Opinion Talk

By Barack Hussein Obama

June 13, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

We live in ATLANTA, you AJC Dumb@$$e$.

We do not live in “A-T-L.”

Only Mike Vick Lovers, vermin living near or south of I-20, thugs, degenerates, criminals, the uneducated, the inarticulate and/or ‘THOSE PEOPLE’ live in “A-T-L.”

Get it right.

By MP

June 13, 2008 8:11 AM | Link to this

I have lived here all my life (40+ years) and it ain’t what it used to be. But it is still home and a pretty good place overall. I live just outside of the city limits and I don’t currently work inside the city limits. All the things mentioned plus the politics of this town really depress me. How the hell did Billy Payne win the olympics for this city? Looking back on it that is amazing. The guy should run for president! On the other end of the stick is Bill Campbell. He was cussed up and down and hated by the IOC (I saw it first hand). Looking back we can clearly see why now.

All the high rise condos are fine but will every owner bring 2 cars with them? If so that will prove to be another bad decision by city leaders. We will be packing them all in tight at that rate.

Except for a great run by the Braves the town I’m guessing is pretty much known nationwide as losersville. It’s incredible the Falcons and Hawks haven’t had anymore success and the Braves look like they are going back in the wrong direction (bring back Ted Turner!)

By Bubba from Buckhead

June 13, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

I love Atlanta for its diversity. We have ignorant Georgia boys and intellect living together as you can see above. We also have some wonderful people in this city who truly believe we’re the Ambassadors to the south unlike some of our conservative neighbors.

By Jimmy Jim Jim

June 13, 2008 8:23 AM | Link to this

Great hookers.

By Georgia Black

June 13, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

I love living in Atlanta for many reasons. The weather is usually clear and warm. There are a lot of great places to eat. Atlanta has a great underground musical talent pool. There’s plenty to do around the city. Oh don’t let me forget. Atlanta has some of the most beautiful women in the world in all flavor chocolate, caramel, vanilla, butter pecan tan, and lemon sherbert.

It’s actually difficult to enjoy Atlanta when you live amongst fools.

By Don P

June 13, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

For this last blogger (Barack Hussein Obama), your comments are divisive only for those mentally impaired people who make them or listen to them. I didn’t think that people of such intellectual capacity read the newspaper or any other form of literature, except “Mein Kumpf.”

By Jim Bob

June 13, 2008 8:30 AM | Link to this

I lived in Atlanta for over twenty five years. I made my escape five years ago. It was a great place when it was inhabited by “Georgians”. Now that it has become a “mecca” of sorts it has gone to hell. Where has the “Southern Hospitality gone? It will never be the great city it once was. A-T-L?? You can have it! Plan your exit strategy now while you still can.

By stilldefiant

June 13, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

I live here because it is a great place to live. The weather is generally nice, decent salaries, along with affordable housing. It’s a city that isn’t too big but you can enjoy some of pleasures of other larger cities. True, you have plenty of idiots like the guy posing as Barack or the people from out of town who gripe all the time but have no one forcing them to stay (they’ll be voicing their opinions in a little bit - just wait). As an Atlanta native, I agree with MP that isn’t what it used to be but it’s still a wonderful place to live and enjoy.

By TG

June 13, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

Whoa! BHO, you really need to take it easy before you give yourself a coronary. “Those people”, as you call them, who use the term “ATL” are really not that bad. Try to focus on things that are really worth getting upset about and not something so inconsequential.

By Opportunity

June 13, 2008 8:42 AM | Link to this

I live in Atlanta for the opportunities it affords me. I moved South after college for personal reasons, and quickly realized that Atlanta offered the best of both worlds. I was able to nab a job that I loved paying “Northern wages”… and actually live IN the city, in a single-family home, at a “Southern cost of living.” I feel like I am able to really get ahead while living here, whereas if I had stayed in Chicago, I’d be making the same money, and paying twice as much (or more) to live in a townhome 20 miles outside of the city. Living in Atlanta has given me a jumpstart on my future, allowing me to save more at a young age, and hopefully that means an early retirement one day!

By Georgia Black

June 13, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

Hey Jim Bob, there’s a book about that. It’s called “White Flight”. Talks about the desertion of white in present day black communities for fear of property value loss or fear of black people. The books details the fear and stereotypes whites have towards blacks. You’d think we’re still living in the ’50s or ’60s reading some of these comments. You people should just go back to living in caves like the cromags in the Caucasus mountains in Georgia the country not the state

By AH

June 13, 2008 8:51 AM | Link to this

I’ve been in Atlanta for almost 10 years now. Every year I take one trip to somewhere else in the country and I just can’t see myself not living in Atlanta. Even with all of the negatives pointed out above I see the city on a positive track and improving everyday. Even though there are set back every now and then the city is heading towards a great rebirth.

By Don P

June 13, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

For everyone who continue to show concern about the current or future state of Atlanta, its should be agreed that only constructive criticism is needed, not racial comments coming from people who are not “vestals” of public good. So, going forward I think that we can all agree that phyiscally, Atlanta is one of the beautiful cities around; however, structurally the city is too far behind in both leadership foresight and the realization that its former mid-size life-style, is a thing of the past. Let’s grow up!

By HONEYCLOUD

June 13, 2008 9:10 AM | Link to this

I’ll tell you why I LOVE living in the ATL: This is the most exciting city in America! I’m originally from California and grew up in Ohio. I’ve travel to 39 states and resided in 7 of them. I think i can give a fair accessment. I’ve been here for 5 years its the people, that is, the original born and raised here Atlantians are much kinder in spirit and are more loyal to family values. The bible belt, the food, the diverse cultures, the arts, the music. Anything you are looking for you can find in this city of wonder folks. when i moved here my stress level went down because up north is very stressful and people can be over the top with the rudeness. dont get me wrong, the north will always have a small space in my heart but my home is ATLANTA! I do my 8-5 during the week, I can catch a comedy show on friday night or a good show at the fox theater, Stone Mountain Park on Saturday mornings is majestic. The greatest church in the world (NBMBC)on Sunday and brunch in the afternoon at the Flying Biscuit. This city has passion!!

