Rick Badie / My Opinion

By Jan

October 26, 2006 06:43 AM | Link to this

A few years ago, near my home, a garage of a hispanic family burned, not the whole house, just the garage, and when you rode by you could see three sets of bunk-beds in the charred remains…………………..the garage was repaired and there are not as many cars there anymore.

By Wendy

October 26, 2006 07:24 AM | Link to this

I am saddened to hear of long time residents discontent with their new neighbors. It is our governments fault for letting illegals come into this country. The solid American citizen now has to move over and make room for someone who has no respect for the government of the country they want to make their new home. They have no respect for their neighbors, school teachers, medical professionals or other law abiding citizens. They act as if they are owed something. The only thing we owe them is a free ride back across the border. Why not get on with it already!!

By Previous JCB resident

October 26, 2006 07:31 AM | Link to this

What I can’t understand is all the store signs in Spanish and Korean in Gwinnett County. I thought the language in America was English. And how come immigrants can take the Driver’s License test in their native language? If I moved to Mexico, I wouldn’t expect the government to change things because I only speak English. You move here, you learn our language, English!

By MRC

October 26, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

Well, if the federal government won’t do anything about the growing ILLEGAL immigration problem, it will be tough for the citizens to do anything. The only way we can put a stop to this madness is if we all come together and demand that our voices be heard on this issue. Maybe our government would listen.

I don’t have a problem with any race, as long as they respect the community that I live in and play by the rules. Obviously, a lot of these ILLEGAL immigrants do not.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 07:33 AM | Link to this

Ask Roswell Police Chief, Edwin Williams, what meassage he recieved from the Feds on this matter. Our own law enforcement has become hand-tied regarding this. No one gives a damn! It is no longer important to round up and deal with the immigrant problem Georgia has….actually, I don’t think it ever was. I am so sick and tired of people saying that these illegal immigrants are simply doing what our anscestors did long ago. That by not supporting this group of people in their quest for a better life, we are somehow viscerally racist. Holy sweet potatos people!!! Get real! Granted….all of our anscestoral passports have many stamps. This country was built with the blood, sweat and tears of immigrants. But they made their way within the confines of the law. We can’t even ask that today’s illegal immigrants be held to the same standards because we have no standards! Police and elected officials do not care…period. Georgia and her legal residents are footing the bill for this insanity. We are paying teachers to teach them English; we are paying for the healthcare they get for free at our already overcrowded and under staffed hospitals; we are paying for 3 squares a day some of them get in jail; we are victims in the wage war because certain employers would rather pay under the table instead of stepping up to the plate.

All of you who hope to gain office next month…you’d better listen up. The residents of Georgia are fed up with this bull crap. We are fed up with our neighborhoods, schools, and communities looking like a trailor park. We are fed up with empty promises and hollow elected officials. You want my vote? You’d better address this issue before someone from the last row at one of your “fundraisers” steps up and takes your place. Grow a pair!

By Becky Mattix

October 26, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

Dear Mr. Badie, Now is your chance. Become an investigative reporter. Expose the truth, continue to expose the sad truth about our neigborhoods. Encourage people to fight for what they rightfully own. If you, or other reporters would make this “your calling”, you could make a difference. And no, there is no time to be patient. Time is of the essence.

By MRC

October 26, 2006 07:35 AM | Link to this

I like that… GROW A PAIR!!

By Gwinnett Homeowner

October 26, 2006 07:38 AM | Link to this

You know that garage that Jan spoke of earlier with the three bunkbeds in it? I am sure the family living there was renting. And because of them renting, I have to pay for their children to go to school since I own a home and pay taxes. Don’t have kids of my own, but I have to pay for illegals’ children to be educated, when their parents probably don’t even pay income tax!

By Shirley

October 26, 2006 07:43 AM | Link to this

TO PREVIOUS JCB RESIDENT: A little known law in Georgia is that all signs have to be in English.

By Richard M.

October 26, 2006 07:44 AM | Link to this

There is a lot of blame to pass, not just on the government. Blame the lazy and greedy business owners. Blame the lazy native Americans that can not cut thier own grass and need the Mexican slave labor to do it for them. Blame the “slave-owner” landscape companies, chicken farms, and carpet mills that love slave labor third world wages. Mostly blame the government for not enforcing the laws of the land. If only the immigration laws were enforced as strictly as the environmental and worker safety laws, then we would see less Mexican slaves here. As for me I am getting out of Gwinnett as soon as possible. Let Charles Bannister who boasts the great fact that Gwinnett is so diverse live by these animals.

By Pedro

October 26, 2006 07:51 AM | Link to this

Americans, please b patient wit us. We try hard 2 b good Gwinnettians. Life different here. I never know u had 2 bye grass seed to make grass. Whare I come from, grass grow free. Water wuz free. Here u pay 4 water. That’s crazy and new to me.

By Becky Mattix

October 26, 2006 07:53 AM | Link to this

Yes, the sad truth is our neighborhoods and counties are a mess. Yes, it is true, the illegals can enroll their children in our schools. All they have to do is show residence, get free lunches so that our schools can receive more money from the federal government. Rent, so that homeowners property taxes continue to go up to support these people, and because they rent, they pay no property taxes = no school taxes. People, stop complaining, form your groups and make a change.

By Tim

October 26, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

I experienced the same in a Cobb County S/D. I think it is sad that I eventually sold the home and yard that my children grew up and played in.

By BW

October 26, 2006 07:54 AM | Link to this

Illegals have but 1 thing in mind, to come to this country and take all they can for as long as they can. Im sorry that they come from a place that isnt as nice as our country, but you cannot keep demanding free services, and govt representation, while sucking the resources right out from under the rest of us. All the business’s with hispanic or korean names are just examples of folks trying to make money off these illegals. I wish that I had opened some check cashing, and grocery stores myself so I could make a killing off these folks. I’ve been in my house in Roswell since 79, and the day my neighborhood starts changing to become a slum for illegals, Im out of here.

By Danny

October 26, 2006 07:55 AM | Link to this

The ironic side of all of this is, we are publicly calling out the hispanics for bringing property value down in Gwinnett in a column written by an African American. 30 years ago, this article would have been about the blacks bringing the property value of Dekalb County down. What’s next, in 2036, will we be blogging on a hispanic’s column complaining about the Asias bringing the property value down in Walton County?

By Tax Payer

October 26, 2006 07:57 AM | Link to this

The founding fathers of this country are rolling over in their graves. We are being conquered from the inside out, and we are too lazy and apathetic to stop it. Our representatives are supposed to work for US, for OUR interests, but they will not do anything until we let them know that we will not stand for it any more.

They call the illegal immigrants ReConquistadors in magazines back in Mexico, and they call for taking back California and the American southwest as merely a beginning.

Wake Up America!

By Tom

October 26, 2006 08:00 AM | Link to this

Hey Pedro, you need to go back to your country and learn English first. It’s terrible to read what you wrote.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 08:01 AM | Link to this

Um, Tom…..Hi. Meet sarcasm…..Pedro knows him well.

By toggle

October 26, 2006 08:03 AM | Link to this

Previous JCB Resident, et al.,

You move here, you learn our language, Yamacraw!

Tomochichi

(For you outsiders who didn’t have the benefit of a Georgia Studies course, Tomochichi was the Yamacraw chief whom Oglethorpe met when he landed in Georgia.

While he likely spoke Creek, he certainly didn’t speak English.

Neither did the majority of the people in ‘our’ country.)

By Sharon

October 26, 2006 08:05 AM | Link to this

To Danny: What does the color of one’s skin have to do with this? It’s the fact that the immigrants (legal or not) have NO respect for our country. They all want in, but don’t want to conform to the way of life here. It’s not just hispanics. I live in a $500,000 home with Asians on both sides of me. They are the most inconsiderate neighbors ever. When trying to talk with them about an issue (their dog pooping in my yard), they suddenly don’t speak English.

So lay off the racial card. It’s not about color. It’s about common courtesy, of which you have none.

By td

October 26, 2006 08:06 AM | Link to this

Hey Tom, Pedro is a troll. He’s not really a Mexican immigrant; he’s just pretending. Why would they be reading online AJC blogs? Jeez.

By PatT

October 26, 2006 08:08 AM | Link to this

One solution coule be if someone (are you listening feds?) would make it impossible for the illegals to send billions of American dollars “home” to their families. The dollar drain is immense and no one esp. the politicians ever address this continual outflow of our dollars. Look at the increased numbers of storefront money/wire transfer services and figure it for yourselves.

By Mike

October 26, 2006 08:10 AM | Link to this

I’m familiar with JCB from 30 years ago. It was not that great an area then! As far as property values, what do you want when you build 500,000 houses and apartments so close together and have the traffic problems that come with it?

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Hey..Toggle. If Creek was the predominant language of today…..we’d all be demanding the immigrants speak it. Regardless of how or why our national language evolved…..they neeed to learn to speak it dern it! I do agree with you….some of us are fighting to preserve a heritage we are little familiar with. Hopefully, this ordeal will spur Georgians to learn and embrace their history with passion and zeal. Because people…..it is slipping away indeed. Our children are growing up learning how to help acclimate their desk mate instead of learning how to build a model of Atlanta burning….or write an esay on the meeting of Tomochichi and Oglethorpe.

By fed up with whiners

October 26, 2006 08:15 AM | Link to this

Most of you people sound like a bunch of nazis. America’s a free country and these people are just playing the system in a different way than you are. At least they don’t mind work and care for their families. If you can’t take it, move. My hat’s off to Danny. You should be quoted on CNN.

By George

October 26, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

what can we do? at the rate this people are piling into the country, there is no where left to go. you sell your house today, but a new one in a nice neighborhood, in 10 years, it will be just like the last one you left. anything short of buying 20 acres and putting your house square in the middle of it, is not even an option. they are even coming into higher end neighborhoods. they all buy a house, put 25 of them in there, and there you go. it’s starts all over again. then they have the grapes to give you attitude when you ask them to turn down the friggin ranchero music blasting from the house. or they play they i don’t speako english-o card. my butt, you speak well enough to sign all the papers on this house, and you speak well enough to buy that F-150 supercab. and when you need welfare, or benefits, you seem to speak pretty well. jesus, you want to live in the neighborhood, great, but have a sense of decency for the rest of the people. no one owes you crap, you are not special. learn to live like civilized people. learn to assimilate. don’t go out of your way to be an obnoxious a$$. you know that boom bata music is distrubing at 9 pm. you know the 15 cars you have spread on the front lawn is unsightly, and you know the soccer team you have running through they neighborhood is causing damage. i just wonder if you all do this on purpose? just have the screw it mentality, i’m gonna get mine? i am half convinced you all do.

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

Stop calling them ILLEGALS. They’re not all illegals, try IMMIGRANTS. But the truth of the matter is why would an immigrant need dual citizenship? Their ultimate goal is to make money here and go back home once they trash this place. And it’s not just the Mexicans, Hispanics or Latinos, it’s all of them including the Indians that corporate america has embraced so graciously. It’s not just our neighborhoods, it’s our jobs too that they’ve taken over. The Mexicans took over the construction industry and displaced many Americans. The Indians are doing the same thing to the computer industry.

By Ms Johnson

October 26, 2006 08:16 AM | Link to this

A Mexican immigrant bought the house down the block last March. It had boarded up windows and problems. He let it sit, didn’t fix the windows, didn’t mow the lawn and didn’t pick up the free newspapers that came every week. He only fixed the house because the Gwinnett Co. Zoning enforcement hauled him into court and he was fined $800. He has no intention of living there and after this I doubt he’ll be careful who he rents to. This man owns a restaurant that was favorably reviewed by the AJC and he owns a huge house in Buford. Why does he have to come to our neighborhood and ruin it?

By Jan

October 26, 2006 08:19 AM | Link to this

When Immigrants came to America BEFORE they kissed the ground and learned the language and got a real job and paid taxes and were PROUD to be here - now they sneak in and expect everything and give nothing.

I was pres of a home owners assn (ONCE & once is Enuff!!!) when we lived in condos and when I tried to explain to a lady that you could not sit your garbage by the dumpster fence gate, that you actually had to PUT it in the dumpster, she pulled the “NO speaka the Englesh”………… but when I said, ” YOU UNDERSTAND PO-LICE?” her eyes popped out of her head. I THINK she got the message, but why should I have to call the police about a dumpster???? Needless to say, I sold it and moved into a HOUSE - the ratio of those condos is now about 10/90, for owners vs renters!!!! Glad I sold while the getting was good!!!!!

By LWilson

October 26, 2006 08:20 AM | Link to this

Response to the comment about the renters and you having to pay taxes to education their children. I have rental property and I pay higher taxes than you do because I don’t get the homestead exemption you do. So taxes are paid by the landlord that pay to educate the children that live in the rental properties. LW

By Cindy

October 26, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

I know the problem is bad in Gwinnett county, but try living in Hall County. I live in a brand new house in Hall, and two houses down, a Hispanic family has decided to make their residence a boarding house for people coming here from Mexico. Hall County has no maximum occupancy laws, and the only thing that I can do is wait until their septic tank overflows then report them to the County for septic code violation. Lovely state we live in.

By Exador

October 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Sure, I’ve reported my neighbors in Duluth to the Gwinnett County Code enforcement. What a waste of time. They did nothing. The only way things will change is if it becomes a litmus test for politicians.
Either you’re tough on illegals and code enforcement, or you’re out!

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this

Please understand…I am all for people coming into this country and building a better life for thier family. I am all for them sending their children to college and living out their years in a place they can live in peace. I am not however in favor of them coming here and trashing our once nice, clean neighborhoods. I am not in favor of them queezing the life out of our healthcare system. I am not in favor of paying for their way of life with my tax dollars. It has gotten so far out of hand….having a parade and a march on Atlanta day….maybe we should take our money and move Mexico. We’ve been looking for a big peice of land, I hear Mexico has a lot of it.

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 08:24 AM | Link to this

Instead of building the silly, extremely expensive wall to keep illegals out, why doesn’t the government stake out any Home Depot on any given morning and round up the day laborers? The vast majority of them are illegal. Start enforcing the laws that are already on the books. Start fining and/or arresting those who give jobs to illegals. If we start removing their jobs they won’t want to come here as badly because there won’t be anything here for them.

I do not agree with signs being in other languages. As a matter of fact, I thought it was the law that if they are in another language that English also has to be written on them. Am I wrong?

Stop dealing out all of our resources to illegals. They shouldn’t get free healthcare (that I pay for), their kids shouldn’t be allowed to be enrolled in schools (that I pay for), and they should be required to learn English; especially if they are going to be working with the public.

In Gwinnett and other counties it is easy to tell the type of neighborhood you have when you look around and see numerous check cashing facilities. That just screams, “We help illegals cash their checks.” I work with a woman who loathes Midtown because she says it’s crime infested (mind you, she says this because her laptop was stolen off of the front seat of her car in Midtown) but she lives in Duluth where they have Mexican gangs running and manufacturing drugs, and a high concentration of illegals. Sure, Midtown has it’s problems but it’s much cleaner and safer.

I believe every person seeking citizenship in the United States should have to go through the process rather than just being allowed in. Our government hasn’t done a good job of keeping tabs on them and it’s only going to get worse.

By Kathy

October 26, 2006 08:25 AM | Link to this

We moved to Duluth five years ago, in a very prominent area and neighborhood. Within the first year an “immigrant” family moved in next door, from gun fire, to probably illegal activity and many many cars (in a half-million plus neighborhood) and families living there, we are enraged - it is so sad to see areas that were once mid to high end, plummet and degrade and they keep building and tearing down the once beauty of why I moved here from Chicago - it’s beyond ridiculous, and we will move completely out of Gwinnett. They are losing their prominence fast due to greed of government and money.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

Speaking of land…..Canada is swimming in it. And their healthcare system is suited perfectly for them. Perhaps we should contact the Mounties?

By ABrother

October 26, 2006 08:28 AM | Link to this

All I can say is “Rick Badie, they thought they had it bad when they were dealing with us in the sixtys, huh?” Now having a black neighbor is like having a prince living next door.

By Sharon

October 26, 2006 08:29 AM | Link to this

You know what is so funny? We are all venting like crazy, and the group of people we are venting about don’t care. They don’t read the paper because it’s not in their language. Oh wait, the AJC does have a section in Spanish….WHY????????? Did you also notice the amount of Hispanic radio stations? WHY????????? I’m moving to the Netherlands. See ya!

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 08:30 AM | Link to this

To Fed Up: You can blame the employers for hiring illegals because they want cheap labor. And that’s just the truth of the matter. People seem to want to believe that Americans won’t mow lawns, plant trees, etc. and that’s a misconception. We just won’t do it for minimum wage (or lower). We do not live 10 per home so we require an actual living wage in order to survive.

By Regularjoe

October 26, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Danny,

I guess it is wrong for a black man to write a honest column about the demise of neighborhoods in Gwinnett. Well let me add some fuel to the fire. Instead of people whining about this truthful article maybe:

Blacks could stop playing the race card crying about “voter ID” and realize that the more illegal immigrants come here they suffer most.

So called “law abiding” white businesspeople, developers and renters will stop breaking the law by hiring
illegal immigrants.

Hispanics here legally could try and show some loyalty to a country that needs to unite behind one language and has to keep people out who don’t belong here.

Asians here legally, instead of sitting on the sidelines, quietly sneaking in millions of illegal immigrants, many overstaying visas, should take some responsiblity for their part in ruining our country.

Did I miss anyone?

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this

I have to actually work now….but SONNY….MARK TAYLOR….ARE YOU LISTENING???????? How about we put this on the SONNY DON’T LIST???

By fed up with whiners

October 26, 2006 08:33 AM | Link to this

You can live like a king in Mexico in an American enclave for very little money. If my kids weren’t here, I’d be gone tommorow.

By Exador

October 26, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

PatT is right. A good first step would be to prevent the money transfers across the border. How many times have you seen gas stations with “WESTERN UNION” signs? People should understand that these immigrants don’t love America and don’t want to live here. They are only here to make money to send south. That hurts America’s economy, because money is not being put back into our system. Stop the transfers and you force the illegals to go all the way back across the border to send money home. Hoopefully, they can be stopped when they try to return.

By Josh

October 26, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

So I guess I am one of the few smart ones that got out when he saw the problem growing. My mother still lives in Gwinnett and had to wait six hours in an emergency room because she had trouble breathing. Why did she have to wait? Because the emergency room was full of illegals who have no health insurance. I work in Gwinnett and that is the only time I come into this county. Don’t get me started on traffic either :p

By AM

October 26, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this

It is a real problem that has my last nerve. I works hard and live in a middle class neighborhood, that is being destroyed by illegals. I’ve had to call the Gwinnett County Code Compiance Office on many occassions to hassle with them to clean up the Hispanic bording houses. One they cleaned up and one we took to court, they fined the scum and now he is doing the same thing again. I will have to go take digital pictures again and send them in to the complaince office again. Our representative do not represent us, they reprsent the chamber of commerce. I beleive this problem will get worse. Call code complaince stay on them and make them clean up the scum. Another step is to clean up our politicians and get new ones in that will enforce the laws of this country. It has nothing to do with race … it is all to do with the law.

By Bree

October 26, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

I lived off Medlock Bridge in 1995 and in Suwanee in 2004. I have since purchased a condo in the Midtown area. I still visit JCB (near the DD) to get my hair done regularly.

I would never move back to Gwinnett. The traffic sucks, the gangs destroy value, most speak a different or broken language, and home prices aren’t worth the hassle. Why have a HOA if you still have neighbors who treat the neighborhood like those living on Campbellton Road.

With that being said, I am glad about my Midtown purchase. That woman should never leave a laptop on the seat of a car…no matter what part of Metro-Atlanta she lives in. She’s the idiot for doing so. Heck, I don’t leave a dollar in an open ash tray.

By Moe Joeman

October 26, 2006 08:37 AM | Link to this

I hate coming home to my home in Lawrenceville where the Spanish children are riding their bikes in 32 degree weather at 9:00 at night. How in the heck are they planning to go to school to learn English if their parents have no control over them? So then, they grow up and are not able to get a decent job then start to rob. However, I do say that America is biased against Spanish individuals. What about the F*cking Asians, Middle-Easterners and Europeans? True, Spanish do not use birth control; however, they are not the only immigrant population that should be monitored. I just really wish the government would prevent them from loitering. It frightens my child.

By Rosa Boster

October 26, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this

It’s about time we start the tax change having a big tax for everyone to pay instead of taxing the workers whom are legal and giving the illegals a free ride. I work and pay taxes, have insurance and still have to pay when receiving medical care yet we have people making money sending it home untaxed and using all our resources for free. Check out your local ER center. Neighbers on both sides of me are hispanic and I have put large stumps about 2 ft high along my front yard to keep them from backing up in my yard and breaking my tulip tree, ruining my flower beds . Have caught two trucks to date.

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 08:40 AM | Link to this

Amen to that Jennifer. My beef is more with corporate american than with the immigrants. If you pay me, i can make enough to move away from the riff raff. They have no concept of etiquette. The Indians in my office will cough and sneeze and never cover their mouth. And if you go in the bathroom, you notice them in the stall standing on their toes as if they are doing the Michael Jackson Moon Walk rather than sit their butt on the toilet. The Indian girl next to me throws her cup of water in the trash can next to me and it splashes on me. Finally one day I had enough of it and she looked at me and said “is there a problem”. I had to bite my tongue to keep from saying “hell yeah there’s a fugging problem”, but I politely asked her “do you throw water in the trash can at home”? I think she got the message.

By NRC

October 26, 2006 08:42 AM | Link to this

I work in front of Woodruff Park, I’m just wondering why is it that so many immigrants are able to find work in the U.S., yet our homeless U.S. citizens find it necessary to jingle their cups or lay on the lawn each and every day? I can’t blame the hardworking man who is willing to do the work that many find “beneath” them. Congrats to the men and women that are willing to work for a dollar and feed their children and families!

By Oz

October 26, 2006 08:43 AM | Link to this

Yes Mr. Badie, most of what you’ve said is true about some neighborhoods in Gwinnett. And it’s easier to put all the blame on “those illegals” but we overlook the fact that their landlords are not illegals but US CITIZENS, probably former neighbors, or unscrupulous investors who should take the blame as well.

Now, it’s politically correct to vent about the illegals and how the ruin our neighborhoods and subdivisions but they are not the only ones to blame.

Believe me, I had enough when I moved out of my subdivision because of illegals and all the inner city folks, yes especially black folks who had to leave their communities because developers found out that more people want to live close to work. I didn’t leave because they were just blacks, NO, I left because a lot of these folks who are being subsidized through Section 8 plans, who play their loud rap music at night, have the same disregard for our communities as the illegal immigrants. When I first moved to Gwinnett, the worst subdivisions where the houses were delapidated, or not maintained, were the ones where the majority of their owners were black. Every time I turned the TV to watch the news I notice that crime is getting worse in Gwinnett, and most of the time it’s black people who are committing these criminal acts in Gwinnett, especially violent crimes. Now based on what I said, most of you will label me a racist, but I bet that a lot of people feel this way but don’t speak up.

Every time I discuss something that happened ot that I saw in the news at work, some people ask, did it happen in Gwinnett? Was it a black a person, or an illegal, or probably a Katrina evacuee? Yes, I get all these racist questions.

A lot of people in Gwinnett, OK mostly white folks, are concerned that the values of their homes will plummet if too many Hispanics (legal or illegal) and black folks move into their subdivisions. They are mad that they have to keep moving north or east making their commute to work longer.

I don’t believe that all illegals and minorities who are moving to Gwinnet are ruining our neighborhoods. Many illegals are buying homes (with tax id numbers) in decaying neighborhoods and fixing them up and paying their share of local taxes. The same can be said about a lot of decent hard working African Americans who got fed up with their living conditions in Atlanta and moved to Gwinnett in search of a better life and schools for their children.

But of course Mr. Badie, you may not write about this because you may be labeled a racist or because as a black person you don’t see this way. Blame our elected officials for not doing anything about the illegal immigration issue. This is why on this election I won’t vote!!

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

To the person using my ID…they ARE illegal. When an immigrant breaks our laws to come here, they are ILLEGAL immigrants. My once in-demand neighborhood is a ghost town, thanks to the illegals. They have several vans every morning waiting at the entrance to pick up day laborers. I’ll tell you one thing…next time I see them, I WILL call authorities.

I’m sick of not being able to go to a QT without wading through a sea of immigrants waiting to be picked up for work. (Waiting under “no loitering” signs in English and Spanish.) They are working and supporting Mexico…not America. They send home 80% of their wages to their families back home. Do you realize the reason Mexico doesn’t want us to build that wall is because the American dollar sent home to Mexico is their second largest source of money?

I say we adopt Mexico’s strict immigration laws. I say we use government money spent on illegals to hire more INS/ICE agents to patrol known-illegal areas. I say bring the Minutemen to Norcross. I’m SICK to death of going into stores, riding in cabs, etc., and having those serving me in MY country telling me they don’t speak English. I’m sad because Publix closed due to loss from theft and immediately an ElValu goes up. I’m tired of being turned down for jobs because I don’t speak Spanish.

As it was so nicely put, it’s time for Georgia to “GROW A PAIR”.

By Steve @ Northcrest

October 26, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

yeah,I bet the TRUE native Americans wish they would have had better immigration laws as well.call it KARMA you nasty conservatives.

By Tom

October 26, 2006 08:45 AM | Link to this

President Bush says it is impossible to deport 12 million people back to Mexico. Then how are we going to deport 24 million people back to Mexico? Hint: Fine and take business licenses away from people who hire them, stop all welfare programs, including hospitals and food stamps. Once the free ride is over they will go back. And if we give them legal status, they should have a sponsor in this country who will make sure they are not here to live on the dole.

By kenny from athens

October 26, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Well, you fled to Gwinnett from Dekalb and Fulton because you were scared of blacks. Now, I guess you will fly to Barrow and Hall because you are scared of hispanics. Until you decide to fight and hold a neighborhood, it will be the same cycle every few years until you either decide to hold your neighborhood, or you hit the TN/NC line.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 08:54 AM | Link to this

Sorry FedUp, I didn’t realize there was another FedUp out there, so I’ll use FedUp2. But once again, it’s not just the illegals, it’s IMMIGRANTS period. They don’t give a rats azz about america. And they don’t Shive A Git about keeping property values up because they are only here until out economy hits the bottom, then they will go back home, that’s why they have DUAL CITIZENSHIP.

By Sathefari

October 26, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

You can take “InsertName” out of the trailer, but you can’t take the trailer out of “InsertName”.

Trash = Trash.

By JW

October 26, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

The problem lies with the double talking politicians that are in the pockets of big business. Cheap slave labor equals higher margins. If they are no jobs available they will stop coming. GO AFTER THE COMPANIES THAT HIRE ILLEGALS!

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

P.S. from the original “FedUp”: Remove the magnets that draw and keep illegals here, and you remove the problem. No more: medical care, automatic citizenship to babies born to illegals, special classes to teach English as a second language, welfare, food stamps (I can’t tell you how many immigrants who “no habla English” use food stamps), housing, jobs, etc. Refuse these services to all immigrants who cannot show proper identification that they are LEGALLY here. Take that schooling money and teach clerks, etc. at these services how to detect fake documents, S.S. cards, etc.

By Jules

October 26, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this

Anyone born in our country is automatically a U.S. citizen. It seems very wrong to me that we apply that same rule to children born to people who have come here illegally. I just can’t think that that was what our forefathers had in mind. Eighteen years from the time that any of these illegal children are born they will be voting and making decisions for our country. I can’t believe that that is what our forefathers had in mind either. Has there been anyone in Washington who has suggested that this law be changed? It must be changed now.

By Nicole

October 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

I have the same sentiments regarding deteriorating neighborhoods; however, it is just not limited to Gwinnett County there are similar evidence of this in Henry. When my husband and I purchased our home six years ago there was pride and joy about the area we were planting our roots in. Today, we are waiting for our chance to escape. We’ve come to realize that a person can email or call several times the county or the HOA and still nothing will be done about the growing concerns regarding illegal immigrants, failing neighborhoods, and crappy pothole repairs. To be fair to the county and the HOA they will notify you when your next property tax and association fees are due.

We struggle each day to show compassion to our illegal brothers and sisters, but it is becoming increasingly hard to understand why they are not held to the same values and judicial standards as we are. It makes it even harder when more money for federal and state taxes are taken out to help illegal immigrants.

By stephanie

October 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

I am NOT leaving..they can leave. I was here first and will be after they are gone..I call code enforcement, Gwinnet Clean and Beautiful and the police constantly…It keeps the illegals on their toes and they will flush out eventually..

I am not going to let them run me out of my house!!

By Just a thought

October 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Uhmm…you guys are aware that the US has no “official” language, right? It’s a little hard to demand someone learn a language that is unofficial…even if that’s what everyone speaks.

By Ridiculous

October 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

If any of you really want to see a bunch of crap, just drive by the WIC coupon facility on the corner of Highway 29 and Inland Way in Lilburn. These people literally drive up in Mercedes Benzes to pick up their free milk and grocery coupons every day.

By Bill

October 26, 2006 08:57 AM | Link to this

Two points that should be addressed..

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

One more thing. Do they grant these Indian Immigrants some type of WORKERS IMMUNITY? I mean they don’t do nuthing but sit here staring out the window like a dear looking in headlights. Some of em can’t read english enough to comprehend what an email is saying. I had one ask me to interpet it for him. And once he figured out the task was too hard for him to do, he forwarded the email to me saying “DO THE NEEDFUL”. What the FUGG is DO THE NEEDFUL??

By william

October 26, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

I never heard a bigger bunch of crybabies in my life. If you don’t like where you live, then move.

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this

That’s just it. They are having baby after baby to remain here with their “citizen” babies. Between that and the welfare queens who pop them out every nine months to get more welfare, our country will overrun in no time. I say if you are born to an illegal immigrant, then you should be just as illegal as they are, and INS should be sitting in the waiting room, waiting for your discharge.

On the welfare note: (I know, this is a home-grown problem, but it fits here.) If you are young enough and healthy enough to have a baby every nine months, then you are young enough and healthy enough to go out and work to support them. I say welfare for the first one, after that…you’re on your own.

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

That’s just it. They are having baby after baby to remain here with their “citizen” babies. Between that and the welfare queens who pop them out every nine months to get more welfare, our country will overrun in no time. I say if you are born to an illegal immigrant, then you should be just as illegal as they are, and INS should be sitting in the waiting room, waiting for your discharge.

On the welfare note: (I know, this is a home-grown problem, but it fits here.) If you are young enough and healthy enough to have a baby every nine months, then you are young enough and healthy enough to go out and work to support them. I say welfare for the first one, after that…you’re on your own.

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

That’s just it. They are having baby after baby to remain here with their “citizen” babies. Between that and the welfare queens who pop them out every nine months to get more welfare, our country will overrun in no time. I say if you are born to an illegal immigrant, then you should be just as illegal as they are, and INS should be sitting in the waiting room, waiting for your discharge.

On the welfare note: (I know, this is a home-grown problem, but it fits here.) If you are young enough and healthy enough to have a baby every nine months, then you are young enough and healthy enough to go out and work to support them. I say welfare for the first one, after that…you’re on your own.

By AUSTIN

October 26, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this

YOU PEOPLE ARE PATHETIC

By Ridiculous

October 26, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this

The answer to this mess is simple—forget about enforcement on the illegals themselves, just start dishing out $10,000 fines to the employers who hire them. End of problem.

By Chris

October 26, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

The problem is creeping into Forsyth County. I drive down Hwy 9 everyday to work and get to see the day laborers all standing around a trailer park that has chickens running loose. I feel sorry for the people who moved into the subdivisons nearby and forked down 200k to have day laborers stand in front of their neighborhood.

By Buck

October 26, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

Assimilation is key.

Previous generations of immigrants, as noted in previous postings, kissed the ground when they arrived. They learned English and quickly melded into the local society and culture. They wanted to be American. This new wave of Hispanic immigrants, for the most part, do not want to assimilate. We have made it too easy for them to not have to. As they continue to come, the easier it will be for them not to assimilate.

This will erode our nation’s unity even more, dilute our patriotism, increase frustration of proud Americans until ultimately we either take a stand as Americans and demand assimilation and enforcement of immigration laws or disolve as a unified country.

By Bill

October 26, 2006 09:04 AM | Link to this

Regarding immigrant use of English.

I grew up in an area that had a significant percentage of immigrants. The immigrants often did not speak English, but their children did. The second generations was often fluent in both languages, and prospered, but often kept to their own community. The third generation often spoke only English, and became thoroughly assimilated, mostly marrying outside their community. These immigrants will assimilate as well. But it doesn’t happen in a few years, it takes three generations.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Such hate, such hate flowing this morning. How many of you people go to church and call yourself “Christians?” I’ll bet most of you if not all.

My son has taken Spanish most of his school career, he’s in the 11th grade now fluent in the language. If I had a problem with one of my Hispanic neighbors, my son and I go and talk to them in a civilized way.

It amazes me how many of you feel like these people have actually taken something tangible from you.

And, by the way, how do you know that all of your neighbors are here illegally?

I guess I tend to look at the immigration problems in a more humanistic way. If they had a story about an illegal immigrant who was dying of cancer and how he had walked 100s of miles to get here, all you who are spewing such hate this morning would be crying in your soup over that! You’d be calling your preacher for help. OH, but no, since your neighbor leaves some garbage on the street and has a few cars parked along the road, you automatically assume they are trashy and illegal. I have white neighbors who are trashier than that! Face it, you are a rascist if you judge a person on the the color of their skin without knowing them personally. Why don’t you try and get to know some of your neighbors, be nice to them, find someone who can speak Spanish and ask them to clean up their yard? Instead of spewing such hate, why don’t you so-called Christians try and practice what you love to preach to the rest of us!

By Linda - Atlanta GA

October 26, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

Oh thats right Steve, its only conservatives that want the illegal immigration to cease huh? If you enjoy paying for their kids education, their medical bills, etc, then go right ahead, that is your right. Personally I could do alot more with my money! All I want them to do is pay taxes like Americans do, whats so wrong with that?

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

William, how can I move? I’m making a salary now that is equal to what I made back in 1985. I no longer can find a decent job because all the jobs in the IT Industry have been sent offshore to Indian. And all that is left in America is CONTRACT TEMPORARY WORK. And the rates for contracting is down because they bring Indians here on green cards (work visas) that will sit here and work for merely nothing.

By Dacula Neighbor

October 26, 2006 09:05 AM | Link to this

You folks cry and moan about your government doing nothing to stop this problem but you will vote these same folks into office election after election. You have the power to speak out. Throw out those in office . Get out to vote and make your voice heard.

By Steve

October 26, 2006 09:06 AM | Link to this

Thanks MARTA !!!!

By Skreet

October 26, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Remember when this was the “hot” place to be in the 1980’s? I can vividly recall so many of my classmates leaving Dekalb for the shiny new neighborhoods of Gwinnett. We really must break this cycle of poor planning and haphazard zoning laws or Alpharetta and Roswell will be in this same situation in 10 years.

By Vincent

October 26, 2006 09:07 AM | Link to this

Is no one taking the initiative to come to these neighborhoods and educate the residents on how to have a little pride in their homes and surroundings? Is there no one able to educate illegals on how to understand the rules and laws of this nation? What about their kids that were born here and are considered legal? Can they be educated on how they can help bridge the gaps between their parents and being legal aliens?

By aa

October 26, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

this is funny, the w people are complaining when they let them in:) how funny…now it sucks after 5 years later, but you dont want the black people to have anything, so you let the eses take over:)hahaha, the asians too, its way too many of them at perimeter mall, but once again the white people let them take over… Gwinnett used to be decent, many years ago, now I will never live there.. Look at yourselves before judging, stop voting republican..jacks!!

By whynot

October 26, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

What a bunch of whiners. It sounds like most of you are too stupid to prosper in the great American capitalist society you are all so offended is being disrespected. Why don’t try earning enough money so you can move to a place where immigrants can’t afford to live and upset your delicate sensibilities. Or have the immigrants stolen all the jobs so you can’t move up in the world?

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 09:08 AM | Link to this

FedUp2….you are cracking me up! That is our new campaign slogan…..”DO THE NEEDFUL…GROW A PAIR!!!”

By ABS

October 26, 2006 09:10 AM | Link to this

Oh yes, I certainly agree with the folks who just wrote in about if you are so unhappy with your government letting these people in? VOTE THEM OUT!!!!! Republicans have been in charge of Congress since 1994, and Bush has been in the White House for 6 years. If you are so unhappy, get rid of them!

By Yankee

October 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

Get used to it. I moved to Atlanta from Dallas TX 2 years ago..Texas looks like MEXICO THREW UP!!! The illegal immigrants come from a poverty stricken country and they do not know of a better life. They are bringing their culture here with them. They will leave old furniture and mattresses everywhere. They will dump trash anywhere. It will take the government (what a joke) to do something.

