Thinking Right

By Brian Curtis

September 27, 2006 08:11 AM | Link to this

Actually, I have a similar question for Wooten: What community do YOU represent?

I noticed you said “relatively few of us go to Atlanta’s downtown anymore.” Who is “us” that you’re referring to there?

By Pope rednecks - Amerikkka's Al Qaeda I

September 27, 2006 08:22 AM | Link to this

The community of scaredy kkkats that make up the Woo-ten Klan don’t go downtown because they are afraid. So they stay home instead - hiding under their beds because Al Qaeda might be blowing up trailer parks yet - you never know.

Fear and paranoia are the cornerstones of redneck life. So they are willing to spend 2-3 hours a day driving around in the suburbs rather than learn to deal with their phobias.

By Man of Science

September 27, 2006 08:27 AM | Link to this

• Mexican meth labs I haven’t heard of any Mexican meth labs only seen this in our community, Jim. I’ve seen lots of mexican marijuana busts in Gwinnett and Hall counties.

• What community do they represent None except the aging we need a cause crowd. Talk to any middle class Black person and they hate child molesters just as much as we do..maybe because the majority child molesters are white..but they want them out of society. The death penalty in the Black community would be a sore point I believe for the simple fact that for the same crimes, they tend to get harsher sentences, period.

• The emergence of drug gangs

Truly a scary result of the war on drugs, it definitely makes me think twice about going into downtown..Norcross! The illegal mexican immigrants is not a downtown Atlanta issue, this dangerous element is in Gwinnett, and Cobb counties. Clayton, and Dekalb county has it issues with thugs that are high on the forced entry break-ins and that’s a deterrant too.

• annoying panhandlers

Tell their asses, “no change”, and listen to the “god bless you’s” and “f*** you then’s” all in the same breath the same way you hear it from good church goers everyday in life. Not many instances of panhandler attacks.

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 08:31 AM | Link to this

Nobody pays attention to the crime rate in Atlanta because so little of the metro area lives there, in proportion to past years. In terms of land area and population, the crime rate of Atlanta isn’t much more important (except in a symbolic way) than the crime rate of Sandy Springs plus Lithonia, or the crime rate of Gwinnett.

And yes, I do go downtown…You’re missing some great stuff there Jim. Just give the panhandlers a “sorry…have a blessed day” and they’ll go elsewhere.

By Jim Wooten

September 27, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this

Morning all. By “us,” Brian, I mean people in metro Atlanta first, and people throughout Georgia second.

By sct

September 27, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this

“Relatively few of us go downtown anymore”

Wow. Wooten puts a negative spin on what should be good news, lower crime. 3 million Aquarium visitors. Thousands of Falcons, Hawks and Thrashers fans. Sold out high-rise condo owners. Office workers, (soon to be joined by Cobb County’s Cousins Properties.) Government workers. Have you seen all the cranes in Downtown?

Atlanta is booming! Thousands are moving back. Sure seems to pizz some of you off.

By gamule

September 27, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this

Brian, “us” are them rednecks that does not end up in the Coroner’s icebox on Monday morning. Have you stopped to notice who “they” are ?

And Pope, we rednecks do not go out at night because we are resting from a long day of work, so our taxes can pay for more food stamps and FEMA rent.

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this

Just being curious Jim…why do you make the statement that the “us” of metro atlanta don’t go downtown much anymore?

I’m not against making anecdotal observations, but the “us” of people I know go downtown pretty frequently.

By James

September 27, 2006 08:55 AM | Link to this

SCT,

And lets not forget about [http://www.oxblue.com/client/woc/] a project I am very proud to a part of.

By MELO

September 27, 2006 08:58 AM | Link to this

Brian Curtis, u know, no matter how they try to hide their prejudice, it still comes out. This board is for rednecks and white bigots.The Allen “Macaca” type!

By gamule

September 27, 2006 09:03 AM | Link to this

MELO

If this board is only for rednecks and white bigots, WHICH ARE YOU?

By Dana

September 27, 2006 09:18 AM | Link to this

Mexican meth labs scare you? Ya know Jim, ALL meth labs scare me, and quite frankly, the vast majority we have around here aren’t Mexican. In fact, the average meth user in our area is white, MIDDLE CLASS and male. I know this because I have a family member who just reached (thank God) 18 months clean. I know way more about meth, the labs and the addicts than I ever wanted to know. Jim, that comment was asinine, small minded and I really hope you are not representative of the average Atlantan with your theory.

However, to answer your question, YES crime is a concern. I must be a part of that tiny minority who commutes to Atlanta each day, I work in Buckhead. And I am frequently still here in the evening, go to dinner with coworkers or clients, and crime is a consideration both here and at home in East Cobb.

As for the protestors and Mark Taylors half baked proposal, I am not for allowing violent offenders out EVER, but I admit that I hate the idea of the death penalty. I would not vote against it, don’t misunderstand, I simply hate that society is such that we have to have it. And yes, it does cause me much pause to realize that we have, in fact, executed innocent men.

By Blog Dawg

September 27, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this

Dont tell me that Sonny took a bite out of crime too. That’s some legislative menu, eh? Are we talking about torts or tarts? Is it a Sonny do list, or a Sonny grocery list?

What kind of pork is earmarked for crime fighting, anyway? Who pays for less crime? You and me, that’s who.

It’s a crime that crime is down.

By getalife

September 27, 2006 09:29 AM | Link to this

The crime of the century was invading a country that had nothing to do with 9/11.

Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this

Man of Science, Let me help you and all the others who think the meth problem is a white problem. Sure, poor whites use the stuff, but lets see who is importing it and making all the money…hmmmmmm. Ole’ !!!

ATLANTA —Federal officials have made a “record-breaking seizure” of crystal methamphetamine buried in the back yard of a rural home that they say was used by a Mexican-based drug ring. Agents charged four men — two of them residents of Mexico — with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. All four were captured during the raid at the home in Buford, 33 miles northeast of Atlanta.

Atlanta Drug Bust Nets 28 Suspects

Federal agents arrested 28 suspects and seized 592 kilograms of cocaine during an overnight raid in Atlanta that dismantled one of the largest drug trafficking cells on the East Coast, the Drug Enforcement Administration said Thursday. Twenty-two suspected members of the cell were indicted Oct. 11, although officials don’t know most of their real names. Many are listed only with aliases, such as Cauliflower, Gordo, Yoli, Sope and El Sobrino. Of the 28 arrested, 19 were illegal Mexcian immigrants, DEA said.

Defendants Plead Guilty In Meth “Superlab” Case

Two defendants charged with operating a methamphetamine “Superlab” in a residential neighborhood in Cobb County entered guilty pleas today before United States District Judge Clarence Cooper. The “Superlab,” located at 200 Church Road in Smyrna, was the first “Superlab” discovered in Georgia and one of only a handful discovered on the East Coast. DEA agents arrested three defendants, IGNACIO CORTES-VALENCIA, 24, an illegal alien originally from Michoacan, Mexico; GUSTAVO LARA-MURILLO, 31, an illegal alien originally from Colima, Mexico, and RAMON OSEGUERA-ALANIS, 34, an illegal alien originally from Michoacan, Mexico, in February 2005 after tips from confidential sources led the agents to obtain a search warrant for the residence, court records show.

RECORD BREAKING DRUG and MONEY SEIZURE

SEP 16- Sherri F. Strange, the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Atlanta Field Division, announces the arrest of four individuals along with the seizure of approximately 249 kilograms of cocaine, 70 pounds of methamphetamine, and $4.6 million in cash. A fifth individual is being sought. The operation was a culmination of the joint efforts of the DEA, the Douglas County Felony Interception Narcotics Detection (FIND) Unit, and the Marietta Cobb Smyrna (MCS) Task Force.

On September 11, 2004, a tip on a suspicious tractor-trailer led agents and officers of the DEA, the FIND Unit, and the MCS Task Force to a warehouse located at 5800 Riverview Road, Mableton, Georgia. Continued surveillance of suspicious activity at the warehouse led agents to question individuals present at the warehouse on September 13, 2004. With consent, a search of the warehouse was conducted resulting in the discovery and seizure of a large sum of money, approximately $4.6 million. The suspected drug proceeds were hidden in a false compartment within the refrigerated unit of the aforementioned tractor- trailer. Continued investigation resulted in the identification of a nearby house at 5937 Brookside Drive, Mableton, Georgia. A state search warrant was issued for this residence resulting in the seizure of approximately 249 kilograms of cocaine and 70 pounds of methamphetamine. The methamphetamine was in the form of “Ice”, which is known to be a very powerful, high grade or pure form of methamphetamine.

As a result of this investigation, four individuals have been charged with trafficking cocaine by the Cobb County District Attorney’s Office:

Jaime Angel Torres, DOB 07-09-1966, Mexican national Juan Ibarra-Acuna, DOB 02-02-1957, Mexican national Francisco Sanchez-Benitez, DOB 03-26-1986, Mexican national Alejandro Benitez-Lopez, DOB 06-18-1970, Mexican national

By Richard

September 27, 2006 09:32 AM | Link to this

Jim, go back and read your own newspaper’s crime story again, or as it seems, possibly for the very first time. Your Downtown bias really shows.

By getalife

September 27, 2006 09:33 AM | Link to this

Why are the criminals pushing the detainee bill to vote so fast?

Well, so they will get away with the felonies they have already committed.

Lets face it folks, they write the laws and they break the laws.

The criminals in Washington are the worst kind of criminals.

By Blog Dawg

September 27, 2006 09:34 AM | Link to this

I’m suprised that Sonny doesn’t fry more criminals.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 09:36 AM | Link to this

You people who keep trying to claim the meth problem isnt Mexican are showing your ignorance. I suggest you read and research before spouting such ignorance. The meth and coke and drug cartels in general in this country are now predominately Mexican. Why do you think they are killing people left and right and getting out of control in Mexico? They are fighting over America, thier largest market!!

By Van

September 27, 2006 09:37 AM | Link to this

Brian Curtis

Your comments suprise me.

“I noticed you said “relatively few of us go to Atlanta’s downtown anymore.” Who is “us” that you’re referring to there?”

Us referes to people that do not work downtown. My last office was in Alpharetta, I currently work from home. I only go downtown for special occasions, last occasion was at the Fox.

People that do not live in mid-town or downtown have no reason to travel to Atlanta, except for certain events.

Your implication tells me that you are sensitive to any slight that might be aimed at you, grow up, few people care and you need thicker skin. No one is trying to insult you.