By S.S.

June 13, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this

We have four distinct seasons; we’re a few hours from the coast and a few hours from skiing; people say hello to you on the street; Atlanta is big enough to have fine dining, art galleries and stadiums but not so big that it’s intimidating (a la NYC); Southern food and Southern accents

By Honolulu Bound

June 13, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I am a native of Atlanta and I used to love this city. Growing up here there were things that were unique to this city. The city had a soul, there was a local flavor if you will. Now the city has changed. It has become a “big box” city with NO identity, no soul. The city sold out to hip hop and McMansions. The city that I loved is dead.

After a recent trip to Honolulu, HI I rediscovered a vibrant city. A city alive and full of activity. A city where riding public transit didn’t feel like a ride through Beirut. A city where I wasn’t afraid to walk about downtown at night. A city where the people are nice and the drivers are, too.

After experiencing that, I now know that Atlanta is no longer home. The southern hospitality that once thrived here is gone and in it’s place is the baggy pants culture of rudeness and crudeness!

I say good bye Atlanta. You all can have the city soon to be coined The New Detroit

By Me

June 13, 2008 9:26 AM | Link to this

I have lived here all my life (except for college years)and have been trying to get my hubby to let us move away for the last 15 years or so but he’s an only child and his parents live nearby…so maybe when they are gone…then we can escape

By Victoria

June 13, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

What makes ATLANTA so BEAUTIFUL today is the diversity, the culture and the transplants. Thank God for the transplants that have come here from other places, contributed to major change in the city and have made this city what it is today. Yes it could be better but at least it’s not what it was.

By Magnolia

June 13, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

BLESS YOUR HEART HONEYCLOUD
We are glad to have people like you in Atlanta.

By Bob

June 13, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

Atlanta used to be a nice place to visit, but it has gotten to big with no planning. Traffic is terrible. I live 80 miles away and that’s close enough. I go to the burbs when I need something that I can’t find closer to home.

I wish the outer perimeter had been built so that I wouldn’t have to go through Atlanta - especially the bottlenecks in Gwinnett, Henry, and Cobb Counties - when trying to get from end of the state to the other.

By bigboom fromNY

June 13, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

WOW it the native atlantians are talking about there city like this . Imagine the impression I get as a relocated NYer here in ATL. I think its just alot of bitter people who dont like to see the city grow with such a diverse populaion. It’s to late we are here to stay.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Atlanta continues to have an indentity crisis, it can’t make up its mind what it wants to be !! Its unfortunate that the hip-hop and thug culture/mentality have blurred the city’s image around the country. I wouldn’t live here if it weren’t for my having a good job.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Atlanta continues to have an indentity crisis, it can’t make up its mind what it wants to be !! Its unfortunate that the hip-hop and thug culture/mentality have blurred the city’s image around the country. I wouldn’t live here if it weren’t for my having a good job.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

Atlanta continues to have an indentity crisis, it can’t make up its mind what it wants to be !! Its unfortunate that the hip-hop and thug culture/mentality have blurred the city’s image around the country. I wouldn’t live here if it weren’t for my having a good job.

By NativeBird

June 13, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

“BHO,MP, AND JIM BOB”, Save up your pennies from your Wal-Mart, K-Mart, garbage handler, or pick up after us at the mall job, and by a one-way ticket to someplace with nothing but ignorant people like you. Someplace cold and depressing, with no economy, aquarium, Braves, bunch of nice malls, diversity, Falcons, low cost of living, etc. “YOU DUMMIES TAKE EVERYTHING FOR GRANTED.” I am from here and have lived in LA, Seattle, Chicago, NYC, etc., and most people that I met wanted to live “HERE!”. So don’t cry about having to deal with educated minorities, move! Or put you ignorant head inside a book and learn something so that you will have more to say than to spew your obvious bigotry. People in this city are too busy enjoying each other and this beautiful place we have created to deal with your ignorance. IT’S A NEW DAY IN ATL AND IN THE USA, EVERYBODY WILL HAVE A CHANCE AT THEIR DREAMS, EVERYONE!
BTW- we can call our city anything that we want. ATL came from the airport code for this city. “READ DUMMIES…TRAVEL DUMMIES…MOVE IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT DUMMIES!!!!!!”

By Lee

June 13, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

To Bigboom : I would rather live in NY any day compared to this cesspool called Atlanta. At least NY has a sense of identity as far as the city goes, and crime rates lower !

By Lee

June 13, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

To Bigboom : I would rather live in NY any day compared to this cesspool called Atlanta. At least NY has a sense of identity as far as the city goes, and crime rates lower !

By Atlanta1

June 13, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Clean, Beautiful, Vibrant, Diverse, Affordable and Lots of Hot people at the bars! =)

By ATL

June 13, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

TIME TO GET RID OF THE FEDERAL RESERVE FOLKS. THE FEDERAL RESERVE IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL AND PUBLIC ENEMY NUMERO UNO.

TIME TO SAY GOODBYE TO THIS MONSTER.

ALL YOUR TREASONOUS POLITICIANS HAVE ALLOWED THIS BEAST TO FLOURISH.

TELL BERNANKE TO GO TO HELL

By Real Atlantan

June 13, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this

I love Atlanta for many reasons. Number one, friends and family. Number two, there are numerous reasons, fine women, Tech, good watering holes, and Ponce. It’s OK to be “loserville”, at least we’re not Philly, Detroit, Boston, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, or Cincinatti. You can find better looking women on fat chicks in party hats dot com, than in those cities.