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

You know, I work with a lot of white people who cough and sneeze in their hands without washing them. That problem is not confined to one group, so I do not think that statement has merit. Some of the folks I work with don’t even bother washing their hands after using the restroom. Then, they grab door handles, the coffee cups, coffee pot, etc. It’s gross no matter who you are. And, quite frankly, if you are looking at people’s feet under the stall doors to see how they are using the restroom, who really has the problem?

Granted, I understand your frustrations but we cannot start centralizing all things we loathe with just one group of people, and it seems that there are people here who are wanting to do that. I want to clarify that my problem is with illegals, not immigrants. I know some immigrants do not live the way we do, and I do think they should adapt to the ‘clean American way of life’ but we cannot start nit-picking everything they do because it is different than our own ways of life.

By Capt

October 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this

I am as far east as you can go in Gwinnett County. Half of my once all American neighborhood is now illegal Mexes. If the Government will not get rid of them maybe we should urge them to leave. Otherwise….well never mind…the apathy is not with the citizens…it is with the Feds and State Governments. I just decided…I am leaving. Let Gwinnett try to collect taxes on property values that are worth nothing.

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Oh for crying out loud. Blaming MARTA is ridiculous.

By wrong turn

October 26, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

kenny, you obviously havn’t been to barrow, hall (home of the world’s most chicken processing plants), or the tn/nc line…illegals are everywhere.

and fedup(1)…i agree with you, although i used to employ spanish laborers 10 years ago and back then they sent 80% of their checks home…since then, they have brought their wives and families here and they aren’t going back home…

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 09:12 AM | Link to this

Why should I take the time to find someone who speaks Spanish so I can communicate with my neighbor? Don’t you think it should be the neighbor learning English so they can communicate with EVERYONE?

These illegals, who are soaking up our resources faster than any sponge, are taking from the mouths of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I have no sympathy for those that want to come here but want to retain their own culture, fly the flag of their mother country, speak their native language and want US to assimilate to THEM.

By C Padre

October 26, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

People from third world countries unfortunatley bring third world values with them, as a result many neighborhoods are becoming crapped up barrios.

By Grob Hahn

October 26, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this

When an American sneaks into a country he’s called a “Criminal” not an immigrant.

By ALICIA

October 26, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

These are the most hateful blogs I’ve ever read. Please close this immediatley.

By Autiger83

October 26, 2006 09:14 AM | Link to this

my wife is a county social worker. You’d be SHOCKED at the scams these folks try to pull. You’re paying for their medical bills, the schooling of their kids and other things…like bringing in grandma and grandpa from the old country then getting them on medicaid.

Send these bastards home.

By Smitty

October 26, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

Why don’t we ask the governor to put this problem on his Sonny Do List…

By SJ

October 26, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

I do not have a problem with immigrants (my wife is a naturalized citizen originally from a Central American country). But I do have an issue with illegal immigration and all of the issues that arise because of it. I too think that we should start correcting the problem by enforcing the laws we currently have on the books. Put the business owners who hire illegals out of business and remove from office ANY politician or government worker who refuses to honor their oath by not enforcing the laws.

Let me ask a question of those who think we should just turn our head and look the other way. If your neighbor broke into your house and stole your property would you want them prosecuted or would just say “Hey they are trying to make a better life for their family, leave them alone!� The current situation is untenable and must be corrected. If you want more emigrants and emigration, change the LAW do not ignore it.

By Louise

October 26, 2006 09:16 AM | Link to this

LOL at Steve’s comment. I agree. I live in the northcrest area as well and our neighborhood, fortunately for us, is so far not being affected. however, when you take a turn out of the neighborhood and drive up the road right by the gwinnett county line, it gets a little scary. i avoid that side of town if possible. We made a rule when we were house hunting “We will NOT live in Gwinnett”.

By Get Real!

October 26, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

And if we vote Democrat, we will be overrun. Dems want all illegals to be given citizen status because they want their votes.

Voting Democrat will be like jumping from the frying pan into the fire.

By Ted

October 26, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

To the person calling these people “immigrants”… Some of them maybe immigrants, but if they are here and undocumented, they are illegal immigrants.

The illegal hispanics (and some legals) that are here only to work are like locusts in the community. The leech off of the resources available to them, and put little to nothing back in the community. They don’t pay any property taxes, they don’t pay income taxes, and they send most of their money back to Mexico. They are here only to make money, and could give a ** about keeping their homes in good condition.

My advice to anyone buying a house in Gwinnett (or any other metro) county. Make sure the neighborhood has a strong covenent, that prevents more than 1 family in a household, and prevents owners from renting their homes out. This is about the only measure you can take to prevent your neighborhood from going illegal.

By George

October 26, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

William, why should I move? why can’t they just live like civilized people? If i didn’t hear the stupid music, see the 15 cars, and smell the trash laying aoround, I would never have an issue with them. When i bought my house, it was a nice middle class neighborhood. Now there are renters everywhere that don’t give 2 craps.

By Catherine

October 26, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this

Rude is rude, regardless of your ethnicity. FedUp, I am fascinated at how interested you are in what your officemates do on the toilet. Perhaps they think you’re rude for looking at them in the stall? I am a native Atlantan (non-Hispanic) and I truly sympathize with many of the people writing about changes to their neighborhoods. However, these are zoning violations, people, and even the rude behavior that doesn’t rise to the level of a crime is just that, rude behavior. Whether an immigrant is legal or illegal is purely incidental to that issue. Hispanics let their children stay up later because in general they go to bed later. It’s cultural. Do you think that changes when someone gets a green card? People are using illegal status as an excuse to vent racism and prejudice.

By K

October 26, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

“Gwinnett is great.” “Success lives here.” HA! That hasn’t been true since the mass exodus from DeKalb County in the early 1990s. Now, another mass exodus of law-abiding, tax-paying citizens will occur and Gwinnett will sink further into the toilet as renters, illegals and loiterers rent homes that the people trying to leave can’t even sell — they can’t sell because the neighborhoods have already gone to pot. How’s that for “great success?”

By upyours

October 26, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Why don’t you people push for a state amendment to the constituion banning all brown people who speak Spanish. You’re all a bunch of bigots and you’re getting what you deserve.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Fed Up, what EXACTLY has an illegal immigrant taken from the mouth of your grandchildren and great-grand children? If they have personally STOLEN something from you, then you should call the police. If you are talking about something imaginary, then you are just spewing hate.

Unfortunatley, the tax system isn’t set up so that we can choose EXACTLY what our taxes pay for. We don’t have “check” boxes on the tax forms to tell the government what we want to buy. THAT’S CALLED THE ELECTION PROCESS. If you are so unhappy, like….vote the people who have allowed this to happen OUT!!!!!

By Sterling

October 26, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Want to make a difference? Join others at www.numbersusa.com and get the opportunity to make your voice heard in Congress. That’s where we have to do it. Moaning won’t help.

It is free and it is easy. NumbersUSA.com

By Jay

October 26, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Gwinnett and other counties should do what some other areas of the country have done, like Avon Park in Florida, make it illegal to rent to illegal’s, prosecute businesses that hire them. We have seen that the federal government will not enforce the laws that they created, so it has to be done on a local level. The counties and cities need to enforce our laws the file lawsuits against the federal government to force them to pay for it. I hope that when people go vote in two weeks, they will see where the incumbents stand on this issue, and how they have voted on these issues. If you go to the Lou Dobbs website at CNN.com/lou, he list how our elected officials have voted on bills regarding this issue.

By J.T.

October 26, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Let me tell you, I made the mistake of living in what was once Post Apts in Duluth. I was told that 2 people and only 2 people can live in a two bedroom apt. I noticed I had some new neighbors across the hall from me. Two Mexicans. Then, I noticed I had two MORE neighbors across from me. Two MORE Mexicans. Then I noticed at one time, I had EIGHT neighbors living across from me. They left early in the morning, came home late and intoxicated every night. I tried to tell the apt office about it but she just kept saying, Oh, that’s just Pedro and Juan. No, that would be Pedro, Juan, Rico, Taco, Paco, Nacho, Dumpy, Grumpy and Sneezy. My point is, if people keep ignoring the problem, it doesn’t go away. It’s only going to get worse! Force them to speak English! Force them to take the drivers test in English! Force them to become citizens if the want to live in the U.S.! If they are “illegal” send their behinds back to where they came from! Don’t let them trash our country!!!!

By Sterling

October 26, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

Want to make a difference? Join others at http://www.numbersusa.com/index and get the opportunity to make your voice heard in Congress. That’s where we have to do it. Moaning won’t help.

It is free and it is easy. NumbersUSA.com

By KB

October 26, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

I totally agree with what everyone is saying!!!!!

COBB COUNTY RECENTLY JOINED A FEDERAL PROGRAM THAT DEPORTS ILLEGALS WHEN THEY ARE ARRESTED FOR A CRIME. ALL COUNTIES IN GEORGIA NEED TO JOIN THAT PROGRAM!

By Chris

October 26, 2006 09:20 AM | Link to this

“America’s still waters have been stirred. Now many people are asking for the word that would show them the way to make her young again. Why don’t they understand that the word is within them?” Its a quote from an old song. We must govern ourselves, or we will surely be governed badly. Governing well is hard dirty work. The only people who can’t participte are the lazy. Is that us? Are we too lazy to clean our own bathrooms and participate in the glorious democratic experiment? Turn off the TV, fix your neighborhoods and clean up your leadership, America. And please do it before Ceasar gets complete control again.

By DT

October 26, 2006 09:21 AM | Link to this

How about the multi million dollar drug busts? “the largest ever” a few months back…those houses aren’t only for living in.. they are becoming manufacturing plants..

By Feline

October 26, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this

I live in a very diverse Gwinnett neighborhood. The ONLY trouble I have is with my caucasian, American neighbors! The Indian family across the street from me and the African American family who lives alongside of me keep their property clean and landscaped…these people are very respectufl. The white trash who lives next door to me live like pigs, never mow their lawn, blare their music 24/7, and have junk cars everywhere. They are nasty, rude, and their kids are into all sorts of drugs and illegal behavior, as witnessed by the police cars who visit four times a year. I just wanted to comment that it is NOT always the foreigners!

By aa

October 26, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this

I just hope all of you will vote Democratic..* STOP VOTING REPUBLICAN*

By ABS

October 26, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

Jay, aren’t those cities now suing the federal government to block that? I don’t know about Avon Park personally, but I heard something on the news about that recently.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not blind to the problem, I really don’t think that we should just open our borders, I don’t think that a business owner should be allowed to KNOWINGLY hire illegals, but documents are easily forged. As far as landlords? I have rental property and I would never allow a child to sleep on the street, illegal or not. I wouldn’t knowingly rent to an illegal, but the document forges are just too good these days.

By Anita

October 26, 2006 09:25 AM | Link to this

what cracks me up is that SOME of the same people that complain, are the same that vote to allow immigrants easier access to our countries services so that they can take advantage of cheaper labor to get those same houses fixed up for next to nothing..not realizing that the immigrant you save, may be your own (neighbor). I suppose we can’t have our cake and taco too.

By jenny

October 26, 2006 09:26 AM | Link to this

I live in Rome GA. We hve a “Clean it or Lein it” progran in our county. This program will have the city come by and clean up our yard and put a leain on your property to pay the costs. Theis occurs after numerous warnings. Maybe other counties need to envoke this kind of program. Also back off the illigal immigrants. I live in a really nice neighborhood and we have a resident that persists in keeping a yard that looks like a garbage dump. They have clean it up only when threatened thorugh the clean it or lein it program. They are white and pper middle class and speak perfect English.

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this

First of all, I am NOT the one that watches people in the bathroom…you need to check your references again.

Second, by draining our resources that we have paid into, i.e. Social Security, etc., there will be none when my grandchilren, so-on, are in need of it, regardless of the amount they have paid into it.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 09:27 AM | Link to this

Lets get one thing straight right now ABS…..I do not begrudge anyone trying to make a better life for their familes. It is indeed the American way. But when you come here with a disregard and disrespect for the area in which you live and work….then YES….I have a problem with you. That does not make me less of a Christian. I am concerned about the safety of my children and the declining value of my home and the property it sits on. The vast majority of us are concerned with these things. It isn’t where they are from or the color of their skin. It is the blatant lack of pride and respect for the country they CHOSE to move to! I would never..in a million years….move to Italy and speak to everyone in my very obvious southern drawl. I would do my very best to learn at least converstaional Italian. I would learn the basics of life in regards to the area I was about to inhabit. I would yes…I would respect the way in which my new neighbors live. These things do not make me racist or less of a believer in Jesus…it makes me smart you goof ball.

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

Hey, Alicia, “grow a pair.”

By kenny

October 26, 2006 09:28 AM | Link to this

I agree with some issues presented in this blog. Others are just not true. I am a business owner in Gwinnett who hires hispanic workers. I also require them to be LEGAL immigrants. I don’t feel that I am taking away jobs from Americans. The Americans I’ve hired to do the same work are the one’s who feel that they are entitled to something. The American blue collar work ethic is ridiculous. On average the Hispanic people I employ work twice as hard as American workers. Until the American people realize this, Hispanics will continue to be the laborers of choice!

By chris

October 26, 2006 09:30 AM | Link to this

Being a minority myself I can see both sides of the issue not the way you think though.

True there are alot of mexicans here in gwinnett/usa but seeing the way the usa treats african americans I welcome them because they will change the landscape and racial makeup of this country and maybe african americans can get a new chance in this country also.

food for thought…..

By Duke

October 26, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Okay, Look I am Mexican, i moved to GA in 1998 my mother brought me here because she got married with an American. I was only 12 yrs old, fast forward 9yrs, i am 21 my mother and my brother went back to Mexico….Why? she missed Mexico too much. I am still here….what is the point in me saying this?

Well i am a legal immigrant resident, i work full time, i pay taxes, i had to go through the process of paying for residency, waited my turn in line and did all the work necessary to be here and have an opportunity to further my education and life. While i do feel i should help the latino community, i have to be real and be just human leaving all the racial away from the conflict. If i had to go through a process and pay the fees, take the tests, pay taxes every year, why would i support illegal immigration. I do not think is fair that an entire race is discriminated and all hispanic/asian/indian individuals are treated the way they do because of the stereotypical of a race and or accions people of their same race make. I live in Dunwoody, i’ve been blessed with a great job, i’ve worked my butt off studied and sacrificed time for the opportunities i’ve received. Funny to say Before i moved to GA, i didn’t know the word DISCRIMINATION excisted, honestly it amazed me.

I love my race, however, leaving all racial aside..I mean seriosuly c’mon!!! Clean up after yourself, if somebody (no matter what race) came into your house and you allowed them to come in, next day you come home from work and you found your house destroyed and messy you would be Enraged!! Just have some respect for your neighbor, if an opportunity is presented take full advantage of it without disrespecting anybody!!!

Why can’t ya clean ya houses, ya streets, ya kids! Get an education, get a good job, get ya act together, all i hear is latinos complaining about why people keep discrimiating against them. Well if you did something about it you wouldn’t have to hear about it!!! You do not want your kids to go through the same thing you are going through so make the change, set an example!! I love all of ya and sometimes i feel ashamed, and i feel bad for feeling that way!

Alot of immigrants get the low paying jobs, the “bad” jobs and latinos hustle! and Hustle and Hustle! Props are given for that, but leave it at that, you do not have to bring dirtyness into the streets, into restaurants, into movie theaters, malls, shops.

As far as the people complaining about property value, if i had property like that and that happened to my neighborhood, yes it would pi** me off! But i mean some of ya sound liek ya about to go into a killing spree! Think smart, yes the government is garbage and doesn’t do much for the state, so sell your house to a latino person, make a profit out of it and get a better house or place. (just a suggestion)

I know this is a topic that brings alot of discussion, i mean i can’t go into a mcdonalds or a 5 star restaurant without people giving me the evil eye. BLAH! Sucks but i cant get angry at every person that gives me the evil eye, so im going to live life to the fullest and try to enjoy every second of it =)

By FedUp

October 26, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Escondido, Calif. has the right idea. NO renting whatsoever to people who can’t provide the proper documentation to prove that they are there LEGALLY.

Gwinnett needs to follow Cobb’s lead. Anyone who has seen the Gwinnett sheriff’s dept. docket of criminals will see that most are immigrants, legal or illegal, and many are awaiting transfer to INS/ICE. How many are actually picked up by these agencies is another matter. Jails can’t keep them indefinitely because of overcrowding, and they will eventually be released into the faceless crowds to go about their business of breaking more laws.

By Fulton

October 26, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Personally, I think it’s GREAT!! Aren’t these the very same Hispanics that when it came down to immigration laws, YOU looked the other way, while exploiting them for CHEAP labor to build your houses, manicure your lawns and save a buck for your construction businesses? Unlike blacks, they work hard, right? Well, this is just another example of the chickens coming home to roost, don’t ya think? Stop whining Gwinnette Co residents, you get what you deserve!!!

By Steve

October 26, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

This is what happens to inner-ring suburbs. I saw it in Chicago, and now it’s happening here. You’re suburb is decreasing in value because it’s old, which causes it’s value to go down, which causes more low income people to move in, further depressing the value of the land. It’s a vicious cycle, but it was inevitable.

Don’t blame the immigrants, blame capitalism, or rather your inability to understand it.

By DeKalb

October 26, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

falling out laughing @ Fulton After White-flight from DeKalb..look where the chickens landed! You are SO RIGHT..

By joyce

October 26, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this

I am a black female in newton cty. i moved here from chicago 3 years ago. it hurts my heart to hear such mean things about anyone of color. you act as if they are the only people who can bring down a neighbor. i live next door to a white couple who’s yard and house look awfully. it doesn’t matter what color you are. some people just have no neighborhood pride.

By gttim

October 26, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

If you do not like illegal immigrants, then elect government officials who will enforce and strengthen laws so that company officers and individuals who hire illegal immigrants as employees or use them as independent contractors are subject to large fines and jail time. Conservative elected officials, Republian and Democratic, will not currently do that because they only truly support corporations that want the cheap labor. If the jobs go away, so do illegal immigrants. Then maybe blue collar Americans can start working for decent wages with decent benefits. As long as conservatives of both parties control the government with pro business policies (pro large business not small business which helped form the upper middle class), this will never happen. Think before you vote.

Also, while everybody b*** about strong HOAs, they can prevent the deterioration of neighborhoods. The can enofrce rules about cars, number of occupants, condition of house and yard, and the like. I bought in a place with a strong HOA because I have seem weak, fee simple neighborhoods go right into the toilet. I can’t do everything I want without approval, but my property values are protected.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl, the safety of your children has nothing to do with the illegal immigration issue. Are some of these people criminals? Yes. There are criminals in all sectors of the population. I think you are a rascist because you make sweeping generalizations of an entire race of people based on prejudiced notions of the color of their skin. Jesus wouldn’t have done that.

As far as moving to Italy? You couldn’t. Many European countries do not allow foreigners to move in just for work of just because they want to. European countries, well, I’m not real sure about Italy, but I do know that England, France and Germany, and Switzerland have VERY STRICT immigration laws.

And yes, you would have to learn Italian even if they allowed you in the country, which would be very unlikely.

By Checked References

October 26, 2006 09:38 AM | Link to this

Ok, checked references and found, “And if you go in the bathroom, you notice them in the stall standing on their toes as if they are doing the Michael Jackson Moon Walk rather than sit their butt on the toilet.”

By Race Again?

October 26, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

Duke: Hispanic is NOT a race. If you look at legal forms, Hispanics are members of the WHITE race. The races are Caucasian, Negroid, Mongoloid and Australoid.

By Edna McMillaN

October 26, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Give me a break. Haven’t you realized you are a black journalist and the same was and still said about you race? There are white and black people who do the same. It has nothing to do with race. It’s people. How can you be an educated journalist and equale “careleness” with race? This country is based in appariences. A perfect green lawn doesn’t mean you are a decent person or that your family is well provided. You should check the lawns and the homes of serial killers, child abusers, cheaters, adicts and alcoholics. They are perfect …. outside, while all the dirt and devil is in their souls. Be worry about reaching those people and save their souls not their “front porch.” Treat them as you deserved to be treated and whites didn’t. As human being!!!!

By Race Again?

October 26, 2006 09:40 AM | Link to this

Checked References: Someone was using FedUp and decided to go with FedUp2 since there are 2 of us. Try, try again. IT WAS NOT ME.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

OK, Jennifer and Catherine, I work in a plush office complex that have large bathrooms. The stalls are off a distance so once you walk in the door and past the vanity, they are in eye view of you. It’s not like I’m getting a crook in my neck bending over to see who’s in there.

By Jose R. Perez

October 26, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Couldn’t these neighborhoods that have the maintenance problems give the homeowner’s associations power to enforce their bylaws by being able to put liens on owner’s houses? If a house in our neighborhood does not meet its upkeep, it receives warnings from the HA, and if no repairs are done, a lien is put against the house. To me, this is a pretty good deterrent against failed upkeep.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

AND another thing, Jesse’s Girl….Jesus wouldn’t have been so childish and called me a name.

By Lisa

October 26, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

We should start with English only signs localy first.

By Josie

October 26, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

Why can’t we all just get along???????? I am a Mexican born and rasied in Atlanta it was not like this 26 years ago are families got along with all kinds of races. Reach out and meet your neighbor so that comunication can be better and everyone is happy.

By Jo

October 26, 2006 09:42 AM | Link to this

I am SO glad to see others feel as we do. We work in Gwinnett but moved to Hall two years. Our old, once beautiful, neighborhood is now a living trash dump. I’m so glad we were able to sell our house - it took us 14 MONTHS! Gee, do you think it could have anything to do with the house that was two doors away, 12 cars in the yard, truck up on blocks, grading equipment, blinds hanging outside the window, torn drapes, and old clothing hung on the shrubbery? I wonder how much we would have gotten if we sold our house BEFORE the home invasion down the street? The problem is following us, but Hall County is strict about code enforcement - so far. We’ll see. My husband and I will vote for anyone who has a resonable solution to this problem and someone who declares ENGLISH is this country’s language. We need to take a lesson from Montreal. You live here, you speak English. No speak, no job, no license, no rent. Good luck to everyone.

By dekalb resident

October 26, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

I live in a neighborhood in Dekalb county that is very diverse. We have neighbors who care for their property and we have neighbors who don’t. I can’t speak for everyone’s experience but I don’t see the racial lines in my neighborhood. Some of the black people in my neighborhood have very nice yards, some don’t. Same for white people. I only know of two latino families in our neighborhood. One takes care, the other doesn’t. One interesting thing of note. We have 10 to 15 Bosnian families in our neighborhood who all take great care of their homes. Good luck to those with bad neighbors, regardless of ethnicity.

By Oz

October 26, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this

Hey YOU, GetReal, please GET REAL!! The last amnesty 20 years ago making all the illegals LEGALS was under the Reagan’s administration- uh a REPUBLICAN. And now Bush wants another amnesty- uh, duh, another REPUBLICAN!! Geez, should I vote Democrat or Republican?

By S

October 26, 2006 09:44 AM | Link to this

Read a book called Human Cargo by Caroline Moorehead and you may understand the immigration situation somewhat better. This country thrives off the cheap labor of illegal immigrants. The government knows as well as we do that we won’t work for the nickel and dime wages companies are paying them. Illegal immigrants on the other hand, looking for that “American Dream”, which always seems just out of reach for them, will. So the government allows just enough of them to get through to do the job but not to cause a massive revolt amongst its own citizens. Just look around you. Who’s paving the roads, building the houses, cutting the lawns, working the factories? Mainly immigrants and how many do you think are legal? Many of them are hard workers, but have gotten caught up in the bureaucracy of trying to obtain legal status to the extent that they are in limbo. And when the gavel is leveled against them they either face deportation are go underground living on the fringes of society. Given the situation they are fleeing from back home, taking their chances here, to them, are much better. Even if caught and deported, they will hire a human smuggler-a rather lucrative business I might add since the so called border crackdown-to get them back and start the process all over again. So what do we do? I don’t have the answer to that, but I do know they’re here to stay and more are coming so brace yourselves. Frankly, as long they’re working and taking care of business, I don’t have too much of a problem with them…

By Gary

October 26, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

You want someone to blame? Look to your Gwinnett County board commissioners, Kennerly, for instance. He sells off his own property, a piece of ground with a long standing actual castle on it, sells it for development, and then neatly arranges for the developers to crowd literally hundreds of single family homes on it, bypassing development laws that restrict how closely together houses are able to be built together. And in his campaigns, his wife’s last minute letter pleading his case and how he donates his entire commissioner salary to worthy causes. Give me a break. He makes more money from the business of being a commissioner than he will ever make from the salary. If you don’t think so, you are just fooling yourself. I lost thousands of dollars on the sale of my property of Gloster Road, but I had to get out before it got even worse.

By Ron

October 26, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

I grew up in the 60s in South Dekalb County in a very nice, clean, friendly neighborhood. I rode my bike to the Midway swimming pool and the Belvedere Theater all the time. We knew all of our neighbors and we didn’t even lock the front door when we left home. You should see that neighborhood now. Bars on the windows and doors. Cars parked on bare spots in front yards surrounded by overgrown weeds, and houses badly in need of paint and repair. Graffiti on signs. Check cashing stores, nail stores, liquor stores, title pawn shops. Belvedere/ Midway is ugly, ugly now. Dangerous and disgusting and full of hate. Kids without hope. Only it wasn’t hispanics who moved in and took over.

By DUKE

October 26, 2006 09:46 AM | Link to this

Race Again?, Did i make my point across? Or should i name every race in latin america? As long as i made my point across im cool.

By Bella

October 26, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

This isn’t about immigrants, blacks, whites, asians or any other grouop. Let’s face it; this is about TRASHY PEOPLE. Nice people who work hard to have things don’t want trashy neighbors—whatever their race—messing things up. This is a class thing, a socioeconomic issue. Not all working class people or poor people are trashy. But I’ll wager a lot more of them sit near the bottom of the socioecomic strata than the top.

By Skreet

October 26, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

The neighborhoods in Gwinnett have gotten a little tattered and frayed and as a result the homes are more affordable. If it weren’t Mexicans taking up the homes it would just be another group of people that moved there because of the affordability of the housing (and people would probably complain about them). The problem here is that without strong zoning and development laws, this is bound to happen time after time as the metro expands. Once way to avoid this is to move to areas that have seen the depression of home values sweep through and are on the way back. This same thing happened in the Stone Mountain/Clarkston area 10-15 years ago and this area is now rebounding.

By Rickster

October 26, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

Here’s a suggestion: Since George W and his nephew are obviously not going to do anything about the Illegal Immigrant population explosion in America on the federal level, how about lobbing the State Legislature here in Georgia and those throughout the U.S. to force them to uphold the laws already on the books to curtail Mexicans and whoever else come here to live off of the government illegally. If the laws of every state are upheld by every Governor, Mayor, County CEO and/or local official, the “end-around” the Feds could quite possibly be enough to start getting some attention regarding this issue. Automatic 5-10 year prison sentences for every business owner of those companies that willfully and knowingly hire illegals, minimum $100,000 fine and then their business license permanently revoked! This does is several things: A. It cuts of the flow of illegals at the source. Stop the purpose and intent of them wanting to come here in the first place. This eliminates tremendous additional cost to tax-payers for building any kind of expensive walls/barriers (stupid idea anyway, that may or may not work. Mexicans would dig to China to go under it to get into this country to make $8/ an hour; but I digress.) B. Who would enforce this massive undertaking? Can you spell “JOB CREATION”? How about that for strengthening the economy? Novel idea, huh? Give an American a job hunting down an illegal immigrant hired at $8/hr to do the job he used to do at $18/hr. You talk about positive and effective results! And I wouldn’t even mind the minimal cost it would add to my tax bill. Better that than even more money to support illegals in free health care, schooling, prisons, etc…… And lastly, C. The United States has established a lasting president. What kind of message do you think this would send to those potential immigrants (from any country for that matter) contemplating their arrival on American soil any other way but the legal and right way?

Something else to ponder over: $20 BILLION DOLLARS was sent back to Mexico in 2005 by illegal Mexicans to their families still living there; that’s why they come here in the first place you know! How does that help stabilize the American economy Mr. Bush?

If any of this sounds like a good idea to any of you, let’s start doing something other than blogging about it. Write your State and local leaders. Bombard them with letters, e-mails and telephone calls. Let your voice and thoughts be heard!!!! Make a positive and effective difference!!!! We say we are the “Land of the free and Home of the Brave”. “We” say that! Here’s an opportunity to prove it!!

Just a suggestion.

By Proud American

October 26, 2006 09:48 AM | Link to this

OK…here is my two cents…

FIRST: Stop new ILLEGAL immigration. Build the fence. Not just 700 miles but the entire 2000 miles. And try actually funding the fence this time. Patrol it. Double fence it. Security cameras. Whote 9 yards. Don’t give me the Berlin Wall comparison, the Wall was built to keep people in not to keep people out.

SECOND: Encourage those here ILLEGALLY to go back home. Enforce hefty per day fines on any employer using the labor of an illegal alien. And I mean really hefty. If the illegal alien can’t find a job, they’ll go back home. Add a reward for anyone turning in an employer, to be paid by the illegally hiring employer. This would also require chaning the ID of a legal immigrant to something less likely to be forged. Any illegal alien arrested should be deported immediately. Give this a couple of years and then deport any illegal remaining. No amnesty. We don’t offer amnesty to bank robbers…why should we offer amnesty to criminal illegal aliens. Don’t say “We’re not criminals, we’re just here to work.” Coming here without authorization is ILLEGAL and a crime. Forging identification and SSNs is a crime. Not filing and paying income tax is a crime. If you are here as an illegal alien, YOU ARE BY DEFINITION A CRIMINAL!

NOTE: This is absolutely NOT addressed to anyone who has come to this country legally. WELCOME! Make America your home. Assimilate. You are now, or soon can be, an American. Just as my ancestors came here, worked hard, and forgot that they were once from somewhere else and called this land home, this land is also now your home.

By dude

October 26, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

i live in a condo and the neighbors above me are the most inconsiderate fools. their 4 year old daughter is literally running around and stomping on the floor at 10pm while my 13 month old is trying to sleep. the neighbors below me are always watching TV or movies with their stereo system (with a very loud subwoofer) on at all hours of the night. complaints to both have gone unheeded. it’s like they don’t understand the words coming out of my mouth. i’ve told them both to let us know if we’re ever being too loud, but nothing yet - because we are respectful of them.

by the way, i’m of Asian descent and both of my neighbors are white.

i’m all for a discussion about property values, good (or bad) neighbors, etc; but when it deteriorates into racial/ethnic stereotypes and assumptions, i have to raise a red flag. i assume that most of you posters are white, which makes it easier for you to talk about “fuggin hispanics”, “f$%^%#$ asians”, etc, but the language here, for the most part, is absolutely shameful.

By DD

October 26, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

I have white neighbors who are just a disrespectful of property. It goes both ways! Write an article about them too!

By Steve

October 26, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

Jo

Take a lesson from Montreal?! Ha. Yeah, let’s lose all our businesses, and sink our GDP by forcing all businesses to use one language. What an unintentionally hilarious example!

Thank God the republican party is still run by sensible businesses that understand the need for cheap and competitive labor and nativist rubes like you are only entertained in election years.

By gman

October 26, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

Ok, gotta add… My next door neighbor is spanish descent. I don’t know what he does for a living other than the fact he has 1 van and a couple of cargo trucks for what appears to be for his business. Not sure if he does construction, lawncare or what (Can we say stereotype?). I can say the first thing he did was painted his house and trimmed his lawn of the weeds the previous neighbor left. The only thing I gripe about is when I tried to introduce myself, I learned he doesn’t speak english…at all. Sure, I can complain ‘come to my country, speak english’. But he doesn’t leave his yard trashed, he doesn’t have cars parked on his lawn, only his driveway. He doesn’t play loud music at night, nor throws a party every weekend. Gotta say, don’t throw the whole race into the same bucket.

By jenny

October 26, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this

Sharon my parents had the same problem with neighbors dog. My Dad is a little obsessed with his yard and hates dogs period. Even hates his granddog who shares his name. lol My dad raised cain with the non Englkish speaking neighbors for months. My ever diplomatic mother, finally bought a poper scooper attached a bow and the next time fifi pooped came outside scooped up the poop and presented the scooper to the neighbor. Problem solved sort of. Just and idea!

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 09:51 AM | Link to this

Fulton, you said it right Bro.

Kenny, that crap about Hispanics work harder does not hold water with me. You should check out these lazy Indian bums in my office. They wouldn’t work in a pie factory tasting pies, UNLESS THE PIE IS LAP PIE.

By Dubya J

October 26, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

THIS BLOG IS HILLARIOUS! IT GOES TO SHOW THAT IF YOU ARE OF ANY DESCENT OTHER THAN EUROPEAN YOU ARE NOT LOOKED UPON FAVORABLY IN AMERICA. KEEP SPEWING THE HATE. I wonder what my Native American brothers think about on Thanksgiving Day. ASSIMILATE HELL!

By Chapps

October 26, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

COMPLACENCY IS AMERICA’S DISEASE!

By Irishman

October 26, 2006 09:54 AM | Link to this

Many of these comments are similar to rantings meted out (in the newspapers) against the Irish years ago. They were going to conquer us from within, they were morally depraved, they were using up our resources, ruining our once beatific cities, etc.

How many of you are Irish?

By Former Gwinnetian

October 26, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this

I lived in Gwinnett for quite a long time (growing up in Buford before moving to Duluth). It’s not only the hispanics, but the “thugs” too. I lived in an apartment complex off of satellite near beaver ruin for about 2 years - by the time my lease was almost up, I was ready to get out. They made it unsafe for me to be outside - even before it got dark. They were noisy - and hung out in the parking lots. Their children literally had nothing to do, so they would sit in their parent’s 1990 beat up honda accord and listen to music. You could tell which apartments belonged to them - because stuff would be PILED outside on the deck.

I agree with a former post… trash=trash… you can take the “name” out of the trailer but you can’t take the trailer out of “name”.

By Karoline

October 26, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

I appreciate the fact that these people came here to have a better life…ie. get a piece of the “American Dream”. What about my American Dream? I bought a cute little house in Cumming and now the house is worth less than it was when I bought it 5 years ago. The immigrant renters have crammed 15 people in a 2 bedroom house and park 15 cars in their yard and destroyed the neighborhood!

By DD

October 26, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Go after the real villians who crapped on this county, developers and the politicians who stood by or got rich in the process.

By RICARDO

October 26, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

As I was strolling down Glenwood, I noticed dozens of people hanging around establishments with no purpose. Some of them holding brown bags in their hands and aimless looks in their eyes. I dont think they were looking for jobs or have a DESIRE for one.

By CHC

October 26, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Everyone on this board seems to have forgotten that the government works for us. We make their paychecks from the very lowest clerk in the local city all the way up to congress. These people work for you and me. Get an action group together adn demand something be done. The pen has always been mightier than the sword. The people have to work together regardless of race to seek a commmon bond adn solution. Band together and go to the local government, than to the city government. Your best time to strike is now, because elections will be over soon and nobody will care until elections roll around again.

By MH

October 26, 2006 09:57 AM | Link to this

Did you know that if you are caught as an illegal in Mexico you will be placed in jail for two years and after finishing your sentence you will be deported, but yet Amercia is being harsh.

By TAN

October 26, 2006 09:58 AM | Link to this

I’m just curious…my gosh, where was that picture taken? People actually live there? Black, White, Hispanic, or other; that is just nasty!

By Jacob

October 26, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

While I sympathize with homeowners who see their property values depreciate as a result of the lots next to them being so poorly kept, I’m always amused at the panic caused by the “burden” illegal immigrants are believed to place on theis country. Every single homeowner, including those who’ve seen their property values depreciate as a result of the actions of illegal immigrants in their neighborhood, saved well over 10% on the purchacing prive of their home due to the illegal labor used to build it. We all enjoy the convenience of shopping at our local, neighboorhood Wal-Mart, who is our nation’s largest employer of illegal labor. As for the tax “burden”, most illegal immigrants qualify financially for federal and state social services that they are don’t collect because of their illegal status. They can’t protect themselves from abusive employers. They can’t unionize. They are more hesitant to take advantage of police and fire services becasue of their illegal status. All of this saves legal citizens money at the expense of illegals. Furthermore, because their low incomes qualify them as impoverished, were they citizens, they wouldnt owe any taxes anyway!

By John

October 26, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

I too am a victim of this hideous problem. I can’t sell my condo due to the deteriation of the area. The first step in solving this problem is to get rid of the illegals that have ruined this area and are invading our country. WAKE UP AMERICA!