By ckt

September 27, 2006 09:39 AM | Link to this

I believe the “us” Mr. Meth-concerned Wooten is referring to must be the suburban-dwelling, Chili’s eating, mall for weekend entertainment, republican-voting white middle class america crowd. He surely has not been downtown lately, because he would have noticed a vibrant night-life, great restaurants, arts, and people of all races AND socioeconomic background living TOGETHER in the same place.

Perhaps the more amusing argument (a republican talking point, no doubt) made by Mr. Wooten is that he is concerned with the “mexican” meth labs and illegal drug gangs. If you are going to use the argument that crime downtown doesn’t concern you because you don’t go there, don’t get your panties in a wad about more issues you will never in your life deal with. And let me tell you something Mr. Wooten, it’s the kids of people like you who are dealing with Meth - and it’s supplied primarily by WHITE mid-western meth labs. But apparently meth labs run by whites are ok, because they voted for your president right? or is it just because you don’t like mexicans? i am so fed up with republican bigots…

More talking points - come on my friend - have a real discussion about REAL issues.

By mo

September 27, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Did the article say something about “Downtown” Atlanta only? I thought it meant “Atlanta”.

If it meant the City of Atlanta’s crime is down, that is extremely significant. It will be another major factor when large companies look to move their corporate headquarters. In turn, it creates stronger revenues for the city.

It’s great! Congratulations to the Mayor, Shirley Franklin, and the police departments that serve the city! Also, congratulations to the citizens of the city for their diligence, as well!

By Realist

September 27, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this

Dana, No disrespect, but knowing a user doesnt mean you understand the underlying business and large scale operation of meth cartels. I suggest you go to the DEA Atlanta website and read for a while. You are really looking ignorant with thsoe comments.

Jim is spot on right about who the big drug labs and cartels are. Its MEXICANS!!!!

Its ignorance like this that is going to take this country down the drain while we stand by and watch and cheer!! Idiots.

By Van

September 27, 2006 09:45 AM | Link to this

What I would like to see, is a metro wide study to see if crime in Atlanta, it is down, has it moved out to the suburbs?

If that is the case, it is a good thing for Atlanta, but the crime has not gone away, it has just moved.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 09:47 AM | Link to this

CKT, DANA, MOS,

Show us some press on white operated midwest or otherwise large scale meth operations. Please show us!! I just showed you three or four large operations from RIGHT HERE IN THREE COUNTIES and I didnt have to look hard.

We are ready for the proof of your baseless accusations.

By Curious Observer

September 27, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

Before we conclude from the statistics that crimes are indeed down in Atlanta, maybe we ought to ascertain that arrest practices are normal. Any change in emphasis will necessarily influence the crime statistics.

And no, I don’t go downtown unless I’m compelled to do so—by a jury summons, by work meetings, etc. The area is riddled with panhandlers, some of whom will curse you roundly for ignoring their demands, instead of uttering “God bless you.” Atlanta once arrested the most aggressive of them, but not any more (see what I mean about emphasis?)

Finally, I once was a firm supporter of the death penalty, but now I abhor it as merely revenge killing. I’m convinced that the idea of “closure” so often cited by violent crime victims as justification for execution is merely code for revenge. I don’t mind paying taxes to keep the worst offenders behind bars forever, but I don’t want to have people killed deliberately in my name, especially if there’s the slightest chance of their innocence. And that goes for two-time child molesters, too. Such people have their wires crossed permanently and need to be put away forever as threats to society.

But Taylor isn’t gaining any votes by appealing to our worst instincts. In fact, I would venture to say that he has lost more votes with his latest stance than he will gain. Given a choice between Sonny and the Fat Boy, I will now simply skip over the gubernatorial part of the ballot. If I wanted to have a choice of a redneck, I would write another one in.

By David

September 27, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this

Why would anyone spend a dime inside the city bounderies? Taxes are higher 2% over Cobb, retail prices are higher due to rents and property taxes, Gas is $.10 higher within a mile of each other between 2 stations on Cobb Pkwy. I live in Vinings and will make an ocassional excursion to a game or the aquarium, but I will spend my dining $’s before I get to the city. The city offers NOTHING that can’t be found elsewhere and there are good people ITP and OTP no matter what your clique is.

By spp

September 27, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

I don’t worry much about crime in Atlanta. I’m a white guy who has lived in either southwest or (presently) off Cleveland Ave. in southeast Atlanta for more than 8 years. I have yet to encounter any crime. I’ve never had a car alarm, house alarm, dog, gun, or bars in the windows, and I spend 99% of my time either in Atlanta where I live or Clayton Co. where I work. BUT, I don’t buy drugs, look for prostitutes, have criminal friends, or take walks at 2:00 AM, and I don’t have any domestic problems, all of which are the source of many of the violent crimes in the US.

Crime is the lowest it’s been in my lifetime, but the reason so many people are paranoid is that newspapers and news programs flood us with the most spectacular crimes every day. And it’s well known that one way to get people to pay attention is to appeal to their fears. And the fact that news channels are now 24 hours means that they have to have some way of getting viewers 24 hours a day. How do you do that? Scare them into watching. Bird-flu, anyone?

By TechFella

September 27, 2006 09:59 AM | Link to this

I father and uncle were addicted to methamphetamine, so I’ve researched it quite a bit. The largest importers of Meth into Georgia are indeed Mexican, but they are not necessarily the ones cooking it in the labs. Jim Wooten wasn’t wrong mentioning the huge problem of Mexican meth labs, he just may have been more politically and factually correct to have dropped the mexican part.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 10:03 AM | Link to this

Realist -

I did. I also spent time talking with police, both Atlanta and Cobb county, as well as the numerous trips to the ER, conversations with docs and emergency techs. I am far from ignorant, have much more experience with this than your web reading, newspaper article research display. I won’t deny that mexicans are involved, I am pointing out that the issue isn’t simply a mexican issue, it is one that has a huge effect accross all demographics.

In this case, you calling me ignorant is laughable. Come to think of it, you calling me ignorant on any instance is a farce.

By Brian Curtis

September 27, 2006 10:05 AM | Link to this

Van: I’m not insulted, I’m trying to figure out who Wooten’s talking about.

WHO doesn’t go downtown any more? Surely not the people who flock to the football and baseball games, or the High Museum, or the new aquarium… surely not the people who already live and/or work downtown.

So who, exactly, is “us”?

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this

Techfella, You are talking about two different things. The mexican cartels are importing thousands of pounds of meth, finished product ready for distribution and consumption.

The “labs” you refer to are usually small time users or dealers who make a tiny fraction of what the Mexicans import. The importation has become larger as the raw materials to make meth in US labs have been cut drastically by govt controls.

Again, people need to be aware before they spout facts that are untrue and unfounded. Again, go to the DEA website and read for a while to see where the drug problem in this country is coming from.

By harold

September 27, 2006 10:11 AM | Link to this

it aint crime that skeers ya. it’s the news

harold never met anybody who got robbed or knifed or shot or otherwise killed in the ATL. harold only seen it on the news.

harold never met anybody killed or maimed by a terrorist either. he only seen it on the TV.

harold never seen a meth lab blow up or met anybody who seen a meth lab blow up. it only been on the local neews.

the news makes you scared of stuff you aint rightly gotta worry about

when you see on jerry springer that somebody’s tranny girlfriend is involved with another tranny why dont we worry about that happenign to us? we just laugh and laugh, but watch a tv show reporting that boo got shot or trailer X blew up and hysteria breaks out.

now getting killed by a car? that is something you should worry about. everybody knows somebody that’s happened to. most people know (knew) several people thats happened to.

maybe thats why crime in atalnta is down. everybody gets killed in a traffic crash before getting the chance to commit or be victimzied by crime

By sct

September 27, 2006 10:18 AM | Link to this

Jim and Realist sound alot like Andrew Young. Blame all your the problems of your community on the store owner and not the resident.

If you suburbanites would just boycott Mexican meth the problem would go away.

Those Gwinnett Mexicans sure are energetic, they are babysitting your kids, building your homes, raising your crops, manufacturing your drugs and mowing your lawns.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:19 AM | Link to this

Well DANA, As someone who worked in an ER and still holds a license and worked as an “emergency tech”, Im not sure what my license and experience there could offer in the way of knowledge about the drug problem.

I dont think you know sh*t and you are doing a good job of showing it. Shall I post more for you to read about the Mexican drug wars and why they rage on? Shall I post more about the DAILY huge busts of Mexican drug cartels and the growing involvment of Mexico in the US drug trade?

No, I dont think so. Go read and learn for yourself.

Btw, if you have any more questions for “emergency techs” , I am an EMT-II and worked in the field for four years in a downtown metro area. I think Ive seen it.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

Realist - I think you and I may be seeing this from totally different places. Your idea of fighting the drug use here seems to be to eliminate the supply. And I agree, much of it IS imported now, (note that my family member was a user 18 months ago, prior to the changes in the laws here) and stopping the supply is crucial. However, the average USER is white, male, and middle to lower income level. It’s the equivalent of cocaine in the 90’s in popularity and prevalence now, and it is much cheaper.

But stopping the flow of product is only part of the solution, the USERS are the other part. To claim that this is only a mexican (or any other group you might want to name) is absolutely ignorant. Go to your local high school and talk to the guidance counselor.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:27 AM | Link to this

By the way Dana, before you go research the DEA site, read your own words. Sure sounds like you were doing more than simply pointing out its not a Mexican issue. Sounds more like you were saying its almost not a Mexican issue at all. Then why all the huge busts of Mexicans in the Atlanta metro area DANA??

Mexican meth labs scare you? Ya know Jim, ALL meth labs scare me, and quite frankly, the vast majority we have around here aren’t Mexican.

Why the hell are some of you so damn blind to what this Mexican invasion is doing to this country? Are you really so ANTI-WHITE that you will watch our country be trampled to nothing just for spite?

By Dana

September 27, 2006 10:28 AM | Link to this

How long ago did you do that Realist? Recently? Was it within the last 5 years? And again, I thank you for your abuse and disagreement, you irritate me beyond belief with your narrow minded, small town mentality.

By Amy S.

September 27, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this

I think I speak many of those who live in-town when I say “yay” to the fact that many like Wooten don’t come downtown anymore. Great! In-town is where it’s at! Great restaurants, entertainment, nightlife, museums, sports, etc… Crime is going down and moving out to the burbs and part of the reason in-town is looking so good these days is Wooten and his so-called followers are staying in the hinterlands! Thank God!