By EX NATIVEATLANTAN

June 13, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this

MY HOME FOR 50 YRS IN ATLANTA DOESNT EXIST ANYMORE, WE COULD NOT TAKE IT ANYMORE AND WE NOW LIVE IN REDNECK RIVIERA .. YALL HAVE FUN UP THERE!!!

By LT

June 13, 2008 10:13 AM | Link to this

i lived in ATL for 20 years until 6 years ago. Im in Houston now.Atlanta has it’s problems like every city.Im on my way back for good because it’s got FLAVA. See ya soon.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 10:14 AM | Link to this

Native Bird … who’s said anything about educated minorities? Theres been plenty of minorities that have moved here, found out that its nothing to write home about, and move to other cities outside of GA. Not everyone of color thinks ATL is their mecca…and thats the truth.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 10:15 AM | Link to this

Native Bird … who’s said anything about educated minorities? Theres been plenty of minorities that have moved here, found out that its nothing to write home about, and move to other cities outside of GA. Not everyone of color thinks ATL is their mecca…and thats the truth.

By Celebrate DIVERSITY

June 13, 2008 10:18 AM | Link to this

DIVERSITY = Bunch of foul-smelling, RUDE people that don’t talk good AMERICAN

By CJ

June 13, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

I live in Atlanta because it offers the most job opportunities and the most gay-friendly environment of any city in the Southeast.

If I ever move from Atlanta, it would be because of its air quality, traffic, it’s land-locked, and unequal rights for gays compared to other states (civil unions, adoptions, etc.).

By Rick

June 13, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

I just love all the racism from the blacks. That’s what keeps me here. All the Obama lovers, who think they will get their over-due reparation check from the gov’t and then find themselves one step above the hated white man. The city has gone downhill, due to the hip-hop community, major(s) of past and present, black communities, the lose of Buckhead due to the thugs that came after the Super Bowl of ‘99. It’s just a matter of time before Atlantic Station is ruined by the same people. What a shame! The world as we know it will end, if Obama is elected, so please no one vote that racist a*. Time to move from this hell hole.

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 10:28 AM | Link to this

If we can ever get past the corrupt local city government that uses the city as it’s own wealth building tool for their families, I think the city would be great. But I don’t see that happening considering all things in Atlanta.

By Vick ATL's Savior

June 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Mike Vick was not practicing no bestiality with them dogz. He was just exploring inter-species erotica. He was just a proud, successful black man celebrating his diversity. FREE MIKE VICK!!!!

By Honky

June 13, 2008 10:41 AM | Link to this

To MP - there’s more to a city than it’s sports teams….Atlanta has a good reputation and it’s not known as “loserville”.

Why don’t you leave, especially since you’re OTP…you can’t appreciate the city anyway.

By JJ

June 13, 2008 10:46 AM | Link to this

I’ve lived here since 1977. Talk about change? I was here before I85 was more than two lanes, before Spaghetti Junction; before Gwinnett Mall; and when there were ONLY 5 Metro counties. We would go out to Jimmy Carter Blvd, and feel so far away from home. The traffic reports in the morning were less than 20 seconds.

I have lived in numerous places between I-75 and Stone Mountain. I currently reside in Suwanee and love, love love it there. I very rarely go downtown, and only ride MARTA once a year (to the christmas parade).

When I moved here, the sign at Darlington Apartments had Atlanta at 1.5 million people.

My parents like it here so much, they moved here twice. The first time in 1977, then again in 1992 (they moved away to care for their aging parents). All my family is here so I am not going anywhere for a long time. My daughter, and both nieces were born at Northside Hospital.

I never thought I would make Atlanta home and put down roots, but 31 years later, I’m still here.

I grew up out west, and while Atlanta is my home, Colorado will always by in my heart.

By Kim

June 13, 2008 10:47 AM | Link to this

Yes traffic is a little bad but it’s not as bad as New York. The roads are at least paved here and people don’t smell half as bad on Marta. I’ve actually stopped a police officer for help with directions when I was lost and he helped. Now who would have thought that.

Atlanta has been my dream state to riside in all my life and since I made the transition here I’ve absolutely love it. For us, we HAVE experienced true southern hospitality. This was the first place an old white woman stopped me in the supermarket and gave me a coupon, where a white man across the street noticed my husband was out of town and I came home to find him cutting my lawn and where black and white kids do play together in the streets so if you are too narrow minded and filled with ignorance and hate to realise what a beatiful place this is then I am so sorry that you exist in a world filled with misery and hate.

Have a great day ATL………..

By Kim

June 13, 2008 10:53 AM | Link to this

Lee, I lived in New York, grew up there and don’t even visit that cesspool. There’s more racism up there than here. I go to the mall I see all kinds of people new york is designed to have a certain type of person shop in a certain place.

I beleive if I am successful and being 24 black and at that time making 100K I couldn’t purchase a house where I want it is ridiculous.

Additionally, maybe when they fix the pot holes on teh highways or stop harrassing people who drive cars with ridiculous tickets or get this, because people don’t pay their waterbill NYC is now charging more for water from customers who do pay to offset their deficit.

We saw a 21% increase in property tax and nothing to show for the increase, schools are horrible, and the subway hikes meant for me, that I still rode the same stupid always late subway with a bunch of people who smell like pigs in a pen in a sweltering 90% weather ALL DARN DAY.

I will never miss the crackheads hanging out on 42nd street, nor the thugs on 34 street who will rob you blind.

Oh an let me not talk about the loud people who are not not only black mind you with a million kids who are loud and obnoxious

By Honolulu Bound

June 13, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

It seems to me that the main ones who enjoy this city are the newcomers and the hip hoppers.

I challenge anyone to name 5 things that are in Atlanta that are found no where else. What makes Atlanta unique? What makes up the soul of Atlanta?

I can tell you that nothing gives this city any uniqueness anymore. Everything has been homogenized into a corporate sponsored, lifeless desert. Maybe that in and of itself is what makes Atlanta unique.