By emack06

October 26, 2006 10:01 AM | Link to this

The best way to deal with the illegal immigration problem is go after the people who hire them to do cheap labor. Those people do not care about fellow U.S. Citizens. They only care about making that extra buck they would save but hiring cheap labor. They are the ones to enable this problem to continue. They do not want to pay a decent wage to hardworking american citizens but would give a job to a cheap labor illegal immigrant. Just plain selfish.

By Christy

October 26, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this

By Nicole

October 26, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

Jesse’s Girl you’ve summed it up pretty well. We are not racist or prejudice. We are just tired of turning down a street or avoiding a street because of the unspeakable conditions. We are tired of the lack of enforced covenants on all. We are tired of seeing our tax dollars being misspent. Some say we should do something about it, did you stop and think that we have within the legal realms, and now we are beyond the point of frustration because our complaints or concerns fall on deaf ears. And yes, I do consider myself a Christian; the reason why I will continue to hold on to that last thread of compassion and hope that all my concerns will be heard.

By Clayton Bigsby

October 26, 2006 10:04 AM | Link to this

The Native Americans had an open border policy and look where it got them.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

Wow ABS….I guess it never occured to me that worrying about my investment and the safety of my children made me a racist. Thank you ever so much for enlightening me with your pearls of wisdom. Allow me to return the favor.

The road leading to our neighborhood has become rife with cars on blocks, furniture by the driveway where the garbage can should be, children riding bikes or scooters at an unGodly hour, music so loud you can’t even understand what kind of music it actually is. The sherriff’s dept feels it neccessary to visit these homes at least twice a week. Because these problem areas are just outside the entrance to our neighborhood, there is nothing ,short of moving, that we can do. The teenagers of some of these people speed like you would not believe. There have been too many close calls with cars, children, and pets. Out of 7 homes put on the market in the last 9 months…only 2 have sold. And for zero profit. It is not about who these people are….not even a little bit. Its about the lack of respect thay have for where they live! Insulting my faith is simply juvenile ABS. After professing your’s….I would think you’d be above that.

By Rich Pellegrino

October 26, 2006 10:06 AM | Link to this

The way this subject is constantly brought up is what I call “race baiting”. All I hear is hate, hate, and more hate. It doesn’t work, won’t solve the problems any more than a huge “Berlin Wall” on the border will, and let’s face it, the immigrants are here to stay, legal, illegal, whatever. The face of America is changing once again—in the past the dominant population complained about Blacks, Asians, Irish, Jews, Italians—you name it. And some were legitimate complaints;let’s face it many of the Irish & Italian immigrants (my heritage) were thugs and remnants of that remain today. And just about every group here, including our founding forefathers, came here as “illegal” immigrants. (I’m having a t-shirt made that has a picture of an armed Native American “border patrol” and the words “Fighting Illegal Immigration since 1492” :-). So, instead of blame and recrimination let’s look at some ways we can solve the problems without taking the all too easy thorny path of hate, intimidation, force, violence, racism—etc. Why not try love and acceptance, for a change—we’ve tried the other ways and can always go back to making war. (I don’t often agree with our current President’s policies however his idea of a “guest worker” program is a big step in the right direction.) What if there was a movement in Gwinnett and in the entire metro area to wholeheartedly welcome Latinos. I for one am going to start my own “welcome wagon” and print yard signs and bumper stickers welcoming them to our country and neighborhoods, and thanking them for the hard work they do for us. Don’t you think that if you befriend them then they will take your advice more to heart? That’s what I have done in my neighborhoods—I didn’t like the speeding and some other practices so when I became a true neighbor and friend, which took just one friendly visit, I could introduce the changes I expected as a neighbor. If you are not comfortable doing this on your own then there are plenty of Latino organizations which I am sure would help you set up a meeting with the Latinos in your neighborhoods to consult—not attack and blame— them on how to cooperatively resolve these difficulties. I have lived overseas and, believe me, we have a lot to learn from the Latinos and every culture that comes here. Now I don’t have to travel to learn from them right here. Anyone who would like to join with me in starting this type of a “welcoming movement” in the metro area, feel free to contact me directly.

By Christine

October 26, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this

As far as language goes… Mexico is our neighbor… why shouldn’t there be things translated into Spanish? Not to mention, it’s one of the three universal languages. If things are not translated into Korean, that’s one thing because Korea is on the other side of the world and NOT a universal language. But Spanish?? Come on… it wouldn’t kill a lot of you commenting on this blog to LEARN some Spanish, preferably some that’s not related to Taco Bell.

Take some time to learn about the world outside of your little bubble. Learn a new language, try new food… (authentic food, not your local Chipotle or Panda Express). Try watching Telemundo and let us know how far you get when you don’t know a lick of Spanish…

And we wonder why nobody in the world likes Americans.

Get over yourself!

By former Gwinnettian

October 26, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

Here is is an action plan for improvement. 1. Elect local officials who care about this issue. It’s your fault as a Gwinnett resident for not electing the right people. 2. Get the correct local zoning laws and local zoning enforcement. Trash in yards, over-occupany, cars in street and yard, etc. are all issues that can be dealt with at the local level. Granted the Federal government is to blame for illegal immigration, but the Feds won’t clean up your neighborhood - unless a hurricane or tornado comes through. 3. You can fix this. In the small NW Georgia community where I now live, the city government has codes and enforcement for these things. It works in the city limits. The county has no zoning or enforcement. it’s not as good in the county.

By Edna McMillan

October 26, 2006 10:08 AM | Link to this

One of the worst comments I heard my first month living in Georgia was “we have a new neighbor. We have a block-buster.” I found out that it means a black moved to a white neighborhood and the white people says softly “there goes the neiborhood.”
I realized then how ignorant and racist people are. All of you are afraid of someone different. All of you, xenophobics, know of one place or social gathering where you will never be invited or welcomed. It can be your color of skin, your education, your economical level, your religious believes, your dressing code, your intelligence, etc. The worse is that you have experienced it and still do it to others. Jesus Christ is so ashamed of all of you calling yourselves “Christian people.” Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

No John, the first step to solving this problem, is to elect people into office who will actually do something about it. The officials we have now have for years turned a blind eye to this and THEY are the ones who have ruined your neighborhood. Also, if you can’t sell your condo, you might want to look at the bigger picture…who owns the property around you? Do they rent to illegals? Have you tried contacting them? Do the illegal immigrants OWN the property…if so, have you contacted them? Have you written your county commision or similiar legislative body? Have you written your Congressman/woman? Sitting around “playing the victim” will get you no where. If you feel victimized, you need to look at the big picture and do something about it.

By sick

October 26, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Wake up AJC and Gwinnett County,

This problem did not happen overnight. JCB has been a dump for at least 5 years, maybe going on 10 now. You let it happen by not raising hell when it started and letting your commissioners know about it. I mean, didn’t you have Wayne Hill??? for years making a ton of $.

This is not a NEW problem

By DD

October 26, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this

Welcome to the legacy of Wayne Hill and Wayne Mason.

By Elaine

October 26, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

There are good and bad people in all races, colors, and nationalities. The fact is that lower priced housing attracts people on lower wages which many times means, immigrants to this country. No one wants their property values to decline, but just remember that we all come from other places, whether our ancestors were English, Irish, Italian etc. There needs to be a better system in place to root the illegal aliens and make sure people who come to this country want to become Americans and play by our rules, and respect our country and their “adopted country”

By Chapps

October 26, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

COMPLACENCY IS AMERICA’S DISEASE! Everyone so quick to complain but not willing to lift a finger and do somethng about it. You have to get off your couch and turn off that Tivo and get a group of people together. This does not happen because, its easier to complain and someone else might do it. I’m too busy trying to make ends meet by living out of my means, paying a car payment on a vehicle that only gets 20 mpg…blah,blah,blah. Some of your rights as an American citizen are being toyed with and people are too busy complaining about illegals. When there are problems in our own gov. doesn’t matter if you’re a republican or a democrat you see the problems…whats being done about it? Nothing, just a bunch a complaining. I for one am doing something about it, I have educated myself on what is REALLY going on ad I plan on making my voice heard in Nov. We vote for politicians based on their campaign platforms and wheather or not they agree with our beliefs….the politicians that we elect seldom do what they said they would and we just sit back and do nothing.. for example, teachers will get raises, great they deserve it, how about a 2% raise, well they would have gotten that anyway, great job there Gov. way to show some backbone. Prblems in your neighborhood are hard to bear, but what is being done about it from your local governments? Is there anything being done about it? Is it possible that the federal gov. is preoccupied with something going on in another country to care about your life. If there is a problem in your neighborhood and community you need to get off your butt and do something about it, because the gov. is not.

By Bye Bye Gwinnett

October 26, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

I was raised in Gwinnett (Norcross, Peachtree Corners area) and it was a great place to live at one time. I am grown with a family now, living in North Forsyth. My lone sibling lives in South Forsyth with her family. My parents built a home in the City of Norcross in ‘98 and I thought it would be their retirement home. Fed up with the area, next month my parents will also move to North Forsyth, completing my families migration out of Gwinnett.

Gwinnett was a great place to grow up in, but no more because the Gwinnett I knew looks much like a foreign country today, and I’m amazed at the transformation that has taken place over time. I never thought Gwinnett would become what it has become today.

By Latrishia Barnes

October 26, 2006 10:14 AM | Link to this

Maybe youll have an overflow at the polls in November???? rain or shine, cold or snow; take care of your neighborhood.

By Vote for Pedro

October 26, 2006 10:15 AM | Link to this

Ya’ll need to grow a pair and quit b***. We are a country of immigrants. This is the land where everyone is supposed to come for a better life. It’s not all these immigrants’ fault they were born in some third world country. Have some sympathy and stop being so racist and feeling you are entitled to these jobs. If they can do a better job than you, then they deserve that job over you. If they can do a better job for less money, even more reason to choose them over you. It is simple economics. I do agree we definitely need to improve our immigration policy in this country, but in the meantime, why don’t you read this article:

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=walmart

By NmbaOneFan

October 26, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

We have the same problem in Cobb County… these people are savages and whereever they go they destroy everything and turn nice areas into crime ridden, drug infested, shantytowns. The truth is… te situation is way out of hand. Our politicians do not care since they all reside in upscale communities some of them gated and way out of the reach of the savages. All they do here is fornicate and create more little tacos to drain and oveerburden our county and state services. The only way to get rid od these savages is to basically declare war on all the politicians that have not addressed this issue as well as to make the lives of these savages impossible through intimidation and force. Where is the IND when you need them…. I am sure there are a great many citizens who would galdly volunteer to assist state, federal and local agencies with the problem of enforcing imigration laws and deportation of these animals. There is such a group righ now and they are called the MINUTEMEN. Unfortunately the media and the bleeding heart liberals have labeled the MINUTEMAN movement a hate group. For gods sake folks open your eyes and realize it is up to us the citizens to address this problem. Maybe all of us should contact the INS and put enough pressure on them to make something happen

By jenny

October 26, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this

Re Tan Amen! That neighborhood is just trashy and disgusting. I do not care who you are or where you come from. These people living in these “houses” live like pigs. You do not have to speak the language or even be wealthy to pick up and haul off your trash. This is not a language barrier, it is a sanitation problem. It needs to be solved.

By Ed

October 26, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

I am sick and tired of people who seem to have no vested interest in our country those of us who do call us racist because we want people to be in the US legally, not trash up the place, open Meth labs, have 40 people living in a two bedroom house and drive around with no insurance. Who are the ones taking up for the illegal types anyway? Are you a bunch of low life apartment dwellers with low end jobs a credit rating of 150 with no hopes of being a home owmer yourself. How about instead of calling us out as racist because we have an interest in the communities we live, why don’t you all move back to what ever filthy rotting third world country they illegally came here from, maybe you’ll be happier there. It’s not racist to want to maintain your property vaules, have people be accounted for when they cross borders and obey laws.

By CORNHOLIO

October 26, 2006 10:17 AM | Link to this

If I don’t want garbage and junk cars in my neighborhood, or neighbors w/8 beds per room, then I must be a racist.

So be it !

Seal our borders ! Preserve our culture !

America used to be a melting pot. Now its a chamber pot !

Throw in jail anyone that hires illegals !

Nowhere does it say they should access our schools and medical facilities !

Both the Democrats & Republicans have sold out this country !

Pull out the welcome mat, and they will leave !

By When in Rome...

October 26, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

If anything is to be done you must first ACT. You must email, call, write your local representatives oh and not just once but CONSTANTLY. You must petition the government for changes. Squeaky wheels always get the oil — have instances in the past not proven that? Get involved and stand your ground— involve the press if you need to —call out tv stations put it on Sonny’s DO list. Follow up with Sonny see what he will do — demand answers and accountability from your elected leaders. March for change! Stop purchasing products from companies that do not abide by the labor laws. Americans have become too complacent and now tis the season for change!

By Pat

October 26, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

By reading the comments it seems as though there is an overwhelming number of people the feel there is a problem and we all know what that problem is. It is not an issue of racism, prejudice or any form of bias. I believe there is enough support to fix the problem we just need a leader in this area to take charge…the people will follow.

By Jay

October 26, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

ABS

The way Avon Park and some other areas have worded their laws is anyone who “knowingly”, rents to or hires illegal aliens…. But they should keep copies of the documents and if it is found that they are forged, then then a felony has been commited, and they can be prosecuted and deported.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Well, Jesse’s Girl, I guess you proved me wrong, it does sound like you have a safety issue in your neighborhood. Have you tried to contact the police? Or called your local commisioner? Or, I really like the idea of a poster, contacted a Latino community organization?

But, making generalizations about a race of people? Still rascist. You have a problem with certain neighbors….that’s the issue. I have white, black, and hispanic neighbors….some are great, some are trashy. The point is, when I have a problem, I do something about it, I don’t just sit around and complain.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 10:20 AM | Link to this

Edna, who said I was a Christian? I wouldn’t be caught dead in a Church. Churches are the most segregated place in America on Sunday morning. How many Immigrants attend your church? And please don’t get me started on God’s so called Preachers. Just when I think I’ve seen it all, another preacher comes along and tops it. But that’s another BLOG.

By Krishna's_My_Neighbor

October 26, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

I live in a predominantly Indian area (as in Hindu, not Native American) and they’re pretty good neighbors. Different, yes, but that’s a cultural thing. I can live with the constant smell of curry.

But I’ve seen places in Gwinnett that are primarily hispanic, and you couldn’t pay me to live there.

By DD

October 26, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

Hey Bye Bye, it’s stick you head in the sand and leave the problem for others to deal with. It’s called white flight and more disgusting than immigrants wanting to move here for a better life.

By Jan

October 26, 2006 10:21 AM | Link to this

to AA, Aren’t you missing a MEETING??

and Alicia, Get a Life and…………

you do not have to see their feet (women) to know they are standing to pee, it sounds like a horse going on a rock!!!!!

and THEY are the ones that make the toilet seats nasty!!!!

and the ones that say race is not the issue, it just so happens that MOST illegal immigrants are of a certain race, I agree, that worthless people come in all forms. Our neighborhood is nice and very diverse, as are all my sons friends, looks like the teenage united nations sometimes here, but our newest neighbors NAILED a Keep Out/No Trespassing sign on the tree in their FRONT yard!!! Now they have their Halloween decorations by it!!! Weird? Yes Do They Bother me? NO So everything is cool as long as they take down the CHRISTMAS lights by, say March anyway, cut the grass and not turn their driveway into what looks like a broken down car lot. Did you people not see the PHOTO Rick posted??? That is what everyone is talking about………………!!!! Peace!

By Jsa

October 26, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Mexicans are a huge problem to our society. Without even talking about the gang problem, lets look at the aforementioned neighbor disintegration, jobs and traffic!!!

Try driving down I-85 on a rainy day!!! Its a smooth 30 minute ride from 120 to 285. On a sunny day, its 1 hour. Whats the difference??? No Landscapers and painters out on rainy days…No landscaping trucks with 100 mexicans crammed in and no paiting trucks with 100 mexicans inside and 100 ladders stacked on top.

We need to deal with this issue now, any politician dem, rep, or ind who has a tough stnace on getting these people out of this country will win my vote.

By gwinnettmom

October 26, 2006 10:22 AM | Link to this

Try finding a job in Gwinnett. I’ve been searching for almost four months. They say you can work if you want but I can’t tell you how many ads/posts require that you speak english and spanish! Wonder who gets those jobs….the “sorry no english” bunch! P** me off!

By denise

October 26, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Anytime you have 15 people in a house made to accomodate 5 people, you are going to have trouble. Single family homes are not and should not be used as hotels. Laws that are on the books regarding poor upkeep of homes need to be used. It is terrible to own a home and pay property taxes and be subjected to renters who are inconsiderate and take no pride in their surroundings.

By DD

October 26, 2006 10:24 AM | Link to this

Think of Kevin Kennerly when you look at that neighborhood.

By Tim

October 26, 2006 10:25 AM | Link to this

The answer here is so simple. “We can’t afford to ship them home???” BS. All you do is take the monies they earned ILLEGALLY and use it to help send these LAW BREAKERS back to Mexico. Tell me, when a person steals a coke in a grocery store and is caught,is he allowed to keep the coke? I think not. The beautiful thing about America is that our lineage is from many different back grounds.Why is it that one particular sect views themselves immune?

By Disgusted

October 26, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

I was a Gwinnett County Resident for almost 10 years and thought it was the best place ever. One problem that I have is the number of people that lives in one unit regardless of the law. My water bill was 50 odd bucks and rising as my unit filled more and more with Mexican/others as neighbors. In a 2 bedroom apartment, there were easily 7-8 adults and God only knows how many children. It is not fair for the Citizens of this nation to have to suffer for the illegal/legal ones that don’t care!

I am now a Homeowner in Newton County and my neighborhood is a mixture of Blacks, Whites, Native Americans, and Mexicans. The sad part about it is that when I moved into the neighborhood my husband and I put bets on which house belonged to the Mexicans because there are 4-5 cars in the yard (not driveway but all over the yard), Orange seats that were removed from maybe a van, umbrellas all over the yard, baby carseats, trash…it is just sad. There’s another Mexican family in the neighborhood and yes they have more than 2 cars but they are in the driveway, their yard is well kept and they take pride in their home!!

I understand where they (GC residents) because I hate to go there to this day and be confronted with employees in Walmart, Target, The MALL, that can’t answer my questions or hold me a decent common conversation. I don’t want to hear that stupid music blasting, and I darn sure don’t want to learn YOUR language in I want to SHOP in OUR stores. It’s crazy. And further more I don’t want MY tax dollars going towards and ILLEGAL Immigrant to lay on her back and have freaking babies!! We can’t even take care of our people here…how the hek are we inviting in all of these other problems!! RRGGGHH!! Not to say that all are the same, just like not all Blacks are loud and dumb and eat chicken and watermelon. And not like all Whites are racist, spell like dogs or that they are trying to hold us down (ha)..that was funny! But we have got to get control of this situation NOW because after a while…they will be ruling us…End of Discussion!!

By ABS

October 26, 2006 10:26 AM | Link to this

Thanks Jay for letting me know that! I really think most businesses and landlords don’t knowingly rent to illegals, but sometimes I could see where it would be hard to tell. But there are plenty of greedy business owners in the world and landlords too who are only out for the buck. That’s been a big point of my argument this morning, well, that and don’t be a rascist….

but thanks again Jay!

By GC

October 26, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

The neighborhood I moved into around 5 years ago was a newly built nice homes on almost 1/2 acre lots. My husband and I were one of the first people to move into a house in this wonderful neigborhood. About a year or two later we had an influx of minorities (legal, US citizens) looking to live in a better part of town. A majority of these minorities took very good care of their lawns and homes. There were several though that didn’t. They homeowners were never home but their kids were (ranging from 14 to 2). They would have loud parties, etc. One time one of their kids (this child was 6 years old) had an medical emergency and several parents who were at home who heard the that kid screams ran out to help. When they ran to the kid’s home - guess what NO ONE WAS HOME! During all this this child’s older, teenaged sibling came walking along. The sibling stood there and told the parents that she didn’t know how to contact her parents. Oh, by the way, the parents finally did show up - 1 o’clock in the morning - Flying through the neighborhood about 45-50 mph around a blind curve. The renting illegals though, in our neighborhood, fill their yards with lawn figurines like pink flamingos and let their kids ride their bikes all over the road. I think almost every homeowner has almost hit one of these kids because they sometimes sit in the road on their bikes in an area blocked to drivers entering the neighborhood from a busy street by a fence and a bushes. They also don’t move out of the road when a car is coming and you have to stop and sit there until they see that you want to get by. I have actually had to roll down my window and yell at a kid to get out of the street in front of the kid’s parents. I got a confused look from both the parents and the kid.

By Skreet

October 26, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

“Fed up with the area, next month my parents will also move to North Forsyth, completing my families migration out of Gwinnett.”

And then guess what? They’ll do the same thing in 10 years when they don’t like Forsyth county any more.

By MD

October 26, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

Our next door neighbors just moved, and we will be listing in March.

I didn’t buy my home xteen years ago to have the neighborhood turned into and industrial park ala welding in garages, autos on blocks, furniture on the streets, cars on yards, houses in disrepair, and 4 families living in a 1400 sq ft house next door.

Goodbye Gwinnett, hope you can make do on the tax dollars you have left for the services you’re going to need to provide.

It’s what you get for rubber stamping everything and no enforcement of ANY law. ZILCH!

Or should I phrase it “Hasta la vista….”

By PoliticalMan

October 26, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Gwinnett Countians cannot wait to pull the lever for Republicans on election day. They are the party of business and the rich while pandering to the religious. And you are suprised that there is no attempt to deal with cheap labor. Come on. You reap what you sow.

On the other hand, Democrats are the party of diversity, and likewise will not deal with illegals.

Anyway, I hope all the gov haters are getting what they want - nothing. We have elections for a reason. We should elect those who will work for all people - not just business owners and illegals. Next time you pull a lever think first. And please don’t be duped by claims of being religious. Pray on Sunday and let things go to hell the other 6 days.

By MH

October 26, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

GA legislation as of Aug 06 states “36-35-6.1. A municipality shall be prohibited from restricting the use of any language other than English on signs for privately owned businesses. This Code section shall not restrict the municipality´s right to enact any other restrictions on signs.

By davew

October 26, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

Cobb County has just authorized the Federal program allowing deportation of illegals. It is only one of 7 jurisdictions in the country utilizing this law. Marietta has passed and ENFORCES strict anti-loitering laws. Perhaps Gwinnett needs to follow Cobb’s lead.

By navy10767

October 26, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Let me preclude this with the fact that I am a grandchild of Italian immigrants and a card carrying patriot. I love my country and am deeply saddened to see the state we are in.

I feel strongly about following the proper procedure for immigration. Yes, it is a ponderous process, and convoluted at best. But, think of the reward at the end of the rainbow. True, blue citizenship. The right to vote and make your voice heard.

Folks a mini-fence will not stop this tide. They will just dig under it or walk around it. Only through our dogged persistance in making our federal, state and local representatives tow the line will we resolve this. We have to start with our own yards and neighborhoods.

We, as law abiding citizens MUST make the time to keep an eye on our officials. We have to read what they are writing into law, and call them on it when it does not benefit the good of the country or town.

How did it get to this point in the first place? WE let it get there. If you know the laws of your city - require them to be enforced by calling on the law to enforce them. EVERY time one is broken. We can only blame ourselves and no one else.

Thanks for listening.

By KAT

October 26, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

I don’t blame people for wanting to get out of “Little Mexico”. I grew up in Gwinnett County and now am saddened to tell people who ask, “no, it’s very ugly there, now, and I hate returning.” I’m also doing my best to convince my parents to move out of the home they’ve lived in for 36+ years because they’re quickly becoming the minority. Greed drives Gwinnett’s politicians—so growth will only continue, which means more illegals and more of the same degredation of Gwinnett (and Georgia) life. Yesterday’s immigrants may have built this country, but today’s are destroying it.

By Mark

October 26, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Okay. The picture on the AJC website of a Gwinnett street is EXACTLY what Sonny Perdue was talking about the other day. You guys take a picture of a street in a townhome project on garbage pickup day and present it as life in “Gwinnett County.” People in Gwinnett may be fed up with other issues, but they are also fed up with the AJC and its biased reporting and suburban slandering ways. Tell me, is this not a problem in other parts of the Metro area?

By greg

October 26, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

I live in Norcross, and can’t wait to move. I moved here 10 years ago, and while the Hispanic population was growing then, it was nowhere near what it is now, in my area. Graves Road is a mess, because people ride along and throw out bags of garbage. A dead dog laid on the side of the road for 2 days, before animal control decided to remove it. I had to call them to get them to do THAT! I’m not saying it’s the Hispanics doing it, but there does seem to be a correlation between the influx of them, and the demise of our neighborhoods. It really sucks. There’s a lot of them in my neighborhood, and they pack up in the houses like sardines, don’t maintain their houses or yards, let their kids run loose in the streets, and play that damn ranchero music loudly. We’ere becoming swamped with them. I for one, can’t wait to move, if I can sell my house, and move somewhere a bit more exclusive. This crap has gotten old.

By Clayton Bigsby

October 26, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

Removing the “welcome mat” is easier sad than done, the truth is there is very high demand for the drugs that pour into this country from Mexico and a even higher demand for the cheap labor by the illegals. As long as that demand is there, someone will supply it.

By GA Tech

October 26, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

The above comments show a great deal of opinion on an issue which has a good deal of inherency, in how properties built together in communities which have not been well planned do tend to age into a state of disrepair and lack of concern for appearance.

Suburbs should grow up between cities, and not radiate away from them. Lot size should be required by law to be larger farther away from the city of Atlanta. Roads should be fewer and pristine forest should be preserved in areas like Gwinnett. Where there is high density development, it should be balanced by patches of low density or no development. None of these guidelines were followed in Gwinnett. Compare Gwinnett to most of New Jersey residential areas, the same distance (~20mi) from a city of 250,000 or larger and it is obvious that land use in Georgia lacks these traits, and they underlie the disturbing pattern of residential community developments in Gwinnett.

It is a misdirection to place the blame for the distasteful state of these neighborhoods on a group of people, which apparently receives applause from the typical reader who has adopted and lives by ethnic stereotypes. Shame on the author. Get to know your neighbors, and you’ll get to know true reasons for individual plight of a property. But a whole county? No, not even two properties’ in decline have the same exact cause, much less an ethnic origin. This is a case of not seeing the forest for the trees. Grow some.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

ABS…..having a problem with certain neighbors does not make me a racist! I have a problem with broccoli too, that doesn’t make me a vegetable racist! Indeed…I have a large issue with the folks putting our safety and property values at risk. And if they were Inuit….I’d still have a problem. German…problem…..Adam and Eve..problem! It does not matter WHO they are! My problem is their lack of pride and respect for their homes and the homes around them!!

By GA Tech

October 26, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

The above comments show a great deal of opinion on an issue which has a good deal of inherency, in how properties built together in communities which have not been well planned do tend to age into a state of disrepair and lack of concern for appearance.

Suburbs should grow up between cities, and not radiate away from them. Lot size should be required by law to be larger farther away from the city of Atlanta. Roads should be fewer and pristine forest should be preserved in areas like Gwinnett. Where there is high density development, it should be balanced by patches of low density or no development. None of these guidelines were followed in Gwinnett. Compare Gwinnett to most of New Jersey residential areas, the same distance (~20mi) from a city of 250,000 or larger and it is obvious that land use in Georgia lacks these traits, and they underlie the disturbing pattern of residential community developments in Gwinnett.

It is a misdirection to place the blame for the distasteful state of these neighborhoods on a group of people, which apparently receives applause from the typical reader who has adopted and lives by ethnic stereotypes. Shame on the author. Get to know your neighbors, and you’ll get to know true reasons for individual plight of a property. But a whole county? No, not even two properties’ in decline have the same exact cause, much less an ethnic origin. This is a case of not seeing the forest for the trees. Grow some.

By Angie

October 26, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

No one has mentioned that the influx of illegal immigrants is creating a massive black market for SSN’s. Yet, these so called employment recruiters are refusing to process the employment “application” if the applicant refuses to disclose the SSN. Since when do job applicants have to sacrafice their identity to get a job “interview”? How can the public be ensured that these employment recruiters are not simply collecting SSN’s under the pretense of securing employment and then subsequently selling these SSN’s on the black market?

By Heather in Lawrenceville

October 26, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

Hi Gang, this simplifies things a bit!!

Let’s say I break into your house

A lady wrote the best letter in the Editorials in ages!! It explains things better than all the baloney you hear on TV.

Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.

Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests.

Let’s say I break into your house. Let’s say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, “I’ve made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I’ve done all the things you don’t like to do. I’m hardworking and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family’s insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work because he too is hardworking and honest, except for that breaking in part). If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there.

It’s only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I’m just trying to better myself. I’m hardworking and honest, um, (except for well, you know.)

And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do abou it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being an anti-housebreaker. Oh yeah, and I want you to learn my language so you can communicate with me.”

Why can’t people see how ridiculous this is? Only in America….

If you agree, pass it on (in ENGLISH). Share it if you see the value of it as a good simile. If not blow it off along with your future Social Security funds.

All we ask for is honesty (in how you got here, etc.), to learn English, try our culture rather than shoving yours on us (you’ll probably like our way of doing things since you wanted the good benefits we have here), leave your gangs in your native land (we don’t want them) and please, please learn to appreciate the green lawns and nice yards….they are not to look like a used car lot. There are other things you will need to learn along the way, too, but this is just some starters.

By the way, our children would benefit, and so would yours, if your language was second in the homes and ENGLISH is the primary language. The test scores would improve and our hardworking teachers could spend better time with ALL students. Let’s all improve education.

By Ted

October 26, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t white-flight the reason for the original growth of Gwinnett? White single-family home owners in DeKalb and Fulton didn’t want blacks moving into their neighborhoods after the end of segregation in the 70s.

So I’m not surprised now that there are hispanics and asians “taking over” large parts of Gwinnett. The whites who have sold or have moved and rented out their houses are the same people that fled Fulton and Dekalb 20 years ago.

Asians are beginning to move into Dunwoody now….funny how no-one has raised an eyebrow….there is no flight….property values will stay strong.

If someone can afford to live in my neighborhood, I really don’t care what they look like. The problem in Gwinnett seems to be that the minute the “others” started moving in, people fled. When people flee, property values drop and the cycle begins again.

By Pamela

October 26, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

I am happy to see that Gwinnett County is getting what I think they deserve. During the earlier years it was a racist and bias community and now the Hispanics are wearing them out.

By BECKYL13

October 26, 2006 10:40 AM | Link to this

I already read all the posts by now and I’m surprised by the fact that all this start with a column written by a black man.If this a racist issue I think a southern black man know better about it. For me this issue need to be treated with out the race card. It’s more about urban development laws enforcement. I’m on the real estate business and personally visit trashy houses that belongs to whites, asians, black or hispanics so Gwinnett rules need to be applied to every one because affects all the house values on the community.Stop to being so xenophobic (if you know what that means) and look for your own being or the problem is only that you feel hurt because a immigrant can get a house next door pay a expensive mortgage, more taxes and without speak english can have your same level of life????

By dasdf

October 26, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

A border fence will work, but only if its surrounded by a mine field, which is the only way to go in this case.

By MAC

October 26, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this

The solution to this is simple for immigration, code violations, overcrowded residences, drivers licenses, traffic violations, and all the other items mentioned above. *ENFORCE THE LAWS ENFORCE THE LAWS ENFORCE THE LAWS ENFORCE THE LAWS ENFORCE THE LAWS ENFORCE THE LAWS ENFORCE THE LAWS * The primary responsibility of the federal govt is to protect its citizens. That is also the primary responsibility of state and local govt as well. Whatever resources it takes, whatever other programs get terminated, ENFORCE THE LAWS. Until this is done, all of your govt… federal, state and local … republican, democrat or independent …. HAS FAILED YOU in their primary responsibility and should be held accountable. *IT’S THAT SIMPLE !!! *

By Tim

October 26, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Gwinnett County Code Enforcement is a joke. I have a crack house down the street that no one will do anything about, my street becomes a drag strip everyday after 5 pm, and I have a house full of immigrants wo doors down. The only time I have seen the county do anything is when one of my chickens got loose one day. They were all over that!

By PROUD MEXICAN-AMERICAN

October 26, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

YOU ALL NEED TO QUIT TALKING THAT MESS!!!! you know what to be completely yes i do understand that maybe some hispanics don’t fix up the property were the live on and might play music loud!! but let me tell you something it is ashame that as humans, as people we can not think and realize of how the United States is a country of opportunity the US has such opportunities that atrract people that might not have this type of opport where they come from…think about this in Mexico there is no such thing as getting a $500 pay ck per week, they work hard to earn at least $100 to support their family….lets have heart and share a country of great opportunity lets help out humanity, we also to would like a better life, better house, a future for our kids, education, luxury…..we want our children to grow up with the best!!! don’t look at just what you suffer imagine what all these people suffer all around the world and come to a place where it all might work out and make there life easier, you should be proud that your country has great things to offer and that they are making a dream of a better life come true!!!!

By Rich Pellegrino

October 26, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Oppose all thoughts of hate with a stronger thought of love.

By Immigrant

October 26, 2006 10:43 AM | Link to this

Have you asked yourselves where the real problem lies? Back a few years ago Georgia and the whole United States welcomed with open arms all immigration, while laws were already in the books the looked the other way because we were needed in all kind of industries, and I tell you something, we work hard. This is the best country in the world, but politicians will tell the people anything to get elected, they sold the american public the idea that we are invading america when we only came beacuse there were jobs for us! I know is frustraing for you having to deal with people coming from rural parts of Mexico, some of us didn’t finish elementary, but that doesn’t make us bad people. You all know that it’s so easy for the government to find out who’s ilegal and who is not, but instead of facing the problem punishing employess they make all hispanic people look like criminal to the eyes of all the people. Now, in all america resentment is being created beetwen races a legal immigrant can go to an american restaurant and the majority of the amercan people there will make sure not to make him feel comfortable. If communication channel were open, if they could only listen we can be part of the solution. Don’t give us free tickets for anything, create a program to forces to learn english, history and civility. Just think of possible solutions. All we want is the opportunity to work! Criminals, (I mean the real criminals, druggies, gangs, graffitters, shoplifters) I don’y have any problem with deporting them, evrytime I see on the paper that a hispanic has commited a crime I get saddened because we’re all paying for it. While watching PBS about the civil rights movements led by MLK, the same phrases used by the segregationist are pretty much the same phrases being used by the anti-immigrants now. And something else, this is a great country, and many of you people take thing for granted. in this country you can get the best education in the world and be a succesful person, stop whining about an immigrant taking your job because I bet you a thousand buck that you wouldn’t want to work in a chicken processing plant if they pay you 20 an hour.

By Gone

October 26, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this

I thought I had found the perfect place to raise kids and retire. My oldest went through the system graduated from Parkview and all is well…until about 5 years or so when we opened the flood gates. As much as I wanted my two young ones 8 and 11 to go through the same school system, I took note of our closest surrounding schools and the changes…That is Berkmar Meadowcreek and Shiloh. It took me over a year to sell my home that 3 years ago would have sold in weeks, and had to sell for $15,000 less ! I am proud that I made the decision to move out of Gwinnett and Im not telling where as I dont want you to follow me.

By Susanne

October 26, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

PLEASE KEEP PRINTING ARTICLES LIKE THIS. The American people need to WAKE UP and realize this is happening all over not just in Gwinnett county. I had the same situation in Forsyth county. Your article was very much to the point. All of the time and money we American citizens are putting into our major investment (house) is going down the toilet because the immigrants are allowed to rent houses in our neighborhoods with multiple families living in them. They are not forced to clean up the properties, pay taxes, OR speak English! Our government needs to do something already. I have forwarded your article to Governer Perdue in hopes that he will listen.

By Watta Load

October 26, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

How ironic…Gwinnet county, for years has rejected MARTA because the citizenry didn’t want the “those people” riding up there…and now I..an intown resident that uses MARTA daily..don’t want MARTA to extend to Gwinnet because I don’t want “those people” riding into Atlanta.

I believe it’s called Karma.

By Masrtha

October 26, 2006 10:48 AM | Link to this

Get rid of all these people that are destroying the neighborhoods in Gwinnett. When the latinos and the asians found out that Gwinnett had good schools and the houses had affordables prices in the early 1980’s, they started moving here, we don’t need them, they need to go back to their countries and continue living in the same mess they left behind.

By WL

October 26, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

As a former Gwinn. Co. resident, it’s funny. No down right hilarious to listen to all this whining.. Hey nothings happening, or even going to happen.. This country much less county will not do a damn thing because everyone’s politically correct.. Hell, if any of the bloggers that have posted a comment state a negative in front of a camera. Gezz, lets see how my people here would be on the band wagon then.. Instead you’d be the one that is wrong, I say wrong for being racist, hurting someones feelings, bla-bla…..

Until somethings done at the TOP and subsequently followed through by state, local, etc.. Why waste your breath..