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this

No offense Dana, but people WAY smarter than me or you discovered long ago that indeed the best way to slow the drug epidemic was to stop the source. Again, I refer you to the 1980’s and cocaine epidemic.

And again, we were initially talking about LABS, NOT USERS. Jim mentioend labs, NOT USERS.

DOnt try to turn it all around now, that Ive clearly shown that Mexicans, as Jim said, are a huge part of the LABS/DELAERS/SUPPLIERS. Nobody here ever said they were the f*** users Danas. Stay with the topic ok.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 10:34 AM | Link to this

I tell you what. I went to suburban, predominantly white high school…kind of in the mold of Milton High School in Alpharetta. White kids at my school got away with murder in regards to drug use and alcohol abuse because their parents naively thought that their kids were immune from societal ills living in the ‘burbs.

Are there meth labs ran by Mexicans? Yes. By whites? Yes. By Blacks? Yes. Most of the people that I’ve known to do meth were whtie. Just like most of the people that I’ve known to do cocaine were white. Most of the friends that I’ve known who sold drugs were white.

In regards to living in the city of Atlanta…it’s great. Traffic is better intown than in the suburbs. Panhandlers may ask me for change but relent when I tell them no. What the hell are they going to do anyway? A lot of intown neighborhoods are revitalizing unlike a lot of suburban corridors that are becoming blighted like Roswell Road, Windy Hill, and Cobb Parkway. And quite frankly, I feel safer in a lot of intown neighborhoods than I do in suburban ones like Norcross. To each their own I suppose.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 10:36 AM | Link to this

Realist - get a grip on yourself. Maybe you need to take a break, I’m concerned you might have a heart attack.

As you pointed out dear heart, the mexicans are importing the finished product. Not manufacturing it here. manufacturing=lab.

Btw - I AM caucasian, am not anti any group (well, I am anti-ignorant, anti-bigot and I am sure a few other appelations) I don’t tend to view my neighbors based on their skin color or religion. Admitedly, I live in a primarily white area, and the majority of my friends are while, like me. Not sure how my wish for you and others to open your eyes to reality makes me a white hater.

By @@

September 27, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this

Jim: I’m not going to reject the Mexican connection to methamphetamine, but neither am I going to ignore Latin America’s complicity in this problem. Hispanic sounding names pervade throughout Latin American

When the U.N. allows Bolivia’s President, Evo Morales, to hold up a Coca leaf to defy the U.S. as imperialists, who will not blackmail his country into eradicating their drug production, and third world countries offer resounding applause, we’ve got a serious problem.

And let’s not forget the radical left-wingers who cheered on Chavez & Morales in their disrespect for our country.

Afraid to go into Atlanta? Not really. Crime is everywhere. Don’t go because I don’t like urban landscapes, elbows & a*******holes, excessive noise, or noxious automobile emissions.

Somebody mentioned Clayton County’s growing drug problem. Not to worry. Sheriff Victor Hill is packing heat. Unfortunately he shoots from the mouth and does little else.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:42 AM | Link to this

Yes Dana, we are seeing this from two different places. Reality vs. Fiction.

And I promise you my views and attitudes are anything but small town. Go pull 24’s on a rescue truck in the blackest part of Bham Alabama for four years and then come and talk to me about drugs and reality. As I said, I still keep up my CEU’s and go back and ride third party about two or three times a year.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this

Sure thing Liberal. Most meth addicts are white because it keeps you alert and awake for days at a time. The mexicans love it because it lets them work longer and harder and make more money. Im sure the whites, like the truck drivers, love that benefit too. This would also explain why the blacks have no use for the drug.

By Van

September 27, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this

Amy S.

Glad you enjoy where you live.

I do not live intown because as someone posted, it is way too expensive and my work is not in-town. While the city of Atlanta does not hold a monopoly on good restaurants, it simply not convenient to go downtown unless it is for something special.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this

MEXICAN METH 65% OF U.S. SUPPLY

As lab seizures and restrictions on sales of products containing pseudoephedrine dry up meth production in parts of the United States, law enforcement officials are becoming increasingly concerned that the void is being filled by the Mexican meth trade.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, 65 percent of all meth consumed in the United States now comes from Mexican drug cartels: 53 percent from superlabs in Mexico itself, and 12 percent from Mexican-run superlabs within the U.S. The cartels who so efficiently established super labs in the West Coast in the mid-90s are now moving operations to Mexico, where restrictions on the precursor chemical, pseudoephedrine, have, until very recently, been nonexistent. In 2004, Mexico imported 224 tons of psuedoephedrine, a figure estimated to be double the national demand for cold medicine, and quadruple the 66 tons imported in 2000. To supply their super labs, the cartels are obtaining the chemical in mass quantities, either in bulk directly from overseas suppliers, or from local pharmaceutical companies making legitimate cold pills, or via bogus pharmacy fronts.

In November 2005, the Mexican government pledged to set a limit on imports of psuedoephedrine and reduce the number of pharmacies selling products containing the chemical.

FRONTLINE spoke with The Oregonian’s investigative reporter, Steve Suo, about Mexico’s drug trade and whether Mexico’s proposed reforms or the passage of the 2005 Combat Meth Act, still pending in Congress, will make a difference. Suo reported for FRONTLINE’s “The Meth Epidemic” and his extended interview on the story can be read elsewhere on this site.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this

LMAO! OK realist - you are wasting my time, and I’m not going to continue arguing with your foolish self absorbed self. You believe only what fits in your narrow mind, and that is certainly your right.

By Jaszmin

September 27, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

The crime yes, is getting WORSE!!! I can’t tell from one day to the next that it’s getting better in my eyes it ‘s the worse. Now being scared to go into the city ia another thing. It’s not the crime down there that scares me it’s the one way driving & the those darn potholes that scares me the most. Crime here Atlanta is EVERYWHERE….No city is exempt. Gwinett, Marietta, Lithonia, Decatur, Rockdale & North Ga all of te metro area & surrounding cities are being hit w/crime…Home invasions, robberies & murders are ridiculous have been in th last 8-9 months & not to even mention it’s time for the holidays.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

HAHA Realist. Actually we have no use for the drug because it makes your teeth fall out. How can you get gold caps with no teeth?

But in all seriousness man, you can’t profile the drug epidemic solely on race. No one is going to deny how crack ravaged the black community, or how Colombian cartels bring coke to the US, or how white professionals abuse coke. But thinking like that may cause you to turn a blind eye to what your kids will be exposed to when they get older. Nobody is immune from the drug problem.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 10:56 AM | Link to this

from good old liberal CBS NEWS

Mexican Meth Floods U.S. Shutdown Of U.S. Labs Fails To Stop Spread Of Deadly Drug

(May 20) — Law enforcement officers busting illegal methamphetamine labs once was a common sight across the United States.

But such raids don’t happen as frequently anymore — not since most states and the federal government put severe restrictions on the sale of over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in methamphetamine, reports CBS News Correspondent Bill Whitaker.

Drug enforcement agents report the number of meth labs in the U.S. has plummeted.

“Yes, drastically down, in fact,” says John Fernandes of the Drug Enforcement Administration. But, he adds, “Unfortunately there is an explosion of meth use.

The epidemic of meth use is still rampant because the drug is still plentiful on America’s streets. Why?

“They just came across into Mexico to start production,” said Fuillermo Gonzalez of the Tijuana Police Department.

This deadly drug is now a growth industry for Mexico’s deadly drug cartels. They’re replacing small U.S. kitchen labs with Mexican super labs. The cartels are smuggling ephedrine from China, India and Europe and cooking up huge quantities of cheap meth — including an especially potent variety, Mexican Ice. Then the cartels smuggle it north to U.S. users.

“They’re making quite a lot of money off of meth,” Gonzalez said. “They are pretty much using the same routes that they’ve used in the past with cocaine and with marijuana.”

By some estimates, as much at 80 percent of the meth on U.S. streets comes from Mexico. Agents see more of it at the border. Meth seizures are up 106 percent in a year at the border crossing near San Diego.

I REST MY CASE

By Lynn

September 27, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this

Realist, I agree with you 100% Keep them on their side of the border and drug use/abuse will definately decrease. And Dana, it does not apply primarily to poor white males. This drug is used by mexicans, whites, blacks and mixes of all. Just a couple years ago a dentist here in town was running a lab from a storage facility (he was white, but not poor). As with any drug, availability prevails and takes over, so, make it harder to get and watch the decrease in drugs & crime.

By Barbara

September 27, 2006 11:04 AM | Link to this

Brian Curtis, I’m going to take a stab at answering your question about who “us” is. I’m assuming Jim grew up around here, or lived around here for over 20 years. If that is the case, the “us” he is referring to are those of us who grew up in the suburbs, before they put Super-Walmarts, Targets, Movie Theaters, etc. on every freakin’ corner of every suburb! 20-25 years ago, if you lived in Woodstock you had to go downtown (or close to downtown) to go out because there were not many restaurants, movies, theaters, good shopping, malls, etc., in the suburbs. Now there are. That is why “us” doesn’t have to go downtown anymore.

Hey Dana, I commute to Buckhead too!

Jim I wonder if Shirley Franklin has made any efforts to curb crime? (as I avert my eyes….) I am kinda impressed with her. Although I agree with Van. The crime has probably simply moved to the suburbs. We don’t really put criminals in jail as often as we should, so when it’s not as easy to commit their crimes in the ATL, they’ll just find somewhere else to do it.

I actually like to drive downtown sometimes because I enjoy seeing the “night life” and I also am proud of being an Atlantian. (I don’t have much of a choice since I live here, ya know…… love the one you’re with, so to speak.) I do believe the city is cleaning up it’s act. I hope it continues.

And yes, Jim, crime stats would be important to me in an election, but working with numbers and statistics all day, I know they can be manipulated, so it’s sometimes hard to really get to the truth.

By Ice

September 27, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

Realist is on meth.

Meth kills.

By Rush

September 27, 2006 11:11 AM | Link to this

I think we should bomb all of the meth labs, at least the ones that aren’t next to the Oxycotin labs.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this

This “Mexican meth lab” thing is getting tired. What do some of you proposed to do? Avoid Mexicans? What about the Guatemalans? Do they have meth labs too? Lets now forget all of the Honduran immigrants in Atlanta too.

Now we have Mexico and Central America covered, what about the Russian immigrants and the Russian mafia? What about the rural white meth dealers from North Georgia? I better start saving to build a fortified wall and moat around my house. For some of you to act so macho, you can really act like a bunch of scared little b!tches at times.