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

1) In the south and close to the ocean;

2) Anonymity of a large city;

3) Restaurants;

4) professonal sports.

These are the things I like about Atlanta.

By dontknowyet

June 13, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

I’ve been in Atlanta for about a year. The city’s beautiful - trees, flowers, hills - but the angry mentality is kind of wearing and everybody’s always whining about something. I may come to love it, but I miss Dallas. I know everybody hates TX, but I miss responsive city government and driving on decent city streets. Atlanta streets are horrible and the city doesn’t seem inclined to fix them - that’s amazing to me! Now I’m whining, too…. It’s official, I’m an Atlantan.

By Gentle G

June 13, 2008 11:09 AM | Link to this

Born and raised here way before rap and hip-hop took hold. We have four beautiful seasons, it’s ecologically safe, and based on global warming projections, may someday be beachfront property!

By BeBe KID

June 13, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

The ATL is where the “PLAYAS” dwell and its population is increasing with cosmopolitan well educated people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Atlanta is no longer a big backwood southern xenophobic homophobic town.

By LAB

June 13, 2008 11:27 AM | Link to this

What I love about Atlanta in no specific order:

1.) Remarkable diversity of peoples and ideas. 2.) Trees everywhere 3.) Amazing restaurants 4.) Music industry in all genres - great symphony, great hip hop, garage punk, electronica, country, gospel, etc… 5.) Relatively sober sports fans. 6.) More and more culture and arts 7.) So close to Decatur! :)

What I don’t like about Atlanta is that the born-and-breds sure like to complain, and I mean really really really complain about anything. Any minor problem is a dramatic tragedy that outrages them. It’s got to be self-loathing, ultimately. This attitude has rubbed off on me a bit since I moved here and I try to fight it everyday and stay positive. I don’t find Georgians in Augusta, Columbus, Macon etc. to whine half as much as the Atlantans do (and I work all over the state).

By Kimberly

June 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

I grew up in the I-20 corridor west of Atlanta, and have always associated myself with this city when telling folks where I’m from. My husband and I seriously looked at several places to live when getting out of the military, and Atlanta beat all others hands-down because of cost-of-living - gas prices, job market, housing market, etc. Granted, this city has at leat one major issue - NO transportation infrastructure (MARTA is a JOKE, can’t we have something like DC’s METRO?) - but where else can you buy a home for $125-150K in a NICE outlying neighborhood, make $40-50K per year, and only deal with a 20-30 mile commute? True, I’d love to be able to use more public transportation on my commute to reduce the smog, but previous Atlanta civic leaders did not have the foresight to plan for the long term. Otherwise, this is a great city with a cultural diversity that I still love. I think that’s why the transplants come here, too - and that’s okay by me! Atlanta is home!

By shell

June 13, 2008 11:33 AM | Link to this

Did anyone read about Atlanta being the third largest debt trap in the United States, beating out LA and NY?

Atlanta allows alot of people to live a fanasty life. It’s not called the home of the $30,000 millionaire for nothing. Being here for over ten years and having lived in both Alabama and California I could honestly say this is one of the most segregated places I’ve ever lived.

By NativeBird

June 13, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Mark,what I am saying is that minorities (educated or non-educated) have a better chance to succeed in this city because of the hard work of minorities before them. Maynard, Andy, Herman, Felker, Martin, Herndon, Jesse, etc., and the work of fair majority folk like Hartsfield, Loudermilk, Thrower, Woodruff, Allen, and others. These people worked together like we still do, side by side, black and white (and now a latino, asian, women, etc.), to do the right thing for everyone in this city. I have watched the city grow and change with the growth. Do a little research about our past. Atlanta is not for everyone, I agree, but I think that many people move here for a job and are surprised that it is not like the place that they left behind. Because of the hard work of the people that I mentioned above and many others who shared their vision, ATL is a place where if you work hard you can succeed without having every door slammed in your face because you are of color. It is documented, and that’s why we have a large minority middle and upper class. Atlanta has its problems, but as you travel you see why people love this city. We have some thugs here yes, and we have some SAWB’S(Sorry @ss White Boy’s) and white trash too! But, the majority of folk that you who live OTP call thugs because they drive nicer cars than you, are legit in this city. They own their own businesses (like me), or have great jobs, pay taxes, but happen to be minority. NOW THAT IS NOT THE CASE IN MANY OTHER CITIES…. To Rick: Obama is not a racist, for that look in the mirror. He is half-white! He will bring this nation back to prominence. He actually will care about you even if you don’t care about him. He is a Christian who cares for mankind and wants to see America live up to its creed. On last thing, as we close the education gap in this city and in this nation, you will see the crime rates drop, everywhere.PEOPLE WITH JOBS DON’T ROB OR KILL FOLK!! EITHER LEARN TO LIVE WITH PEOPLE OTHER THAN FOLK THAT LOOK LIKE YOU OR YOU WILL BE MISERABLE HERE, THERE, AND EVERYWHERE IN THE FUTURE!!!! I may like Hip-Hop (because the beat is like my African Culture) but that does not make me a thug. Not everyone that listens to Country Music is White Trash or a Redneck, they may just like the music of their culture. So embrace other cultures, sorry you are so bitter, but things are gonna change for the better. It’s over for the racists, America will have no dominant race very soon, the way it should be.

By Hate it !!!

June 13, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Hate it because of — heat, humidity, traffic, housing costs, quality of life, public schools, property taxes, population, city/county government, and most of all the generational dependency on the government and entitlement way of life for certain sectors of the population. Oh yea, hip-hop and anything associated with it!!