By Sunny Me

October 26, 2006 10:49 AM | Link to this

I do not mind anyone who lives in the US as long as they respect our country. One thing that I do have against is currently the lanuage situation. I am unemployed- no fault of my own- and I am finding it extremely difficult to find a decent paying job. Most ads read MUST be Bilingual or some say Bilingual a plus. It should read, MUST speak English or English a plus. AND on top of that, the immigrants can afford to work for minimum wage. Let’s round off the dollar and say the minimum wage is $5 per hour. If you have 10 people working in a household that would = to $50 per hour! $2000 a week? AND no taxes? Wow! PLUS, we help them to start their own busineses or otherwise they would say we were discriminating. I can understand why they can see our country as, ” a land of opportunity.”

Why can’t the gov. see that it’s hurting our economy and implement laws that would require them #1, to learn our LANGUAGE,#2, to pay taxes, #3, ONLY allow a single family to one home.

The fact is we have made it too easy for them. Why would a company pay me , let’s say, $20 per hour when they can pay an immigrant 8 per hour for the same job?

And to make matters worse companies continue to close the facilities and move to Mexico and overseas.

Lord, please come back in a twinkling of an eye.

By Earl

October 26, 2006 10:50 AM | Link to this

Unfortunately, it’s not always illegals that mess everything up. I own a house that I rent in Norcross off of Indian Trail to a white couple with two kids. Problem is that these two redneck, white trash hillbillies are just as bad as illegals. We need to try to find a way to get idiots from pro-creating, cause that’s just as big a problem as illegals.

By Lorrie

October 26, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

Okay, I have heard enough comments about minorities responsible for the downfall of America. Some white folks are spoiled and when someone different moves into their neighborhood suddenly it becomes them against the blacks, hispanics, asians, etc. I’m really tired of the ridiculous statements made by some people who still perceive themselves to be privileged—the so called “white entitlement” without putting some real effort into it. I’m proud to be black and an American who has served this country with integrity but yet, once again, someone like me is still seen as the enemy. Great—like you I owned a home in Gwinnett county but recently downsized to Dekalb to save some money. I don’t appreciate disrespectful neighbors black, white, hispanic, or whatever color. Stop complaining and do something about it. Real change can’t happen if you don’t get involved in your communities i.e. local, political (unfortunately), etc. Continuing down the same path several different times will only yield the same result so take another approach, maybe then, you will get the change you were hoping to achieve. We are all are brother’s keeper like it or not meaning we are responsible for our communities. This means communicating effectively with other communities as well as our neighbors to help clarify goals for a well maintained, peaceful neighborhood. Crime is a human condition and is not lumped to one group of people despite the overwhemingly proportion that commits these heinous acts against their fellow man. All Americans want the same thing—better living conditions, fair pay, safe communities, qaulity education, and a decent retirement. The world is watching us and will attack us on the very principle that we, ourselves, cannot seem to unite as one nation. What is the fuss about if you can’t look at me and call me your sister or brother?…

By aibonez

October 26, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

I have to agree with ABrother, 30 years ago it was us(Blacks, African Americans, whatever). When we began to move in they ran for the hills, now they are complaining again. I dont agree with anyone coming into an established neighborhood and diminishing the quality or standard of living for the others, however i think these people want to complain and will never be satisfied if they live around a different culture mainly because they do not understand the differences. I taught school in that area for four years, most of my students came from the JCB area and my opinion of most of those students were mannerable, humble, willing to learn students. They were different, but different is not always wrong.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

Immigrant, I really appreciated your comments, you are sooooo right about what you said, at least I think so anyway!

By DD

October 26, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Think of all the neighborhoods Bush destroyed in Iraq looking for WMDs.

By aibonez

October 26, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Lorrie I agree, great post.

By monah

October 26, 2006 10:57 AM | Link to this

I agree with some that immigration is being used as a scape goat. There are real problems with illegal immigration and those need to be addressed. The cost of illegal immigration is not nearly as high as some would like us to believe. We need to look at the whole picture of benefits and costs. Getting to the point of the article which is nice neighborhoods going down hill. I believe this is a problem and it is occuring in my neighborhood too. However, many of my Latino neighbors that take care of their houses and improve them. Some do not and they need to be lumped in with the African Americans and White trash in my neighborhood that let their properties go down. The beginning of this started with property investors buying up houses and renting them out. Many of the rentors are overcrowding the house and don’t care how the streets look or if the gutters are falling off, etc. We should hold every home owner to certain standards and the county/HOA should enforce these standards with a vengence. Of course, that means as homeowners, we need to take action and report folks to the county and be prepared to make investors take responsibility for their renters. This is not an immigration issue. It doesn’t matter if it is ranchero music, rap music or Barry Manilow, if it is too loud and too late then it needs to be dealt with.

By neighbor

October 26, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this

Some Mexicans moved next door to my house in Gwinnett and there have been months where the grass wasn’t mowed and the driveway is always full of cars. I look around and see all these Mexicans working yard maintenance for jobs but I guess they can’t take their work home with them… I used to have a nicer neighborhood in the Brookwood district and now I leave my house and have to pass a cluttered yard and driveway owned by people who I can’t converse with because they do not know English. Gwinnett used to be Great but soon Gwinnett won’t be Gringo.

By Stinky Sullivan

October 26, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

GWINNETT COUNTY IS SPANISH FOR LITTLE MEXICO!!!

By cool breeze

October 26, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Okay let’s keep the topic on point with not talking about immigrants but ILLEGAL immigrants and for the poster immigrant those chicken processing plant jobs USED to pay 20 dollars and hour and americans worked those jobs and tried to get into those jobs but as will happen with other occupations ILLEGAL immigrants coming in have driven those wages down in that industry and folkd better watch out with MBA’s and PHD’s because when folk start coming over with those skills and will do the job for hald the price then it will hit them and the economists on tv that think it’s such a good idea I wonder if they will when their job is affected. One thing that binds a society together is the language and I have worked with Indian, japenese, russians, panamanians, puerto ricans and germans and they can learn to speak english so why is it that only mexicans can’t seem to learn to speak english or even seem willing to make the attempt? Is someone going to tell me they don’t have the capacity too? I did a study abroad to college to mexico for a month and had to speak spanish to take taxis, order at mcdonalds and exchange cash. no one was making exceptions for me when it came to speaking english and since I an HOME I shouldn’t have to speak a foreign language at HOME! Stop the foreign signage and learn the laguage in public and when conducting business. As for schools why are we paying for an english and spanish school system when there should only be one school system and subjects taught in one language and that’s english! It’s so simple.

By From Gwinnett

October 26, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Information for Homeowners in Gwinnett: My neighborhood had many problems in it varying from people not taking care of their homes, not cutting grass, graffiti, outdoor storage, and junk veicles. Listed are some very good agencies in gwinnett goverment to help you with your problems. Quality of Life Unit-770-932-4830x5619 Code Compliance 678-518-6050 Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful 770-822-5187.

By Stinky Sullivan

October 26, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this

Hey DD,

We also uncovered thousands of MASS GRAVES and TORTURE ROOMS…but hey, Saddam wasn’t such a bad GUY!!!

Ask a KURD!

By Pete P

October 26, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

Just wait, When the illegals figure out that Wells Fargo will give them a mortgate. They will get 6-8 of the laborers that can prove they make income and they will buy a very nice home in a nice neighborhood. Then move 30 people into it. Once they own, it will turn into a hotel. Mark my words, coming to a neighborhood near you!!

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

To Irishman: I’m Irish. What do I get? :)

By Alice

October 26, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this

I also lived in the neighborhood behind Hooters off JCB. I got out a year ago because I could not bear to put my child in Summerour Middle School (gang problems). It was a pretty, older, well-kept neighborhood for awhile but for the past four years has been rapidly going downhill. We sold our home to a legal immigrant family with two young children who appeared to be so proud of their first home ownership. I drove past the home last week and when I saw it I cried. SIX ladder vans parked all over, all my landscaping destroyed, the front door hanging off on one hinge, trash all over the yard and piled next to the street. To my neighbors that I left, I am sorry I let them have that house, but the rest of you need to get out whil you can.

By Vote for Pedro

October 26, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this

Once again, you people need to stop complaining about all these minorities “invading” your neighborhoods. If they can afford to live in your neighborhood, then they have every right to live there. If you don’t like them, then you move away. Perhaps to an area that you can afford and they can’t. And if that is not possible, well then I guess you’re all in the same class.

By Sue

October 26, 2006 11:10 AM | Link to this

This is the solution: DEMAND, THROUGH CONGRESS AND THE PRESIDENT, THAT THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION DO ITS JOB.

Twelve million illegal residents would self-deport themselves if the SSA did not allow their employers to ratify their employment with FRAUDULENT SS numbers. People, you can’t subsist or raise families on income from odd jobs such as mowing lawns. Those illegals are just sending money home. The bulk of the illegal residents are here FOR YEARS working in jobs made possible by FRAUDULENT SS numbers.

This is a matter of developing software — plus the will — to spit back at employers immediately the false SS numbers they submit for employees. This is so simple that the reason it hasn’t been done is that there has been no will in Congress or in ANY administration to do this.

Think of it — the National Security Agency has software to monitor every domestic phone call for links to terrorism. It is absolutely possible to fix the fraudulent-documents situation if the politicians have the will. Only the people — you, the voters — can transmit this backbone to them.

I sympathise with many of your concerns, but again, I urge you to insist to your elected officials that they make the SSA do its job.

The dustup over ID for voters is just a smoke screen. Unqualified voters will get falsified ID through their false driver’s licenses, etc. Why does the legislature think that vetting voters with falsely acquired IDs will screen out unqualified voters? This is another potential problem that would be solved by determining the legal status of IDs.

How can we trust any information coming from the SSA — such as estimates for when the Trust Fund will run out — when it is an agency that permits 12 million falisfied documents to infiltrate the system?

Enforcement is another matter. Don’t get me started. Just let me say that, as an American of European heritage, if I obtained a fraudulent SS number to receive free goods and services such as ER care, care at health clinics, etc., the law-enforcement agencies who ignore illegal residents would find me and throw me under the jail. Guaranteed.

By MR. C. Moore

October 26, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

What are we saying here. My family is from Baltimore they had ethnic groups from all over, greeks, itialians, irish, etc. If you went to that area they had people who never learned english or spoke broken english. We could write this article 40 years ago when blacks moved into the city and started trashing it and we heard getto music (not ranchero) and whites decided to move to the suburbs. Now lets not look at the color of the skin. The problem comes from building codes and local laws. Codes allowing homes and businesses built on top of each other. Laws are to protect the people and area….fine them if they don’t clean up! Freedom is where we don’t need a government telling us how to live. But if the way we live infringes on the other then laws are there to protect us. Now just enforce them. If there are codes/laws on how many families live in one house report them and fine them. Now here something that bothers me a lot…get rid of all the billboards in Georgia. Why do we need them. Lets start cleaning up our state and gwinnett start by getting rid of all the billboards!

Mr. C. Moore

By TheDuchess

October 26, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

I love “Toggle”. Yes, while the majority of “us” speak English…the good ‘ol US of A DOES NOT, I repeat DOES NOT have an OFFICIAL language. Look it up if you don’t believe. Sorry charlie…you lucked out on that one. I’m teaching my kids Spanish! LOL

By Jan

October 26, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

to Alice, they didn’t paint it Lime Green too?????

By Jim

October 26, 2006 11:12 AM | Link to this

Moved out of Gwinnett county in January and moved to Cobb — it was like moving to a new country! Good riddance Gwinnett!

By Reg

October 26, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

All these years we’ve had to be subjected to Gwinnett triumphantly announcing, “Gwinnett is Great!” becase Gwinnett just wants growth, growth, growth.

Well, Gwinnett, you got the growth. Guess Gwinnett isn’t so “great” anymore.

For people like myself who reside in areas not yet turned into the blight that Gwinnett has become, look no further than the mistakes of Gwinnett to see what to avoid. Growth isn’t great at all…it’s gone from being beautiful land to extremely trashy (because of GROSS overdevelopment and a complete lack of planning) in just 25 years. We need to say, “NO!!!” to the morons who are screaming for growth in the outer areas. We need to protect our farmers and agriculture; we don’t need the “convenience” of grocery stores on every corner.

Don’t blame Gwinnett’s problems on immigrants. I think the immigrants are the ONLY positive thing Gwinnett has going for it. I visit the Buford Hwy. area regularly. It’s great to go places and not see white bread suburbanites and their SUV’s. It’s wonderful to hear all the different languages and almost never hear English. The immigrant population isn’t crying about the loss of their “whitebread” subdivision…their making the most of opportunity and turning abandoned shopping centers into treasures of creativity and diversity.

America isn’t going to look like the idealized vision many of you retirees think existed in some mythological “good old days.” It’s going to look like it always has…the land of opportunity, constantly changing and morphing. At one time you or your family benefited from this opportunity and change; now others are doing exactly what your ancestors and you did. Get over it.

By PREVIOUS JCB RESIDENT:

October 26, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

Shirley, Drive down Jimmy Carter Blvd and around Pleasanthill does it look like all the signs are in English? If there is a law, then a lot of businesses are breaking the law!

By Glad I moved

October 26, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

My wife and I used to live in a great little neighborhood off Rockbridge road just about a mile from Jimmy Carter. Right before our first daughter was born, graffiti started showing up on the phone junction boxes, and then eventually our neighborhood fence. I would repaint the boxes almost weekly and it would show up again. One time there was an accident at Tug & Rockbridge and I was speaking to the police officer about the graffiti and he told me that Singleton Road was the Gang Corridor of Gwinnett. It was at that time I know I didn’t want to raise my daughter there. We put our house on the market and built a house in Cumming. That was the best move I’d ever made.

I’ve driven through the neighborhood just to see how it was doing and even though there is a sign that says there is a homeowners assoc and it is strictly enforced, I can see that over the past 4 years it obvioulsy isnt.

I remember going to the Advance Auto to get oil for my car to change. The last time I was there I was the only Caucasian in the store and there had to of been at least 15 Mexicans in the parking lot all working on some piece of crap van with ladders on it or crappy car. Im so glad I left.

As far as the signs on Jimmy Carter all being in Spanish or Korean, Gwinnett county is SUPPOSED to have an ordinace that says your business sign has to be in at LEAST 50% English. I guess the county govt enforces that law about as much as the Feds enforce the immigration laws. Pathetic!!

By Tammy

October 26, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this

Welcome to Gwinnexico State amigos!

By Chip

October 26, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

There are no “Politically Correct” words to describe some of the things going on in our county and our country as a whole. Unfortunately, they might offend someone. The Russians once said “We don’t need to worry about America…Someday they will destroy themselves”. Those words offend ME, but somehow, in my heart, I know they are true.

By Rich Pellegrino

October 26, 2006 11:16 AM | Link to this

Hey, I just got a novel idea. Since apparently a lot of people who consider themselves the only “real” Americans are upset about Latinos (and really, though they can’t say it any more, they are upset about African Americans, and anyone else who looks or sounds different)taking over “their neighborhoods”, why not offer them their own “reservations” on acres of wilderness which they can homestead and develop into their own model W.a.s.p. communities (with gates or walls surrounding them),and since they don’t trust the current government, grant them limited sovereignty or self rule. (I wonder, though, if they could survive without anyone to hate, and without the benefit of slave or low wage laborers.) Then the rest of us, most of whom are “mixed race” or heritage anyway, can go about the business of continuing to build the melting pot that America is and was about anyway—at least in the Creator’s apparent Plan. Win-win solution.

By Jennifer

October 26, 2006 11:17 AM | Link to this

One poster had it correct earlier: A lot of the problems described are zoning problems, and until they start fining people for it the same problems will continue. Leaving trash thrown about, having doors hanging, broken down cars parked in yards, etc.

Driving up 75N the other day I had a white van in front of me with (I swear this is true) nine ladders stacked on top of it. They did not even bother to position them to equal out the weight so it was bobbling all over the place. Potentially dangerous.

By DEBRA LYMBER

October 26, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

Yes, I too am leaving Greater Gwinnett County and heading back north to Ohio. This place is ridiculous. I moved down here on October 28, 1979 and thought it was a great place to live, Portland Ridge apartments off of Jimmy Carter Blvd., then moved to a nice 3 bedroom home off of Singleton Road. It is so sad to see my first home invaded by illegal immigrants, it makes my stomach turn. My boyfriend is a former iron worker and can no longer come by decent jobs w/decent wages in that industry because of the employers who insist on hiring the cheap day laborers who will work for next to nothing because a multitude of families share one house. I feel like the minority in this day and age! Gwinnett county feels like a foreign country somewhere! It’s gone from ridiculous to sublime & it’s time to move on!

By Fulton

October 26, 2006 11:18 AM | Link to this

It’s interesting to see which of you actually address the issue vs. spewing your internal hatred. Poor, uneducated people come in ALL COLORS, so your sheets are not well hidden at all. Generalized words like “they” and comments like, “I’m not a racist, I just wish they’d go back to their rat infested, third-world country”, are a sad but very clear indication of exactly where you’re coming from. At some point, you must come to realize that you too, are part of the problem.

By truthfully

October 26, 2006 11:19 AM | Link to this

Sadly a lot of you still sound like a bunch of racist. I’m sure some of you will be helpin lat the border fence also.. aka the New Berlin wall. I believe that as many people are puttin it as “these people” that all needs to cease. Now think about all the so called wrong doin an lack of knowledge. If your feeling as though your neighbors dont know how to conduct them selves. TEACH THEM. Everyone does NOT have the same upbrining, with that in mind, rather than continue to insult one another. Give some knowledge. If my memory is correct I can remember many a day when I see some of “these” peopl maintainin some of your lawns. and doin a damn good job. SO good enough to do your labor, but not good enough to be your neighbor. That is pitiful. We all dont knwo everything. Someone of us know a whole lot of nothing. Be a neighbor, and reach out rather than isolate the people you feel dont belong. Turn neighborhoods BACK into neighborhoods. It saddens me at times to see the type of people in my community by reading these ice cold opinions. And to think I moved from Chicago to be surrounded by this type of southern hopsitality. Really makes ya feel all warm inside. YEA RIGHT.

Lorrie & Earl good points. And Lorrie actually EXCELLENT points! For those of you that missed it.. This means communicating effectively with other communities as well as our neighbors to help clarify goals for a well maintained, peaceful neighborhood. COMMUNICATION people.. Each one teach one. It’s really kinda simple. Some only want a hand up. Not a slap in the face.

By M

October 26, 2006 11:20 AM | Link to this

I found this article just the other day and I believe it explains allot as far as how Mexico deals with its own issues of illegal immigration. I realize it has some length, but it is worth viewing, oddly enough, maybe we should copy Mexican Law: Mexico has a single, streamlined law that ensures that foreign visitors and immigrants are: • in the country legally; • have the means to sustain themselves economically; • not destined to be burdens on society; • of economic and social benefit to society; • of good character and have no criminal records; and • contributors to the general well-being of the nation. The law also ensures that: • immigration authorities have a record of each foreign visitor; • foreign visitors do not violate their visa status; • foreign visitors are banned from interfering in the country’s internal politics; • foreign visitors who enter under false pretenses are imprisoned or deported; • foreign visitors violating the terms of their entry are imprisoned or deported; • those who aid in illegal immigration will be sent to prison.

Who could disagree with such a law? It makes perfect sense. The Mexican constitution strictly defines the rights of citizens – and the denial of many fundamental rights to noncitizens, illegal and illegal. Under the constitution, the Ley General de Población, or General Law on Population, spells out specifically the country’s immigration policy. It is an interesting law – and one that should cause us all to ask, Why is our great southern neighbor pushing us to water down our own immigration laws and policies, when its own immigration restrictions are the toughest on the continent? If a felony is a crime punishable by more than one year in prison, then Mexican law makes it a felony to be an illegal alien in Mexico. If the United States adopted such statutes, Mexico no doubt would denounce it as a manifestation of American racism and bigotry. We looked at the immigration provisions of the Mexican constitution. Now let’s look at Mexico’s main immigration law. Mexico welcomes only foreigners who will be useful to Mexican society: • Foreigners are admitted into Mexico “according to their possibilities of contributing to national progress.� (Article 32) • Immigration officials must “ensure� that “immigrants will be useful elements for the country and that they have the necessary funds for their sustenance� and for their dependents. (Article 34) • Foreigners may be barred from the country if their presence upsets “the equilibrium of the national demographics,� when foreigners are deemed detrimental to “economic or national interests,� when they do not behave like good citizens in their own country, when they have broken Mexican laws, and when “they are not found to be physically or mentally healthy.� (Article 37) • The Secretary of Governance may “suspend or prohibit the admission of foreigners when he determines it to be in the national interest.� (Article 38) Mexican authorities must keep track of every single person in the country: • Federal, local and municipal police must cooperate with federal immigration authorities upon request, i.e., to assist in the arrests of illegal immigrants. (Article 73) • A National Population Registry keeps track of “every single individual who comprises the population of the country,� and verifies each individual’s identity. (Articles 85 and 86) • A national Catalog of Foreigners tracks foreign tourists and immigrants (Article 87), and assigns each individual with a unique tracking number (Article 91). Foreigners with fake papers, or who enter the country under false pretenses, may be imprisoned: • Foreigners with fake immigration papers may be fined or imprisoned. (Article 116) • Foreigners who sign government documents “with a signature that is false or different from that which he normally uses� are subject to fine and imprisonment. (Article 116) Foreigners who fail to obey the rules will be fined, deported, and/or imprisoned as felons: • Foreigners who fail to obey a deportation order are to be punished. (Article 117) • Foreigners who are deported from Mexico and attempt to re-enter the country without authorization can be imprisoned for up to 10 years. (Article 118) • Foreigners who violate the terms of their visa may be sentenced to up to six years in prison (Articles 119, 120 and 121). Foreigners who misrepresent the terms of their visa while in Mexico – such as working with out a permit – can also be imprisoned. Under Mexican law, illegal immigration is a felony. The General Law on Population says, • “A penalty of up to two years in prison and a fine of three hundred to five thousand pesos will be imposed on the foreigner who enters the country illegally.� (Article 123) • Foreigners with legal immigration problems may be deported from Mexico instead of being imprisoned. (Article 125) • Foreigners who “attempt against national sovereignty or security� will be deported. (Article 126) Mexicans who help illegal aliens enter the country are themselves considered criminals under the law: • A Mexican who marries a foreigner with the sole objective of helping the foreigner live in the country is subject to up to five years in prison. (Article 127) • Shipping and airline companies that bring undocumented foreigners into Mexico will be fined. (Article 132) All of the above runs contrary to what Mexican leaders are demanding of the United States. The stark contrast between Mexico’s immigration practices versus its American immigration preachings is telling. It gives a clear picture of the Mexican government’s agenda: to have a one-way immigration relationship with the United States. Let’s call Mexico’s bluff on its unwarranted interference in U.S. immigration policy. Let’s propose, just to make a point, that the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) member nations standardize their immigration laws by using Mexico’s own law as a model.

By bonzo

October 26, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

I worked 5 months in Gwinnett this year and at times, I was the only Anglo in the local QT, supermarket, etc. It was a bit disconcerting; I had culture shock in my own country. But I kept telling myself — the immigrants are only trying to better their lot in life and many send money home to people even worse off. On the other hand, you should reasonably expect to adopt the language and culture of your new country. And if you turn Gwinnett into a modern-day Lower East Side (walkup tenements now trashed split-levels), realize you may be asked to leave. It’s only common courtesy.

By Done with "Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor"

October 26, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this

At what point does this country realize that there is a limit to the number of human dregs we can take in and support? It was a nice idea 230 years ago, but it’s due for an update. If you MUST live in America, immigrate legally, and stop overloading our system and polluting our culture. It’s not our fault the Mexican government is screwed up. Maybe they’re not intelligent enough to run their country competently, but it’s not our fault. We’re not into living in squalor in this country, either, but at least a filthy yard and house are easy tip-offs for INS.

By Shirley

October 26, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

I received a call asking me to vote for additional revenue for schools. It seems that Gwinnett county needs 27 new schools, according to the caller. Wonder why???

By georgia

October 26, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

As a former Gwinnettian, with a empty house still there for sale, I can say that it has been terrible to go to the house on weekends for yard work, ect.. to find my beautiful french doors broken by a bb gun. Empty glass beer bottles in the back yard, which are all broken for having been shot. Bb gun holes in my bathroom window (nine)that had to come from neighbors porch. Trash in the front yard. Cars line the street. Will I ever sell?

By Jose

October 26, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this

Hola, Gringos. I WORK for a living. At my jobs, I see not a single white person. On my way to work and on my way home, I see white children driving big expensive cars. How do they pay for them if they do not work? You may not like me, but I am here and I’m not leaving, because I’m working and you are not. That makes me MORE American than you are! You white people need to get off your lazy white asses and work and stop spoiling your children. If me and my family are causing your property values lower, maybe you should ask yourself what kind of society you live in that bases value on the color of your neighbors’ skin. It’s not my fault you overpaid too much money for your house.

By SCY

October 26, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

My wife and I moved from Duluth in December and while our neighborhood wasn’t blighted by any means, the traffic and congestion was enough to make your head spin. It took longer to drive to the Wal-Mart a couple miles away than it did to drive to downtown Atlanta on some days…

By ABS

October 26, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

We had two renters move out this summer, we had to evict one, the other just left without notice. They both left the houses completely trashed and it took my husband all summer to clean it up. We still haven’t got either house back to where we feel comfortable renting them. The renters were white, by the way, trashy white people.

By John Deere

October 26, 2006 11:29 AM | Link to this

Hey, Debra, don’t let the door hit you on your way back to OHIO. Did it ever occur to you that people who have lived here for GENERATIONS, not just opportunists living here since 1979) never wanted you here? We didn’t want to pay to educate your children? Go home, Yankee!

At least the Mexicans are here for the right reasons, they work, they pay their taxes, and, best of all, they make Yankees Go Home (we all know Northerners are more racist than any Southerners). Bye…take your family back with you please.

Oh how I wish I had Mexicans next door instead of that god-awful, butt ugly subdivision full of paranoids!

By gwoodman

October 26, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Well, all of this is very interesting, and I agreee that, as a nation and a community, we have a very serious problem that is being largely ignored. But what action do we really need to take? Several incredibly good suggestions have been made. Yet, if we act on them, you immediately raise the ire of some Americans who feel that to punish a business for hiring illegals is wrong becuase it hurts the business owner. You can’t just up and deport illegals becuase you may cause them some mental distress along the way. You can’t deny healthcare or other services becuase that violates their human rights.

How do we as Americans realize that it’s time to get tough? At what point do we finally get fed up enough to actually take some kind of action? When will we learn to not be so bleeding-heart and realize that some actual toughness on these issues is required? When will we decide to stop being so politically correct all the time? I’m sorry to say, venting in a blog is just not the answer.

By CINDY FAUGHT

October 26, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this

I ECHO EVERYTHING I JUST READ ABOUT GWINNETT COUNTY. I LIVE IN BUFORD, CLOSE TO LAKE LANIER, AND WE HAVE BEEN BATTLING THE SAME THING IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD. WE HAVE LIVED ON OUR STREET FOR 10 YEARS AND WHEN WE BOUGHT OUR HOME, THERE WERE NO RENTALS - NOW THERE ARE SOME AND EVERYONE IS RENTED BY A MEXICAN WHO COULD CARE LESS. THEY MOVE OUT AND LEAVE AUTOMOBILES IN THE YARD FOR THE LANDLORD TO TAKE CARE OF! WE ARE CONSTANTLY ON THE PHONE TO THE POLICE AND GWINNETT CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL AND WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD FROM LOOKING LIKE SKID ROW!! SHAMEFUL HOW THEY CAN MOVE IN AND DO WHATEVER THEY WANT - AND THE LAW LETS THEM DO IT! NO PROTECTION FOR THE AMERICAN WHO PAYS TAXES AND TAKES CARE OF THEIR HOMES. THIS COUNTRY IS JUST A FEW YEARS SHORT OF BEING A THIRD WORLD COUNTRY - UNLESS THEY PUT A STOP TO THIS IMMIGRATION INSANITY NOW!

By SAM

October 26, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Rick, thanks for letting us talk about this. There is NO respect for property in some of these rental situations. The Landlords look the other way and allow many many more occupants than is safe. 20 bedrolls in one 1-br apt. We do not need their cheap labor. They destroy our schools by having them declared FAILING because their students are illiterate in spanish and we can’t make them literate in English. They drain our resources saying they have no income and getting free meals at school….when hey have plenty of cash income not reported. Oh yeah , taxes. THey pay nothing for our schools our roads etc. Just measley sales tax while my dollars are 80 cents on a dollar or less when I get them. Feds won’t do a damn thing so WE MUST before they destroy all we love. Gwinnett County unite. End pandering to ILLEGAL immigrants. Legal immigrants are welcome, they have sponsors, they are law abiding —these thugs, yes thugs, are law breakers who care NOTHING about property, responsibility and americans. Mexico is just exporting their criminals and their poor to become our problems and they have. I don’t care what other say NO AMNESTY. They need to leave GEORGIA NOW. Georgia needs to get tough. Gwinnett needs to get tough. This is not a racist issue, this is a legal vs. illegal issue. If you are illegal, the WELCOME mat is NOT OUT.

By alice

October 26, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this

Jan, no, it’s hard to a paint a brick house lime green. Not impossible, as you could see if you want to see the house about 9 doors down. Its on Sheffield road off N. Norcross Tucker. (and I did find your attampt at a “witty” comment slightly funny)

By WL

October 26, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Laws that are now in place “IF” enforced would solve everyone’s problems.. Who cares if your skins brown, black, white, red.. Who cares.. Elect the correct people(if not to late), to enforce a clean up…

By Ben

October 26, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Pedro, your comments “Americans, please b patient wit us.” Patient my…! Patient is what got us into this mess! You speak about the free grass seed and the free water in Mexico! Dude I’m a former Marine and have been to Mexico many times and the one thing you don’t do in Mexico is drink the water. Why should I want to be your neighbor when you and yours are running my neighborhood down? Why should I be patient why my tax bill has gone up to pay for the illegal(s) free medical, free food stamps, free schooling of their children, WIC and whatever else that that you and yours can get free. Man, “FREE” is a misnomer! There is nothing free to law abiding Americans…we all pay!!! I can’t wait for the day that the INS get off of their behinds and sent anyone that’s illegal back to where they came from!

By David

October 26, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Awwwww…the whitey’s are upset that their racist enclave is no more. That the big investment they made is now a big money pit. That the big payoff they wanted in retirement by selling to finance more sprawl so they could move further out is now a big loser and they’re stuck.

SWEET JUSTICE!

By Cletus Snow

October 26, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Its a condition begging to be dealt with, the easiest solution would be a large fine for employers who hire illegals.If the fine is large enough it’ll stop them.

By Angie

October 26, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Kudos to Sue! Illegal immigrants are more than willing to purchase “SSN’s” on the black market. These SSN’s are used to secure employment, loans, credit cards, healthcare, etc. Ask our Texas citizens about their current identity theft crisis which is being fueled by illegal immigration. Some Texas high school grads are finding that they are ineligible for college financial aid due to “poor credit”. While these unsuspecting teenagers were still in elementary school, illegal immigrants were using their SSN’s…

By been here a loooong time

October 26, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this

The problem is a complex one and begins with over development. We do not need wall to wall subdivisions. The county punished those who owned land by taking it away from them. They want a large tax base so they encouraged over development. I don’t give a crap about your covenants, because you are part of the problem. I am just waiting for you all to move too.

By T

October 26, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

I moved from Suwanee in Dec. to Fla. Since I grew up in a diverse neighborhood in NYC and studied spanish 4 years in school inc. college. The mexican invasion of Gwinnett was’nt such a shock as to many of you other posters. Now that I am known as a “Prince” I made money on both houses I owned in Gwinnett one 220k and the other at 590k. Gwinnett was good to me but based on the recent posts and the visbly decaying of Gwinnett. If I ever move back to the ATL I moving to Fosyth County….Marching in on Hosea’s coattail. My next purchase will be in the 900k to 1 mil price range. I can assure you my yard is neatly cut. But, Gwinnett has a preception problem and that does not bid well for the future. Regardless of color, race, nationality trash=trash.No hate just facts.

By Bruce Wilcox

October 26, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

President Bush signed the Bill today to build the famous fence, now get this, the only thing missing from the Bill was the money to pay for it. Feel good legislation plain and simple.

By JIM

October 26, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

VIVA LA AMERICA!! SEND THE BORDER JUMPERS BACK OVER THE FENCE!

By pepper

October 26, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

At least the mexicans have a work ethic… I bet most the bloggers here are suppose to be at their job working, but instead are cruising the internet at their company’s expense and posting on blogs such as this one.

By crazy neighbors

October 26, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Growing up in Norcross, our next door neighbors were from Mexico…however, legally immigrated so maybe not an equivalent example. Anyway, they worked endlessly on their property, raised two very intelligent children that were my close friends, and were loving, wonderful neighbors.

Across the street from us was a middle aged white man. We never knew what, if anything, he did for a living…but he mowed his lawn less and less frequently until, right before we moved, he had shrubs literally covering the house, and a weedy lawn that was about 3 feet hight. Disgusting.

There are plenty of white, legal residents that are disrespectful, sloppy, and lazy. And let me tell you, they aren’t the ones cleaning your house or building your roads.

Anyone who treats their property or their neighborhood disrespectfully should be held legally responsibly. But don’t make the mistake of making widesweeping generalizations. 30 years ago black neighbors were “lowering property value”—don’t let racism cloud your views.

By Julio

October 26, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Cindy, I work so I have no time to worry about my yard and flowers. And I work real hours, not that 40 hours that Americans think passes for work. Cindy, you are out of touch with reality. You should travel and see how the world lives. Then you would see how foolish worrying about the yards on your street is. Are they your yards, Cindy? You keep your yard the way you want to, Cindy, and I will keep mine like I want to. I don’t have time to worry with the yard. I have to work to support my family, here and in Mexico. I have bigger worries than to worry over my neighbors yard or house color…I’m concerned for children, mother, father and rest of family. Cindy, I’m not leaving. Again, see the world and you will understand how lucky you are that your biggest problem is how the yards on the street look to you.

By ashamed of BEN

October 26, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

Ben, i ashamed to hear that you serve our country as a Marine!!! Just to hear you talk like that, makes my stomach turn, someone who feels and talks like that about but of another human being!!!ASHAMED, i would espect more from you…..people are suppose to look up at u man!!!

By been here a looong time

October 26, 2006 11:46 AM | Link to this

@pepper - you’re d* right. They’re also probably looking at the real eastate page so they can move again.

By ashamed of BEN

October 26, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Ben, i ashamed to hear that you serve our country as a Marine!!! Just to hear you talk like that, makes my stomach turn, someone who feels and talks like that about but of another human being!!!ASHAMED, i would espect more from you…..people are suppose to look up at u man!!!

By M Curtis

October 26, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

I too am appalled and disharted at how these illegals have disruppted our neighborhoods and upset the normal flow of things in our communities. A few hundred years ago, blacks were transported into this country by our white legal system for profits and those in Georgia and surrounding southern states became multi-millionaires using black slave labour. Blacks were ill treated, abused and forced to live in deplorable conditions while working to make “masser” rich and wealthy while forced to live lower than animals. The native Americans were content and happy until the whites reached their shores and they too became victims, ill treated displaced Americans, forced to move here and there in their own country. What can history teach us as supposed Christians….”MEASURE FOR MEASURE”!

By NParry

October 26, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this

Y’all can b*** and moan about as much as you want, but the reality is that “they” are there and won’t be moving out anytime soon. Why don’t y’all work with the Latino churches and community associations to teach the “Hispanics” about community etiquette, workplace manners, civic manners, etc.? That way, y’all make some surprise friends instead of living like lonely owls. Empployer sanctions won’t work because the hungry ones will then virtually invade your neighborhoods in order to survive. So keep’em engaged and employed, so your old folks can look forward to cheap labor and “social Security”

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

hey Stinky Sullivan, stop believing all the propoganda the govt feeds us. We never found the WMD’s and I don’t believe Saddam or his sons deserved what they got. All his sons did was run around the country getting a lil bit. Didn’t Clinton do the same thing? Yet we didn’t set out to murder him. And now that it’s getting close to the November elections, even Bush is finally making concessions about the war.

By bch

October 26, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

-Fair Tax so that people are taxed on what they purchase, instead of what they earn. -Increase or charge a percentage of the money that is sent through Western Union, which will discourage sending money to other countries. -Stop granting citizenship to the children of illegal immigrants born in this country. -Medical insurance should be like car insurance, you need to have it and it is up to the individual to get it. -If you want to be a citizen of the United States then proceed with the citizenship process that is in place. -Enforce the laws that we already have. -If you are not a citizen of the US then you do not get to vote. You are welcome to vote in the country where you are a citizen.