By getalife

September 27, 2006 11:21 AM | Link to this

Well, I was watching Lou Dobbs yesterday and he stated the gop corporate agenda to eliminate the borders and merge with Mexico and Canada.

This fascist agenda needs cons in control of all three countries. Mexico cheated to achieve this agenda and further the NAFTA superhighway project.

If you think meth or immigration is a problem now, just wait until their unAmerican agenda makes us the United States of North America.

This is the gop corporate run government in action.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

I agree with you whole heartedly liberal. I was just being funny and “smalltown-ish”.

Going back to the statemetn, “the vast majority of meth labs are not Mexican”, I think I have proven otherwise.

By buck

September 27, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

So, Wooten’s argument seems to be that crime in the city of Atlanta was never an issue in the first place; therefore, a reduction in crime (it would be hard to fudge the # of murders dramatically) is inconsequential? Seems like he’s trying to deflect attention away from good news via the old OTP vs ITP controversy. But, if you live in the burbs, perhaps methamphetamine is a bigger issue for you than whether the city of ATL is more safe.

By CJ

September 27, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this

FYI - Watch out for Realist. He revealed yesterday that he has a death wish for anybody who disagrees with him and especially anybody who proves him wrong.

By sct

September 27, 2006 11:26 AM | Link to this

A large part of the crime reduction in Atlanta comes from demolishing the old public housing projects.

Some of the crime has gone elsewhere, Memorial Dr in Dekalb for instance. But those old projects were what bred alot of the downtown crime.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 11:28 AM | Link to this

Now we have Mexico and Central America covered, what about the Russian immigrants and the Russian mafia? What about the rural white meth dealers from North Georgia? I better start saving to build a fortified wall and moat around my house. For some of you to act so macho, you can really act like a bunch of scared little b!tches at times.

There is liberal living up to his name. Changing the argument and reducing it to absurdity. Liberal, when the DATA shows that Russians and others are such a large part of the problem, then we can address it. Today, lets address the current threat and obvious problem, which is illegal Mexicans. And by the way, its not the Mexicans who scare me, its the limp wristed liberals like you who will stand by and do nothing and cheer the illegals on to victory. But its not really fear, its more like pitty and disgust.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

anyway Liberal, what the hell are you clammering about? Are you jealous we are talking about Atlanta crime and the mexicans have stolen the spotlight from the blacks?

We can start talking about the black crime problem in Atlanta if you like that better. We can start with all the crooked black criminal cops and politicans and make our way down to the citizen criminals after that.

By Ice

September 27, 2006 11:33 AM | Link to this

Realist, get off the dope.

Paranoid.

By The Real RUSH

September 27, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

It’s Oxycontin, as in CONTINUOUS you ignorant a*****

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

Actually what you proved Realist was that now most meth comes from cartels in Mexico, which goes into the issue of patroling the border and working with other countries to stem the flow. However, the meth that is made here is made in-house, by Americans. Also, I suppose when the drug is distributed, that it probably goes through hands representing all colors of the spectrum.

By getalife

September 27, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this

Realracist,

Please share your views on Iraqi welfare.

It still boggles the mind.

By harold

September 27, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

so what is it about this kid busted in acworth with a bag of magic mushrooms. the worst thing the cops could say about the mushrooms is that it’d be dangerous to operate a car or machinery while under their influence? yeah a can of bud light says that too and so does a packet of benadryl. this kid is probalby gonna go to jail for damned ever and for what? nothing. a silly bag of freakin’ mushrooms. they grow naturally around these parts y’know. who cares if college kids want to eat mushrooms and watch bad music videos or even a flashlight an emergency blanket in front of a fan for 8 hours? who really gives a damn? but this kid will be in prison forever with the likes of that guy who killed the silver comet woman. does he deserve that for a bag of mushrooms? so a mushroom walked into a bar and bought everybody a round of drinks. he was a fungi.

By Rush

September 27, 2006 11:38 AM | Link to this

I think we should bomb all of the meth labs, at least the ones that aren’t next to the Viagra labs.

By time for the truth

September 27, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

It is blindingly obvious to anyone who actually wants to accept the “truth” that crime in metro Atlanta is disproportionately committed by blacks and Mexican types. This can be further ‘isolated’ into black and Mexican types males under 40 and yoofs/teens. It shouldn’t be necessary to (very obviously) add - but I do because of the long shameful history of the sick twisted bigotry of black bigots and liberal bigots if you dont - that most blacks, like everyone else are indeed perfectly law abiding decent folks.

The relatively recent enormous, fast increasing impact of thuggish often murderous Mexican type illegal criminals is astonishing, they have managed to outdo all other criminals in some areas. Hence nationally illegals now constitute well over 30% of all jailed crimninals including all state/fed/county jails.

Just sit and watch WSB TV’s nightly crime reel of blacks and increasingly Mexican types. Obviously there are white criminals and oriental/asian ones - but by and large they are in the minority for the more serious or more notable crimes that are unremittingly featured on TV. What is staggering is that unremittingly WSB TV report predomiantly black and now Mexcian type crime with not one word of condemnation or reflection on who’s doing the crimes. Just regularly watch their TV news programmes for at least 2-3 weeks you’ll instantly see what I mean. Yet the liberal jerks at WSB very shrilly finger point at the merest hint of any white racism/bigotry.

White and oriental/asian yoofs/teens are not constantly shooting at/killing each other for little or nothing. Nor do white teens commit anything like the same level of violent predator crime. This has nothing to do with the tired old thankfully now defunct lie of white racism either. Its a cultural “thang”, imposed at least in part by the addiction to the hippety hop and gangsta culture which does not value life, women, respect for others and property or cops. It does promote the gangsta drug dealer thuggish bling bling life style.

Look where most of the violent crime occurs, it occurs in black and Mexican type areas, Atlanta, S Fulton, Dekalb, Cobb, Gwninnett and (increasingly) Clayton counties. All of which have large black and (increasing) Mexican type populations.

Downtown is still pretty bleak and dingy, there is bugger all there for tourists other than a handful of shamefully touristy attractions that you either go to or dont. None are a must visit for me. There’s very little in the way of shops I have any interest in or need to visit. Now I have finished with the goose stepping nazis at INS and got my US passport I have no reason to go downtown. The occasional concert is the only time I venture there. I stopped going to Braves ganes when they stopped playing baseball this season.

Thus I hardly ever visit downtown and not just because of the fear of crime, which I concede is down, although clearly not all crimes ever get reported. I stopped going downtown because the seemingly predominantly black culture and ambience has nothing to offer me, I have no interest in any of the activities and events put on. I dont like the homeless beggars - many are way too aggressive. Its far worse than London for that.

My wife worked downtown for 10 years and knows it extremely well. An Atlantan born and bred she has no use for downtown either since her family like many others was blockbusted out back in the 1970’s. Since they moved the births and deaths etc records office out of the now condemned building near the Braves stadium to out of town she hasn’t been down there by herself.

I did however frequent the racist black book shop downtown The Truth Bookshop - dont know if its still there. I used to get quite black looks from the staff and customers when I went in to browse. I can tell you they sell virulently black racist books and magazines there, including virulently anti-semitic material published both by mohammedans and even white nazis. I’ve regularly seen copies of the white nazi classic The Hoax Of The 20th Century - which actually questions whether six million Jews died in the holocaust and the infamous forged Tsarist secret police written Protocols Of The Elders Of Zion among other gems.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 11:40 AM | Link to this

LIBERAL, DO YOU READ WELL SIR? RIF!!! TRY AGAIN.

Drug enforcement agents report the number of meth labs in the U.S. has plummeted.

“Yes, drastically down, in fact,” says John Fernandes of the Drug Enforcement Administration. But, he adds, “Unfortunately there is an explosion of meth use.

The epidemic of meth use is still rampant because the drug is still plentiful on America’s streets. Why?

“They just came across into Mexico to start production,” said Fuillermo Gonzalez of the Tijuana Police Department.

This deadly drug is now a growth industry for Mexico’s deadly drug cartels. They’re replacing small U.S. kitchen labs with Mexican super labs.

By JK

September 27, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Now here’s some CRIME in Atlanta: (from WSBTV.com) How many of YOU are criminals?

ATLANTA — Investigators plan to recreate on Wednesday afternoon the fiery wreck on I-85 that left two people dead on Tuesday.

The wreck involved two dump trucks. It sparked a blaze that set fire to several other vehicles — killing two people.

Witnesses told police that a driver trying to get in front of a line of traffic at an interstate exit cut in front of one of the trucks setting off the chain reaction crash.

I-85 southbound was shut down for almost 12 hours. Traffic on the busy highway backed up for hours because workers had to wait for the smoky wreckage to cool before it could be cleared.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 11:44 AM | Link to this

Limp-wristed? Have you lost your mind? I hope that you don’t think that you could kick my a$$ because it would be a terrible error on your part if you tried. I’m just sayin’…

Cheer the illegals in victory? Victory in what?

The current threat and the obvious problem is that there is meth and people who deal it. Yes we should go after people who deal it, but scapegoating ALL Mexicans is dumb.

By Tammy

September 27, 2006 11:53 AM | Link to this

I wish I were able to say that crime is not really an issue, but the truth is in my community, crime is a huge issue.I don’t want to be caught in Atlanta after dark. Jim,please stop saying 1 Black person who has the opportunity to speak to reporters represent all of Black America..Criminals must pay for their crimes. Not some of the sentence, but all of the sentence..I know my community would be a lot safer if sentences were actually carried out rather than given and then changed to a fraction of the time.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this

I hope that you don’t think that you could kick my a$$ because it would be a terrible error on your part if you tried. I’m just sayin’…

Typical, to resort to talk of personal violence and attack, which I would welcome by the way.

Boy, you guys are notoriously bad fighters. Thats why the guns and knives become your weapons of choice throughout the years.

But lets end all this talk of violence, it gets us nowhere. Just know one thing, whether in Alpharetta or on MLK, I aint scared of nothing or nobody Liberal. If you saw me you’d know why. Im just sayin.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this

Realist,

Most of the labs are in Mexico. Yes, I get it. I already acknowledged that the cartels are replacing the small kitchens. But it’s still hard to by Sudafed at the drug store. Must be because THERE ARE STILL LABS here in the US.

Yes, obviously we should do something about the cartels. But when you bust the cartels, please realize that the small kitchens in small-town America will replace them. I’m saying this not because I think that we should do nothing, I’m saying it so that we don’t lay blame on a whole ethnic group or class.