By Hip Hopper

June 13, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Don’t blame the music or the culture for your hate of African Americans. The African American influence is what makes Atlanta appealing to the masses. I’ve traveled the world and everyone loves the city and people. It’s funny the people from Georgia don’t appreciate this. You all complain about the Hip Hoppers, we’re the ones that help make ATL so much fun. Why hate? Enjoy our differences, you kids sure do. They come down to the Hip Hop city and party with all the blacks. OMG what will you do when your daughters come home to Loganville with a Hip Hopper? Move to Tennesse? Cya at the Aquarium brother! Have a great day Atlanta or ATL whichever you like.

By Kim

June 13, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Rick - how is that the case when I pay 670 per month for a 4 bedroom 3 bath house with a basement and a large lot and in New York I paid 1,500 for a two bedroom in New York. You can get apts. for cheaper in NY but then you’d have to live in Bed Stuy or the South Bronx. You pay 3x as much for car insurance and what exactly is fantasy about wanting to drive a car and be responsible for your own home instead of renting a rat infested apartment in New York.

The average 3 bedroom house in New York is 425,000. New York is racist in that sense becuase a certain group of people will always be at the lower rung of the ladder.

By Justin

June 13, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

Because my probation officer won’t let me leave.

By Honky

June 13, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

Okay, to everyone who hates it here: LEAVE!!

By Mark

June 13, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Native Bird, I appreciate the kind response you gave to my posting. Your points are well taken and I respect them. Have a great weekend.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 12:02 PM | Link to this

Native Bird, I appreciate the kind response you gave to my posting. Your points are well taken and I respect them. Have a great weekend.

By Bryan

June 13, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

I don’t live in Atlanta but I can’t wait to get down there. I live in Raleigh NC and I hate it here. Nothing to do and it about 20 years behind the times. When I look at Atlanta I see everything I’m looking for. It has NY amenities but still has that southern charm. You feel like you are in a big city and a small town where everyone knows everyone all at the same time. Traffic is terrible but that’s everywhere now a days. I get excited everytime I come. The people are nice for the most part and the area is beautiful. The skyline is one of the best in the world. I love Atlanta. Everyone that lives there is very lucky and you should be greatful that you are in such a place. No where is perfect and every city has it’s flaws but trust Atlanta is definitely better than a lot of cities out there.

By Jeff

June 13, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Not a topic goes by with out some race card being pulled. Im a country boy from West Georgia, i have lived in East Atlanta for 4 years now. And for the most part I enjoy it alot. Everyone around my hood is nuts, so i look pretty normal. Great food and bars close by. We have the occasional break in, or home invasion, sure we have our crack heads, but it sure beats a bunch of people strung out on meth! I have a 20 mile commute round trip, a 3BR/1bath,1 car garage for what i paid for a condo out in the country…and bascially no traffic. Hip Hop? I can’t stand it, so i just turn up my Godsmack!

By Mark

June 13, 2008 12:13 PM | Link to this

Very well said, Bryan. I actually had to stop for a second and think about the positives of living here as opposed to the negatives. Bottom line is, even with our differences, etc., we all have to learn to live together and to co-exist…Bryan’s post says it all … I think it would be a good post to bring an end to this blog on.

By Iraqi Vet

June 13, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

As a vet and Atlien, I’m disappointed by the comments. I love Atlanta and America. It’s heartbreaking to see that we can’t enjoy eachothers differences. Why are we in Iraq when we’re our own terrorist. You have whites hating blacks for no reason, blacks hating whites cause they hate blacks for no reason. It’s all confusing. Sounds like schools out and the kids are blogging. I love LA(Lovely Atlanta). Home of the Braves!

To all my neighbors in this city, grow up and live to love not hate

I’ve seen hate, we don’t want to go there.

By Jimmy

June 13, 2008 12:20 PM | Link to this

I live in Atlanta because my company does not have an open territory in Chattanooga.

By NativeBird

June 13, 2008 12:23 PM | Link to this

Thanks Mark, my words are from the heart. I agree, Bryan says it all. I travel a lot and there are a lot of Bryan’s out there. This is a great city, we’re glad your here, let’s go have a beer sometime. That my friend is ATL!!! THE CITY TOO BUSY TO HATE…

By Hate it !!!

June 13, 2008 12:27 PM | Link to this

I forgot to add — the crime rate, lack of public transportation, anywhere you go everyone is already there, too many trees, trying to fly in and out Hartsfield…

Great baseball team though!!

By GOTTA GET OUTTA HERE

June 13, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Atlanta is a cool city, but lacks character. There is no more Music Midtown, On the Bricks, heck Freaknik. How do you have a Dogwood Festival on a parking deck? Poor government, horrible management of resources, the shrinkage of nightlife, CULTURE!!! I can go on and on. Transit system bites, the roads and highways (Still trying to understand how a “major” city can have only 3 major highways). After 6:00 p.m. downtown is dead. Buckhead, dead. Sports teams, ho-hum. This town hosted the Super Bowl..with the Smothers Brothers as celebrity hosts. (Stuck at Smothers Brothers). I think the Atlantans that are from here, cling to the old. Let go. It’s time for this city to embrace an identity. Well, we do have a Gay Pride Festival here that is like No. 2 in the nation. Good for them. Still boring for my wife and I.

By jimbo

June 13, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Because the jobs here pay better than places I’d rather live.

By AtlSux

June 13, 2008 12:39 PM | Link to this

Lived here all my life, and cant wait to get out. Definetly making an exit strategy….

Why? Thugs, Crime, Rap Music, Illegals, Traffic, and transplants from other places who crap on everything.

It was good before yall came and now it sux.

By Mark

June 13, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

With this one, I’m outta here ! Thanks again Native Bird ! To Iraqi vet, your post is well said … and many thanks for your service to our country..God bless ! Good weekend all !

By DA STRIP CLUBS

June 13, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

The strip clubs and all the prostitutes make ATL outstanding.