By jean

October 26, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Recently large demonstrations have taken place across the country protesting the fact that Congress is finally addressing the issue of illegal immigration. Certain people are angry that the US might protect its own borders, might make it harder to sneak into this country and, once here, to stay indefinitely.

Let me see if I correctly understand the thinking behind these protests. Let’s say I break into your house. Let’s say that when you discover me in your house, you insist that I leave. But I say, “I’ve made all the beds and washed the dishes and did the laundry and swept the floors; I’ve done all the things you don’t like to do. I’m hardworking and honest (except for when I broke into your house).

According to the protesters, not only must you let me stay, you must add me to your family’s insurance plan, educate my kids, and provide other benefits to me and to my family (my husband will do your yard work because he too is hardworking and honest, except for that breaking in part). If you try to call the police or force me out, I will call my friends who will picket your house carrying signs that proclaim my right to be there.

It’s only fair, after all, because you have a nicer house than I do, and I’m just trying to better myself. I’m hardworking and honest, um, (except for well, you know.)

And what a deal it is for me!! I live in your house, contributing only a fraction of the cost of my keep, and there is nothing you can do about it without being accused of selfishness, prejudice and being an anti-housebreaker. Oh yeah, and I want you to learn my language so you can communicate with me

Why can’t people see how ridiculous this is? Only in America….if you agree, pass it on (in English). Share it if you see the value of it as a good smile. If not blow it off along with your future Social Security funds.

By John Ralston

October 26, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

Immigrants aren’t the problem. Subdivisions are the problem. ‘nuff said

By GOOD POINT JULIO

October 26, 2006 11:50 AM | Link to this

JULIO THAT IS A VERY GOOD POINT!!!!!

By GOOD POINT JULIO

October 26, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

JULIO THAT IS A VERY GOOD POINT!!!!!

By Midtown is Ours

October 26, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

Upyours (You’re all a bunch of bigots and you’re getting what you deserve) I couln’t agree with you more!!

The gay folks are laughing at you from our midtown, intown, VH, and decatur intown homes with our 15 minute commutes in lovely neighborhoods with lovely intown lifestyles, that WE CLEANED UP after you ran like scared white straight folks.

Now you want to come back after we have busted our behinds to clean it up. STAY OUT. We don’t want you MOST of you here. OK, not all straights are bad.

By AM

October 26, 2006 11:51 AM | Link to this

DEPORT THE ILLEGAL SCUMS BEFORE THEY RUIN EVERYTHING WE HAVE WORKED FOR ALL OUR LIFE. VOTE OUT ALL POLITICIANS WHO ARE IDLE ON THIS ISSUE. WHICH WOULD BE ALL OF THEM. VOTE OUT ALL INCUMBENTS!!

By Julio For Presidente

October 26, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

Julio said it all. Who cares about the yards on the street?

By pl

October 26, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

It would be one thing if we were getting the decent mexicans imported. In case you haven’t noticed, Vincente Fox isnt sending us his doctors and lawyers. He exports the lowest of the low, which is why we are where we are.

I agree with the poster that said we need a mine field around that fence.

By CONCERNED

October 26, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

You know we can do something about it Gwinnett has a Clean and Beautiful Department, the phone # is 770-822-5187 or email www.gwinnettcb.org, for abondoned cars call Gwinnet police non emergency #. I have been a homeowner in Gwinnett for 15 years, I have no children using the school system. When this happens in my neighborhood, I do not hesitate to call. It has worked for me. Citations given and cars have been impounded.

By NParry

October 26, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

Is the AJC engaging in race-baiting by stirring up tensions? For example, both black and white neighborhoods (yes, in pristine Gwinnett) are equally trashy and unkempt. Did Rick Badie go visit those and put pictures of decaying neighborhoods inhabited by black and white people? That picture you have on the blog site is unfair and designed to stir up anger and hate.

By Brian E. Payne

October 26, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this

It may be possible that these immigrants do not care about the neighborhoods or they are transforming the neighborhood into what they are familiar with. In their home countries there is not a prevalent mental concept/understanding of “taking care of the community�. It is already in shambles to some degree. It is standard to them. (Now, let me say that I have seen some of the tidiest dwellings in many of the countries that I have been to. I mean, a tin roof shack and mud hut is clean! Spotless!)

Eight to ten people living in a 1 bedroom home is common in El Salvador. Playing loud music is not considered inconsiderate in Panama. A depilated vehicle in the front yard is not an eye sore in Guatemala.

We do a great job of allowing illegals to come here and we complain and complain, but we do a poor job of educating them on proper “American neighborhood etiquette�.

By the way, many of the complaints regarding Hispanics not taking care of the community can be made about black people in numerous black communities throughout America. Just notice all the litter in most black neighborhoods.

Muata

By Capt

October 26, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Alicia,

If you think this is the most hateful thing you have ever heard, you ought to get someone to interpret the Spanish they speak behind your back. You are just one more bed wetting liberal, love everyone regardless what they have done, open our borders to everyone. Most of these folks will sneak into your bedroom, rape you, steal everything they can carry and then cut your throat. How about opening your eyes to what is goin gone around you and stand up for our country instead of being so quick to turn it over to the illegals.

By Jmcdon999

October 26, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

I read several of the comments posted and have never posted to these blogs before, however, now that I own a home on the Law’vlle/Suwannee border - I felt compelled…Its not so much an immigrant issue as a lack of enforcement by codes, zoning and laws already in place. There are plenty of “American’s” that live this way too. Its a look the other way of non-present landlords by officials. These aren’t homeowners living this way - they are renters who could care less and since no one is enforcing - why should the landlord care? He gets his rent, probably owes back taxes, HOA dues and fines anyway. Having said that, now add the illegal immigrant issue - no one is minding the store there either - why should they care about your property values and parking 14 cars on the front lawn?? Everyone knows the areas mentioned have been turned into crack dens and meth neighborhoods - where were the residents to report, chase out and try stop this before it started? Selling their homes to move further north and start new subdivisions? (The not my problem, I’m outta here attitude…?) Letting the gang element creep further and further into those lovely mentioned neighborhoods and parks. Its a shame - but its the truth. Take back your neighborhoods from the hoods, the violating landlords and get your officials on the hot seat for not assisting and enforcing you to do so.

By Billy

October 26, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

I love Gwinnett because Asian girls are hot and classy! Asian girls eat right and take care of themselves, not like all these overweight, pudgy American girls who watch too much TV.

By American Red

October 26, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Most idiotic comment of the day here:

“Sadly a lot of you still sound like a bunch of racist. I’m sure some of you will be helpin lat the border fence also.. aka the New Berlin wall.”

First of all, just because I want my neighborhood to be free of trash, broken down cars, sofas and chairs in yards, and other miscellaneous debris that makes Gwinnett neighborhoods look like a hurricane disaster, DOES NOT MAKE SOMEONE A RACIST.

Second of all, that wall will be built to keep illegals OUT vs. the Berlin wall that kept people IN. Get CLUE idiots instead of knee-jerking the race card.

I got the hell out of Gwinnett [Norcross] eleven years ago and have never looked back. That doesn’t make me racist. That makes me wanting to live around people who live like me. Every time I have to drive around Norcross or Duluth today, I am so happy I no longer live there, let alone deal with the insanity of Gwinnett public schools.

So get off your racism accusations, jackasses. Not wanting to be around unsightly garbage everywhere has NOTHING to do with race.

By Ms. Writer

October 26, 2006 12:02 PM | Link to this

Ok, let me get this right. Illegal aliens don’t believe in birth control but they believe in lying and stealing (benefits). Selective Christianity is hilarious to me.

By Cornelius

October 26, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

So, when will they be repainting that water tower to say “Gwinnett es Muy Bueno!”?

Gwinnett, people who actually live in Atlanta (as you should, if you work in a city, LIVE IN THE CITY), we are laughing AT YOU, not with you.

By Im not a racist

October 26, 2006 12:03 PM | Link to this

You idiots that throw that term around ought to look it up and learn the definition before you use it.

I am not a racist.

I am…..on the other hand, a biggot. And I was made a biggot from the news I read and hear and the facts I see.

For the hispanic worker who made his comment ” If me and my family are causing your property values lower, maybe you should ask yourself what kind of society you live in that bases value on the color of your neighbors’ skin.”…..

Amigo, it’s not the color of your skin that makes the property values go down, its the fact that areas where you all move to go to hell. You trash houses, leaves cars in yards, paint your houses god aweful colors like bringht yellow, electric blue, fusia with pink accents… what the hell!?!?!? You paint grafiti on walls with gang messages, leave trash everywhere, you EXPECT us to conform to your culture and teach your illegal kids in Spanish in our schools for free while you get your free medical care and food stamps and don’t pay taxes on the money you earn.

If you think I’m just focusing on isolated areas, think again. Your whole GD country is full of Mexicans and run by Mexicans and it’s a dump with massive amounts of poverty and corruption. You can’t even drink the water because it is “full of Sh*t.” Kinda hard not to be a biggot against you when your whole country is an example of what you bring to the table.

By jwe

October 26, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Does anyone else find it interesting that Danny Porter, the county DA, the person charged with prosecuting crimal activities, could find the time to prosecute Jennifer Wilbanks but can’t seem to put any effort into enforcing the many zoning and code violations in the county? Enforce those codes and many of the issues will resolve.

By Gwinnett Native

October 26, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

I’m a fourth generation Gwinnett native. When I was growing up on a dirt road (most of them were then), there was no such thing as a homeowners association - heck, there werern’t even any SUBDIVISIONS! However, that changed in the 70s, as the woods I grew up on in Lilburn became two subdivisions when my parents opted to leave Gwinnett. Those early developments had already become too much for them and many other “country folk.”

When animals overpopulate and over-graze the food supply it’s called “exceeding the carrying capacity of the land.” As a result the health of both the habitat and the animals suffer. That is a simplified metaphor for what has happened in Gwinnett.

As an earlier poster noted, development in Gwinnett happened willy-nilly, with little or no planning or oversight. Why not - everybody was making money hand over fist, this was where everybody wanted to move, and the attitude of the political leadership was “Y’all come on!” They eventually wound up being caught with their collective britches down.

Now the genie is out of the bottle. The carrying capacity of the land has been exceeded for far too long. With no rhyme or reason to development patterns surrounding them, established neighborhoods have gone into the tank. Long-time residents (myself included) have given up and bailed out.

Gwinnett County’s rampant and chaotic overdevelopment cannot be undone. To my fellow expatriates - no matter where you may have settled - I urge you to become involved in your local government and hold your officials accountable so that the mistakes that were made in Gwinnett are not repeated in your new home. But be warned: the same people who bulldozed Gwinnett have already discovered your county and are showing up with bags of cash to grease the palms of your officials. Don’t let it happen…again.

By Elizabeth

October 26, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

FedUp2, your comment could not be further from the truth for a lot of churches. The church I attend (Sugarloaf United Methodist Church) welcomes EVERYONE regardless of their color or their nationality. Personally I love to sit in church and see all different types of people taking in the word of God. It truly represents the world as God created it…a diverse rainbow of people!

By Claire

October 26, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

While I agree with the fact that rental properties are inundated with (most likely) illegals who do not keep up the property, who exactly do you think owns the actual property? That lovely “legal” American citizen. Why not persecute him? The property owner should require the tenants to keep the property up, not allow more tenants than the law allows, keep the property up himself, or be fined. Why do employers of illegals take all the heat, but the guy who rents them a place to live takes none? For that matter, what about the utility companies who sell gas, water and electricity to illegals? Do they bear any responsibility? Noooo, because that helps the economy, we don’t want to discourage that! The political way is to spend $600,000 in grants to study what is needed, while nothing gets done. It is becoming very hard to not be discouraged about America.

By Im not a racist

October 26, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

You idiots that throw that term around ought to look it up and learn the definition before you use it.

I am not a racist.

I am…..on the other hand, a biggot. And I was made a biggot from the news I read and hear and the facts I see.

For the hispanic worker who made his comment ” If me and my family are causing your property values lower, maybe you should ask yourself what kind of society you live in that bases value on the color of your neighbors’ skin.”…..

Amigo, it’s not the color of your skin that makes the property values go down, its the fact that areas where you all move to go to hell. You trash houses, leaves cars in yards, paint your houses god aweful colors like bringht yellow, electric blue, fusia with pink accents… what the hell!?!?!? You paint grafiti on walls with gang messages, leave trash everywhere, you EXPECT us to conform to your culture and teach your illegal kids in Spanish in our schools for free while you get your free medical care and food stamps and don’t pay taxes on the money you earn.

If you think I’m just focusing on isolated areas, think again. Your whole GD country is full of Mexicans and run by Mexicans and it’s a dump with massive amounts of poverty and corruption. You can’t even drink the water because it is “full of Sh*t.” Kinda hard not to be a biggot against you when your whole country is an example of what you bring to the table.

By Jerome

October 26, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

When my wife and I bought our townhome off of Indian Trail Rd. the neighborhood was full of young professionals. Over the first two years the home values in here went up and up, but now with all the illegals renting in here everybody is selling. I don’t care if you have families back in Mexico to take care of. Go back there and take care of them. If you are going to live here then you should pay taxes like every one else and you should not live 20 people in a two bedroom townhouse. I wish all of you illegals would just go back to where you came from.

By Casey Drummond

October 26, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind, the US has no official language.. which is the way this nation should be. Welcome to all. Many people in the South don’t like change, in fact..they fear change.. and look down at it.. rather than embrace it. (i.e., School Integration, the Demise of Jim Crow Laws, etc.) Open your minds.. heck.. visit California or New York.. not everything is homogenous like parts of Georgia. We the People includes everyone.. not just your group. You must never forget that.

By Im not a racist

October 26, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

You idiots that throw that term around ought to look it up and learn the definition before you use it.

I am not a racist.

I am…..on the other hand, a biggot. And I was made a biggot from the news I read and hear and the facts I see.

For the hispanic worker who made his comment ” If me and my family are causing your property values lower, maybe you should ask yourself what kind of society you live in that bases value on the color of your neighbors’ skin.”…..

Amigo, it’s not the color of your skin that makes the property values go down, its the fact that areas where you all move to go to hell. You trash houses, leaves cars in yards, paint your houses god aweful colors like bringht yellow, electric blue, fusia with pink accents… what the hell!?!?!? You paint grafiti on walls with gang messages, leave trash everywhere, you EXPECT us to conform to your culture and teach your illegal kids in Spanish in our schools for free while you get your free medical care and food stamps and don’t pay taxes on the money you earn.

If you think I’m just focusing on isolated areas, think again. Your whole GD country is full of Mexicans and run by Mexicans and it’s a dump with massive amounts of poverty and corruption. You can’t even drink the water because it is “full of crap.” Kinda hard not to be a biggot against you when your whole country is an example of what you bring to the table.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

LMAO Billy, YOU LIKE, YOU LIKE?? ONE DOLLA

By Greg

October 26, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Wow, so much hatred.

It’s nothing new for those of you who sneer and cast broad generalizations over new immigrants (legal or illegal). If you have German, Irish, Italian, Polish, Russian or just about any other blood in you, your ancestors were similarly spit upon by society. Go back and read what was said about your own forebearers a hundred years ago.

It is slightly new for Georgia. The South never had immigrant waves the way the rest of the country did. The South has largely had two ethnic groups: Anglo-American whites and blacks. Now, a new groups is around and it appears to be making people’s heads explode.

Everything that people are saying about Mexican immigrants was said about the Irish, the Italians and the Eastern Europeans. Those comments turned out to be wrong. These commenters will also turn out to be wrong. So says history.

By LuvNotHate

October 26, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Ok i know many are upset about the growing imigration problem. Many are upset that their homes are being disrepected. I am sicken to read these comments. I see alot of racism, hate, iggnorance, and lack of respect. We are all adults here. If you feel disrespected, then why disrespect someone elses; race, culture, language, and kids. If you hate the illegal imigrants so much, then you should hate your house, your dining experiences outside your house, your cell phones, any clothes made south of texas, coronas, our ethnic food, taco bell, willys, moes or anything that a illegal immigrants hands have been on. That is the biggest oxymoron with you hateful, iggnorant closed minded caucasians. It is like the rumors of Hitler being part Jew. It just does not make sense. Iggnorance destroys everything that we all have been working hard for. It destroys the worlds prospective of you. Were all of you guys picked on in your school days or something. Is this payback for your misfortunes with society. It is absolutely un ethical. The American caucasian race is so plain . No culture what so ever. No rythm, absolutely boring. Then you wonder why your kids venture off to seek love in a different race. If you have hate for some one, you should keep your mouth shut. The tongue is a powerful weapon. If you were in their shoes you would run north to the border as well. If you had 3 kids, went to work for 12 hours days and only earned 2.00. I am pretty much sure you would find any means possible to feed your family. No one here can tell me they would’nt. If you lived in a country where the political system was currupt, and they took your hard earned money, and Raped your kids and wife. I am most certain you would seek refuge in a country that is protected by our constitution. I once watched a special on CNN, it had a segment of Americans going to Tijuana to rendevous with Child prostitutes. They were all mostly caucasians. You cross the border to leave the U.S laws governing such acts, to penetrate your so called enemys kids. That is another oxymoron that disgusts me to the gut. What a way to make your race and country seem like the perfet utopia. So here you are complaining about hispanics taking over your neighborhood. Complaining about your tax money going towards the education of an innocent imigrant. Illegals taking american jobs. I rather have my tax money go in to some imigrants education, than it going towards someones blood spelt in the middle east. Just face it guys its time for you all to learn spanish because it is not going away. If you dont you will fall behinde society in about 20-30 years. And if you do not want to comply how about you move back to Ireland to retire. Its funny to know that they are not just laying bricks, but also your daughters and wives. We can all play the harsh game here.

By Cornelius

October 26, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

So, when will they be repainting that water tower to say “Gwinnett es Muy Bueno!”?

Gwinnett, people who actually live in Atlanta (as you should, if you work in a city, LIVE IN THE CITY), we are laughing AT YOU, not with you.

By Bill

October 26, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

OK, lets talk about illegals “draining” social security. If an illegal acquires a phony SS number, it is so they can get a regular job instead of working in the underground economy. Then, they pay into the social security system, often for years. They will get nothing back, because they do not have a legitimate number. There may be one or more illegals using your ss number right now, and paying into your social security account. But only you can draw it out. Without the population growth that comes from immigration, there will not be enough contributions to SS to take care of baby boomers like me. I am counting on them to help with my retirement.

Seriously, illigal immigration is a real problem. But, it requires a comprehensive solution. If you want immigrants to wait in line to get into this country, there has to BE a line. The US only admitted a handful of legal Mexicans last year.

I wonder what most of the contributors to this blog would do if they were stuck in a dirt poor country, and they saw prosperity right across the river.

Historically, assimilation has never happened quickly, but it has almost always happened.

By mike from darke

October 26, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

Instead of complaining, and being hostile, why don’t people instead get proactive, and put together grass-roots community improvement councils that welcome all the immigrants into their groups to work together to identify the issues and then come up with good solutions to deal with them. It appears that everyone instead is taking the “us against them” attitude, which is the same attitude that has gotten our country into such a mess over in Iraq. I’m sure that if people weren’t so hostile to them, these immigrants would be a lot more open to everyone’s feelings about keeping their neighborhoods in better shape and keeping up with proper house and yard maintenance. When you demonize someone and put them down all the time, their natural reaction is usually to thumb their noses and do anything they can to not respond to your comments in any positive kind of way, and to even do whatever they can to annoy you. I’m sure a great many of the instances of loud music at inappropriate times, and unkempt exteriors and yards of homes and so forth are examples of simple rebellion against what they perceive as hostility and meanness directed at them from their neighbors and our society in general. So how about we try to be understanding of this and take into account their feelings as well as anyone else’s. Let’s put some effort into being kind and helpful instead of being judgemental and scornful.

By Cornelius

October 26, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

So, when will they be repainting that water tower to say “Gwinnett es Muy Bueno!”?

Gwinnett, people who actually live in Atlanta (as you should, if you work in a city, LIVE IN THE CITY), we are laughing AT YOU, not with you.

By Beverly

October 26, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

I am black and from Central America. I bought a nice condo in Dekalb County and my American neighbors are a nightmare. They play loud music all night long, they are filthy and I swear 10 people must live in their unit. They have taught me that you cannot domesticate everybody, foreign or American. My neighbors are animals, low rent and low class. I watch my property value diminish and wonder where I can move to get away from them and people like them. It sucks and I feel for you Gwinnettians. I know exactly what you are going through.

By Mark

October 26, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

Well I’ve seen my neighborhood go down in the 10 years I have lived there. Now we have people living in garages of three bedroom ranches with six to eight cars parked out front of the home. I think Gwinnet needs to crack down on the ILLEGAL takeover of Gwinnett. We need to make it less hospitable for them to live here. Burn the welcome mat, It’s time to go!

By ABS

October 26, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

To I am not a Racist: Call yourself whatever you want, but you ARE a narrow-minded uneducated racist who I am sure has views on all people who are not exactly like you. White, black, hispanic, gay, straight, young, old; there is good and bad in all of us and for you to assume that every time there is a brightly colored home that is poorly taken care of, it’s owned by hispanics (and illegal ones at that) is unbelievablely racist. To be proud of being a bigot (which has 1 G by the way) tells me exactly what kind of low class person you are

By Shon

October 26, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

This is not about hate. This is not about race. This is about right and wrong. This is a free country, however we made laws for a reason and we must abide by them. I could care less if you came to this country. However you must do it the right way. I am tired of going to McDonalds and having to repeat my order 5 times, because the person behind the counter cannot understand me. I am tired of them sending money back to Mexico, while I am paying for their child care and living expenses. I am tired of the illegal drivers on the street causing accidents. I am tired of our neighborhoods becoming gang war turf. True, this can happen with any race or group of people, but you cannot tell me that there has not been a tremendous spike of crime since illegal immigrants have come to this country. Please do not give me that crap about immigrants taking the jobs that no Americans want. Has anyone ever considered the fact that they lack the education to get any other jobs. An immigrant will work for $5.00 and hour for a job that should be paying $8.00 an hour. Americans are smart enought to know this. Do not give me that crap about immigrants building our homes. Who do they think were building our homes before they came here illegaly? We were ! I think everyone should havee an oppurtunity in this country , if they choose too, however you must do it the LEGAL way. The Mexican government could care less. They are pushing these people out of that country and into ours. HELLO! They do not want them in Mexico. No matter what race, political party or religious background you have. We must take issue with coming to this country illegal. We must stand together and find ways to maintain this country as the best place in the world!!!

By donald

October 26, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

So, no one has a problem with Andruw Jones, Rafael Furcal, Julio Franco, Edgardo Renteria, etc., etc., but you say you have a problem with Latinos? Hmmmmmmmm…

By Jen

October 26, 2006 12:15 PM | Link to this

I think we need to put some blame here on the mortgage companies. I used to be a mortgage lender and you had to have a DOWNPAYMENT and you had to have a strong DEBT TO INCOME RATIO and you had to have GOOD CREDIT. You don’t need any of that any more! They are making loans to anyone at 100% financing with no savings and no credit. Then the homeowner can’t afford the home maintenance and repairs. And the neighborhood suffers when they foreclose on the home and sell it below market to some investor and the neighborhood covenants get ignored for good.

By Ed

October 26, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this

We can write on BLOGS until pigs fly, in the meantime nothing will be done until our elected officials pull their heads from their rear ends and wake up. Everyone walks around on eggshells because we are so afraid of being labeled a racist, and you can thank some of your our out of date old civil rights leaders in Atlanta for this, they are constantly yelling ‘racism’ over the slightest thing. Now the illegal immigration problem is hurting both blacks as well as whites where it hurts, the wallet, and we are suddenly united in our frustrations. STOP hiring them for cheap yard work and small home improvements. When you have workers show up for home renovations, ask the company if they are legal, refuse to allow them to work if they are and find a company that hires Amercians. They are out there, we just had our house remodeled by a complete AMERICAN work force. Take it one step more and question the managers of food places about the legaility of some thier workers and then walk out, do not spend your money there. Will it be hard in the sort term? Yes, it it will be. Was it hard for blacks in Alabama during the bus boycott to walk to jobs for miles when they could have ridden a bus? Yes, but in the long run their actions proved a point and their well deserved rights were finally granted to them. It may take some work and effort collectively but things can be done, one step at a time. If they don’t make money here they will return back home, plain and simple; do not give them money.

By Bill

October 26, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

I am thinking of investing in Gwinnett Real estate. I hear propery values are depressed, and this might be a good time to jump in. It appears that all of the bigots are planning to leave, so the place has no place to go but up.

By Helen

October 26, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

You need to blame the slumlords who rent out these houses, not the renters. Also, the landlords need to make it clear TYPED INTO THE LEASE IN SPANISH that they will not allow cars in yard, loud music, etc.

By Regis

October 26, 2006 12:17 PM | Link to this

I took a sh!t this morning. I looked at a picture of Gwinnett county. I couldn’t tell the difference. True story.

By Kedar

October 26, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Why don’t all you Europeans go back to Europe, we didn’t have any of these things before you came here and stole the land. You guys must have forgotten you’re not native to this land. So while you’re telling the Hispanics, Chinese and Indians to go home, why don’t you pack up as well. At least these three nations of people can state historically that they were here before the Dutch, Spanish, English or in short Europeans stumbled onto this land looking for India.

By Jerome

October 26, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Cornelius is an idiot. Stick with the topic stupid.

By Way To Go Bill

October 26, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Bill, for telling it like it is!

By some people change

October 26, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Thanks Kedar. You made my day!

By JDW

October 26, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

Jean your post brings up and interesting analogy, problem is no one is insisting that they leave. In fact almost 100% of the people blogging here are encouraging them to stay. Every time you pay your lawn service, buy a new house, eat out, stay in a motel, buy meat or produce in the grocery store you are asking them to stay. The prices on these products and more are subsidized heavily by the low cost labor provided by the immigrant (both legal and illegal) population. Fact is they broke into our house but we don’t want them to leave because we would have to either do the work or pay someone more to have it done. How many among you have paid your lawn service double the price because they have legal workers? Who would rather pay 20% more for their new home because the contractors used all legal workers? Who stays at the hotel that guarantees a legal cleaning staff? How many have left the fast food drive through without the food because the staff couldn’t speak English? Almost no one has? Insist they leave? We pay them to come every day.

By Claire Smith

October 26, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

When you move in my neighborhood, I expect you to follow the same association rules that I do. When you move into my country, I expect you to speak English. When your children go to the schools my tax dollars pay for, I expect that by the age of 5, they will know English and my tax dollars will not have to pay to teach them. When you have a baby, I expect you to be able to feed it without government assistance—particularly before having another one.

By Rich Pellegrino

October 26, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Sorry, Jean and others who like the “house breaking analogy.” The big difference is that the house—which is this country—is “owned” by many different constituents—so the family that “owns” the house is very diverse and are divided over the issue, probably over half of the household members are decent “Chris-like” people who would like to extend a welcoming, hospitable and helping hand to those in need. We have seen this in all types of crises, including most recently Hurricane Katrina, where Americans opened their hearts and homes to the so called Katrina refugees, many of whom were from a different race and class than each other. Well the world is in crisis, including the countries where most Latinos come from (and what role the U.S. played in instigating and maintaining those crises is the subject of another whole blog and story). So, as usual, everything is not so black and white.. Now, back to the analogy, let’s say over half of the household (or even if it is 50/50) want the so called “intruders” (or, I prefer to say, “uninvited guests”) to stay and want to help them get on their feet. So what does a family do—they consult about it and come up with a solution that all can live with. In the meantime, the only human thing to do is to make the uninvited guests feel welcome and comfortable, and of course we can expect them to do their part in helping with the household chores. If they don’t, then we lovingly and firmly communicate and consult with them. That is what is going on-the whole country is consulting and trying to come up with humane and fair solutions to a difficult situation. Maybe we will find that the existing laws don’t work and we have to make new laws—just like the laws that upheld slavery and “jim crow” had to be changed. This could take some time so the family is prepared to reorganize its household in order to accomodate the uninvited guests until a reasonable resolution can be found. Come on, in the old days of this country,when people mattered more than money, property values, and material things, families, no matter how poor, took in other families who were homeless. So, Jean, if you really want to live by that analogy of the household, I am Rich, a member of the same household, and I want the uninvited guests to stay and be treated fairly while you and I and the other family members figure this thing out. Meanwhile, don’t victimize the wayfarers—remember about 2000 years ago there was another family in search of a room at the inn but all they got was a manger.

By anita

October 26, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Unless American CITIZENS stand up and complaina nd complain LOUDLY. the USA will become a 3rd world country I can guarantee it. I complain frequently to all my lected officials and will continue to do so, until they uphold the laws they were sworn to uphold. Deport all illegals and let them respect us and follow our laws like legal immigrants do. GO HOME. we do not want or need you here if you are law breaker. I and many other Americans depsise the ground you walk on and the air you breathe.

By Bill

October 26, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

JDW,

You make some good points. Problem is we don’t really want them to leave, we just want to blame them for stuff. If they all left, who could we dump all of this on.

By Van

October 26, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Just a question, for all the people who read this article or contributed to this blog and live in a new subdivision, how much do you think that house would have cost without the cheap labor provided by the immigrants? Like it or not, they are a major contributing factor to the affordability of housing in Atlanta. The Atlanta metro area was, and still is, built upon the sweat of their labor. Kick them out and give all those labor jobs to “Americans” (if you can find enough of them willing to do the work) and let’s see if that $165,000 cookie cutter home now costs $250,000.

By jst

October 26, 2006 12:27 PM | Link to this

Jessies Girl sums it up! From someone who lives in the Gwinnett/Rockdale area, it is on a steady decline. My propery tax increased this year by $1000. I get nothing, I repeat NOTHING from Gwinnett county except the tax bill. A huge amount of this is school tax; I do not, nor have I ever had a child in the Gwinnett County School System but even at past retirement age I cannot get a school tax exemption. Recently at Eastside Medical emergency, I was the only white, English speaking person in the entire waiting room, and it was packed. Anyone want to bet on who many of us has health insurance? As far as owing anyone a free ride…why? Most of these people have no intention of becoming a citizen and why should they?? It’s all too easy to let the rest of us pay for them. From someone who lives on a working farm, I know it’s only a matter of time before taxes force us out, so more cheap housing can be built, at least 4 to an acre only to be trashed, as the ones already built on our street are being now. Like I said, Jessies Girl, you have said it all.

By Juan Valdez

October 26, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

We are reclaiming what was stolen from us by the Euro-Conquistadors.

If we want to leave our trash scattered in the front yard, that is our business. If we want to play our beautiful music loud, that is our business.

By Flibberdigibbit

October 26, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

America is supposed to be a free country. Just not free for the taking.

By Pedro

October 26, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

Once senor bush builds his fence, I know can go home, so I must stay here

By Jose

October 26, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

“Gwinnett Es Muy Bueno” haha…gracias, Cornelius, gracias. Tu es mi amigo!

By tp

October 26, 2006 12:31 PM | Link to this

So guess whose gonna be building all those new homes in forsyth county since all ye gwinnettans seem to want to move there. And guess where these people will want to live since they will be working in forsyth county.

By Johnny

October 26, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

jst, how many acres is your working farm in Gwinnett?

By Ms. Writer

October 26, 2006 12:33 PM | Link to this

Van: You aren’t considering the other ways in which the taxpayer is suffering though. I work at a hospital and Medicaid is funding the numerous births of illegal aliens. Medicaid is also funding the other emergency bills for illegal aliens. They cut the foreign language program at my niece’s school in order to pay for a teacher to teach the Hispanic students English. Also has anyone in this blog taken a look at the FBI’s most wanted list? There are numerous illegal aliens that are wanted. But of course, being illegal, they are harder to trace. No ss#…And people please stop acting like illegal aliens are the sweetest, corn picking, yesssir people on the planet…they have losers in their race just like the rest of us do.

By SJ

October 26, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Julio,when you don’t take care of your property and let run down. Not only does your property value decease but your neighbors does as well. And I have lived in a third word county.

By anita

October 26, 2006 12:36 PM | Link to this

Jean—you should run for office. I am with you all the way. Why bother having laws if we can just pick the ones we WANT to obey? All illegals must be rounded up and sent home.

By Wanda

October 26, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

You people living in Gwinnett are so deluded! Have you not noticed that you are now the MINORITY? You’re lucky these people aren’t telling you that the schools THEIR tax dollars are paying for are going to require YOUR 5 yr. old to speak Spanish / Vietnamese! Now some of you know how it feels to be a minority, and judging by the sounds of most of you here, it looks to be nigh overdue! Not easy being in the minority is it? You are actually forced to consider the opinions / cultures of others. Get used to it.

By Getalifefreak

October 26, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

Everyone just needs to get out a big shovel and dig a moat around your land (funny thing is I would guess most people whining on here don’t even own property), then dig another hole and stick your head in it so you are not bothered by the world around you. When is Georgia going to grow up and move into the real world? Everyone moved to the suburbs to avoid “urban” people, now you want to complain about the people that build your houses for wages that dont even qualify for poverty-level. There always has to be someone to hate with southerners, right? Evil, evil people.

By Jonny

October 26, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

It’s all safe in the 400k+ neighborhoods. It’s easy to live in those neighborhoods and not have a problem with illegal immigration, particularly when those residents employ so much illegal labor but do not have to live around the result of slave wages and a third world mentality towards property. But then live in a home value at 200k and your neighborhood is at risk for becoming the third world. And you are called a bigot if you don’t like it by people whose only interaction will illegals is bossing them around the yard and watching them pack their van up at 7 to go home. Must be nice.

By Funny

October 26, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

By jwe October 26, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this Does anyone else find it interesting that Danny Porter, the county DA, the person charged with prosecuting crimal activities, could find the time to prosecute Jennifer Wilbanks but can’t seem to put any effort into enforcing the many zoning and code violations in the county? Enforce those codes and many of the issues will resolve.

No, but what I do find ironicly funny is that this is the same DA that mexican gang members from Norcross put a hit on because he was putting them away.

By anita

October 26, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

To ABS—you are sadly misguided and somewhat stupid. Hows the Kool Aid? Laws are laws….end of story. Whether people are bigots & racists doesn’t even fit into the equation. Either a law is broken or it is not. If a white cop wants to arrest a black bank robber…is that racist ? or bigotted? I think not…you need more education dude. Grow up.

By Nickelbelle

October 26, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

Jesse’s girl-please don’t send them to Canada! I’m planning on escaping all of this mess here and going there soon! I don’t want it following me or I’ll end up in Australia!

By been here a looong time

October 26, 2006 12:42 PM | Link to this

I’m with getalife - If you don’t love it leave it. We can fix it after you leave.

By mike from darke

October 26, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Instead of complaining, and being hostile, why don’t people instead get proactive, and put together grass-roots community improvement councils that welcome all the immigrants into their groups to work together to identify the issues and then come up with good solutions to deal with them. It appears that everyone instead is taking the “us against them� attitude, which is the same attitude that has gotten our country into such a mess over in Iraq. I’m sure that if people weren’t so hostile to them, these immigrants would be a lot more open to everyone’s feelings about keeping their neighborhoods in better shape and keeping up with proper house and yard maintenance. When you demonize someone and put them down all the time, their natural reaction is usually to thumb their noses and do anything they can to not respond to your comments in any positive kind of way, and to even do whatever they can to annoy you. I’m sure a great many of the instances of loud music at inappropriate times, and unkempt exteriors and yards of homes and so forth are examples of simple rebellion against what they perceive as hostility and meanness directed at them from their neighbors and our society in general. So how about we try to be understanding of this and take into account their feelings as well as anyone else’s. Let’s put some effort into being kind and helpful instead of being judgemental and scornful. Build community action councils that make a serious effort to include immigrants in making an effort to build positive relationships that lead to positive change!

By Pillsbury Doughboy

October 26, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Wow, you people are sick. To the morons saying Georgia isn’t diverse, please, we’re probably one of the most diverse in this nation. Also, this blog is nothing. If you want to see some real hate, read the LA Times blog whenever they talk about immigration.

By To ABS

October 26, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

ABS, I have to say that maybe I wouldnt call myself a bigot, maybe “selectably intollerant” would be good to describe me. Maybe “im not a racist” has views to you that you percieve as ignorant or racist, but I whole heartedly agree with them. Now before you spew your negative comments toward me perhaps I should let you know that I have a higher college education and have friends that are black, gay, black & gay, hispanic, even Canadian!! (that’s a joke)

But the fact of the matter remains, call wolf enough times and you tend to not fall for the joke when it’s called the next time. See enough brightly colored houses all owned by hispanics and well……. you get the picture. Same thing goes for neighborhoods that go to hell. I once lived in Gwinnet and it was overtaken by hispanics that painted on walls and fences, robbed stores, shot and killed gang members, left trash around, cars in yards etc… I got the heck out of there and am thankful for it. Had they come in and kept up their yards, paid taxes, didnt rob stores, didn start gangs etc… I’d have NO problem with it. But sadly, they don’t and I see no sign of it getting better. Just worse. So, you make your judgements based on the facts at hand and what you’ve seen and all I’ve seen are the negatives so that’s what I percieve.