By Markus

September 27, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

Who gives a flying pink pig about downtown? And that includes Buckhead too. Companies are building office complexes in the burbs too. Been to Alpharetta, east Duluth, or north Cobb lately? At least when I fill up at QT or wherever, I don’t have to worry about constantly being harrassed by bums. When I make an accidental turn somewhere and get lost, I don’t have to worry about getting shot. When I walk in the evenings, I don’t have to worry about crossfire.

Speaking of crime, how about that yahoo that had been arrested THIRTY EIGHT TIMES and finally got nailed at Lenox Mall stealing cologne? Why 38 arrests and this worthless p.o.s. is still walking the streets? ATL Liberal judges, that’s why.

I do know one thing, I sure would like to catch that criminal punk who’s preying on female college students at Kennesaw. No, I take that back… I’d like to put that Kennesaw gun law to good use.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 11:59 AM | Link to this

I aint scared of nothing or nobody Liberal. If you saw me you’d know why. Im just sayin.

Same here, Realist…same here. So let’s leave the “limp wristed” talk alone.

Boy, you guys are notoriously bad fighters. Thats why the guns and knives become your weapons of choice throughout the years.

I think that the number of black heavyweight boxing champions as well as the number of black football players may refute your statement.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

Lets leave it alone Liberal. Its nonsense. I WAS a white football player from 12-21. I spent some real close intimate time with black guys over the years. They were the worst fighters I ever saw…

Now pro-fighters, I give you that one.

By anita

September 27, 2006 12:04 PM | Link to this

To JK: You are so correct, I deal with the same type of yahoos on 78 heading east. On another note, crime in ATL may be down…but WHO does the counting? and how many crimes are “not counted” for political reasons? I see EVERYDAY on the news a shooting, a body found, a bank robbery, sex abuse,,,,so the real truth is, crime is UP in the state of GA. Its just been pushed to the burbs thats all.

By Markus

September 27, 2006 12:05 PM | Link to this

Where’s the scathing media outrage over an intelligence document leak? Why isn’t the media going after those responsible for that as rabidly as they did on Cheney and Rove about Plamegate? Where are their apologies about that? Where’s the liberal media accountability?

By jbmlaw

September 27, 2006 12:07 PM | Link to this

Good afternoon all. I don’t want to upset the leftists by referring to what I do for a living, but for several years I walked a little more than a mile each day, and returned, from one building on the edge of downtown to one of two buildings downtown, past dozens of homeless people. I never felt particularly menaced. Mrs. jbmlaw will not come inside the perimeter except to watch the Braves or to eat at Pittipat’s Porch, due to her perception of crime. We do have a good friend whose father was murdered in downtown Atlanta 30 years ago, so I cannot deny that crime happens. I don’t lose any sleep over it. I’ve spent enough time with criminals that I am now perhaps too stupid to be concerned.

May not have a chance to pop in again, have a good afternoon all.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

Liberal, sorry for letting it get so testosterone-ish. The mexican thing and blaming white america for drugs just is insane and fired me up. I see the person who started it all has high tailed it. Typical.

The victory I was referring to was victory in the Mexican agenda. And if you think for one second they dont have an agenda, you are sadly mistaken (and limpwristed) :)

By bon scott

September 27, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

harold (at 10:11am) is absolutely right. It’s the NEWS of crime that scares people. And it’s great for the media biz. They’re selling crime, and we’re buying. Boosts ratings and circulation. Chaa CHING!!!

Lots of talk here about the perception of crime, but no first person accounts from violent crime victims or witnesses.

I’m not saying there isn’t room for improvement. I’m just saying there’s no need to panic.

Realist, I have to disagree here..

…the best way to slow the drug epidemic was to stop the source. Again, I refer you to the 1980’s and cocaine epidemic.”

Drugs have never been cheaper, or easier to buy. And where there’s a market (no matter how illegal), those needs will be met (see Prohibition). Don’t let up on importers and wholesalers, but also target users and wannabes with education as well as punishment. Reduce the demand.

The Mexican meth cartels wouldn’t exist if there wasn’t all those white guys buying the product.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this

Realist,

They were the worst fighters that you saw because you played for the Tide! LOL.

I had to get that in…you left yourself open. However, I imagine that you played when they were better in the early 90s under Gene Stallings.

And you’re right. It’s nonsense. This is a blog for Godsake.

By James

September 27, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this

Realist posted I spent some real close intimate time with black guys over the years

Enough said on that topic.

By MrLiberty

September 27, 2006 12:14 PM | Link to this

The biggest crime I am worried about is the continuing war crimes of the Bush administration and our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. A nuclear attack on Iraq would likely be the final straw for the rest of the world, and who could blame them if they let loose with everything against us. God knows we would deserve it for allowing this to go on as long as it has.

As for meth labs, they would go away from everyone’s neighborhoods if the government would just legalize all drugs and let responsible and safe manufacturers like Merck, Pfizer, etc. manufacture what the market demands. Who knows, maybe if true personal freedom were restored to this country we might even see research into stimulants that are far safer than meth. One thing for sure, the crime, violence, and police and government corruption would go away and prisons would be empty enough to handle real criminals that have real victims.

And as for the real crime, the last time we heard statistics like this from Fulton they proved several months later to be nothing but underreporting lies.

Its an election year folks. Politicians of both flavors only know how to lie to get elected. The best way to tell is to look and see if their mouth is open.

By KP

September 27, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

Realist @ 12:04 pm *I WAS a white football player from 12-21. I spent some real close intimate time with black guys over the years. They were the worst fighters I ever saw…

Now pro-fighters, I give you that one.*

Wouldn’t pro-fighters have to a have a natural skill in whipping a* in order to become pro. Can you teach a bad football player with no natural skill to become a pro? Realist, you did a very good job in proving your point about Mexican type meth distributors, but that argument about black fighters been bad desn’t hold water..I’m just sayin’

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 12:18 PM | Link to this

(and limpwristed) That’s it man! I’m gunnin’ for you!

I apologize also Realist. But hey, testosterone is a great thing, we just got to channel it for better uses.

In regards to the Mexican “agenda”, I doubt that there is an agenda among illegal immigrants, unless you consider seeking higher wages an agenda. However, I do think that some governments have an “agenda” to export their issues with poverty to the US. Also, I think that the cartels take advantage of our broad border with Mexico to smuggle drugs.

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

If I want to sell a drug that hops you up and keeps you awake, I can run a Starbucks. That’s socially acceptable. And pretty profitable too.

But God forbid that a Mexican sell another kind of drug that hops you up and keeps you awake. That earns the wrath of all society. Hmmmm…

By Ice

September 27, 2006 12:20 PM | Link to this

Realist is talking about shower time where he dropped the soap.

By James

September 27, 2006 12:22 PM | Link to this

Realist,

I had to get that one..it was a soft serve.

By Ice

September 27, 2006 12:23 PM | Link to this

Markus, STFU and stay on topic.

By time for the truth

September 27, 2006 12:25 PM | Link to this

Mr Liberty is another one of these DEMENTED libertarians who are desperately pushing to have their own weak minded drug abusing habits made much easier by legalisation.

Mr Liberty obviously doesn’t care about the terrorist criminals that have butchered countless more mohammedans than the US army has done in two major wars and countless military sweeps looking for terrorists. “War crimes” are perpetrated SOLELY by the terrorists’ daily endless killings, beheadings, systematic targeting of civilians with bombs and homicide bombers, the kidnapping torture and murder of innocent folks and so on.

Take your pathetic cowardly empty blame/sneer at America rhetoric and shove it up your drug abusingarse you pathetic libertarian wanker!!

By getalife

September 27, 2006 12:26 PM | Link to this

Gene Stallings

A great coach and a better man.

Paris, Texas is very proud of him.

By Blog Dawg

September 27, 2006 12:34 PM | Link to this

I’m steamed that the hard boiled criminals who flip-over after being grilled by prosecuters are the toast of the town. Why should these bad eggs go Sonny side up?

Put Poachers and Panhandlers on the Sonny Reux list.

By Liberal

September 27, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

It’s good to know that we can reach across party lines and declare that Gene Stallings was a good coach.

In regards to TFTT, “libertarian wanker”…that has got to be the first time that I’ve seen libertarians so harshly thrown under the bus. Nothing is sacred…gotta love it.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 12:38 PM | Link to this

To KP and others, Regarding the fighting comment and intimate comment, you have to have played sports to know what Im talking about. Its certainly nothing sexual James, so you can zip up now, sorry to disappoint. There is just no better word to describe what happens in football locker rooms day in day out than “intimate”. And I stand behind the statement, that in my experience, the black dudes where by far the fastest and most athletic, and had the best trash talk of anybody, but when it came to fighting, they just flailed like they were having a seizure or something. I guess Id take 4.4 speed over a left hook anyday though.

Liberal, yes I left in 91, one year short of a ring. I was not a starter, not by far. I was only on the practice squad for two years, and finally got to dress a few times my Junior year. I left after my junior year and promptly had three surgeries to repair my knee, shoulder and L5-S1 disks in my back. Its a side of football nobody talks about. The “unknowns” who come and go and get maimed in the process!

By Amy S.

September 27, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Most of the serious crime I read about in the AJC and hear about on the news is in the BURBS!! I avoid the burbs at all cost and am so glad I can live in the city. The homes are built better, neighborhoods are more diverse and beautiful, we are not pounded by the hideous sights of strip mall after strip mall and boring ugly cookie cutter houses, we have excellent public and private schools, etc… We bought our home 8 years ago and it cost us dearly but our house has doubled in value in that period of time. Living intown is consistanly a better investment in terms of both time and money than living in the burbs and, go figure, we have less crime, too. I am a stay-at-home mom who probably has to get on the interstates about once a month. I don’t live in my car and my kids go to school right across the street…And best of all, I don’t have to put up with very many OPT neo-con Republicans who think they have it made in ugly old Duluth or Dacula or Marietta. Yuck!!

By getalife

September 27, 2006 12:43 PM | Link to this

Conservatives, please read this and do the right thing for your country

I hope Jim will write about doing the right thing in November for his country.

Thank you for your support of your country.

By JK

September 27, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this

She waits quietly. She wants to confess, but waits until the time is ripe.

By CJ

September 27, 2006 01:08 PM | Link to this

Sorry to interrupt, but for those of you following the discussion yesterday about the revolutionary “health savings accounts” that Newt Gingrich and Jim Wooten believe will set the world on fire, here’s a link to an article in today’s USA Today titled “High-deductible health policies don’t see growth”.