There are so many tricks in ATL it is unbelievable. Your next door neighbor might be tricking and you would not even know. Hey we appreciate the profession you have chosen and I will continue to encourage and support y’all

Where else can you got to a strip club eveynight and get some anytime you want to.

If only we could get that gold club back things would be even better.

ATL is all good folks.

By bob

June 13, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I would rather be in DETROIT (and i have lived in the D) than Atlanta…I hate it here. its hot, sprally, poor air, crap hole.

family is here though, so thats why i’m here…but I’d rather be up north. I’ve lived here 29 of my 34 years too….

I really really really HATE Atlanta.

that felt good.

By iloveatl

June 13, 2008 12:57 PM | Link to this

My wife and I left Atlanta for Northern New Jersey 7 years ago for family and careers. There is not a single day that goes by that we do not discuss how much better we would have it in Atlanta. Our 40 year old home on a tiny lot that constantly needs work cost us $750,000 and we pay taxes of $14,000 a year! To top it off we live in an extremely boring suburban town 20 minutes from NYC and the weather sucks! We would happily trade with any of you disgruntled residents who do not love Atlanta.

By blakgirl

June 13, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Hip hop has not made Atlanta fun. It has created a culture of shallow, materialistic,lack of respect and responsibility young black men and women who would love to listen to songs about having sex with people they meet at the club and buying crap they can’t afford. Truly, the only thing I hate about Atlanta is the attitude of black men and women about relationships and each other. They all act like they are in Black Hollywood.

I live in North Fulton and I enjoy it. A great parks and a lot of recreational & cultural activities for my daughters

By shane

June 13, 2008 1:01 PM | Link to this

Welcome to the new Detroit. Poor leadership, poor citizenry, and despicable police will ensure that Atlanta caves in and becomes more and more downtrodden. Sure, there are plenty of yuppies moving into the city buying condos, but we’ll see how long they feel like staying downtown once underground, grady and the southside start creeping back into their areas.

By Honky

June 13, 2008 1:07 PM | Link to this

Bob - Why don’t you and your white trash family move back to Detroit?

It must be great, that’s why the Detriot population is decreasing…how does that happen? Oh yeah, bad weather, loss of jobs, etc.

There must be a reason Atlanta grew a million people since 2000.

See you in Michigan!

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if someone likes hip hop, heck, I like some of it. Just not sure why some assume that we all want the hear what they want to hear as they drive down the street. Can someone explain this to me?

By 55 model native

June 13, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

Been here all my life. At the age of 12, I drove around 285 before it was completed…on my Cushman cycle. I loved living in East Lake and Decatur. Recently, crime has escalated and even hit home personally. Rudeness is everywhere, from walking to driving. Southern hospitality has been replaced by this culture whether you folks want to admit it or not. I would be gone already, except for this little problem called the housing market. Anyways, Atlanta is still home for now. I take in a Braves game occasionally, a life-time Falcons fan, I commit to attending at least one game a year, even though I curse that decision as I am leaving da dome. One day, the market will turn the other way and I will be outta here. Until then, I will bite my lip, continue smiling and continue trying to be a nice guy. Must say, it’s been a ride.

By podes

June 13, 2008 1:49 PM | Link to this

I am a native from here and love the four seasons, diversity, food & music. The only thing I think is missing in Atlanta is a beach, but all and all you go one way and be in the city and the other to get to the country. I lived in Miami for 6 years and I will tell you it is a madhouse down there (but I love the water). Much happier being here! People here are much nicer and hospitable then other places, we should consider ourselves lucky! AND WE HAVE SWEAT TEA!!

By GirlAfraid

June 13, 2008 1:55 PM | Link to this

I have lived here for 11 years and up until 2 years ago, I loved it. Yet, Atlanta as a whole has gotten very ghetto. I don’t notice it until I travel and see how pleasant other cities are. My husband is a native and doesn’t want to move but if I had my way, we’d be gone.

By Cane

June 13, 2008 2:01 PM | Link to this

In my thirty’s, black, and love hip hop as well as other music. I lived in numerous city’s and I have considered moving to Atlanta for the past 6 years. The only reason; The extremely affordable cost of living and the existence of some of my closest family members.

I know that I can live a much easier life and my money can stretch a lot further. What has stopped me from not being in a hurry to move there?

The people turn me off everytime. There are a lot of educated, but ignorant acting folks in Atlanta. Traffic, too spread out, lots of people, but still too country, people who think that restaurants, nightlife, theater, concerts, and etc.. only happen in Atlanta. I am sure that there are a lot of people who grew up in the North or Florida that love Atlanta, and maybe one day I will too. Different strokes for different folks. But as for now with me visiting there at least 4 times a year to see family, I always return with the same conclusion; that I am definately in no hurry whatsoever to get there and join them. Yeeeeeeahhhhh ATL Shawty!!!!!; Please. Whatever.

By ray

June 13, 2008 2:07 PM | Link to this

i don’t live in ATL but in the rweal Georgia, south of the gnat line. There is no way i would ever move to ATL because so many people that live there forget there are other areas in the state unless they want their tax money to fix some problem. This is also true for to many goverment officals. Several years ago i bought a car in Thomasville and the state sent me a bill for sales tax saying iI bought the car out of state. Of course i did not pay it and sent them a map with Thomasville highlighed. Down here we get more help from Tallahasse Fla. than we do from Atlanta. Every time a second airport comes up, it is either on the northside or connect to Chattanooga, Tn. by rail. Why not connect to Macon by rail. As far as Grady Hospital having state funding, it is ok as long as the other non-profit hospitals in the state get funding to. It is said that in an emergeny any one in the state can go to Grady, but there is one problem for us down here and that is in a serious emergeny we wwould bwe dead before we got there. Because of the greed of Atlanta area, the people involved in economic developement in this part of the state did their best to keep any prospects secret from the state because the state would give incentives to locate aruond Atlanta that they wouldn’t for this area.