By Larry

October 26, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

If you want to know how these immigrants feel about and treat private property, you only have to look at rental homes after they have moved out. Garbage, filth everywhere, fleas, uncut grass, clutter, flower beds ruined, dog feces all over the house! I pity the next landlord who is stuck with this type tenant.

By Julio

October 26, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

I have bigger concerns than property values. What do property values have to do with the health of my children and family? Who has time to worry about such things? I bought my home (with cash, amigo) to live there, not to make money. I hope to live in my home the rest of my life with my family and then leave my home to my children. I’m not planning to sell my home. Why should I care what value someone who lives on the street wants to put on my home? My home is where my family lives, not some trinket to sell at market. My understanding is that lower property values result in lower taxes, to this is good for me and for you. I am saving us both money. You should be grateful. Anyway my house is mine. I paid for it with money I earned. Your yard is yours; my yard is mine. What do you do all day to have time to worry about my house and yard? I should be so fortunate!

By AM

October 26, 2006 12:47 PM | Link to this

Hey Juan, I would like to take you by your ear and throw your a** across the border. You are an illegal scum bag and have no business to be here in the first place. You should be deported or in jail. Maybe your kind could make good soldiers and we could send all of you illegals to IRAQ before you ruin our country, And your attitude makes me angrier than hell

By Ed

October 26, 2006 12:48 PM | Link to this

Van, you are full of bs…..many Amercians want and need jobs. That tired arguement won’t hold air anymore, get a new song and dance sweetie. Kedar you must be a low rent apartment dweller with a 200 credit rating, what do you have to lose you can’t buy a house to have it lose value.

By Hadden Knough

October 26, 2006 12:49 PM | Link to this

For all you morons who scream, “But they do the jobs that Americans won’t!”, the trade off is what is happening to Gwinnett and elsewhere. What are you going to scream when it happens to your neighborhood? Wake up people and take back the United States.

By Phil

October 26, 2006 12:50 PM | Link to this

My wife immigrated here from Russia in 2004. We went through the process to secure her visa. Before she came she spent a year in intensive english classes to make sure she could speak it well enough to live day to day. She asks me why did she go through all this if she could just come here illegaly like all the mexicans. She wants to know why they do not go through the same process she went through. Screw it…America is losing this battle. Obviously NAFTA is failing.

By Johnny D

October 26, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

I own a few rental houses. I rented one to a “hardworking Christian couple.” Said couple flew the confederate flag proudly. They also stiffed me for 3 months rent. When they moved out, all the rooms but one had human feces on the floor and walls. Filth like I have never seen. I have NEVER had this problem with any Mexican tenants. They may like to live in a crowded house, but that’s their business, not mine. Sorry, ya’ll, but Americans can be some nasty people. The Mexicans who work for me maintaining property work harder / better than any white man ever did. I say welcome Mexican brothers. They actually understand what work and family values mean.

By To ABS

October 26, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this

ABS, I have to say that maybe I wouldnt call myself a bigot, maybe “selectably intollerant” would be good to describe me. Maybe “im not a racist” has views to you that you percieve as ignorant or racist, but I whole heartedly agree with them. Now before you spew your negative comments toward me perhaps I should let you know that I have a higher college education and have friends that are black, gay, black & gay, hispanic, even Canadian!! (that’s a joke)

But the fact of the matter remains, call wolf enough times and you tend to not fall for the joke when it’s called the next time. See enough brightly colored houses all owned by hispanics and well……. you get the picture. Same thing goes for neighborhoods that go to hell. I once lived in Gwinnet and it was overtaken by hispanics that painted on walls and fences, robbed stores, shot and killed gang members, left trash around, cars in yards etc… I got the heck out of there and am thankful for it. Had they come in and kept up their yards, paid taxes, didnt rob stores, didn start gangs etc… I’d have NO problem with it. But sadly, they don’t and I see no sign of it getting better. Just worse. So, you make your judgements based on the facts at hand and what you’ve seen and all I’ve seen are the negatives so that’s what I percieve.

By Morrigan

October 26, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this

What cheeses me off too, is we can’t seem to find illegals and send them back, but a prospective employer can find out all he wants to about me, and then divulge it to whatever entity he wants (gov’t, law enforcement, my health insurer) with no liability. If I want the job, I have to sign away my rights. F*ck that. We treat criminals as if they’re invisible, meanwhile I’m guilty till proven innocent.

By ABS

October 26, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Just so you know….there are two ABSs on this blog….I for one am a “dudette” not a dude, and I haven’t blogged in a while. Just so you know, this ABS has a couple graduate degrees, not that that matters, but I find it hilarious that people who disagree with others’ opinions usually start calling others names and assume they are uneducated, somebody did call me a goof ball earlier. That’s usually what children do….call each other names when they have nothing else to say or can’t think of a way to “top” the person you are arguing with. I remember when I was in elementary school in a situation like that we would usually say, “Your mama!” Nope….this is my first post in a while and will be my last. I, for one, don’t call people names and really hate it when others do that just when they have a difference of opinion.

This blog is too hateful….

I’m checking out, so the other ABS…carry on.

By Jenn

October 26, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

We bought our house last year, it’s our first home. Shortly after we moved in we noticed that we had neighbors behind us that had a couple roosters that woke us up every morning around 5am. The roosters are gone for now, but the mariachi (spelling) music and 50+ people bbqs everyweekend and cars and trucks parked in the street are not gone… We have a house accross the street from us that is for rent, and so far hispanics are the only ones that have come to look at it. I wonder if what I have living behind me is what’s going to happen accross the street from me. I live in Cobb.

By Ed

October 26, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

Lost of illegal invaders are posting as legal Americans, aren’t you Johhny D….I can hear the accent in your typing.

By Ron

October 26, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

Johnny D is right. I employ several latin workers. They WORK. Why don’t I employ as many “citizens.” They don’t work. It’s that simple. Are they legal? They say they are and that is good enough for me. I’m following the law of free enterprise. I hate to say it, but it’s true…Americans don’t want to work. I talk to a 20 yr. old white man and a 20 yr. old latin man and it is apples and oranges…or rather rotten eggs and apples. 20 yr. old white men want everything given to them because it’s all been given to them. They don’t want to work for less than $20 / hr. They’re late, call in sick (hung over), lazy on the job. What are they thinking? I can’t stay in business and hire these punks, my only option is to hire latinos.

By Angie

October 26, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this

There may be one or more illegals using your ss number right now, and paying into your social security account.

Jim: Remember this statement when you go to your ATM and discover that you are no longer the owner of your bank account. If you see no problem with “sharing” your SSN with an illegal immigrant for monetory benefits that you may never live to collect, then apparently you will have no problem with “sharing” the money in your bank accounts, stock portfolios, etc. Further, you may want to check with the illegal immigrant with whom you are playing the “share game” with to determine if he plans to retire or “expire” before you do… If I were the American descendant of an illegal immigrant, I would certainly file a claim for benefits under this “shared” SSN. Remember, “sharing” is a two-way street…

By lucky

October 26, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

This column has elicted an enormous response, indicating that this subject is considered a major problem by many people in the community. These people are the taxpayers and our elected officials and government workers need to be held accountable.

Although lack of enforcement of immigration laws and sanctions on employers has been dismal on the Federal level, we can all take on our neighborhoods. Do not move, but take pictures, a small task. And show up at local meetings and demand codes be enforced. And if the codes are not restrictive enough, work to revise them. Put police on your speed dial. Write letters and be specific about the problems. Make sure that landlords are fined. Be relentless and organize civic associations.

When the If we all work together, we can make a difference, or at least hire a lawyer.

By cgl

October 26, 2006 12:58 PM | Link to this

It’s such a shame that Georgia has become one of the laughing stocks of the country because of illegal immigration. The State of Georgia Division of Motor Vehicles could care less about who they allow to drive on our roads. Immigrants who cannot speak English also cannot read signs (speed limit or otherwise) and drive worse than any 16 year old and yet we chastise 16 year olds for how they drive. Immigrants should have to take (and pass in English) Drivers Education Classes as well as Defensive Driving Classes and then prove they know how to read a speed limit sign, know all laws governing school bus stops, what red, green and yellow traffic signals mean, how to properly use any turn lane, including two way turn lanes, know the laws requiring children be restrained in cars at all times with seatbelts and with car/booster seats as needed, know it’s against the law to drive a mechanically and physically unsafe vehicle (with no cracked windshields, etc.), can read English, at least speak conversational English and be able to read street, road and highway signs IN ENGLISH! I’d rather ride in a vehicle with a non-imigrant 16 year old any day because they’ve at least had some experience driving or riding with their parents. Immigrants come here with little or no driving experience, can’t speak or read the language and yet our government let’s they have a driver’s license. To all of you people running for public office in November, believe me, I’m studying your voting habits, what you say you stand for and weighing the two against each other. Wherever I find you’re not improving our state or community, I’m voting against you!!!!!!!!!!

By rightonirishman

October 26, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

I feel you Irishmanbut right is right - it is too often taken for granted how much homeownership contributes to building and sustaining wealth in America - homeownership is what the American dream is all about - if you live next door to someone who has a kudzu covered church bus parked on the side of their house your property value will plummet - we’re talking about thousands and thousands of dollars - people dont realize how detrimental code violations are from a financial standpoint - it is the most pervasive problem i see in metro atlanta

By Empathetic in Tampa

October 26, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

I’m originally from the Atlanta area and have been in a suburb of Tampa for two years. We can totally emphathize with your problem— the same thing goes on around here. We bought our house in what should have been a nice, affluent area, but at the time housing prices were skyrocketing, so investors wanted a piece of the pie. Now our neighborhood is full of rental properties that are more like hostels than homes. We have the same problem with junky cars, unkempt yards, loud music, and 15 people living in a 3 bedroom house. Just goes to show you it’s happening everywhere—not just in the Atlanta suburbs. It’s a real problem and something has to be done about it.

By Ricardo

October 26, 2006 01:03 PM | Link to this

The war is over, amigos! And we have won! FIESTA, FIESTA, FIESTA! When my roosters crow in the morning, that means it is time to get up, so why aren’t you getting your lazy white a* out of bed and going to work? You lazy people have it all and you deserve to lose it. Your fathers and mothers knew what it means to be American. You dont.

By Ms. Writer

October 26, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this

Ron : Since you employ them…can you also pay for their medical needs while you are at it. Employers take advantage of the fact that they don’t have to pay medical insurance for illegal immigrants. Your pockets are getting fatter and fatter while the DFCS offices are filling up with your employees.

By read the posts lucky

October 26, 2006 01:06 PM | Link to this

Better read the posts, lucky. Looks like most people support the immigrants. And when the immigrants are the majority, the politicians and government have to answer to the new immigrants, not to the bigots. Just like how the politicians and government had to listen to people like you after the first invasion of Gwinnett drove out the farmers, the invasion of the white-flight bigots.

By been here a long time

October 26, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

I am sick to death of all the whining about illegal immigrants from you “legal” immigrants. You dummies moved to Gwinnett into the cracker box housing. Our farms were already there, and you complained about them. You complain about everything that doesn’t fit in your cracker box world. If it is that damn bad, move. We’d be better off.

By Sharon

October 26, 2006 01:07 PM | Link to this

To Regis: Good one!!

I took a break a lunch and couldn’t believe the number of posts since 8:30 a.m. They all say basically the same thing: 1. Illegal Immigrants have GOT to go. 2. Politicans are corrupt, and Wayne Hill is having the last laugh on all of us. 3. You are not a racist. 4. Trash = Trash 5. There is a lot of hate in here.

Lighten up people! It is what it is. Unless you are willing to put your neck on the line, and run for political office, in any form from a HOA, to a City Counsel, to State Senate, then you just have to like it or lump it.

By Ron

October 26, 2006 01:10 PM | Link to this

Insurance? Medical? What small business owner can pay for that? I couldn’t / can’t / am not required to pay for insurance / medical for ANY of my employees, even if I could afford to hire the lazy white man (BTW, in my world, 20 yrs. old equals a man, don’t see many 20 yr. old white men behaving like men). So, no, I’m not paying for ANYONE’S insurance…no one else pays for mine!

By Akagi

October 26, 2006 01:13 PM | Link to this

I am a life long resident of Georgia and moved to Gwinnett from Dekalb in 1996 buying my first house here. It was a stable community for much of that time but around 2000 it changed. My next-door neighbor’s house became a boarding house for Hispanic—and no doubt illegal—laborers, half the houses in the community became rentals and many of those were Section 8. If I had sold my house in 2000 I probably would have made 10-20 thousand dollars more on the house than I did when I sold it in 2004.

I moved from Gwinnett in 2004 and have never regretted it. Gwinnett has become a giant cesspool.

By Torpedo

October 26, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

I am a hispanic and I have been here in GA for the last 15 yrs and currently live in Gwinnett County. My opinion on the matter is this:

It is sad to see the way some of these neighborhoods are deteriorating. Paying our hard earned tax dollars to accomodate people in other languages makes no sense in my opinion, we are motivating people not to adapt to the way the system is here period. With respects to the neighborhoods I believe the solution is simple: 1) COUNTY officials need to get off their behinds and do something about it. If the neighbor that failed to cut his grass, or has 6 cars in the lawn, or 25 people in a 3 bedroom house got a FAT CITATION & FINE for doing these things, TRUST ME, it would stop IMMEDIATELY regardless of where that neighbor is from. It is sad and it makes ME angry to see some of these subdivisions go south. Since some of the residents have no common sense and respect towards the neighbor ( because they might not know any better) trust me, they will get the point if it costs them money!!!!BTW more citations, more REVENUE for the county!!!!!LETS GET TOUGH so we can be proud of where we live.!!!!!!

By C Meadows

October 26, 2006 01:16 PM | Link to this

DONALD,

As a Red Sox fan I had a problem with Renteria, but it had to do with his noodle bat and cement hands, and his resurgence in Atlanta, not his ethnicity.

I just moved to Las Vegas and I can tell you that there are much stricter ordinances here for number of people in houses, which is a good thing, but at the same time Las Vegas is a very transient town with people coming and going all the time, and that’s a bigger problem because they don’t care. For whatever reason the illegal immigration issue isn’t so big here.

We also don’t have as much landscaping, roofing (clay roofs), gutter cleaning stuff to do being in the desert and all……eh who knows.

My point? I don’t know, I would like to think that neighborhood/county ordinances that are a lot stricter would do a lot of good, they seem to work well here. Housing here is expensive, at least moreso than Atlanta, so I expected to see more of this problem, but we don’t. I lived in South Cobb so this wasn’t really a problem there……but then again 15 years from now when the East/West connector is completely stuffed with strip malls who knows.

By Jenn

October 26, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

If you don’t live on a farm, you don’t need a rooster. I don’t need a rooster in my neighborhood to wake me up. Thats what an alarm clock is for.

By jj

October 26, 2006 01:17 PM | Link to this

This country is SICK. No this state (GA) is SICK. Just reading some of the comments filled with anger and ignorance is just sad.

By cjd

October 26, 2006 01:21 PM | Link to this

I can not believe that all you people. I t is your own fault that illeagals are here.AMERICANS( I am one,) believe that we are the superior.If we would get off our high horses and do some of the low paying jobs that our hispanic counterparts do they (Hispanics) probably would not miagarte here b/c there wouldn’t be any jobs.Hispanics are able to send all of their money home because they do not spend any.They share apartments ,houses etc. I agree that they should not recieve free health care ,food stamps and so fourth. We are at fault ATTN ALL AMERICANS: QUit BEING SO DAMN LAZY. Take the job for eight dollars an hour to eliminate illeagals

By Observer

October 26, 2006 01:22 PM | Link to this

Look at it like this. Your kids are going to school with Latin / Asian kids. So, it’s only a matter of time before Ashley and Chad (your kids) are dating Julio and Lupita. So it’s only a matter of time before Julio is screwing your daughter at the BBQ and Chad is finding out how spicy Lupita is. So it’s only a matter of time before Ashley marries Julio and Chad marries Lupita. And then YOU have grandchildren named Pedro and Juanita.

Question: Are you still going to hate these people and not want to live next to them and want to throw them out of the country when THEY are YOUR family?

By don

October 26, 2006 01:24 PM | Link to this

Gee, I see a theme here. Drive down to Clayton Co. someday. Used to be nice. Now it’s a crime-infested dump. But I won’t try and link it to 2 minorities who have taken over. I’d be another John Rocker-ravaged for speaking truth.

By Robin Robinson

October 26, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

I am glad that this artical came out and is getting so much attention. I grew up living in Belmont Farms on Singleton Road, located just off Jimmy Carter Road. My family moved there when I was around 8 year old from Dekalb County and it was a new begining for us. The area was rual, clean and safe. As many years pasted, the area started getting more diversified, with Gwinnett Mall and progress of the area. Which was not a problem at that point in time, but you did see more of the houses going up for rent and more hispanics moving in. My family’s theroy was if they take care of their home and property we do not care who moves in as long as they are respectful. By the time I was in High School it was really bad. Gangs started popping up left and right. Crime was more apparent in the area and the houses start looking like the slums. To this day when I drive by my old house, when in the area, I feel unsafe and saddened for what is going on there. The last time I went by, the house was painted 1/2 purple and 1/2 brown. The wood address carvings that my parents had put out some 15 years ago were still in the exact same place as when the house was left by my family, but with dirt around them because the house has never been fully painted. Cars were all over the yard, people were just hanging out and it just seemed like trouble was brewing there? It was very sad to see a place that you grew up and felt safe raoming the subdivision, now be considered the new ghetto? I currently live in South Forsyth, but even there we have noticed that older properties are being rented out to families that have too many people living in a house, trash all over the yards and pit-bulls haning out on the properties. I feel like this should be a new issue for the counties to look at. Planning and Development may need to watch and see what they can change for renting out properties. It may be a pain for the land lord, but in reality it will protect them and the people living in the properties they are renting to, and the neighbors?

By I saw the future

October 26, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

I sold my house on Bee Blossom Trail in Larryville in 2001. Moved to Cheshire Bridge Rd in Hotlanta. My decision is continuously validated by columns like this. It’s white flight back to the city.

By joe juh

October 26, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

How about this from ARC: Just 10 years ago, only 3 percent of Gwinnett students had a primary language other than English. That proportion of students is now 15 percent. The language growing at the highest rate is Spanish – with the rate of Hispanics students growing at an average of 44 percent per year. In less than 3 years demographers predict that the majority of students in Gwinnett – the largest school district in Georgia – will be members of minority groups. Of these, 64 % are seriously deficient in English skills. Anybody want to buy a my house in Sugar Hill ?

By Rufus Fernandez

October 26, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Lemme ‘splain sumting to yous. I has a right to be hear in America. I works hard and I pays my taxes. Stop complaining so much.

By Ruthie

October 26, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

Maybe after all the folks in Mexico move to the U.S., we can take over Mexico and start anew…..

By DJWho

October 26, 2006 01:26 PM | Link to this

The American Dream: we all want it. For most of us it is a nice home, white picket fence, a perfect yard, etc, etc. For many who have acheived it, they want to maintain it - they earned it. Today we have so many people (legal and illegal) who are trying illegal ways to get this American Dream because so many people think they are entitled to it. Sorry, it is something to be earned. So, now we have all these people who think they are entitled to everything, buying and renting homes (in many cases, they really cannot afford, they are living beyond their means) and just not taking care of it. Make matters worse we have become a society of people who think that no one can tell them what to do. So, asking someone to take care of something, you just get an attitude. They are only care about themselves and not the whole. I honestly don’t think they get it - they are affecting EVERYONE around them. People like this are reproducing like Kutzu and we all know what Kutzu does to any healthy, living thing - it kills it.

My husband and I work hard for what we have, pay taxes, etc. - what is dishearting is watching all the lazy, non-working people getting free hand-outs (who are perfectly able to work), illegals getting free hand-outs at the same time never paying anything towards the system. I seem to struggle worse off then those getting the hand outs and I work and make good money. If I tried to get the same I would be told I make too much. Honestly I think I deserve it, I pay towards having it even exsist…

By Watta Load

October 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

Van..where did you study economics?

Cheap mexican labor does nothing to the price of homes…home prices are set by supply and demand..period..the price is based on who is willing to pay the most, not how much it cost to build. The only thing low wages do is determine how much profit the builder is going to make and determine how crappy the house is going to end up.

By Torpedo

October 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

To Don:

You can pin point all you want about the 2 minority groups in Clayton County and crime. If you want to go that rout which makes no sense, in order for most of those to move in there, that means that another neighbor that couldn’t hold his ground moved opening up more places for those to move to.

By Nancy

October 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this

The difference between immigrants today and immigrants say 80-100 years ago is that they learned the language. They did not expect a handout and they worked hard to assimilate in the neighborhoods. Back then, multi-language government documents were not available like they are now. A friend of mine was forced out of his neighborhood because let’s face it, hispanics make lousey neigbors. They keep a messy, trashy yard, they have multiple cars in the yard and they blast their music 24/7. We were sitting in the living room one day with all the windows closed and the TV on and we could still here the thump thump as his neighbor drove by. Disrespectful….hell yes.

By Jenn

October 26, 2006 01:30 PM | Link to this

I don’t “hate” these people, I hate their damn rooster, their noise, and their disrespect. I hate that children are being held back in their class, because some students don’t know english, I hate that my property taxes are going to pay for schools that have “special” classes for kids who don’t know any English. My grandfather immigrated here (legally) from Czechoslovakia back in the 20’s and he had to learn English, he even changed his name to Jack, so he would fit in. A little girl in his class stood up and said, he’s from a different country, and we are going to teach him English.

By Stan W.

October 26, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

I own a auto detail shop and I find it very hard not to hire illegals. All you people in here are complaining, and its obvious that you are at work in a nicely heated office infront of a computer. But what about people who have to do manual labor for a living, I can’t find a “hard working American” to save my life. Years ago I had 8 employees who worked for me full time, they were not illegals they were all born and raised here in America. But they often called out, didn’t do the job correctly, and complained constantly. I have people who work for me who maybe illegal, but try getting a Georgian to detail a Ford Excursion in this weather. Not gonna happen!!!

By Tanya

October 26, 2006 01:31 PM | Link to this

I think the law that states if you are born here that you are automatically a citizen whether your parents were here illegally or not is CRAP. If I break the law, sell drugs, buy a fabulous house and then get caught selling drugs, under RICO laws they take any property obtained by “ill gotten means”. Why can’t they take the citizenship of those granted it just because their parents happened to be on american soil (illegally) during the time of their birth. Afterthought - Who paid the hospital bill?

By Paula

October 26, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

We have the same problem in our neighboorhood. One house occupied by by hispanics (rental) has a blue tarp on the roof for the past year or so and the exterior of the house is a mess. Another house occupied by African Americans (rental)which is directly beside us has a car sitting in the driveway unrepaired. I am disgusted by this because being hispanic this just gives everyone else a chance to call us names or etc. Please you guys out there that are reading this it only takes a couple of seconds to keep your house in order. If you can buy beer and cigarettes every day then you can hire someone to clean and maintain your house for as little as $65 or so a week!

By stupid Americans

October 26, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this

I used to live in Gwinnett and moved because of all the Illegal Hispanics moving in the area. You can cry all you want that this is not thier fault but for those of you who lived there before you know. Gwinnett should take down all the non English signs and have them changed to English. The crime is so bad in Norcross and Buford you can see why. I have no problem with people coming legally into the system, but there needs to be something done about all the illegal immagrants exploiting our country, with thier rehtoric and propaganda.

By L

October 26, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

All i know is when my bestfriend and I went to the Wendys in front of GWINNETT PLACE MALL…NOT A SINGLE PERSON SPOKE ENGLISH NOT A SINGLE ONE!!!!!! IF YOUR GOING TO COME OVER HERE AT LEAST HAVE ENOUGH RESPECT FOR THIS COUNTRY TO LEARN THE LANGUAGE……how did we order our food…we had to point to a picture display of the sandwiches and drinks…GET THE F!@#$ OUT OF HERE THAT S#@!T

By Torpedo

October 26, 2006 01:34 PM | Link to this

On the cheap labor

Yes, it sucks that illegal aliens are taking most of theses jobs for much much less, don’t get me wrong the bust their tails for whatever little they do it.
Lets not forget though, that if it was not for the bigger & greety AMERICAN company that gives them contracts, they would have work.

By Gerry

October 26, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

This is not a racial issue. As an African-American, I want my neighbors to take care of their property and obey the law. The real culprits in this issue are the business owners that hire the illegals.

By Bob Lee

October 26, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

Rick,

I am heart broken as I read the comments of your readers. They are suffering through the same “neighborhood rot” as me. I would sell, but there are no buyers for homes in my neighborhood. Somebody at the AJC should investigate why we have so much trash on the side of the road in our community. Apparently, members of the community who do not share our norms literally bag their trash within their home, then drop that bag out the window of their moving vehichle to “dispose” of the trash. A neighbor of mine said that practice is used by the immigrant community to keep from having to pay the $70 per quarter we pay for trash pickup. Rick, what can we do to restore our community?

By Amanda Baker

October 26, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

If the republicans weren’t so pre-occupied with pleasing the psycho religious right and filling their own pockets with greed at the expense of American Soldier’s lives they might have had time help out our neighbor to the south. If we helped Mexico as much as we are helping Iraq they might not have the issues they have and people wouldn’t be clawing to come over here just to get food to eat. You don’t know how lucky we are here and to act like gluttons - taking and taking, then spitting in the faces of starving people is foul. I agree that there need to be standards we all must adhere to, but to deny another human the chance that your grandparents had given to them is just pathetic. I’m sure you’re all good christian people.. think about that when you sit down in your pews this Sunday.

By ITP

October 26, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this

What a bunch of whiners. What do you expect a bunch of claptrap housing built on dead-end streets in outer suburbia to turn into after 30-40 years? They could never have become anything other than slums, immigrants or no immigrants. Cul-de-sacs with no sidewalks aren’t fit for civilized people to begin with, so I’m not sure why anyone is surprised.

And all this griping about Spanish and Korean signs — I guess none of you complainers ever saw the Irish or Polish or German language newspapers they printed up north in the 19th and 20th centuries. Didn’t seem to ruin America then.

By Jane

October 26, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

If the second to the last amendment on Gwinnett County Ballots, roughly the “Redevelopment Powers Law”, passes, it will help redevelop the Jimmy Carter area. The CID is helping, but it will take time and more police presence in the area.

By Nikita

October 26, 2006 01:37 PM | Link to this

This has nothing — or very little — to do with the individual violators. What it has to do with is weak land use laws and a lack of political will to enforce the laws you have. Gwinnett Co. has a philosophy of weak or nonexistent zoning and little to no enforcement. and so you have no laws to address stuff like maximum occupancy or houses being illegally operated as boarding houses and you have no one who is willing to authorize the police to do anything to enforce the laws that you do have.

By JD

October 26, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

This is the very reason I moved from Gwinnett County 8 years ago! It’s been a mess since the Olympics!!!!!

By Janet_G

October 26, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

If just half of the people who have taken the time to post here would either call or write their congressmen, senators and representatives, we could make a change. Voting out conservatives and voting in liberals will only make the problem worse.

Last year, a bill was submitted to charge a fee or require an ID before wiring money out of the country. By the time our lawmakers got down declaring that it was “racist”, “exclusionary” and “unconstitutional”, it was dead in the water. Bear in mind, this was not trying to ban the practice, just require a fee, that could allow the counties to recoup some money from the billions of dollars that are earned here and flow out of the country without a penny of income tax paid.

Tell your local city councilpeople, your county commissioners, mayors and everyone else that you want a city ordinance that requires that people renting their homes out, to submit their name, address and phone number where they can be reached to the county. Many times, code enforcement can do nothing because they have no way to contact the owner of a rental property.

We also need to train and hire many, many more field people to work with code enforcement. We need to have our jails and police departments participate in this new pilot program to identify people in their system who need to be deported and start the paperwork process.

We need to REQUIRE that employers check ALL of their employees to make sure that they are here legally. LEGAL immigrants will benefit and so will American citizens if employers cannot hire people who are here illegally.

I love the fact that the United States is a true melting pot. However, immigration has always been controlled and limited to a certain number of people per year from each country. We need to get back to that. We want America to benefit from diversity, not to be overrun with people from one culture who by virtue of their sheer numbers will completely shut down our neighborhoods, schools, hospitals and social services.

Call, write, and email your elected officials repeatedly and tell them what you want. It’s the only way to MAKE them do something.

By John

October 26, 2006 01:39 PM | Link to this

You’re wrong, cjd. It’s got nothing to do with laziness. There are people who will take those jobs - but nobody can compete with the low wages, lack of benefits, and disregard for safety that characterize illegal workers. It IS the fault of Americans, but it’s the fault of Americans who will skirt the law to hire people who have no business being here.

They are only cheap when they are illegal. When they become legal they expect to be paid and get benefits like other Americans. It is our foolishness in not protecting our borders and in hiring on the cheap that is coming back to bite us.

I hate what illegal immigration has done to my neighborhood. Our schools are ruined, our neighborhoods are ruined, and there are gangs everywhere.

We let them do this to us. Our so called leaders in the Gwinnett County Commission let this happen. They gave the green light to the developers who hired these illegals. They approved the multi-family housing that they are living in. They have no intention of doing anything about it.

Throw them out. Throw all these bums out. What were you people thinking when you allowed Kevin Kenerly to win the primary? He and his kind are the disease.

What is wrong with the Gwinnett GOP? Don’t they know that they are zoning themselves out of existence? As this county builds more and more urban environments - ie. multi-family housing and crowded low-end retail, you are importing more urban voters, and those are Democrats. This county will be a Democrat dominated county before my middle-school son graduates from high school.

By aggie

October 26, 2006 01:40 PM | Link to this

The Indians hated the White man for invading their land. The Whites hated the Blacks for their gaining of equality and their migration from city to burbs, now the attention turns to Hispanics. Look, people, it all starts at home. Take care of your own place, look after your neighbor and treat each other with honest integrity. Enforce HOA codes and report those that dont. Obey the local laws and ordinances, and report those that dont. Is simple. But dont complain because a person of different backround or race moves into your neck of the woods. The skin color is not the problem, the lack of enforcement of the rules is!

By Observer

October 26, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this

Ummm…are any of you going to answer the question?

Look at it like this. Your kids are going to school with Latin / Asian kids. So, it’s only a matter of time before Ashley and Chad (your kids) are dating Julio and Lupita. So it’s only a matter of time before Julio is screwing your daughter at the BBQ and Chad is finding out how spicy Lupita is. So it’s only a matter of time before Ashley marries Julio and Chad marries Lupita. And then YOU have grandchildren named Pedro and Juanita.

Question: Are you still going to hate these people and not want to live next to them and want to throw them out of the country when THEY are YOUR family?

By Jose Torres Contreras Gomez Guttierez

October 26, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this

America been very good to me. Free everything and you stupid americans change your signs and even your telephone greetings. I have three women pregnant right now and will bring over my other 7 kids from Mexico very soon. They need education and medical care. Thank you for paying for me and kids. My entire village is coming here. We like very much. Free Free Free……

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

To the female ABS…..I am so incredibly soory that I ruffled your feathers so. I had no idea that calling you a “GOOF BALL” would offend you so much. Wow….you’re right. How utterly insensitive of me. All this worthy conversation and you are concerned about being called a goof ball.

By liberal trash

October 26, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Amanda, It figures the typical liberal would have to come out in every discussion there is to talk about Republicans. Let’s forget about protecting our country and worry about taking care of everbody elses. And last time I checked they were not coming here just to get good food to eat????? Our Grandparents came over and learned English and worked hard, they didn’t go on welfare make more and more and more and more kids they couldn’t pay for. Everyone you see has two by thier side and one in the oven!!!!And expect everyone to pick up thier insurance bill. Before they put the fence up, why don’t you go to the other side!!!

By Becca

October 26, 2006 01:46 PM | Link to this

I moved out of Lawrenceville 2 years ago because the neighboorhood we moved into in 1999 went totally downhill in 2002 and has yet to improve. I still have friends there and their homes have been on the market since I left. Property values are non existent! I moved inside I-285 in Fulton county and even with all the issues of Sandy Springs and North vs. South Fulton it’s 110% better! Gwinnett is a hole in the city , a bad hole.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Jen, where can I get a loan 100% Financed with no money down, I’d like to move to Alpharetta or Cumming. OK, is it really true that the immigrants are granted special priviledges such as NO TAXES, to help them get on their feet or is that just some Bigoted Stereotyping Rhetoric?

By Watta Load

October 26, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

John,

Sorry…there are exceptions, but for the most part it is about laziness..Guess what Mexicans do when they are hired? They actually show up…on time..and get this..they are sober also. And then…of all things…they work all day and actually do good work…

This is the voice of experience, not just a rant.

I realize I”m painting a broad brush about non-immigrant blue collar workers…ok, I’m really talking about rednecks..

I won’t hire a day laboror because I know most of them are illegal which means if I need something done on my house I do it myself or do without…my days of contracting to Cletus and Bubba are over though.

By Ms. Writer

October 26, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Though I agree with most of the sentiments on the blog, I can still smell the pungent odor of Jim Crow and his in breeding cousins…

I hear some people throwing black people in the mix…

Blacks were BROUGHT here by your people, we did not SNEAK over the border like our hispanic bretheren

WHITE people control the wealth of the United states unproportionately, if the wealthy and political really wanted to keep illegals out, they could and they would. We were supposed to be the richest country in the world, but we can’t keep uneducated people from getting here. Please…

It was bound to happen like this though. You create a country seeped in capitalism masked by Christianity, built on the blood of others and you get a country that becomes a living cesspool filled with criminals (no matter what color they are). We are doing all of this typing, but we won’t band together to stop it. We just talk and take it as the frustration grows.

By Van

October 26, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

Watta Load,

Where did YOU study economics? Your words, “the price is based on who is willing to pay the most, not how much it cost to build.” The cost of labor is factored into every product, whether it be a house or a toothpick. When labor prices go up so the does the price of the product. If you think that a builder would not raise their prices in regards to more expensive labor so they can still make their profit margin then you are kidding yourself.

By OBSERVER IDIOT

October 26, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

UMMMMM……..Just because your kids will stick everything doesn’t mean ours will.

By Paula

October 26, 2006 01:50 PM | Link to this

This is the website for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful http://www.gwinnettcb.org/index.phtml. I have called and made a complaint against another homeowner for having more than 20 bags on the side of their house with trash. The smell had arrived at my door and I had it! Instead of them dumping or getting sanitation service, they instead moved all the trash bags into the garage. (Que mierda de gente. Pongase las pilas y tengan en orden su casa.) What the hell. Put your feet on the ground and organize your house. I love the area where I live and 95% of our neighbors keep their house in order but the 5% that do not make our houses look like cramp. It only takes about $2,000 and up to repaint your house (just pressure wash it every year), lawn service $35 and up and cleaning company $65 and up. Get with the program!

By BJ

October 26, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Keep in mind that the solution to ILLEGAL immigration should rest on the heavy fines of employers who hire them. I know we hear the cr@p about they are doing jobs that the average american would not do but I know several high school age kids who could not find work through the summer months due to their jobs being taken up by un-documented, non-english speaking ILLEGALS. Heck, just go to McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Wendy’s or any mall food court and see the blank look you get if you ask for anything other than just a number 1 and a coke. Punish the employers and you help eliminate the problem.

By Jesse's Girl

October 26, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

I don’t hate anyone. None of my posts have indicated such. I do however hate the way some of the people who live around my very nice neighborhood are trashing it up! Do I think something needs to be done yesterday about Georgia’s influx of illegal immigrants? Heck yes I do. Its a problem that is affecting each and every one of us. But sweetie….if my children find love…respectful, true, lasting love….I will jump for joy! Its not about the color of your dern skin…so many of you want it to be that way. Its about RESPECT and PRIDE. And yes….about how I am going to have considerable trouble selling my home.

By Getalifefreak

October 26, 2006 01:54 PM | Link to this

Southerns: Keep up the inbreading and maybe you can re-populate the south with the righteous Christian folk (aka white) you really want next to you. The south will rise again! lol

By davew

October 26, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Enforce the laws we have NOW. There is a Federal program set up to deport illegals if local govt. will sign on. Gwinnett, follow Cobb’s lead and help solve your problem.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 02:01 PM | Link to this

LMAO Johnny D, Christians will FUGG you every time and you won’t get to enjoy it. They learn the ART OF LIVING OFF OTHERS from their Pastors who have mastered it.