This article says:

“*While such [health savings] accounts have lower premiums, the Kaiser [Family Foundation] survey found that most employers don’t save money on them compared with other types of insurance, once employer contributions to those savings accounts are added to premium costs.”

“Asset Resources in Minneapolis, a 10-employee debt collection firm, switched to a high-deductible plan after facing several years of 17% increases in its health insurance premiums.

The broker said we might be able to cut some costs and afford some employees an opportunity from a tax point of view,’ says Mark Wallerius, vice president. ‘It seemed a win-win at the time.’

Instead of a $500 annual deductible and a $15 co-pay at the doctor’s office, the new policies had an annual deductible of $1,250. For most office visits, employees had to pay the full cost of the visit until they reached the deductible.

‘They were pretty disgruntled,’ says Wallerius, who said the employees voted to go back to a lower-deductible plan this year.*”

In summary, health savings accounts suck.

Thanks for indulging me. I’ll let you get back to your discussion.

By KP

September 27, 2006 01:18 PM | Link to this

Realist,

I ran track for the greatest track program in the nation, go Hogs. So I know a little about playing sports. I think the fighting skill have more to do with where you come from, because I knew some corn fed farm boys from the football team that I would have loved to have in my corner if something went down.

Oh yeah…how is your kicker doing? That had to be tough on the kid.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 01:20 PM | Link to this

Repent sinner!! Confess all and all will be forgiven!! :)

By CL

September 27, 2006 01:25 PM | Link to this

Its good that atlanta’s crime rate is very low now. This is not only good for the city of atlanta but the whole metro area. It will help bring more business and dollars also tax revenue. I disagree about metro folks not going into atlanta. If that were the case traffic wouldn’t be so heavy on the interstates every morning going into atlanta. Also lots of people or moving intown and office work is moving back intown. A lot of good things are starting to happen in atlanta now and a low crime rate only makes it better.

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 01:27 PM | Link to this

Can we legalize meth so I can buy stock in Merck?

I’d really like that.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 01:28 PM | Link to this

KP, Tiffin is a freshman walk who took the starting job from a proven two year starter because of his name. His father was a kicker in the early 80’s and played with Coach Shula. Voila! You just got the starting role son!

Yeah, it was a tough loss. No time to sulk though, going to Gainesville this saturday.

By the way, I used to be one of those cornbread eatin farm boys ;)

By Jim Wooten

September 27, 2006 01:32 PM | Link to this

getalife, any conservative who would argue that their cause would be better served by allowing/helping the Pelosi Democrats to take over the House in November is behaving shamefully. It’s beyond me how conservatives would encourage something that could be contrary to the national interest.

Barbara, Brian and others who inquire on the meaning of “us” as in a relatively few of us go to downtown Atlanta anymore, the reference is to people in neighboring counties and in the rest of Georgia who once routinely trekked to downtown Atlanta to work or shop. Few do that anymore. Now when they come, as several of you have noted, it is to an event or activity, like a Falcons game, where they drive in, park, do the event, and drive back home. Their connection is to a single event, not downtown life.

By Bella

September 27, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this

Those “black Atlanta-area liberals” who decry Mark Taylor’s agenda to punish offenders aren’t liberal. They just have relatives, friends, neighbors, and other community members who are in prison or have been released from prison.

I am a black woman and I realize that many law-abiding black people still know folks who are on the wrong side of the law. It’s not a liberal issue. It’s a personal issue.

By ChickenHawk Little

September 27, 2006 01:44 PM | Link to this

OH NO! The PELOSI DEMOCRATS are coming! The PELOSI DEMOCRATS are coming! Hide under the bed! Pray reeeeeeeel hard! OH NO!

OH. MY. GOD. Our spiraling debt and deficit might start to slow down, good jobs might not flee to foreign countries at such a rapid rate, and OHMYGOSH, federal agencies might actually start having to account for our tax dollars they spend, and government contracts might actually return to a fair and economical bidding process. Even worse, the hatred the rest of the world feels for us might start to ebb. THE SKY IS TRULY FALLING!

By Redneck Convert

September 27, 2006 01:45 PM | Link to this

Well, I was going to suggest just arresting everybody with a mouth full of bad teeth on suspicion of meth use, but then my buddy Jim Earl said half of us rednecks don’t got no teeth to start with. I try to take care of mine, on account of it’s the only one I got left.

Anyway, I say go after the users, especially Libruls and Those People, but leave the meth makers alone. The price is high enough as it is because the law people keep messing with the supply.

Not that I would know that, of course.

Anyway, what Sonny and my hero GW Bush decide to do about it is OK with me.

I want my buddy Realist to be real careful. This Liberal guy might be 7 feet tall, weigh 350 lbs. and black as the ace of spades. I wouldn’t want Realist to be twisted up like a pretzel when voting time comes around. We got to keep the libruls out of office.

By Sonny side up

September 27, 2006 01:47 PM | Link to this

No sir, the “us” who never go downtown anymore is obviously the state legislature, who are so out of touch that they know not from whence they came hence forwith.

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 01:48 PM | Link to this

Ah, clarification from Jim. That does make sense, given that shopping has moved to malls. The city proper is no longer the center of every aspect of daily life.

But there are still a lot of people who work downtown, given the total population of the area. The downtown connector is crowded for a reason.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 01:49 PM | Link to this

Realist @12:08

I didn’t “start” anything, but since you are referring to me and claim it is typical that I “hightailed it” I will remind you that earlier this week you were being questioned, disappeared for several hours, and then claimed you, unlike most of the rest of us (insert insult here) have a job. Well, so do I. I’ve been busy - but since you so obviously missed me, I’m back little darlin, and will be in and out all afternoon.

By sct

September 27, 2006 01:52 PM | Link to this

Something more scary than Pelosi?????

Yes indeed, Teddy Stevens.

Stevens, Santorum, and Hasert???? YIKES! Very scary, hide your wallet.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 01:55 PM | Link to this

So you’re doing OUTCALL only this week Dana?

By Pope rednecks - Amerikkka's Al Qaeda I

September 27, 2006 01:57 PM | Link to this

CJ,

You are right to be concerned about Realisp. By itself, s/he is the cowardly chickenhawk sort, perfectly harmless.

However, it is also a prominent member of Kappa Kappa Kappa Alpha Order and has strong ties to their University of Alabama Klavern. So s/he can put a lynchmob of angry stupid drunken rednecks together in pretty short order. They ain’t much in the fighting department (those silly grey uniforms), but that many drunken rednecks on your lawn will ruin it.

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Hey, Methfolken have nice, even, great-looking white teeth. Unfortunately for them, they’re called dentures.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 01:59 PM | Link to this

Barbara @ 11:04 - if you are in E Cobb we should car-pool…. :-) the commute sucks, sparkling debate would be a great time filler!

Lynn @ 10:59 - I didn’t target “poor” men, I simply pointed out that the average meth user is low to middle income, male and white. And I hate that there is an average, it is an awful drug, worse than I think alot of us realize (even Realist would agree to that I think) and I would be happy to fight it in any manner, be it from the distribution or targeting the users, I just want it gone. Not that I am naive enough to believe it will happen. It destroys the life of the family as well as the addict, and I have some major debt as a result of paying for her treatment. (damn, good healthcare would have been a blessing…)

By Shooter

September 27, 2006 02:00 PM | Link to this

If you don’t work downtown, why would you go there?We went to new years at underground a couple of years ago,but we haven’t made that mistake again.

By Dana

September 27, 2006 02:03 PM | Link to this

Outcall? What the heck are you talking about Realist? I’m closing the quarter and forcasting for Q4. And laughing at you for a break.

By sct

September 27, 2006 02:06 PM | Link to this

PORK ALERT!!!! CODE PINK…..

The Farm Bill is now loading.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 02:07 PM | Link to this

google incall/outcall and have a better laugh :O

By Pope rednecks - Amerikkka's Al Qaeda I

September 27, 2006 02:09 PM | Link to this

Trying to keep rednecks off meth is like trying to keep Ken/dra Mehlman away from… well, you know.

By MrLiberty

September 27, 2006 02:13 PM | Link to this

Time for the truth obviously has SO MUCH blood on his hands that wiping his face has made reality hard to see. We considered Germany’s invasion of France a war crime, and our attack of afghanistan and Iraq was no different. You might like to think that only terrorists are evil killers, but our guys and most especially our president and his flunkies are no different. From the minute they stepped foot in that sovereign nation they were war criminals and it just got worse from then on.

As for legalization it must be very convenient to label all legalization supporters as drug addicts, but of course you only show the full extent of your ignorance. From past presidents to Nobel Prize winners, to captains of industry, the list of folks who have figured out that prohibition does more harm that the free market is quite lengthy. No one is proposing utopia, and quite frankly laws against use have done nothing to reduce supply. So of us just have enough intelligence to see that the best way to end the violence, take the profit motive away (for the terrorists too), free up space in our overcrowded prison system, and end the corruption of our police and government officials is to legalize all drugs and treat use and addiction as the medical problems they are. This does not mean absolving anyone of personal responsibility for their actions while high.

Logical arguments may have no effect on you, but thank goodness they are having an effect on more and more folks. Maybe someday we can end the scourge of the Drug War and restore peace and tranquility back to our streets.

As for the person who was shocked by the libertarian taking a bashing, why should that surprise you. None of you folks believe in individual liberty, personal responsiblity, private property, freedom, limited government, or anything that made this country what it is. Why are you shocked when these concepts are criticized. You defame these values everyday with your actions, your thoughts, and your votes.

franve

By getalife

September 27, 2006 02:16 PM | Link to this

Jim,

It’s beyond me how conservatives would encourage something that could be contrary to the national interest.

It’s a patriotic duty for government oversight. Lord knows, the Bush administration is in desperate need of some oversight and accountability.

I would hope you would think about your country before your party but there are many that do not. Lets get real, the GOP has failed to govern for the people. They govern for the Corporations. What is this type of government called Jim?

By Dana

September 27, 2006 02:18 PM | Link to this

Well, Realist - thanks for the education. And that IS funny…

By Realist

September 27, 2006 02:19 PM | Link to this

Logical arguments may have no effect on you, but thank goodness they are having an effect on more and more folks.

By Realist

September 27, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this

Logical arguments may have no effect on you, but thank goodness they are having an effect on more and more folks.

Thats right, and in only a few more years the Librarians will have nearly as much support as Perot did. Long live the kook!