By Najeh Davenpoop

June 13, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

ATL is the airport code, idiots… it was the airport code long before it became hip hop slang. I guess someone needs to teach those degenerate air traffic controllers a lesson.

By 6 year native

June 13, 2008 2:19 PM | Link to this

i’ve been here nearly 6 years. why did i move here? because it’s the most metropolitan place in Georgia, and i had a HOPE scholarship.

why do i stay here? because i’ve found a string of affordable apartments intown; because of the civic offerings like parks, museums, the library system, etc; because, contrary to the sadly disparate public opinion, i can live here without a car, and actually travel quite far and often on MARTA, which is totally decent; because this city has a future of economic growth and civic prosperity, if its residents and suburban neighbors don’t stagnate its progress with racism, social ignorance, and idiotic and inefficient me-first ideology.

why will i leave here? if i do, it will be because the city will lose to those who think that that public safety is solved by a policy of one-person-one-gun, to those who hold played-out and disproven racial and class stereotypes, to the power brokers who are too timid to take steps for proper urban development to make this city truly unique and great, and to the politicians who are too weak not to cowtow to the misguided powerful and their voting followers.

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this

Najeh, what difference does it make where it originated?

By Jay

June 13, 2008 2:27 PM | Link to this

I live in Atlanta because it is a beautiful city with a diverse population with tones of events always happening in the city. But reading this blog I have to make this quick comment THEY MAY NOT ADMIT IT SOMETIMES BUT WHITE PEOPLE DON’T LIKE ATLANTA BECAUSE OF THE PERCEPTION OF THE CITY NATIONALLY. NATIONALLY ATLANTA IS SEEN AT A HIP HOP, AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL HAVEN. A WHITE PERSON DOESN’T WANT TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH A CITY THAT HAS THAT TYPE OF REPUTATION . WHEN WHITES TRAVEL THEY DON’T WANT PEOPLE ASKING THEM HOW’S LIFE IN THE ‘ATL OR HOTLANTA’ THEY THINK THOSE NICKNAMES ARE STUPID AND BENEATH THEM. FRANKLY, SOME WHITES JUST DON’T FEEL COMFORTABLE AROUND OTHERS NOT LIKE THEM, WHICH IS JUST AS TRUE FOR EVERY OTHER RACE.… Does anyone agree with my assessment?

By MidtownFag

June 13, 2008 2:31 PM | Link to this

I live in Atlanta because I love spending money on tires and alignments for my vehicle.

Atlanta’s great because those in charge can’t provide us decent roads to drive on OR decent mass transit.

Oh, and I love being surrounded by ignorant, republican hicks in the suburbs.

By Kanish

June 13, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

@Najeh Davenpoop

Hey, quite making fun of Najeh Davenport. When he snuck through the window of that girls dorm room at the “U” and took a crap in her laundry basket, that was quite a clever prank.

By Kim

June 13, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

Sobecat because there is a reason other than ghettoness that contributed to coining ATL. Actually, when people realise I am not from here they ask me where I am from I do say NYC if they want specifics I say “grew up in the bronx lol.

I’ve been to Detroit and would never go back there. Poverty!!!!!!!!!!

Atlanta is the place to be. I absolutely love it and once all the people who hate it leave it will be all the better.

I’m home today and the only noise in the house is the keyboards, no noise outside where in NYC are u gonna find that. Two people woould have gotten shot by now lol.

I will continue to enjoy the southern hospitality that does STILL exist until I get enough money to retire to Barbados or the Bahamas.

By SlaveTrader Joe

June 13, 2008 2:42 PM | Link to this

I love Atlanta! It has plenty of the “natural resource” I need for my line of work in a very high concentration. I don’t have to spend much on gas here, because I can find a good number of chattel in one place.

I could use a good worker like Najeh Davenport, but I don’t think any of my customers would buy anyone that stupid.

By Please Leave

June 13, 2008 2:44 PM | Link to this

I still cannot understand why people like Rick and Bob who hate the city sooo much do not just up and leave. I promise it will be a better place without you! I just feel sorry for any city you go to. Sure, some places are better to live than others, but if you are looking for Shangrila, sorry, but you will not find it. Besides, we are either part of the solution or part of the problem. Which are you? What are you doing to make the city a better place to live?

By R_U_KIDDING

June 13, 2008 2:48 PM | Link to this

Hey NativeBird, Obama may be half white but he only acknowledges his black half. Did you ever see him in church that had a white preacher; or a white person for that matter. Better yet what about his younger life’s education in Muslim schools? Have you seen his mom at any of his rallies? Better yet I love how he “relates to former slaves” in his heritage. Let me sell you a clue, his white mother and Kenyan father have no slavery roots at all. I do believe that you are correct about one thing, he will bring us together, and we will all be in the poorhouse together if he gets elected.

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 2:52 PM | Link to this

Kim, I understand where it originated I just didn’t understand his logic as to why that makes a difference. BTW, I’ve been in Atlanta for 5 years and there really is no where else I’d rather live, all things considered.

By Tim Donaghy

June 13, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

**GAME 6 OF THE 2002 NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS WAS FIXED.

THE SACRAMENTO KINGS WERE ROBBED.

THE SACRAMENTO KINGS ARE THE REAL 2002 NBA WORLD CHAMPIONS!**

Sincerely, Tim Donaghy

By Kim

June 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Oh and we aren’t in the poor house now with Bubba?

It was under whose presidency that we’ve seen record deficits social programs cut, job losses and an administration who could sure use a dollar to buy your clue.

I don’t fancy Obama but he sure beats the other clueless one we have in there who has yet to address the real issues such as healthcare, social security, poverty. Hell give me something.

