and the danger in responding to those notions with a pre-existing prejudice. Obviously, you didn't read my post again. And again.

I took your original post in a way you didn't intend. I apologize. I alway's hope and pray you stay safe. It's been my experience though that it takes more than marches, slogans, t-shirts & posters.

[Rossvegas]

No argument there, Papins. No argument there....but the marches, slogans, t-shorts and posters are at least a very small step in SOME direction towards change; a direction that nobody seemed to be taking at all until the recent spate of murders shone the spotlight on it.

And thanx for the apology...seriously.

(Papins, for the record, you and i aren't so different when it comes to our opinions on the (lack of) power of rallies and protests. I have yet to see anyone end a war, cast jobs into the sea of masses or abandon globalization because of them. The one thing I think it DOES do is to shine a spotlight on the problem and let people know that they are mad as hell...for whatever that's worth.)

Peace, amigo!

[Papins]

Reading from the TP website, there've been numerious marches against violence since (post Katrina,) the thugs returned to New Orleans. The time for symbolism is over, and the time for action is now. I've made what I feel are realistic and practical suggestions. I mean I'd like to walk from the FQ to the Marginy without being robbed, beaten, or killed. OK, as visitors to New Orleans, what can we do to help?

[breambob]

About as open as anywhere in the US. I'm not trying to start anything, just information.

Concealed weapons in LA:

Act 4 of the First Extraordinary Session of the 1996 Legislature amended and re-enacted R.S. 40:1379.3 providing for the issuance of statewide concealed handgun permits by the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Public Safety & Corrections (DPS). The permit grants statewide authority to a citizen to carry a concealed handgun on his person. A handgun is defined as "a type of firearm commonly referred to as a pistol or revolver originally designed to be fired by the use of a single hand and which is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition." It does not include "shotguns or rifles that have been altered by having their stocks or barrels cut or shortened."

Concealed Handgun Permit Reciprocity

Pursuant to Act 470 of the 2004 Regular Session, the State of Louisiana has enacted new legislation concerning reciprocity for concealed handgun permits. This act, which became effective August 15, 2004, amended R.S. 40:1379.3(T)(1) to provide:
“…A current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by another state shall be deemed to be valid within this state if a current and valid concealed handgun permit issued by Louisiana is valid in those states.”

Body Armor:

Unrestricted, unless you are a felon.

Guns in vehicles:

Unrestricted, all legal firearms may be carried fully loaded and concealed.

Shoot the burgler:

OK to shoot (and kill) anyone that enters your residence unannounced or by force. Shoot first, ask questions later.

Unconcealed weapons:

OK at all times as long it is visible by a normal observer. (OK to wear a pistol on your belt in a holster).

[20-20]

That's Great Stuff BB.Appreciate your style...I think I know a trouble maker when I see one! I wonder if the server is going to be able to handle all of the traffic?

[breambob]

That's Great Stuff BB.Appreciate your style...I think I know a trouble maker when I see one! I wonder if the server is going to be able to handle all of the traffic?

LOL. I'm prolly on a few ignore lists now.
I sold my two pistols a few weeks after I moved to NO. First place I ever lived where I thought I might actually have to use them. I was a'scared. That was 20 years ago, I don't own any firearms now, but I got a big-ass knife and a 4 lb sledgehammer. :)

My heart breaks for the good folks that have come back to the scourge of these thugs on top of everything else they have endured.
There was a vacuum in the 'hoods after K, there is a war for turf and then the assorted crazy crimes.
It should have been expected I suppose, there is a very lucrative and prosperous underground economy in NO because of the tourism thang.
And I don't have answers, me.
Change will only come if the leaders, from Governor on down, stand up and turn against the same old, same old that has unfortunately survived Katrina.

So is Tuesday my pissy, cynical day on the bored now? I'll feel better when the line up comes out.

[Papins]

Peace, amigo!

Back at ya Ross

[rosetree]

Ahhhhh, peace in the valley!

[dumbtourist]

Amen! That's what this thread was trying to achieve all along!

[dumbtourist]

Man, I thought the guns were scary, but this is really frightning...

http://tinyurl.com/yse85o

[rosetree]

This is a follow-up
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tpupdates/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tpupdates/archives/2007_01_17.html#226457
He claims that they were just fireworks!!!???!!!

[dumbtourist]

That would seem a little hard to believe...

[ohio]

http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o291/bryanr1234/holeyshit.gif

[rosetree]

Y'know Ohio, you can wear an unlimited amount of body armor in Louisiana!

[ohio]

yep, it's on the potential lagniappe list....

[breambob]

This is a follow-up
http://www.nola.com/newslogs/tpupdates/index.ssf?/mtlogs/nola_tpupdates/archives/2007_01_17.html#226457
He claims that they were just fireworks!!!???!!!

LOL. He may have just been planning a fishing trip down in the basin. I heared fish blow up real good down there ;)

[BigDag]

Meanwhile, as we debate culinary favorites, the gunshot victims continue to stack up at the morgue.

http://tinyurl.com/2k8ncf