By Realips4sailors

September 27, 2006 02:22 PM | Link to this

zzzzz

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 02:28 PM | Link to this

Yes, MrLiberty, Conservatives are all for personal freedom, responsibility, and the free market, except when it comes to drugs that they think should be illegal. Like the Mexican Meth scourge. Those horrid brown people are corrupting us, by supplying what Americans obviously want! It’s their fault!

If they ran liquor stores, or owned stock in R.J. Reynolds, then that would be okay. They’d be Republican business owners or investors.

Now sit back while they grab their coffee or caffeinated beverages, or return from a smoke break, and call me a drug addict.

By getalife

September 27, 2006 02:31 PM | Link to this

This is what I am talking about Jim

By Dana

September 27, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl,

Part of your post makes some sense, I see your points in your first paragraph. I sincerely hope you aren’t comparing meth use to caffeine or nicotine, while I will agree they are all drugs, there is no comparison to the damage done. And I hope you aren’t admiting to a meth addiction…and that is what your last paragraph sounds like.

By Realips4sailors

September 27, 2006 02:39 PM | Link to this

W promised to declassify the entire intellegence report about how Iraq is aggravating the growing terror menace, yet today we find out only select portions are available.

Add that to Clinton/Rice/Hillary’s exchange about a comprehensive Lill Bin plan. (Good thing nobody brought up Rice’s heritage, eh?)

Then throw in Musharraf/Armitage controversy, and the American People are seeing a situation where Bush expects us to believe that the whole world is lying, and he’s telling the truth.

Bush vs the World. He has the best minds available telling him the Iraq is making things worse, and he says, “I dont agree”.

Then he says that he’s on the offensive. He’s killing Iraqis who are trapped in the war he started. He must really think we’re stupid, people.

W has never used a premise that exists in the historical reality of the War in Iraq. I dont know what planet he’s on, but I have a better chance of guessing which one it is now that there’s one less.

W doesn’t agree. Pass it on.

By Time4theNoose

September 27, 2006 02:56 PM | Link to this

I predict a landslide for Democrats in November. I’ve been watching Fox Network News and listening to Rush, and as the real news emerges, (Intelligence Reports, Iraqi War news, Gas Prices, etc.), the shift to blame Clinton for the Iraqi War and the hunt for OBL, probably puts the Democrats over the top in the voter’s eyes.

Even the most rabid log cabin republican will vote Democrat, there’s just no question. You cant hide those lying and too-narrow set eyes.

The Rocket Tubes are really starting to look pathetic. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that Rice lied repeatedly even after the dems called her on it over and over, the specter of it all just dominates everything else about the last six years. It’s truly over.

Time4theturd, you’re posting good 2day, here’s a cookie: (o)

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 03:03 PM | Link to this

Thanks for your concern, Dana. But no, I have all my original teeth. And it took me more than thirty seconds to type this post.

My point was that if you say that drugs shouldn’t be the business of the government, people will call you an addict/drug user/potheadcommiepinkounarmerican/mexican lover/whatever.

Meth is so much worse than nicotine? Ever seen someone die from lung cancer? Or emphysema? Ick. Or check out the nicotine addicts who smoke through their neck after having throat cancer. Now that’s addiction.

Meth use (or any of the “big” illegal or legal drugs) is bad, no denying that. But the cost of treating drug use like a crime is enormous, both socially and financially. Nobody would say that Prohibition was a success, would they?

By TR

September 27, 2006 03:21 PM | Link to this

There are some very interesting conversations going on. I guess I will put in my two cents.

As a southern California native who has been to Atlanta quite a few times I don’t see a problem with downtown Atlanta. Did I get hounded by pan handlers when I was there? Absolutely! Did it make me feel disgusted? Hell no! Ever been to downtown Los Angeles? How about the ‘beautiful’ city of San Francisco? New York City, anyone?

I heard plenty about Atlanta’s crime before I ever visited the city. I took everything into account and went anyway. People please stop being so scary! Crime is everywhere! At least in downtown ATL I knew what to look for. It’s the suburbs that freak me out.

And one other thing. For all of you natives that think downtown ATL is a waste, no one visits Georgia to see Cobb County. Heck, the city of Atlanta is the best thing in Georgia!

By Dana

September 27, 2006 03:22 PM | Link to this

Hmm. Aquagirl, YES meth is worse than nicotine. YES. And yes, I have seen someone die from lung cancer and emphysema. Several somebodies, and I have tobacco related health issues though I never smoked. I can emphatically tell you that meth is worse. I’m not going to go into the details, but oh my GOD yes its worse! Nicotine use is more prevalent, and the cost is high to all of us. Now - I hate dealing with the annoyance of having smokers around and I would be the first to agree that smokers should smoke at home so I don’t have to be subjected to it, but I recognize that isn’t going to go over well and mostly I try to avoid them. There are alot of arguments you can use to support your point, but I am somehow suspecting that (as your blog name suggests) you are relatively young. My daughter might use those same arguments. No way am I going to agree with you. When I was younger and smoked pot, I said exactly what you are saying now. However, I am older now and I know better, I was wrong then.

As for the cost of treating it like a crime - there is going to be a cost no matter how we treat it. Much of the cost involves the treatment of addicts once they are arrested. Lucky me, I got to pay out of pocket for my relatives treatment. Sorry - I don’t agree that making drug use legal is any kind of answer at all, in fact, the idea horrifies me. Prohibition made the use of alchohol illegal, when it had previousely been legal. It’s not an apples to apples comparison.

By Van

September 27, 2006 03:30 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl,

Let them use whatever they want, the sooner they kill themselves, the better.

If people want to use dangerous drugs, let them. If they want to share needles, let them. If they want to use something some low life cooked up in his/her bathroom - let them. If they want to inject something that wa cut using anything the nut case could find, let them.

And Good Riddance.

By blq byrd

September 27, 2006 03:35 PM | Link to this

As some have already pointed out,there appears to be more crime in the Cobb, Gwinnett and especially Clayton county areas of the metro area. Out pacing the traditional hotspots for crime in Dekalb and Fulton counties, this includes the city of Atlanta.

By jbmlaw

September 27, 2006 03:40 PM | Link to this

Mr. Liberty @ 2:13, you embarrass thinking libertarians who live in the real world. France did not bomb the Reichstadt, or give aid and comfort to a roaming band of international thugs; until you isolationists realize that Fortress America is a pipe dream than cannot be smoked, you will be unable to embrace the new realities. Germany’s invasion of France was indeed a war crime, but deposing Hitler, a la Sadaam, would not have been. No rational person defends the right of the terrorists to go about their mad campaign; you guys need to get a grip. You are the main reason I still vote Republican, despite my disgust with the Republicrat spending.

That lunacy notwithstanding, you are correct about legalization of drugs. I may be the only person on this blog who has never smoked marijuana (or anything else), but I see the unintended effects of the drug laws. I still have reservations about cocaine (and derivatives), methamphetamine, and alcohol, as those three seem to actually cause truly regretful behavior; as to anything else, I think there ought to be a over-the-counter drug center at Walmart. Citing “Nobel prize winners” as the basis for legalization is juvenile; our audience is smart enough to grasp the argument, so don’t demean it with a beauty parade of endorsers.

As to your hypersensitivity about “libertarian bashing,” Jim’s column and this blog is a love-fest for freedom lovers – even our leftist-brothers and –sisters can be swayed by an appeal to freedom. My friend TFTT was merely getting your goat.

By time for the truth

September 27, 2006 03:45 PM | Link to this

Libertarians are a joke … their party is a joke. They will NEVER win the white house or run either the senate or the house. Voting libertarian in general elections is a completely wasted vote. They’re a bunch of bitter political losers who deserve total contempt WHEN THEY TALK/WRITE LIKE YOU DO!!

Your bleating about legalising drugs is as insane as it gets. Around 70% of child abuse is perpetrated by folks high on illegal drugs/alcohol or both. The only way to stamp out drug abuse is to have zero tolerance for any ‘recreational’ drug use but the lefty self absorbed pot heads and cocaine sniffing corporate types wont stand for that!! Legalising heroin, crack cocaine, opium, ‘ordinary’ cocaine, amphetamines, ecstasy etc is criminally stupid. The morons and weak minded who abuse drugs now will make life intolerable for the rest of us as abuse soars and the drug crime merely switches from drug dealing criminals/gangs to folks robbing and stealing to pay for their ever increasing addiction. In addition to which the medical demands and costs will soar in emergency rooms, rehabilitation, psychiatric care and so on as these dad little turds load up day after after day after day as their addiction takes complete hold of their lives.

The distribution outlets will become targets for crime and its pathetic to think that the state of GA or any other state should become drug pushers. If its legalised then there is NO stigma attached to drug use/prison terms etc and kiddies would be even more exposed than they are now to the drug culture with no meaningful threats of police/legal action, searches etc.

You pathetic libertarians have a few smugly inane slogans which you peddle as slavishly as any drug addict does. Clearly at least some of this is driven by personal use and the awkward legal sanctions/fines etc that now prevail. Drug abuse penalties should be drastically stiffened.

The “war on drugs” is failing because it is only being fought with about 20% of the resources that are needed and insufficient political will to win.

Alcohol and tobacco do enough damage to folks as it is - allowing them to do even more damage that impacts everyone arguably even more than drunks and drunk driving do is a deranged political policy. But libertarians dont give a toss about anyone else so long as their nancy boy obsession with their own self described notions of “freedom” is pandered to and addressed.

YOu moronically, patronisingly and dishonestly talk about “logical argments” … HA HA HA HA … you wouldn’t recognise one if it literally smacked you in the mouth.

AS for your nauseatingly legalistic glib avoidance of the real war crimes perpetrators in Iraq … its beneath to contempt!! Overwhelmingly the Iraqis are grateful for the end of the arab nazi regime - now they need to robustly stand up for their country and their freedom … and fight the mohammedan fascists!! Legalistic arguments are pointless and only work in the chattering lefty/libertarian classes’ pot filled rooms where the likes of Joan Baez is tolerated on the cd player!!

parroting twisted liberal Bush hate about allied soldiers as killers is disgusting!!

I BET YOU DO TAKE DRUGS MATE … AND YOU HIDE BEHIND your glib bollocks TO MAKE YET ANOTHER EMPTY POINT ON THAT!! Even if you dont - you’re policy is insane!!

By Aquagirl

September 27, 2006 03:49 PM | Link to this

Watching anyone destroy their life with booze is no picnic either; I’m not arguing that using drugs of any kind is smart or desirable. I am arguing that you won’t stop it by making the substance illegal.