By bigboom fromNY

June 13, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Jay -I agree with you 100%. Black people live good in ATL. I just happen to notice that the blacks own the homes in the respectable areas. The white share the trailer homes with mom, dad, uncle buck and the kids that uncle buck and his sister have together

By Kim

June 13, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Oh and Obama’s momma showing up would really entice me to vote for him cause seeing as how she’s deceased and all………

lol

By Kim

June 13, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Wow I’d really be scared if Obama’s momma showed up cuz seeing as how she’s dead and all lol……… u gotta be kidding me

By George

June 13, 2008 3:13 PM | Link to this

I love the whole attitude if you hate it here then leave! I think it’s a real shame if I go an hour any direction out of the city is when I find people who have manners. This is not something you can blame on the “Northerns” either. When I go back to the Midwest I’m always in a huge culture shock over how nice the people are. I can’t wait to get the heck out of Atlanta and it’s horrible commute problems. Not to mention the limited job market. Maybe if you work in business you are fine but try a science field, forget it, there are no jobs. I’ve never been in a more rude city in my life and with the leave it attitude people have, I can’t wait to do so.

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Bigboon from NY, that’s not true at all. There are certainly more middle class and upper class blacks in Atlanta than in most cities, but you are just making stuff up.

By GayMan

June 13, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

I love this city for all the gorgeous men it offers. Tons of straight, married men seem to love having discreet encounters with other men.

By Junebug

June 13, 2008 3:19 PM | Link to this

This is MY town! I was born in Chicago, raised in NYC. I came down here in 1977 to attend Emory University; yes because it is a great school and I got a great job because of it, but also because Atlanta is THE happening town! And ya know what? I’ve never left or looked back. There is way too much positive going on here to get dragged down by the naysayers and panty waist traffic whiners. SucK it up BO! This is the ATL!!! We have bad traffic and crime, but we’ve got way more important stuff like GREAT weather and THE prettiest ladies God ever created on a GOOD night! Me and my family would never move. Got Coca Cola and the Aquarium and Stone mountain and oh yeah! THE LADIES!!!!

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Atlanta rude? LOL, try NYC or Miami if you want to see rude.

By Southern-north girl

June 13, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

I grew up and was raise up North..where 9 months out of the year it can be said to be cold, snowing/raining/windy/drafty/ and BORING!!! I first got my taste of Georgia back in 1998 pursuing my undergraduate degree I migrated down south as the northeners say and never looked back! I absolutely LOVE GEORGIA! I have becomed a Southern girl at heart! It is always easier to point out the negative and the obvious wrong things, than to acknowledge the good, and priceless memories you can create here…Georgia is on your mind good or bad!!! Here is my quick list off the top of my head why I love GEORGIA..(because as far as Atlanta I admit it can be a love/hate relationship for me)… 1. Georgia Aquarium 2. You are at a hop and skip away from any destination in the world… and the airport fares are the best around! 3. Income:Housing Cost Ratio is amazing! 4. Universities- sorry but you’ve got even Auburn and the big-orange not that far away! 5. CNN Headquarters 6. Coca-Cola 7. Neighbors….-southern hospitality!! 8. Whether you ride I75 or I85 North or South withing 60 to 75 minutes from Atlanta you can find such places as example Chateau Elan and just escape away!

Quick..note…if you hate “Atlanta”/”Georgia” and have moved….ah…why are you still reading “AJC”..hence Atlanta Journal Constitution!

As I said…obviously Georgia is still on your Mind!!!

By BPJ

June 13, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Jazz at Churchill Grounds, and blues at Blind Willie’s. The Saturday morning market in Piedmont Park. A quiet stroll in the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. Taking our daughter to the unique & first-rate Center for Puppetry Arts, the zoo or the aquarium. Some of the best theatre in America at Horizon, Actors’ Express, Theatrical Outfit (one of the reasons Downtown isn’t dead after 6pm), PushPush, the (Tony Award winning) Alliance, 7 Stages, and the two Shakespeare companies, to name a few. These are some of the reasons I live here.

Author’s talks at the Margaret Mitchell House, and stories at the Wren’s Nest. The High, the Carlos, the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, and the art galleries. Meals at Shaun’s, Rathbun’s, Eugene’s, Bacchanalia, Tierra, and the Globe, to name a few unique ones. A bike ride through Freedom Park and other trails, and a hike alongside the Chattahoochee. A Friday evening in Virginia-Highland, Castleberry Hill, or Little 5 Points. The Peachtree Road Race, the Braves, and the Hawks (this long-suffering fan knew they would do well this year!).
This city is full of smart people, many of whom are attracted here by the universities: Emory, Ga. Tech, GSU, Morehouse, Spelman, Agnes Scott, SCAD, Oglethorpe, and nearby UGA consitute an enviable cluster. Apparently most of these smart people have better things to do than post on AJC discussions. I feel sorry for those who are uncomfortable around black people, and I have to part company with those who are nostalgic for the Atlanta of 30 or 40 years ago. I’m a native (who has lived other places), and I prefer today’s city. It has better restaurants and arts than in the past, and I find the presence of transplants stimulating…but then, I married one. OK, I’m headed out to enjoy our city for the weekend!

By bigboom fromNY

June 13, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this

By Sobecat -CAN YOU READ!!!!! I said that there alot of upper class blacks here then in other places. New Yorkers are rude because we dont putt up with foolishness. Like the saying says if you can make it in new york you can make it anywhere. I am a prime example of that.

By Sobecat

June 13, 2008 3:49 PM | Link to this

bigboom, yeah I can read. I think you should re-read the post.

By SG

June 13, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

I moved here 10 years ago for economic reasons, a transfer from north Florida… though that wasn’t where I was raised, just where I was at the time. I still like Atlanta… good diversity of cultures, good food, lots of local music, some decent parks and other diversions. Sure, this big city has typical big city issues, and I hate my commute as much as the next person. I may stay here, I may move… but for now, I’m enjoying myself. Nice town. Wish our sports teams could win something soon, though!!

By georgia peach

June 13, 2008 3:59 PM |