By been here a long time

October 26, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this

All of us were not as fortunate as some of you who fell out of the Barbie and Ken mold. There are different cultures, values, education, and financial status. There are trashy people in all groups. Why don’t you all just get over yourselves or move together.

By Mackey

October 26, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Why not have Wayne Mason clean it up? I’m sure he could figure out a way to house a thousand or so people on a couple of acres. Then he could keep his Gwinnett county ideas in Gwinnett county and leave Fulton county and the City of Atlanta alone.

By Greg Meyers

October 26, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

First, get your terminology correct. There is no ” Illegal Immigration ” going on. Immigration is a process, & it is not illegal. Undocumented, illegal aliens are the problem here, now call it what it is! If they are illegal, jail or deport them. Too bad!

By lbow

October 26, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

“UMMMMM……..Just because your kids will stick everything doesn’t mean ours will.”

Really? Man, have you seen those Asian girls? I should hope my son will get so lucky! I wish I was 16 again!

Dude, if you kids won’t stick that, they GOT to be GAY.

By tina

October 26, 2006 02:08 PM | Link to this

Let me just say, it’s not just Gwinnet County that has a problem. It’s out here in Newton County. 5 years ago I moved into a brand new subdivision and paid $150G for my house. 2 months later Mexicans purchased the house next door and after watching closely I counted at least 12 people living there. There were always at least 5-6 cars in the driveway. When the first major BBQ holiday hit, they had a cookout…in the front of their house (in the garage). Cars were parked EVERYWHERE. They covered the entire lawn, the driveway and all of the cul de sac. Loud spanish music played all day and most of the night. There were people all over the place. Since then the number of people living there has diminished, but there are still people there who are most likely not part of the immediate family. Now, I grew up in NY with every race imainable. But this is a bit rediculous. I can bet you any amount of money that they are illegal. We need to seal off our borders and stop giving away all this free aid.

By Watta Load

October 26, 2006 02:10 PM | Link to this

Van,

You obviously don’t follow the housing market…

The cost of labor is factored into every product, whether it be a house or a toothpick

BULL!!…not relevant to housing because everyone needs a place to live, we don’t need toothpicks.

If builders based their selling price on the cost of labor then a 2400 ft2 house in Acworth would cost the same as a 2400 ft2 house in Buckhead…the average wage is not that different in those two areas. Yet, that house in Buckhead probaly sells for three times as much.

If the builders desired profit margin is puts the selling price of a house above the market then he ain’t gonna sell it…

And the last time I looked housing prices have not dropped (or even remained the same) in the last ten years even though there has been a dramatic increase in cheap labor. No builder is going to lower his selling price below the market because he built the house cheaper.

By been here a long time

October 26, 2006 02:11 PM | Link to this

I consider people from new york illegal aliens………………

By Alpha

October 26, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

What’s the big deal of it? these people are doing their best to make a living! They don’t know the rules the folks who came before them have setup. Just let them. You people would talk like a gentleman or gracious lady when face-to-face, but when people cannot see your faces, you are all show your real colors. You are dirtier than those Mexicans! You disgust me!

By Chris

October 26, 2006 02:12 PM | Link to this

What do you expect? It is all mexicans and blacks? They destroy everything. Do you see that going on in East Cobb, Vinings, Dunwoody, or Buckhead? NOPE

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

Speaking of Churches, there was this Asian Church on Brockett Rd where they were actually living in the church. I would go by there on my way to work around 6:00am and the parking lot us full of cars. When I went to lunch it was almost empty as they left the nest to go tend to their nail shops and other businesses. If I worked late and came by, the parking lot progressivly filled up again.

By John

October 26, 2006 02:15 PM | Link to this

So … Watta Load, do you want to create a permenant slave class? That is what you are doing. Of course it is cheaper to hire illegals who will work for next to nothing in conditions that no American would tolerate, but what are you going to about the fact that people who do not benefit from the law will not keep the law? What are you going to do about having a large class of people in our country who have no loyalty to our country? Are you willing to accept what this does to the American born work force? A permenant slave underclass means that the American born underpriveledged person has NO CHANCE of viable employment. Do you like that?

By DJWho

October 26, 2006 02:17 PM | Link to this

I cannot see how people who get all these free hand-outs cannot take care of there homes/rentals, but when you see how they dress and the car(s) they drive. It is obvious that their priorities are WAY out of wack. Go to any food store after all the WIC stuff has gone out. The food store’s parking lot looks like a car show (BMW’s blinged out) and all the ladies have LV purses…. must be nice. Maybe if they made their home a priority it would look a lot better and they could afford someone to come and take their trash.

By John

October 26, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

By the way - to all you who are in here dissing Southerners - such as Getalifefreak - GO HOME. I-75 and I-85 will both take you North. And 20 runs West if you need it.

By MEXICAN & PROUD OF IT

October 26, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

TO EVERBODY ON THIS BLOG, I am stick and tried of very subject that has to do with hispanics we have to get into the illegal this and illegal that. I understand both sides of view yes my people can be messy and yes I did say my people, but its not all hispanic. You guys are baseing your opinion of a few people and I dont think that is far. I live in a nice neighborhood and there is a family of americans that are white and they let there kids run wild. They live write beneath a hill and everyone also has to drive extra slow because the kids are always in the middle of the street. The have the dirtiest driveway ever and they are rude. But I am on hear bashing every white american I know people come on be civial and get it together.

By a-game

October 26, 2006 02:20 PM | Link to this

Hey Gwinnetians, here’s an idea: kill the immigrants and eat their children. Then when there’s no one left to rent the houses they were in, you can buy them up cheap, and get back to your fantasy of making a killing off your real estate value, which you seem to think white suburbanites have a divine right to do. (Plus you’ll be well-fed.) Sound inhumane? Considering one of you referred to immigrants as “animals,” I’m sure your consciences won’t slow you down too much. Go back and read these archived comments. How much more hateful could physical violence actually be than what many of you have said here? I hope the most vocal aamong you don’t consider yourself Christians, because if you do, you don’t get it at all.

By terrance brand

October 26, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

Blight is not just an immigrant problem. It is also a home grown problem. There are many examples of deterioration caused by those who were born and raised here. This problem is not just limited to unincorporated areas,but also to cities within the county. Lack of willingness and understanding the problem by local elected officials to enforce code violations is the primary cause of blights continued existance. However, there is one city that I know of that does not have this problem. That cities property values are 10k above their adjacent cities property values. I have the solution to curing the blight in Gwinnett. But it wiil take county and local officials intestinal fotitude to resolve this serious problem. To make this happen the news media and citizens need to become more actively involed in this issue.

By Livin Like You Wish U Were

October 26, 2006 02:23 PM | Link to this

All I can say is THANK GOD I live where I do…Washington, Ga in Wilkes County. You can have your run-down neighborhoods, traffic, and illegal mess. I live in one of the prettiest, friendliest towns in the state…far enough away from all that mess!

By Mark

October 26, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

South Fulton, specifically the Fairburn-Palmetto area of which I live, is still a rather nice place to live and raise a family. However, theres been a lot of shoddy housing developments going in that breed the type of crap thats been mentioned in many of these posts. I think the tide is turning now, thankfully. I have no problems living in a diverse neighborhood, my only request is that you keep your property clean and exercise some civic pride.

By Walter

October 26, 2006 02:24 PM | Link to this

I assume that none of the irate “patriots” posting here allow these illegals immigrants to mow their lawn, clean their houses and watch their kids? Everyone seems plenty comfortable taking advantage of the cheap goods and services that these desperate people provide, as long as you don’t have to look at them after their done doing your dirty work.

By BigOleCountryBoy

October 26, 2006 02:26 PM | Link to this

All I know is, if you all can’t sell your houses, it means you’re stuck there in Gwinsh!tt. That means you can’t move out here where I live and ruin our farms with your bullsh!t subdivision / convenience store / shopping mall lifestyles. THANK YOU MEXICO!

By Scot

October 26, 2006 02:27 PM | Link to this

S** Hater,

The issue in the article is a very serious problem that is plaguing our communities. Unfortunately, this issue will never be solved because of your narrow minded bigotry. I more than anybody else want our zoning laws enforced and our neighborhoods cleaned up. That will not happen because the “immigrant rights” groups will take your hate filled words and use them against residents that want constructive change. You need to tone it down.

By Clayton Bigsby

October 26, 2006 02:29 PM | Link to this

A-game

Most of the people on here probably don’t know who their representatives are in Congress. They are just barking loud, and won’t actually do anything about it except give Julio a hard time when he is cutting their grass. These neighborhoods didn’t go to crap the day Mexicans move next door If you live in a trashy neighborhood then move the hell out. If your job skills are being outsourced to somebody in India get a new job or go back to school, stop whining about everything.

By Watta Load

October 26, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

John,

Actually I agree with all of our points about a permanant worker class. I don’t support hiring illegals…

But my point (albeit sarcastic) was that..in general…I have found the immigrants..i.e., Mexicans and those from further south…are more reliable than your average national. I mean there are a lot of people of anglo-saxon heritage (my own by the way) who are just sorry workers..i.e., lazy and unreliable. It’s not all about hiring Mexicans (legal or not) just because they work for lower wages..

So I think American-born citizens…in the manual labor category need to raise the bar…because in my experience and in the experience of my brother who is a contractor..and probably many reading this blog…it’s like pulling teeth to get anyone who is an American born national to do a decent job for those jobs that are considered “labor”. And yes, I concede that there are numerous exceptions..but they are just that..exceptions.

By jsc

October 26, 2006 02:33 PM | Link to this

As a landlord with 5 houses in Gwinnett, I can tell you that all the houses I own are pretty comparable to the one I live in (value from $200,000 to $300,000).

A couple of the houses were total dumps in nice neighborhoods that I fixed up - by far the worst houses in their neighborhoods. I literally had to hack the yards back into shape with machetes, axes and chainsaws, and the work done to the interior was similar (gut the carpet, new roof, paint, AC, flooring, etc). One was a foreclosure, and another was an older (white) bachelor who didn’t or couldn’t maintain the property as he should have.

I try to rent to nice people, as I believe I provide some pretty nice housing. The women who look at the houses love the remodelled kitchens and bathrooms, in particular. We do background checks (not just credit, but criminal, eviction, etc). However, I just had to evict someone who looked fine on paper but ended up turning my house into a boarding house for what were most likely illegal immigrants.

The eviction process wasn’t so bad as far as going to court, but then it takes two months from the time I get a writ of possession until the Gwinnett Sheriff’s (Butch Conway - remember that name when you vote for sheriff) deputy will show up to actually let me put these people out on the street. Dekalb county only took two or three weeks, for a comparison. On top of that, I need to come up with two people per bedroom (for a four bedroom house) to move the stuff out to the street (Dekalb county demanded one person per bedroom, which is a lot more reasonable).

It’s enough to make me consider buying a gun and taking care of eviction in my own special way, legal or not. However, if I did that, I would almost certainly be arrested and sued, and these same wonderful tenants would probably end up owning my house(s).

Of course the house is trashed, and now I have to pay to restore it (again - it was a foreclosure that was vacant for a year, and I already spent tens of thousands to fix it up the first time). My wife and I do much of the work ourselves, so it is not just an economic set back but a huge waste of our time, repeating work we did a year or two ago. One example of repairs I currently need to do is to remove the door that was crudely installed (bare wall board, no paint or trim) in the entrance to the living room of the house - I wonder how many people called that their bedroom?

I notice that six houses on the street are now for sale, and I hope my house is not the cause of this, but I suspect it most likely is, at least for some of them. Believe me, what happened was by no means what I intended, and it was certainly not in my own best interest.

My leases specifically ask who will be living in the house, and limit the number of people allowed to reside there. If this clause is violated, I have to go through the eviction process which takes three months, and results in me losing four or more months of rent, meaning the mortgage comes out of my hide. I do get judgements against these (ex-)tenants, but what do you think the chance is that I ever collect a nickel? Pretty much zero.

This is the first time that this has ever happened to me, in seven years of doing this - by far the worst tenants I ever had. It is illegal for me to say “no more mexicans”, at least if I ever want to advertise in the paper, etc. Besides, I have had other Hispanic tenants (and black, and Asian) who were fine - they paid the rent on time, and left the house with nothing more than normal wear and tear. As a point of reference, white college girls were the previous worst tenants I ever had.

My wife is a naturalized citizen (and from a different ethnic background than me), so for anybody who wants to call me a racist I invite them to kiss my posterior. I do believe we need to get control of our borders to the south - it’s more like an invasion than illegal immigration. If anyone else is offended by that, see the end of the first sentence in this paragraph for instructions. My wife, a non-white immigrant, agrees with me.

By Mozeek

October 26, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Its too late to build a wall now!!! The infestation has become overwhelming!

By Akagi

October 26, 2006 02:37 PM | Link to this

Hey Rufus!

Unless you are a US Citizen, or a legal permanent resident or inside the US on a non-immigrant visa with authorization to work in the US, you have no right to be here and you have no right to work here.

By Since67

October 26, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

Our elected officials, Democrat and Republican, have abandoned The United States on immigration to this country. The decay of the certain areas of Gwinnett County are partially a function of our inability to get a handle on our borders. But the other part, and the part that should be the most offensive is the apathy of the Gwinnett County goverment to do their job. Our Planning and Zoning group is a JOKE, they do nothing actively to clean-up violations. I have to report a neighbor at least two times a year, for the last five years, each time he is treated as a first-time violator not a repeat violator. The county commission for the last 20 plus years have sit on their butts, collecting dollars from the developers, and regularly ignored zoning complaints to the commission. From my point of view, there isn’t a republican in this county that deserves a vote on election day.

By Henry Ostoja

October 26, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

aaa

By Watta Load

October 26, 2006 02:43 PM | Link to this

jsc,

I may be putting a house up for rent myself, so I’m curious…did you require upfront deposits, first and last etc?

Is that a reasonable request for your class of properties? I know a lot of potential renters dont’ have that kind of cash.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

Chris, I know of Mexicans and Blacks that live in East Cobb, Vinings, Dunwoody and Buckhead so your comment is not true. What it really boils down to is economics. I don’t care what color a person is, if he’s bearly making enough to cover the mortgage there is nothing left over for doing repairs and upkeep so eventually the property will go down.

By Alejandro

October 26, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

October, if you were working, you would not be so concerned about your neighbors “vioations.” Get off you fat American azss and work.

By ria

October 26, 2006 02:44 PM | Link to this

I am a convent educated post grad immigrant who worked for US companies abroad ,it is easy for me to “become American ” I enjoy mingling with every one ,but I do sympathise with any new immigrant grp ,everyone has to start somewhere ,give human beings a chance ,the next generation including my kid will be truely Americans if we stop sterotyping people ,how long back were african americans not good for America ,maybe our bias that someone is not good or not worth pushes people to stay away from the masses ,we talk about child abuse & how it affects a person for life ,how about imagining what a bias soceity does to a new comer ,pls think ,we are esponsible for what kind of world we leave for our children .this country will not diminsih b’coz OBL wishes it to ,it will be destroyed if we hate ! Vote for tolerance work for understanding .

By i don't think so

October 26, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

On behalf of my native american ancestors, none of you have a right to be here. Get out.

By All'a'y'allcangohome

October 26, 2006 02:46 PM | Link to this

Looks like Gwinnett’s not so snotty anymore. Almost everybody who lives there isn’t from here anyway. What’s so different about a bunch of Hispanics compared to half the state of Michigan? Y’all Yankees have done your fair share of damage to Atlanta and its environs (think traffic and other urban blight). Go home where you can’t find a job. We had a perfectly good thing here until all’a’y’all showed up.

By Henry Ostoja

October 26, 2006 02:48 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett residents are getting what they deserve. They continue to elect the WORST county commissioners on the face of the earth. Their objective is to line their pockets with builder money and allow building on every square ince of vacant property regardless of the effect on the residents.

If you don’t throw these crooks out of office they will continue to run your property values down to nothing.

Good luck.

By David

October 26, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

Alejandro has a point. And besides, what makes our taxes go through the roof is having all these people calling the cops on their neighbors because the don’t like how the yard looks, dog barks, etc. I’m glad the govt. is ignoring Ocotber’s complaints…they should. They have more important things to worry about.

By Mozeek

October 26, 2006 02:49 PM | Link to this

I was brought over here by force. I have no where to go to call home!

By Love Thy Neighbor/Stop Darfur Genocide

October 26, 2006 02:50 PM | Link to this

The country that we are so protective of is under attack not by foreigners nor by aliens. We are being positioned and manipulated like pawns while our government continues to carry out their intended missions. There’s more than your neighborhoods that are at risk, the very future of your way of life, the future of your children and their children is being compromised by the leaders of this world. You are left to worry about ingeniously laid out smoke screens, purposely ignored problems in this country that will keep you busy while world concerns of great measures are taking place by the few who controls and manipulates the worlds wealth and economy. The immigration problem is not a real problem, it could be taken care of if they wanted it that way. You worry about who should be here and who should not be here, while today at this very moment there are soldiers in Iraq loosing their lives, Americans, Mexicans, Latino’s and Blacks, to defend what…your neighborhood….your community? There is coming a time when we all will need each other in a desperate way just to survive. We should find suitable, constructive ways as caring citizens to our difficult times with the illegal immigration problems we have. Not hurl rocks of racial anger, because no one wins in that war! For those of you that will somehow have a problem with that, your problems have only just begun. Today there have been more than 400,000 plus Sudan civilians; children, babies, women and young girls being raped, families murdered and displaced. Do you really think that your God in his infinite love, and mercy wishes to bless this country as a whole when we as supposed to be Christians allow another full blown GENOCIDE to take place as we look the other way and pretend that it does not exist? While we look the other way so has your God looked the other way at your petty worries. Your president has totally ignored the situation in Darfur Sudan and this country of wealth and means will fall apart at the seams as it is already beginning.

By Clayton Bigsby

October 26, 2006 02:52 PM | Link to this

All’a’y’allcangohome

We had a perfectly good thing here until all’a’y’all showed up.

You mean before the Civil War right?

By JoeV

October 26, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

All’a’y’allcangohome…you said it…no difference between yankees and illegals….AMEN! Yall screwed up the north, then you came down here and screwed it up again. Guess what? Now you’re stuck in the barrio of Gwinnett - still glad you made that move and ruined the Southern agrarian way of life? Live in that dump. You earned it.

By Get a life

October 26, 2006 02:53 PM | Link to this

In real communities, people notice when bad things START happening. Henry is right. It’s Gwinnett’s own fault for not electing people with the will to stand up for their constituents best interests while serving on the County Commission, members of the Legislature, the DOT board and on and on.

By South

October 26, 2006 03:00 PM | Link to this

That’s what happen when you brag about a county to a point where it is one big lie. The media bragged about wonderful “precious Gwinnett.” No crimes, nice neighborhood, and the best place to live. The problem is that they made it sound so good that everybody flocked to Gwinnett. EVERYBODY!!!

See what happens when you lie for your own good. Whenever the same crime occur on the Southside as in Gwinnett, the crime is always reported on the Southside.

I bet the media decisions to report the news are mostly people from Gwinnett. Look at yall now. Ha ha ha ha!!!

I live on the Southside and for the most part I don’t have a problem with my neighborhood. It is not perfect (crime is everywhere), Lord knows I don’t want to lie… but I love it here.

By All'y'allcangohome

October 26, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

Dear Clayton Bigsby:

You are incredibly unenlightened. I want you to put down your Coke, call your Emory University lawyer, gaze out your ivory tower toward Georgia (Tech) Power that keeps your butt cool in the summer when New York City can keep its grid up, cancel your Braves’ season tickets, stay out of the Fox Theater, forget being sophisticated enough to hear the real beauty of the multi-Grammy-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, sell your NASCAR tickets on e-Bay, stay out of the Home Depot, and—under no circumstances-are you allowed to go to Grady Hospital when you smash your head open from speeding up and down the Interstate.

The Civil War is OVER. Atlanta is not. We have a kind of intelligence that your ilk can only crave—if you’re smart enough to do that.

By maggie

October 26, 2006 03:02 PM | Link to this

I bought a home in gwinnett county 6 years ago and if I could go back in time I would have NEVER bought a home in Gwinnett County. My daughter goes to middle school and when we went to open house to meet the teachers and find her class rooms she was in trailers ALL DAY! All the kids were either asian or hispanic and so I said is this an ESOL class because it looks like she is in the wrong class, as it turned out she was not in ESOL and that is the “norm” now. The schools are OVERCROWDED and us taxpayers have to suffer for it. These illegals come here and rent apartments or houses and DO NOT PAY TAXES. I hate it for my kids and other kids that are being neglected at our schools because of the illegal poplulation exploding. DO SOMETHING!!!

By you are right

October 26, 2006 03:06 PM | Link to this

Lovethyneighbor - you are right. Our government is ignoring us and we are defeating ourselves with hatred, poor management of finances and what have you. We are in a war going no where and as you say others in the world are dying for no reason. God help us.

By DonnaB

October 26, 2006 03:07 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett - it’s just a place I drive through when I leave the ATL. The immigrant population is what has finally made Gwinnett INTERESTING and the ONLY REASON I even consider stopping in Gwinnett now. Thanks to your newfound diversity, you’ve got lots of ethnic restaurants I ENJOY eating in and SPENDING MY MONEY in, paying SALES TAXES to you. That means MORE TAX DOLLARS for you, so stop complaining and enjoy the ALL the colors of the rainbow!

By TMAN

October 26, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

Forget the Federal government, This problem needs to be fixed starting with the local government and local enforcement. Lets just remove illegals from GEORGIA. Other states need to take care of their own business. I love this State and want to see it grow in the right direction.

By moveintown

October 26, 2006 03:08 PM | Link to this

You wanna avoid barrios? Move intown and buy a small, overpriced house in a high tax area (city of Atlanta or Decatur).

Slumlords don’t buy low rent investment properties in Va High, Iman, Candler, Decatur and M’side because the taxes and values are too high so they can’t make ends meet.

The illegals won’t move here because the rents are too high and the homes are too small. Plus most of them don’t have garages.

Plus the schools are first rate and most of the riff raff have moved out (to DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinett).

Yeah, you have to squeeze into a small house, but it beats your n’hood becoming a barrio any day!

By O LEE REED

October 26, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

It’s called white flight. Gwinnett is the new Dekalb. Nothing will change, move to Kennesaw/Canton.

By Mike

October 26, 2006 03:10 PM | Link to this

Normally money earned in a community is “spent” 4 or 5 times in the same community— the economic multiplier effect. Each time it is spent the local businesses profit amd the community benefits. Sales tax is collected.
The illegal population sends a large portion of its earnings out ot the country annually—supposedly, to its families. It is never returned to the community—or nation—where it is earned. Any economic benefit potentially derived from that money is lost—forever! I have found that the typical “wage” for an illegal immigrant hired off the street is $10.00 per hour—not too shabby. The employer dosen’t mess around with 1099’s or payroll deductions—which seems to suit the IRS just fine. You try it and see what happens! The millions of illegal immigrants send BILLIONS of dollars out of the USA annually. Millions—if not billions—of sales tax dollars are lost. The only families, communities or government to benefit are in Mexico. Of course, the illegals continue to reap the benefits of being in this country. They—and their employers—milk the system—i.e. the USA tax payer.
This will still be true if somehow this population is “legalized” as Mr. Bush wants. I recall that Sen. Kerry—in a Presidential debate—acknowledged the growing problem of illegal immigration and said that the only practical way to address it is to hold their employers responsible. Of course, he may have changed his mind since—but it is still true and we should hold our elected reprensentatives accountable to us and not let some “special” interest control OUR COUNTRY!

By Lupe

October 26, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

What’s happening here is terrible, no doubt about it. I am hispanic and do not live the way this article details. I keep a low profile in my neighborhood because I know what the common thinking is like. We are not all here to detroy, demand, and disrespect anyone’s property. Like every other race, there is always a group of individuals who ruins it for the rest of us. The comments from “Pedro” are clearly an attempt to make hispanics look ignorant and uniformed, I hope no one takes that comment seriously. Please remember not to sterotype us all, some of us do pay taxes, do own homes, do respect property, and of course some like myself are US Citizens who obey the law.

By DonnaB

October 26, 2006 03:11 PM | Link to this

Maggie, ever hear of PRIVATE school? Or home school? I wouldn’t punish her by choosing those options, however.

You should be glad your daughter is going to grow up experiencing / learning about other cultures / languages which will not only make her smarter and a better individual, she will be able to get a much better job!

By JB

October 26, 2006 03:14 PM | Link to this

MOVE INTO THE CITY! It’s nice here in midtown and there are none of the problems of the burbs. Sure, you may wind up next door to some gay decorators, but they aren’t bad at all once you get to know ‘em and it beats the hell out of living in “tijuana-town.”

By Midtown Is Ours

October 26, 2006 03:18 PM | Link to this

NO MOVEINTOWN!!! NO!!!

We don’t want these racist, bigots, gay bashing, confederate flag waving, uneducated, strip mall building, city charm smashing, rednecks in our wonderful, interesting diversified towns.

STAY OUT!

By Don KeBallz

October 26, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

I love the spanish ladies! Please let them stay!

By Getalifefreak

October 26, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

Hey John: I like it here.. i’m staying. The only problem I have is with racist freaks that think their way is the only way. If you have any issues, stop kissing policitican a* and hold them accountable for enforcing the existing codes. Just case Billybob is your cousins brother twiced removed that’s now married to your sister doesnt mean he’s doing his JOB. Crooked politicians are to blame.. developers are greasing the pockets of politicians who aren’t caring about development plans. Regardless, this yankee is staying. Start understand that you are the minority.

By maggie

October 26, 2006 03:19 PM | Link to this

Private school??? $10,000 a year for a single mom—not gonna happen. My daughter obviously will grow up in a diversified culture but my god, its not just the school problem, I go to the quik trip by my house to get gas/drinks all the illegals getting their gatorade gawk and stare at her and it makes me crazy, I just want to punch them in the face and tell them to stop staring at her. Most of the time she wants to sit in the car and stay away from them they scare the crap out of her.

By Tell it like it is

October 26, 2006 03:20 PM | Link to this

I do beleive there is an immigration problem in this country. I also beleive that you guys really think these immigrants do not pay taxes. Even if they are renting; someone is paying property taxes on that property. They pay sales tax on everthing they buy. They buy tags for there cars. They put gas in those cars. I see alot of taxes being paid. Most work for companies that hold back taxes on them for which they never file for. Who keeps the money? They do live a lot rougher than most; but who would wash the dishes, cut the grass, pick the onions in the field, or work dirty construction jobs. Face it; there was a demand for low paying labor. Black labor was getting scarce due to welfare and laziness.

By YellowJacket

October 26, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Jimmy Carter & Buford Highway used to be asian town 10+ years ago but now most of the asian shops moved north to brand new buildings on Pleasant Hill/Steve Reynolds Blvd/Old Peachtree Rd. & The Mexicans took over Buford Highway & Jimmy Carter. By the way asians don’t drive down property values. That’s why asians have the highest test scores / best grades / highest income out of any ethnic group in the united states (even though the southeast asians drive the far east asians down a bit).

By lessismo

October 26, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

Not only do I think Gwinnett is GREAT, it’s actually A HELL OF A LOT BETTER than it was 10 years ago before the so called invasion took place. Sorry to all the zenophobes who miss their disneyfied white bread suburban cocoon lifestyle, but I’ll take the new dynamic diverse gwinnett any day of the week over the boring homogenous gwinnett of old.

By EW

October 26, 2006 03:23 PM | Link to this

To the money whores who hires illegals, you don’t get my business, if I see a Mexican looking work force I go the other way. To the GetaFreaks on here; no this problem doesn’t bother you, you grew up in the projects so what do you know about property value, you don’t even know who your daddy is.

By roa

October 26, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this

Sad to say, but I’ve lived in the metro area all of my 38 years and it has become impossible to continue to do so. Very very soon, my wife and I will be leaving. We’re getting away from all of the trash, regardless of color or origin, that has taken over the Atlanta area. Five years ago, I would have thought that I would never leave Atlanta. Now I sincerely hope that I’m long gone in less than five more years. New slogan: “Gwinnett is Gone.”

By Decatur Native

October 26, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

To all the bigots who landed in Gwinnett because of White Flight and other of your racist considerations, please do NOT move to Decatur. I don’t want MY property value to erode. Idiots. You have what you deserve. I’m very much enjoying the irony of this “Gwinnett’s Not So Great!” saga.

By Just sad

October 26, 2006 03:26 PM | Link to this

The article is very sad and just brings back all too real memories. I bought my first home in Gwinnett county 10 years ago. Over the years I watched my nice, quiet neighborhood turn into a dump!! I was able to sell and get out 8 months ago. You would have thought I won the lottery, that’s how happy I was. I feel so bad for the people still stuck there. If you are there and trying to get out I say good luck!! I don’t know what at this point can be done. I left Gwinnett county but I know what happened to Gwinnett can easily happen somewhere else. I won’t let myself get too comfy again. I’ll be trying to sell at the first sign of my new neighborhood going Mexican.

By Observer

October 26, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this

It is possible to talk about being good neighbors and maintaining property values without being a bigot. But apparently most people here can’t think that way.

I worked in Gwinnett County from the late 80’s until recently, and I always thought it was a poorly planned, unattractive place full of close-minded people. (When I first started working out there, the main concern was “keeping the blacks out”. I guess now the Mexicans are seen as worse.)

When I have to drive around out there now, I see it is even uglier and it isn’t because of the illegal immigrants. It is because of the ugly strip malls and sprawl that have taken over what was Gwinnett’s only good point - land and trees. Scenic Highway??? Yeah, right.

By Josh

October 26, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

maggie, one of those dudes is gonna be your son-in-law (if you’re lucky), otherwise, he’ll just be your daughter’s baby’s daddy.

By Dre

October 26, 2006 03:32 PM | Link to this

You Gwinnettians better not place the blame on anybody else but yourself. You pay your taxes, you put the officals in office, if they don’t do that job, get them out and put somebody else in!

By aa

October 26, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

There are some ignorant people on this blog..really…All this race stuff.. I agree with anyone who thinks mexicans are nasty, because they are.. Its too many of them and for all the people that have stated that “its nor a racial thing” you are the reason there are soo many of them.. You dont like to be a american and stand up for your country..your the problem. I live in East Atlanta, there are no mexicans, cant afford it, but they are in Rockdale, snellville, lawrenceville..We dont want mexicans…speak some english, go to school and become legal. and for Duke tell your people they are not wanted. they are gross, they spit on the floor nasty azz kids.nasty azz parents..and for people that hire them, shut their business down, they are doing illegal things anyway for the tax purposes..Doraville is nasty, Chamblee is nasty..Gross

By Michael

October 26, 2006 03:34 PM | Link to this

Regarding free schools and renters not paying taxes. The person who owns the rented home pays the property tax and presumably passes it on to the renters. The corporation that owns the apartment complex pays property tax and presumably passes it on to the renters.

Who is on this $60,000 committee to find out what JCB needs? I want that silly job. “Um, we need more police patrols, some lawns mowed, some Ten Commandments stickers, and an ordinance restricting how many unrelated people can live in a house. We don’t have any strip clubs or late night bars to blame crime on so let’s pass an ordinance saying we really really do not want strip clubs or late night bars.”

There, now give me $60,000!

By REFMan

October 26, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

Wow, reading these comments there’s idiots across the board - white, black, mexican, etc. Also, this shows that the average Atlantan is more racist than you would believe. I guess there’s a lot of closet racists out there who talk nice to you in person but talk bad behind you over the internet.

By maggie

October 26, 2006 03:36 PM | Link to this

JOSH what are you sick, or let me guess?? your addicted to child porn!!

By Getalifefreak

October 26, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Hey EW: You might be right, but i know he wasn’t sleeping with his sister like yours was.

By It's a damn shame

October 26, 2006 03:41 PM | Link to this

Anybody who thinks Hall County isn’t crawling with them, too, is sadly mistaken.

Hall County is like a Hispanic fire ant hill.

Sad.

By Bravesbaby

October 26, 2006 03:42 PM | Link to this

Want to know what to do here. Start e-mailing your congressman or Senator. If all of you do this then they will know we mean what we say and we want action. Enough of us do this then they will follow through. We have to make sure they know we have had enough. I have already email on this issue to several including Perdue. I feel I am doing my part. Are you?

By EW

October 26, 2006 03:44 PM | Link to this

GetaFreak….thats because no one would do his sister.

By Paula

October 26, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

I bought my house 6 years ago in Gwinnett and I do not plan to move even though there are neighbors that do not keep up with their houses. My parents live by Emory and they have the same problem. You can not start selling and moving thinking that is the way you will resolve the problem. Another way to avoid your kids being in an over crowded school try not to buy a house surround or close to apartment complexes. Our house is situated such that my son goes to a middle school in the Parkview Cluster. Also, can you guys give us hispanics a break. We are not as bad as you think. Thank god, I came to this country legally more than 20 years ago. I do as well as you guys critizes the mexican walking down buford hwy with the wife beater shirt on or the lady with all her fat rolls hanging. All foreigns need to educate themselves of the laws of this country and learn english. Please lets get Gwinnett back to being the beautiful county it used to be.

By aa is a dumbazz

October 26, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Mexicans dont live in East Atlanta? East Atlanta is a ghetto. Crime is done by the blacks there. Atleast the mexicans aren’t too lazy to work.

By Libby

October 26, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

I live in the Snellville Area. 2 Times I moved because my neighborhoods became infested with illegals. I have called the county to report too many people living under one roof. The problem goes away, but eventually it comes back full force, and in yet another home in the neighborhood. In fact, the last home I sold was sold to a mother and her 2 daughters. My old neighbor tells me that at times there are so many cars in the yard and parked on the street that she cannot get out of her own driveway.

By jwe

October 26, 2006 03:47 PM | Link to this

I had the opportunity to go to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island this summer. I was looking forward to the Statue and didn’t care that much about Ellis Island. EI became the highlight of the day! The displays there taught me a lot about the immigration process of the time. 1. Did you know that immigrants had to have $25.00 and a train ticket or sponsor to be allowed in? The laws of the time required this to ensure that the immigrant not be a burden on the community or go on the public dole. 2. Immigrants were strongly encouraged to learn the language and assimilate. The displays pointed out that many adults had a hard time or could not learn the language but their children usually did and could provide the translation required for day to day life. 3. Immigrants were given health and intelligence screenings to again make sure that they would not end up on the public dole or be a burden to society.

It was very interesting and taught me much about our fore fathers. I am a 6th generation DeKalb/Stone Mountain/Gwinnett area native but I have a co-worker that is second generation American and she tells stories about how hard her grandparents worked to get here (legally) and prosper. From reading many of the entries and the many discussions I have heard or participated in, I don’t think that most people have any issues with legal immigration. It is the illegal aliens that give them heartburn. While I understand the desire to come here, work and do better, I also believe that the laws are here to be followed. If you come here illegally, you are breaking the law and are a criminal. “Illegal immigration” is an oxymoron. Immigration by definition is a legal process. If you are here illegally, you are not an immigrant.

By Leah

October 26, 2006 03:50 PM | Link to this

I remember about 7 years ago when I first started looking for a place to stay. The majority of my family are GA natives and the first place they told me to stay OUT of was, you guessed it Gwinnett County! I am sooooo glad I listened to them. The main reason was ‘you don’t wanna stay next to anyone you can’t understand.’ Mexicans, Asians, and Indians, etc… all pull that ‘no speaka the english’ card when they have done something wrong. How do you get through to someone who pulls the i’m a dumb immigrant card w/out becoming upset and frustrated? Let’s try getting the green card first. My fiance’ stays in Norcross…I will be so glad when we move outta there because Mexicans, Asians, and Indians DO NOT respect your home or property at all! And I know it may be all about their cultural differences but hello…’when in GA, do what the GAians do’!!!

By Mexican American

October 26, 2006 03:52 PM | Link to this

I realize that yes some of us Hispanics are dirty, uncaring and loud. I do not agree with the way some of them carry on with their lifes. I wish they would come here learn the language, be proud and respect our home. But I also know that not all illegals are “Mexican”, not all come and have kids and get goverment help. Some actually live a decent life. Work hard and know that life here is not easy for them. As many of you I wish some were just sent packing but the truth is to actually get all the “mexicans” out will take a while. There are illegals out there that are decent. I am an American. Mexican Parents. I know where most of you are coming from but does is mean that just because were an American we can do anything that illegals do wrong but we don’t consider it as bad. Because let me tell you —-Where I reside most are American families but they are loud, their kids have a party every weekend mind you their in High School and are always drunk, they use foul language and park wherever the heck suits them.

By Tony

October 26, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Welcome to Wayne Hill’s Gwinnett, hope your happy.

By Love it intown

October 26, 2006 04:14 PM | Link to this

Oh please…look at the blue hairs that Rick is talking to in that picture.

These are the same folks that have always hated atlanta “cause all them colored’s and sissys live down there”..

Now they have to move again…too bad..

By lucky

October 26, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this

Appreciate the spotlight on Gwinnett’s social problems that this column has illustrated. The frustration with neighborhood decay is resounding, and hopefully the posts by those who have moved and still have the same problems in their new neighborhoods should be very frightening to us all. The federal government, responsible for this problem, will not provide the necessary fix. Our politicians are so beholding to the corporate lobby and special interest groups.

The boldness of illegals continues to astound me. To those hire illegals because they “work”, please consider that they drive drunk, kill and maim are citizens and taxpayers without penalties, they suck our school and social welfare systems dry, and bring in drugs, gangs, and disease. If illegal, they are criminals first, regardless of which country or how they enter. They are also uneducated and though they may work hard, they do not perform quality work. Consider all the decks that crash to the ground - do you believe they were built by someone who can read a building plan?

We cannot fix this by waiting for the Federal government. We cannot move away as they really are everywhere. Even in the Hamptons according to a Time magazine article. But we can continue to write our sorry politicians, and I recommend also including ICE in your correspondence, like that wonderful Sheriff in Roswell. They are not elected but Federal employees who are not doing the jobs they were hired to do.

But first innundate your local representatives. Attend every commission meeting. Bring pictures, videos, logs, and anything else you can think of. Research your zoning codes, lobby to tighten them and enforse them vigorously. Lets all get together and hold these people accountable and do not accept anything from them except we will change what is happening.

By tony

October 26, 2006 04:21 PM | Link to this

Well hello Gwinnett County people: This is exactly what the citizens of Milledgeville Ga are up again now because of students’ parents buying homes in single family residential areas and letting the students do as they please. Student don’t have the maturity or the mindset to be responsible for taking care of homes nor do they have a respect for their neighbors’ environment. A lot of these students are from gwinnett county! So, welcome to our world! Awful, isn’t it?

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

I’ve always believed that race relations in American has not really advanced that far since the 60’s and the stuff on this blog proves it. Basically we’re just a little tolerant of each other, but deep down inside we’re a helluva lot worse that Sheriff Bull Conner was in Alabama.

By moveintown

October 26, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Gwinettans… I understand what you are saying. Just because you don’t want 28 people living in a house next door with 5 trucks on the front lawn and garbage on the street DOES NOT make you a racist! It just means that you don’t want to live next to people who don’t give a rip!

If your complaints are based on not wanting to live next to nasty lifestyles and not based on race - you will love it intown. If you really have a race or gay issue - it won’t work at all for you - you will be very, very uncomfortable and will not have many friends.

People intown are just as interested in having a nice lifestyle as those in the burbs. I guarantee that if people started moving into Decatur or Va High and started to live like many illegals do.. .there would be a huge uproar. Stop being hypocrites intowners!

I am embarrassed by my so called intown neighbors… being a bigot goes both ways. Stereotyping suburban folks is just another form of bigotry. Not all suburbanites and Republicans are rednecks and bigots. The vast majority are real nice folks.

I say this as a card carrying Democrat Decaturite who lives next to biracial gay men! Tolerance means tolerance of all … not just folks who agree with your platform.

Gwinnettians (or whatever you call youselves - Gwinnettites???) - you are welcome to move in next to me - just be nice.. OK?

By JOR

October 26, 2006 04:28 PM | Link to this

This blog is a shame. My husband and me we are Hispanics (he’s from Argentina & me from Puerto Rico). We used to live on apt complex near Jimmy Carter I hate that place soooooooooo much, but thanks good we bought a house on Lawrenceville. The reason that i hate that place was i was dirty, people do not respect, and the things came worst when the Katrina Evacues came, it was really time to leave that place. I’m saying people because was every etnic.

It’s true somethimes you go to places and Latinos is not doing what they are supposed to do. But that is everywhere in all etnics.

Now on Laurenceville, I live on a really mix community and everybody takes care on their houses, is a quiet neighborhood. ANd i really enjoy watching the kids playing on the street (asian, oriental, black, hispanic, & whites).

I think is common sense take care of thing that you really care, and take a lot of time and effort to have it.

And also is really easy blame somebody elses, I always said take care of your business.

By Wondering?

October 26, 2006 04:31 PM | Link to this

Mexico sucks, TB sucks. I don’t won’t either. Georgia used to be a great State. Now it sucks too.

By JOE

October 26, 2006 04:36 PM | Link to this

The only way to correct this immigrant problem is by voting on Nov. 7th. Forget the party affiliation for once and only vote for candidates who want all this illegal immigration stopped, now. I personally think Gwinnett is a lost cause; we never go there at all. The hispanic gang problem is terrible there. In Forsyth I can see it getting worse; but the contractors and lawn guys still line up their trucks each AM to pick up illegals on Hwy 9 by Country Boy Trailers. With the right legislation that can be stopped. But you have to VOTE!!!! Let’s send all these illegals the heck home on a 1 way ticket. If they think we’re racist, who cares!

By Midtown Is Ours

October 26, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

moveintown - they ARE NOT welcome next to me. These are people who would mow down midtown, decatur, VH, L5P, Avondale, and put up a giant walmart next to a strip mall. These are people who are going to scream f*, and n*& out their front doors, egg our homes, threaten to rape our sisters and beat our brothers.

We (gays and lesbians) are are not moving. We cleaned up these dumps when you ran away from. We made wonderful n’hoods and beautiful homes. We made quaint cities with walkable sidewalks.

Rednecks are NOT running us out of our homes. Take your rebel yells and your republican leaders and your confederate flags to Paulding or Clayton. You will not be welcome intown by the majority of us.

By b

October 26, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

People who talk different from me.. People who look different than i look. People who eat different foods than i do. People who listen to music different from me. This is ooooh soooo scary!!!!!!!!!! Please get me out of this place…I’m soooooooo scared.

By Lovin Gwinnett

October 26, 2006 04:43 PM | Link to this

Are you a part of your homeowner association? If not, be a part of it so you can help the county out. I live in a largely African American subdivision ( yes they figured how to put us all together-I wonder how they did that?) and we have some of the same problems. But if people followed the rules and if they were actually enforced by the people who live there ( who are scared to do so) and then actually supported by the county, i dont think it would be so bad. People complain but if you ask them to work and be part of the solution then everyone speaks a different language. No one wants to follow the rules!

By merican

October 26, 2006 04:47 PM | Link to this

I read blogs but almost never comment, but today is an exception. I have spent the last hour reading everyone’s comments. Some are good and some bad. There are some big problems in good ole USA and no real way to solve them. This country has always relied on cheap labor and has no real solution to get away from that. Our nation’s economy has also always relied on growth to stay ahead. This one reason the government does little to discourage Illegals. I belive that people need to do more in their own countries to make things better rather than just plan to move to the USA. I have spent significant time in Latin America and before I left, I always thought that the US was keeping people down in these third world countries. After spending enough time down there, I saw that they keeping themselves down. Latin America has more people and more land than the USA, yet they can not seem to get it together after two hundred years of independence. Is this the USA’s fault? Latino’s talk about how hard they work, yet in their home countries they barly work at all. There is trash everywhere and people goof off all of the time. The people who do work, get only about half as much work done as the typical American work day. I think just controlling the litter problem is these third world countries would solve many of their problems, take some pride in were you live! As far as Assimilation goes, I do not belive that many new immigrants want to become citizens. They feel like they will save money and return home. New arrivals come here on a Jet plane not a sail boat and feel they get home quite easily. It is not a one way trip as it used to be. I do not feel like the developing countries are holding up their end of the bargain, the population explosion in these places is a major problem and the seem to have no solution except to try to get to the USA. And as far as people who to preserve their culture, if your culture is so wonderful, then why is your country so messed up. I do not believe this a race issue either because look at some countries that are the majority white, ie Argentina and Russia, that have major problems with their economy. The USA relies on self governing. You have to make sure you can take care of your own business in order for this place to work. You can not play the blame game for whatever injustice that happened to your ancestors. We live in the present day, you have to be able to cope in today’s world, not worry about what happened five hundred years ago.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 04:48 PM | Link to this

Voting on Nov. 7th isn’t going to change a thing. Politicians like Preachers are notorious liars. They will tell you anything to get in office. Basically we’re all in this melting pot and we’ve just got to go with the flow and deal with it. Quite frankly, rounding up people and sending them back to their native country would cause another civil war nowadays. Why do you think the current administration in Washington has turned a death ear to this situation?

By George

October 26, 2006 04:52 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett County went to hell in the late 60’s when my grandfather sold the farm in Snellville. There were no subdivisions, malls or traffic jams. The good times are over for good.

By Jerome

October 26, 2006 04:54 PM | Link to this

Julio you are the exact reason that we are in the mess that we are in. Maybe in Mexico nobody cares about the apperance of their house or yard but we do here. Go back to Mexico and take care of your family there and if you can’t then too bad you shouldn’t have had them in the first place. I pray every night that all you freeloaders will either get deported or get hit by a bus and my wife is Asian, but her father did it the right way and was legal. Just go home and be nasty and dirty there just like everybody else there.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 04:56 PM | Link to this

One more thing, how do you suppose a Government that couldn’t round up folks who wanted to be rescued in New Orleans from Katrina, can round up folks who are on the run and want to be here? I chuckle everytime I think about “Brownie, you’re doing a heckavu job”, then fires him. If you really want something PHUCKED UP, leave it in the hands of government, afterall they got us in this mess.

By ria

October 26, 2006 04:57 PM | Link to this

to the guy who says on behalf of native american ancestors ,this is every one land created by one God ,you miss that point ,even if not recorded in history books how are we to know if this land was not someone else’s before the indian tribes ? justifying who came 1st is useless ,how do we co-exist will bring us more prosperity . My country was ruled by british but I actually do not hate them ,learn to love others . how is anyone to know that those who came here legally did not lie or do anything to mak ethem less than perfect compared to these poor people ,by the way I am Christian & legal & educated & from a 3rd world country ,must I hate those who ruled my ancestors or hate those who are less priviledged ?? tolerance ,understanding & openess will help us all as “Americans”

By AM

October 26, 2006 05:05 PM | Link to this

Why if the Mexicans were such “Hard Workers” you would have thought they could be on the moon by now. OH - Their government is currupt - that why! Well I’ll tell you something, so is ours to let this cr*p go on and on. Vote out all incumbents, it does not matter what party. Keep voting them out until we get ones in that represent the people ..not gay marriage ..not flag burning .. not the illegals!

By Nikole

October 26, 2006 05:13 PM | Link to this

We are putting a 1.2 billion dollar down payment on a stupid border fence. What a waste. Illegal immigration should be last on the list of priorities and definitely after poverty, healthcare and adequate education for all. It doesn’t matter how many illegals you get rid of, certain children will still be getting a subpar education, people will still be without healthcare and unable to pay their bills. Move on people to more productive policy.

By G

October 26, 2006 05:29 PM | Link to this

There have been many time when I felt I was going to lose my mind over my low income neighborhood. 15 years ago we purchased a HUD home, it was the best we could do. We really take good care of our home and I am proud of it. Now, the neighborhood, I’m embarrassed to invite any one over. I constantly call Gwinnett County about code violations, they do their best. I don’t feel there will ever be an end to it. Do you think the Government could buy my house and rent it to these pigs. Just give me about $700,000 so I could purchase something else. This sound like small change to me - compared to what all these pigs are getting for free.

By ADD

October 26, 2006 05:31 PM | Link to this

All of the serious issues facing Gwinnett County and the rest of Metro Atlanta, and some of you neanderthals still pull out the “Yankee go home” line? You are even more ignorant than I can conceive of. I wish I had never bought a home in this sewer of a county (Gwinnett), but as soon as it sells I am out of here. I take meticulous care of my home, respect my neighbors, pay my taxes and contribute to the improvement of my community. But I am way over dealing with the low quality of life here, and you Civil War holdouts. My Gay, Yankee, Catholic a** is done with this dump - Say what you want about the North, but the wealthiest, most educated and most livable states are primarily located in the Northeast, which is where I am from and will will return. Yankees did not Ruin this place - Your greedy ignorant relatives that owned the land here, and that became elected officials in charge of what you call zoning here, are the ones that runied it. This Yankee will most assuredly “Go Home”, and you are entirely welcome to what is left here. Wonder why it will cost me $800,000.00 to buy a home similar to the one here that I can sell for only $250,000.00 if I am lucky? Because it is located in a desirable place to live, with pleasant surroundings, cautious zoning and excellent schools that do not generate out the kind of ignorance that some people here exhibit.

A Rebel yell to ya - Look away, dixie land.

By anita

October 26, 2006 05:36 PM | Link to this

To th Female ABS: I see you tried to divert attention away from the problem of illegality. So wit6h all your brilliance and degrees, Iwas wondering if that qualifies you to scoff at laws ? Pleaee tell.

By D

October 26, 2006 05:38 PM | Link to this

Hi-I live in Dallas and lived in Marietta for some time. I have to say that illegal immigrants are every other person here in Texas and noone questions. Some people say here ‘Border? What border?’ It’s so common and I don’t see the govt. doing anything about it. The principals in Dallas ISD are now required to be bilingual. I don’t know what to really say on this issue because it’s not an issue that will be solved ANY time soon.

By Ben

October 26, 2006 05:40 PM | Link to this

By ashamed of BEN: When I was in Vietnam I’m sure you were one of the people that was ashamed of me and all of the other Marines, Army, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guard personnel that served our country. If I can fight for the rights of others in their country why the hell can’t I have an opinion in my own country? It’s idiots like you that make these illegal people feel that they have the right to come here illegally, demand we change our why of life to suit their needs. I’m sure you supported their marches demanding the U.S.A. change it’s laws to allow the criminals that broke the law… yes broke the law crossing our borders in the middle of the night have the right to demand concessions from our nation to allow them to continue break the law. With me there’s no gray area, no straddling the fence on this issue. If you come to this country, assimilate, speak ENGLISH, and be patriotic to this country! If you want to act like you’re in Mexico then no one has a gun to anyone’s head to make him or her stay here. By the way (ashamed) I truly believe that the majority of my fellow Marines feels the same as I and I also think we should not be made to feel ashamed of serving our country and or standing up for our country when its being invaded by these illegal immigrants as it is now.

By DJWho

October 26, 2006 05:48 PM | Link to this

So many children get subpar education because all the wealthy parents think their children’s you-know-what don’t stink, and only their kids deserve the very best. All children deserve an equal education. A child from a household that has $1 to their name deserves the same education that a child from a household that has millions to their name. Divide the educational budget evenly towards all schools of all class and wealth. The children of wealth don’t deserve a better education more than the poor kids who are hoping that one day they may get a new school building (but they can’t because the wealthy want it and think they deserve it first). What did they do? Find the cure for cancer? Ah, money talks doesn’t it… (That was my two cents regarding an earlier comment…. thank you….)

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

OK, now we’ve moved on towards the Education side of this equation. I agree with you totally DJWho. Once again education is run by the government and they’ve never done anything right. It amazes me how schools can be under one government, in the same district or county, and funded by the same tax dollars, yet the schools on the North side seem to have so much more. Government is good at playing us against each other with propaganda and brain washing. They’re good at it too. They got the majority of us talking about how we PAY TAXES. LOL, you don’t pay taxes, THEY TAKE TAXES before it gets into our hands because they know we wouldn’t pay it otherwise.

By moveintown

October 26, 2006 06:04 PM | Link to this

ADD - why don’t you move your black, gay a$$ right down here to intown Atlanta. It’s all you speak of up north.. but the weather’s better.

Also, we don’t have toilets in front yards and sheets on garage windown intown either.

Midtown is Ours… you can only promote tolerance by modeling tolerance. Bigotry begets more bigotry my friend.

Some of the most wonderful folks I know are gay.. ..but some of the biggest bigots I know are gay too. Go figure!

BTW… no … I’m not tolerant of toilets in front yards and 30 people living in a 3 BR house.. I don’t care if it’s the Queen of England and her royal court living there. As for your race, ethnicity, income level and sexual orientation… I could care less so long as you give a rip about yourself and your neighbors.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 06:13 PM | Link to this

Like Rodney King said “Why can’t we just all get along”. One thing for sure folks, like it or not Immigrants, like the IRS will always be with us.

By Nesbit

October 26, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

I’m mobing to Atlanta where it’s SAFE!

By ADD

October 26, 2006 06:26 PM | Link to this

MoveIntown - I am Gay, Yankee, etc. but I am actually white, not black - Not that it really matters at all. I appreciate your comments, and 5 or 7 years ago I probably would have done just that and moved back into town. However, I am now at the point where I have probably been here in Georgia too long, and am ready to move on to a more liberal, enlightened place where I can live in a suburban or semi-rural place and not be surrounded by the types that live out here. I did the Decatur thing when I bought my first home here, but wanted a larger yard and a newer home with more space, so we moved to “Gwinnett is Gross”. I know everything involves a tradeoff, but lately I have become much more aware of how states such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont and New Jersey are far more evolved, progressive and open minded overall than Georgia ever will be. And I am willing to deal with the weather issues if it means being able to live in a place with a more agreeable mindset. I know this is somewhat like giving up, and I really loved Atlanta when I moved here 15 years ago, but it has changed too much - or perhaps I have. But it is time to move on.

By FedUp2

October 26, 2006 06:40 PM | Link to this

Massachusetts? Open mined and progressive? Isn’t that Ted Kennedy’s state? They allow anything to go on there. What ever floats your boat.

By Seamus

October 26, 2006 06:45 PM | Link to this

Having read most of the blogs here I can say that there is definitely a schism in thinking about the “hispanic” problem, whether real or imagined.
As a first-generation American of Irish descent, I know my parents cried many time times about leaving “the old sod” but knew that they had made a decision to better their lives and became “American” as quickly as they could (speaking English helped, of course).
My dad admonished me at an early age to never, ever refer to myself as an Irish-American; he was Irish-American because he was born in Ireland and became an American Citizen. I, on the other hand, was born here thus I was (and am) an American. This scenario may not ever be played out more than 10-15% with the immigrants who come here now - legally or not. Do the Hispanics want (need) to learn English? Hell no! Everything is printed in Spanish, they are coddled and provided interpreters and yeah, I forgot to mention, I am the one who has to press “1” for English. Jesus Christ! Does that boil my blood? Finally: don’t look for the politicians to ever do anything. It’s all about VOTES and POWER you all. Niether party gives a rat’s azz about us…only that they stay in power and do what ever it takes to stay there. “Press “1” for English”? #%^&$@$!

By SA

October 26, 2006 06:56 PM | Link to this

Although I agree that there are serious issues here (boarding houses, property values, etc), I am astounded at the blatant bigotry on this blog—-people these folks are human! It is scary that many obviously believe that “native” born, English speaking, AMERICANS (whoo-haa) are some kind of master race.

By Cobb Countian

October 26, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this

Did you know: Mexico has a much more stringent illegal immigration policy than we do. If you sneak INTO Mexico and are caught, you go to prison. Mexican prison. For 2 years, I think. Once you get out of prison, if you get caught in Mexico illegally again, you go to prison for 10 years! It is also illegal to HIRE illegals in Mexico and if an employer has ANY doubt, they have to check with the govt or they also get in trouble. So people say that WE are harsh for wanting to build a Wall? Oh yeah—the govt of Mexico also prints a manual that gives tips on how to cross the border—it tells how to cross a river safely and to do it at night, etc. Mexico wants their poorest, least-educated people to come to the U.S. because it helps their economy and hurts ours.

By P** OFF AMERICAN

October 26, 2006 07:37 PM | Link to this

I would like for everyone reading this post to please follow this link to a video I have come across at a website: http://wehategringos.com/whg/?page_id=814 This video will truly open your eyes as to their feelings toward us. You can draw your own conclusions. You will definitely have a different view on why this filth needs to leave our country.
Also, I would like to thank the City of Lawrenceville for putting police officers in the QT parking lot on Hwy 20 to cut out the loitering. Finally!
Anyway, as Americans, we can start by avoiding their restaurants and not hiring them as contractors or laborers. If your employer hires them, turn them in! Don’t hire them to do handy work, paint your house, cut your grass, etc. If you need a good AMERICAN lawn service or contractor, contact me and I will help you find one! We need to stop catering to their needs. As for the immigrants that our in our country “legally�, I have no regard for them either. They continue to help bring more of their illegal friends and family into our country. At one time, I thought legal immigration was an okay idea. But our system has failed. This melting pot is full. Personally, I’m tired of paying for others who don’t want to pay for themselves and stand with their hands out feeling like they have a right to my hard earned money. I pay a lot of taxes in Gwinnett County and I’m sick of them coming here to have their babies! Hey, how many more schools are we going to have to build because of them? Your kids will speak Spanish as a 1st language before you know it. And they contribute to the traffic and crime. I could go on and on. You can visit my website, www.leavemycountry.com. I will continue to update it as I have time. You see, I work full time supporting the freeloaders and don’t have a lot of spare time to work on it.
My opinions are harsh, but unfortunately the times are changing and as Americans we are going to have to become harsh to prevent more problems. Signing Off- One P** Off American

By P** OFF AMERICAN

October 26, 2006 07:41 PM | Link to this

oh by the way SA, humans do not live like animals. And I get your “SA” joke…

By SharonH

October 26, 2006 07:46 PM | Link to this

SA, how can you be astounded by the bigotry you are reading on this blog? Have you forgotten where you are? This is Georgia after all. And Gwinnett was built on bigotry. Nope, it’s not astounding to read all the hate on this blog. It’s not astounding at all.

By SA

October 26, 2006 08:26 PM | Link to this

P**OFF AMERICAN SA are my initials idiot.

By NY Reader

October 26, 2006 09:00 PM | Link to this

As a future resident of Georgia, I found this thread very interesting… We have problems up here, but not like yours down there.

I thought I was able to deal with anything, but this illegal immigrant stuff looks like it is a mess down there,

I am a current homeowner with the plans of purchasing one there… Now my question is where… LOL!

By P** OFF AMERICAN

October 26, 2006 09:25 PM | Link to this

SA, my apologies. My initials are FY. :)

By GeorgiaBoy

October 26, 2006 09:37 PM | Link to this

Growing up in the 1980s, I thought Gwinnett County would be a great place to live and raise a family. Thankfully, I never moved there. What a mess!! When the conservative talk show hosts visited the White House last month, President Bush was surprised at how pervasive the disgust with illegal immigrants was throughout the nation. HELLO MCFLY!! He is so out of touch. Next time he comes to Georgia to campaign for Mac Collins or Max Burns, someone needs to bring him up to Gwinnett so he can walk the illegal immigrant infested streets and speak to the native-born Americans whose homes have been devalued by these lawbreakers. Both parties are fault for the situation. At least there a few Republicans who see the danger. The Democrats are worthless socialists who want to take from those work and give to those who don’t. Democrats look to these illegal invaders as future voters. Being upset by what has occurred in Gwinnett (and elsewhere) is not bigotry. It is legitimate anger. Claims of bigotry is simply a liberal’s way of saying he/she has no legitimate argument.

By amy

October 26, 2006 10:55 PM | Link to this

The illegal immigrant problem is no one’s fault but our own. We as voters have not made this a priority to our elected officials and that’s why they ignore the problem. Those of us who are law abiding, tax paying, voting, and consuming goods MUST stand up as a UNITED BLOCK and DEMAND action to be taken. Until that happens, politicians will pretend they don’t know what we’re talking about. Illegal Immigration…what illegal immigration…(wink, wink).

By Angie

October 26, 2006 11:10 PM | Link to this

THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT

If you are an American citizen with interest in pursuing this stress-free lifestyle as an illegal immigrant; please contact your nearest politician for an application. Please have your Social Security number readily available. No credit cards or checks will be accepted. Cash only please.

By Anne

October 27, 2006 01:07 AM | Link to this

Why is it that everytime I see a Meth raid on the news the Meth makers are illegals?

By Sharon

October 27, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

Wow…….24 hours and still going strong. Face it, nothing will be done unless we (All American Citizens, born or legalized) will step up the plate, readily accept this challenge and do something about it. Whatever it takes (within the means of the law) to resolve, we should all be willing to do. Write Congress, attend protests, organize protests, whatever.

You know what they say, the greasy wheel gets the oil. We’ve seen the protests from the illegals, now, how about protests on the news from American Citizens???

You’re all just a bunch of arm chair quarterbacks. Is everyone registered to vote? Do you vote?

By Jesse's Girl

October 27, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Wow! Asford Dunwoody…that was racism at its best! Congratulations….Hitler would be so proud of you. A$$ hat.

@Angie…..surely you jest. They aren’t required to get car insurance? And I never realized that with no documentation whatsoever, illegals could obtain a home loan. I was under the impression that someone else was simply purchasing the home for them.

I have also become educated in regards to Mexico’s laws. I was honestly never aware that they had such strict codes. Even Australia doesn’t let you stay for more than 4 months unless you are sponsored by a corporation. Why is the USA having such trouble with this? We need to just pass a K.I.S.S. law….keep it simple stupid. It would cost MUCH less money to implement a new task force to regulate the businesses that hire the illegals. And it would take much less time to get that started than it would to build a flippin’ wall.

By S

October 27, 2006 09:52 AM | Link to this

Let’s not pin the meth situation on illegals. Meth has been around for years long before we even started thinking about illegal immigrants. It’s basically been in suburban and rural America. We never heard much about it because the government and society willfully focused their attention on another equally problematic drug, crack cocaine. Over the years we saw low income urban residents, particularly those who lived in ghettos demonized, profiled and labeled as potential crack dealers when in fact many of them weren’t. To some extent that continues today, yet the authorities did nothing about the flow of cocaine-can’t make crack without it and most inner city dealers can’t afford it-into this country. What many people don’t realize is that crack cocaine usage dropped 20% thereby un-obscuring the equally problematic suburban drug problem that everyone turned a blind eye to. Now they (the government) have to deal with it and who are the easiest to scapegoat? Illegal immigrants. Not all of them deal in meth, but that’s what you’d think based on the news coverage just as it was with crack in the cities. Not to mention that those who do deal in meth aren’t the ones who started the meth craze to begin with. They’ve just gotten in on a game that’s always existed. Sniffing glue, paint thinner, and the like including meth ain’t a Mexican thing. That characteristic traditionally has belonged to another population residing in suburban America.

By Army Vet

October 27, 2006 12:30 PM | Link to this

I hear that the neighborhoods have gone to pot and criminal activity has really exploded in Iraq since American’s came to spread “Democracy”. Quit your crying people, at least the immigrants coming here aren’t dropping 500 pound bombs in our neighborhoods…

By Last Word

October 27, 2006 02:14 PM | Link to this

Thank God for the immigrant community in Gwinnett! May they continue to grow and prosper!

As for the bigots and white-flighters in Gwinnett: you made Gwinnett a sh!t hole a long time ago. We the immigrants have seized opportunity while you lazy white people watch TV and complain. We aren’t going away. We outnumber you. We outwork you. We pay more taxes than you. We are making Gwinnett a better place. Bigotry and white supremacy no longer have safe haven in Gwinnett…get over it.

By Jan

October 27, 2006 09:11 PM | Link to this

to last word, HUH UP yours

By Enrique

October 28, 2006 12:13 AM | Link to this

A big “Gracias!” to Last Word! We aren’t leaving…we do pay more taxes, and we are redeeming Gwinnett. I remember when I got here all these white people looking down on me. They still look down on me, but at least enough of my people are here now (buying houses, working jobs, paying taxes) that the racist whites don’t really matter anymore because they are outnumbered. They come down my street with that racist crap and their big lazy butt will probably get a good Mexican shoe stuck up it! Like someone else said, Gwinnett es Muy Bueno! You racists need to move to Germany and join the skinheads.

By Terri

October 28, 2006 09:19 AM | Link to this

Hey Enrique, I have a news flash for you. You are not going to retain any value in the house you have worked so hard for unless you maintain it. You are going to be a big loser when your neighborhood crumbles. And keep your shoes to yourself.

By bigidea

October 28, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

Let’s all go to Mexico & trash the place. Oh wait, never mind…the Mexicans have already trashed it! I say let the a*******holes have another protest and round them all up. It should have been done back when they first started crying & protesting. In case any illegal immigrants have missed my not so subtle message - GET THE HELL OUT, WE DON’T WANT YOU HERE!

By Final Word!

October 28, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this

Will Gwinnett County follow Cobb County’s lead in ENFORCING our laws or remain an illegal alien sanctuary fostered by a Sheriff, DA and County Commission who refuse to do all of what they can to deport these criminals?

Don’t forget y’all, “good fences make good neighbors� and enforcement of the Simpson Mazzoli Act (which has been on the books since the last amnesty) will end for the most part illegal immigration.

Demand enforcement first, refuse to create anymore failed visa overstay guest worker programs and just say no to the treasonous surrender of U.S. Sovereignty, via the convoluted S 2611 pathway of amnesty.

By NoGringo

October 28, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

Drive around…read the signs (if you can, most stupid americans only speak one language…and you make fun of us - almost every member of my family speaks THREE languages)…read the “writing on the wall”…we are HERE…this is our HOME. Better read the the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution…all men are created equal and we have every RIGHT to be here. Indians were here long before whites. My ancestors are Indians of the Americas…my family is reclaiming what it rightfully ours. Live alongside us in peace, or cower in your house and watch FoxNews, or leave. We don’t care what you do. Don’t call me stupid when you can’t even speak more than one language. We are not leaving! Viva Americas!

By ria

October 28, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

To anita , look at your fellow american’s comments about hygiene ,lang ,appearance of immigrants ,who is diverting from the issue ,have you ever run a gas station & seen how many people are locals who keep it dirty ,why make it a race issue that they are dirty & we are clean ,call it what it really is hate for someone who is different .If they are dirty have you ever seen anyone treat a educated clean legal immigrant any differant .read the world is flat & it will open you eyes to the global economy ,then pray teach your kid to compete with different people . not call someone dirty or unkept . the whole discussion of illegals driving down value that too by a african american is ridiculous b’coz I have seen as a 3rd party how they are treated when a balck man is not looking at my store a black man is atleast a foot away from any “clean ” customer no matter how neat he or she is . if Gwinett county has a civic problem like any community deal with it like you would with any race with shoddy back yards ,not making it a race issue.

By Gregg

October 29, 2006 08:12 AM | Link to this

Why all the ravings about the federal goverment and accusations of racisim? Why not focus on the undeniable fact that some people (no further description should be required) fail to maintain their property which results in a loss of value to others and the COUNTY is failing in it’s responsibility to enforce the laws.

By Carlos

October 29, 2006 12:32 PM | Link to this

Gregg, you’re a dumba$$. Those laws are unconstitutional. It doesn’t say anything in the Constitution about how one’s property should look or how one should “maintain” it. You “maintain” your house, and I’ll “maintain” mine as I see fit. Until you pay my property taxes, you need to spend more time worrying about your own sh!t and stop worrying about mine. Zoning exists to keep GA Power from building a power plant in the middle of a residential area. Zoning does not exist to help the Decorator’s Club tell other people what color to paint their houses and enforce the White Bread Code of Aesthetics. Get a life, Gregg, get a life. Obsessively mowing grass and fake dormers are not attractive. You ever try to actually shut those “shutters” on your house, Greg? Fake vinyl shutters aren’t attractive either. Neither is that “security” light that keeps your paranoid a$$ up all night. It is ugly and annoying. But it’s your house. Keep your fake sh!t and stop criticizing others’ houses. America is a free country. First Amendment protects my right to free expression; those county code people got in my sh!t a couple of years ago, not because the wanted to, the damn neighbors wouldn’t stop calling them…I just declared my house and yard a work of art and claimed my first amendment rights to free expression. A lawyer volunteered to help me out and those code people made copies of my lawyer’s response and now they hand deliver that response when the neighbors call. Maybe that was you Gregg! A big shout out to the framers of the U.S. Constitution…THANK YOU, BROS!

By Christine again

October 31, 2006 06:21 PM | Link to this

Gregg has a point—you don’t see white folks barking up the tree at Barrow County rednecks for not “maintaining property.”

By hugh

October 31, 2006 07:16 PM | Link to this

I’ve been reading through this forum. One of the things I keep hearing is “renters” pay no property tax. “renters” get a free ride. I am a white man in Florida. Yes, I rent. My landlord has to pay property taxes on the value of his property. Do you think the property tax is included in my rent? Or am I getting a “free ride”? I get so sick of “property owners” dissing “renters” like “they don’t pay their fair share.” I pay property taxes as a “renter”. Please get off of the fact that “renters” don’t pay taxes. We do, we just don’t own.

By Paulie

November 1, 2006 07:55 PM | Link to this

Sorry Carlos, but what you’re referring to the Constitutional issue of “takings” - in the case of legitimate complaints under the Property Maintenance Ordinance, they are indeed legally enforceable. These would indeed include unmowed and trasy yards, wherein all manner of critters can breed, thus endangering the higher level more civilized neighbors. In the last session of Recorder’s Court we had a fellow much like yourself who was given a complimentary 10 day stay in jail to reorganize his thoughts. This did wonders for him, as when offered another 10 days he saw the error of his ways and fixed the problem. FYI, the county can also perform the necessary maintenance for you and put a lien on your home until they are reimbursed. Yes sir, you have rights, and the other side of that tarnished coin is responsibility.

By John

November 1, 2006 11:02 PM | Link to this

People assume the “haves” as being very powerful, i.e., its assumed they have enough money and lawyers to “wait out” any assault on them. Likewise, there is the generalization that the “have nots” are weak, and because of a perceived lack of resources, the outcome of a confrontation is predetermined to be negative. It is highly unlikely that dishonest politions were once “good” and then somehow became “corrupt”. Dishonest politions have always been dishonest. Now here’s the key; they didn’t get where they are by stealing $100k from one individual or by fixing the voting machines in one district. They did it quietly, a dollar at a time, one vote at a time, one business deal at a time, from each and every one us. Now flip that over - if we stand up we’ve got numbers on our side - and all dishonest politians are lonley, backstabbing chickens - prosecute one and the others will be pointing fingers at each other so fast it’d be a breeze to take down the rest. “Gangs” are not just the bloods, the crypts and the Rodriguizes. “Gangs” are also the Rockfellers, Kennedys and Bushes. I don’t want ANY gangs in my town, because no gang is ever looking after me; only long enough to bleed me dry. City Council gangs are bleeding Gwinnett dry. And the immigrant and minority gangs are ruining our neighborhoods, schools and peace of mind. Stand up. Stand together. Take back this area one school, one neighborhood, one property tax law at a time.

And attention minorities- this is important - follow the experience of the whites and kick your trash to the curb! Yes you - I don’t care if your related - if he’s a criminal, throw him out and turn him in! The whites in Europe spent the last several hundred years learning this the hard way. When we didn’t kick the trash (the French Monarchy, Hitler, Stalin, etc.)to the curb, these psychopaths somehow end up with an army (a gang) and bring on VERY bad times. Think for yourselves. Stand up for yourselves. Then find neigbors that think and stand up for themselves and take back this county from the gangs and the trash !

By Carlos

November 5, 2006 05:25 AM | Link to this

Congrats, Paulie, you get to join Gregg in the Dumba$$ club…read my post, moron. I had all these complaints over my “unmowed trashy yard” (and I thought I was just leaving the land in its natural state!) and I got dragged into court. Like I SAID in my POST (read, you moron) “I just declared my house and yard a work of art and claimed my first amendment rights to free expression. A lawyer volunteered to help me out and those code people made copies of my lawyer’s response and now they hand deliver that response when the neighbors call.” In other words, I WON!! My “unmowed, trashy yard” is an environmental sculpture protected under the First Amendment…that’s the way the judge saw it, and that’s precisely why we have the U.s. CONSTITUTION to back folks like me when confronted by sniveling weanies like you and Gregg. How’s it feel to be a complaining loser calling the govt. time after time, only to find out you can’t do a DAMN thing about my ART ENVIRONMENT? The funniest part is I even made a sign with the title of my sculpture on it and a little explanation of what it’s about…that really burns the neighbors…they have to look at my unmowed sculpture AND read about its artistic worthiness! Like the moonshiner said to the revenuers, “Phuck Ya’ll!” Score a big one for self-expression and freedom over pricks like you and Gregg…once again, a BIG shout out to the framers of the U.S. Constitution…THANK YOU, BROS! FREEDOM IS GREAT!

By BearerOfBadNews

November 9, 2006 04:55 PM | Link to this

Hello, happy Gwinnettians, how are y’all doin’? I have nothing but compassion for ya with all these fuggin’ illegals populating the once-fast-growing county. I am aghast of how the government is not enforcing the laws concerning immigration and doing nothing about getting these fuggin illegals out of here and shipping their illegal asses back to Mehico. I wish I could do something about this! It should be relatively easy to put a plan into motion of chartering mass of buses and shipping containers, pack them in, and off they go! This would take some time, but then it would be worth it! Gwinnett, Hall, Rockdale, etc. would once again be the proudest counties for economic growth, families living here, etc.