Yes, treating addicts is costly, and they’re a drain on society. But think for a moment about how many violent criminals are turned loose due to overcrowded jails that are full of drug offenders. I agree with Van…let ‘em kill thermselves. Why should I pay to employ the entire DEA to protect them from themselves?

Sure, alchohol was legal before Prohibition. Morphine and other opiates were legal before they were prohibited too. You could order them from the Sears catalog. Same thing with pot, except it grew all over the place, (as hemp) so nobody had to order it from Sears.

So it’s not really an apples to oranges thing, is it?

And what about legalizing currently illegal drugs is so “horrifying”? Will we have a drug epidemic? Wow, that would be new.

By time for the truth

September 27, 2006 04:01 PM | Link to this

NAMBLA rednekkks has slithered out once more … are you off to swim (uncaged) with the great whites a bit before Kwanza then NAMBLA?

talking of nooses - as you did …

weren’t you yourself buried ignominiously after public executions on various Boot Hills five or six times in different very short, very violent past lives NAMBLA? I gleefully remember I was the local sherriff who had the privilege of shooting you once in Tombstone just over 120 years ago!! This would explain your deep antipathy to me!!

jbm

LIberty is a giant moron … and a leftist traitor!! …goad

if you have a Walmart drug counter - and elsewhere you put vastly more dangerous and addictive drugs in the hands of often poorly edcuated folks who have little else to focus on except instant gratification … and their kids might get some to ingest too - accidentally or even deliberately. the vast majority of parents are NOT responsible 24/7 - they cant be because they aren’t with their kids 24/7. And we all know how devious teens can be - just to get hold of a few cans of vile chemicals concocted by Miller and Budweiser (not the REAL one in E Europe)

my other logical argumemts are posted above in my latest verbal beeiiitchslap of this uber moron Liberty!!

I also loathe the GOP spending but overall they are vastly better than anyone else - except for the truly religious GOP nutters - right Dana? … :)

By Dana

September 27, 2006 04:07 PM | Link to this

Lest anyone comment about my “typical disapearance”…

Aquagirl - I’d love to discuss this further, but I really am trying to tie up Q3 and I have a report that is driving me crazy and I need to devote a few hours to it. Should Jim choose to do so, he may release my email address to you and perhaps you and I could continue this off line (and when work permits) I think you have some good points, and though I still disagree with your reasoning, I am interested in talking more with you about this.

One thing I will note is that 5 years ago I would have agreed with your (and Van’s) suggestion that they all go kill themselves in their own manner. But time and personal experiences have changed that opinion for me.

By Gee

September 27, 2006 04:18 PM | Link to this

Crime is down in Atlanta because now it is in Dekalb, Cobb, Clayton and Gwinnett counties. Just listen to the news every evening. Somebody has been raped and/or murdered; there’s either a carjacking or home invasion; bank, convenience store, or jewelry store robbed. H-e-l-l-o!!! Crime has just moved farther out!!

By JwaM

September 27, 2006 04:23 PM | Link to this

Moving to the suburbs and you run into these incidents..more violent crime(http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-09-27-colorado-school_x.htm?csp=34)

By Realist

September 27, 2006 04:26 PM | Link to this

Im all for the legalization of drugs, IF they first extend homeowners rights to defend thier property with deadly force, secondly allow everyone concealed weapon permits, and lastly assure me not one cent of my taxes will go to the rehab, medical treatment, counceling, or burial of someone using drugs. In that case, snort/smoke up Pedro!

By CJ

September 27, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Kudos to Mayor Franklin and Chief Pennington for their success in the City of Atlanta. However, according to the FBI’s just released annual report on violent crime,”>http://www.fbi.gov/ucr/05cius/offenses/violent_crime/index.html), violent crime increased nationwide in 2005 by 2.3%. This is the first such increase since 1991.

Violent crime is up nationwide thanks, in part, to the fact that the President Bush and the Republican Congress gutted Clinton’s COPS program. They cut this program last year from $500 million to $22 million. That’s a 95% cut.

I’m sorry, but we’re LESS safe under Republican leadership, not more.

By Van

September 27, 2006 04:35 PM | Link to this

Aquagirl and Dana,

I can only assume the you are okay with people pursuing risky behavior.

Like using meth, without restrictions - on the highway, in the local mall, around the school grounds, in the local ER at your expense.

I know, booze is just as deadly to the human body - I disagree. I can verify the methods used to distill booze, I can not even imagine what was used to make the meth or the sanitary conditions.

Also - with the law suits against big tobacco, Can you imagine how rich the lawyers would be after home made meth(or some other currrent illegal drug) was legalized.

There is a reason some drugs are restricted or outlawed. It has been said that aspirin would be a prescription drug if it was invented today. Over many years, the medical community has seen the effects of various drugs, dosages have been researched and tested. As a result, the are some drugs that will be illegal, restricted or banned.

Anyway, responsible use of any substance is not in the mind of some wacked out bum laying on the curb. Heaven help the drug addicts after their favorite poison has been legalized.

By Wootang

September 27, 2006 04:38 PM | Link to this

Why is it then when newscasters talk about a murder in Atlanta, it is usually someplace like Riverdale or the Silver Comet Trail - not Atlanta.

food 4 thought.

By Time4theNoose

September 27, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this

Bush wont declassify the intel report because he claims spies would be exposed. Valerie Plame? This man’s arrogance has no bounds.

It’s like Newt Ginrich, who torpedoed Hillary’s Health Care initiatives in the 90’s, is now touting Health Care initiatives.

Thus, W exposes Valerie Plame and then wont declassify intel that will obviously prove he’s lying about Iraq because he might expose spies?

There’s a formula to their mad lies, they dont just pull the spin out of their a*ss, they follow what was used against them. It’s there for all to see.

Anyone see a pattern here? The voters CANT be this stupid.

Democratic landslide in November.

If Realips4Sailors wants any writing help, he can just whistle…oh, you know how to whistle dont you Realisp? Just put your lips together and blow….like this: (o)…..lucky sailors!!! Bwa.

Anyone get the feeling that Realips and Time4theNoose are the two working parts of an asshle? One is the open/close mechanism the other the gas propellant.

Anyone got a match?

By Van

September 27, 2006 04:49 PM | Link to this

Time4theNoose,

You must be watching a different new cast than I am, from what I hear, the Democrats are toast - they have nothing - but more hot air.

By time for the truth

September 27, 2006 05:00 PM | Link to this

clearly NAMBLA rednekkk’s obsession with tormenting us with its tortuous passage through its much belated Freudian ‘anal’ phase is getting more compulsive.

More on that fateful shooting I so much enjoyed all those years ago in Tombstone. As I recall NAMBLA - as it is now - had just been forced at gun point to drink the contents of a brimming full “spitoon” in the saloon it was forcibly ejected out of through a window. NAMBLA then got its gun out of the only Tombstone Chinese run pawn shop by offering certain unmentionable services to the China pawnman who had long had a crush on NAMBLA. NAMBLA then had gone back to the Albore soreloser saloon looking for some revenge on a Newt Gingrigh lookalike who had caught him cheating at cards yet again. AS the duly appointed sheriff I was forced to take action to prevent a murderous threat to shoot the Newt lookalike in the back - thus I was forced to “castrate” NAMBLA with my trusty law enforcement shotgun. At least this genetically important act of congenital kindness on my part left him able to fight dirty another day but NAMBLA ended up owing the Chinaman a whopping big raincheck!! …smirk

By Dana

September 27, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this

Van - how did you get that from anything I said? I am adamantly OPPOSED to legalizing drugs.

Realist - nice try there little man - you had to put Pedro in there to needle another agreement. sigh.

Good Night and Good Luck all. I’m taking this report home so I can at least see the sun today.

By Whoa

September 27, 2006 05:09 PM | Link to this

Whoa whoa whoa whoa…. NEWT is touting health care initiatives??? Get outta town, man! NEWT IS A SOCIALIST? Everyone knows only socialists tout health care initiatives. Real freedom-loving Americans know that we are made stronger when poor people die off. WHOA! I never thought I’d see the day Newt became a socialist. Must be his new girlfriend’s influence, huh? Wait’ll the guys down at church hear about this!

By Van

September 27, 2006 05:10 PM | Link to this

Dana,

“One thing I will note is that 5 years ago I would have agreed with your (and Van’s) suggestion that they all go kill themselves in their own manner. But time and personal experiences have changed that opinion for me.”

Unless I read more into this than was there.

By getalife

September 27, 2006 05:16 PM | Link to this

Well, they are passing the detainee bill to pardon w for war crimes.

Amazing of what our government is capable of and am sure people will not send their kids into battle for these criminals.

By Markus

September 27, 2006 05:27 PM | Link to this

I’d like to see the stats on crime in the burbs once you get outside the reach of public transportation. I’m always in search of the politically incorrect painfull @SS truth.

I’d also like to see crimes statistics in neighborhoods with gated communities. You know the ones, the ones that whineyassed liberals cry as “unfair” to others who can’t go in there. It keeps the rift-raft out like Rednex Liberal anti-American al Qaida, dontcha know.

Thinking of Celine Dieon’s comments over the Katrina evacs stealing leather jackets, plasmas, etc.: “let them touch something for once they never had in their lives.” Waaaaahhh.

By Markus

September 27, 2006 05:30 PM | Link to this

Hostage crisis in small CO town appears to be domestic related. Nope, domestic problems happen everywhere, the burbs as well as the city. But hey, it’s not like a criminal shot up a courthouse and murdered three people or anything in a city too stupid to figure out courthouse security.

By Markus

September 27, 2006 05:44 PM | Link to this

Extra extra, read all about it! The fact of global warming/myth of soccer moms in SUVs causing fish to die in Africa spoken about on the Senate Floor.

By Markus

September 27, 2006 05:53 PM | Link to this

Typical damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t mentality from the economically ignorant in this nation (democratic constituency to be sure): gas goes up, it’s Bush’s fault. Gas goes down, it’s Bush’s fault.

By N Denise

October 2, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

I’m a resident of Downtown. I’m a native Atlantan. Excluding 10 years in the burbs I’ve lived Downtown all of my adult life. Although your perception is wrong - Your perception is advantageous to me. It keeps the criminals and you out. Basically after 6 p.m. and weekends the city is mine. Although its starting to get a little busier. Castleberry Hill is getting more trendy like the Village of New York - but thank goodness we are still a long way from that. Sorry if I make you mad. But outside of Falcon games, the fourth of July, and New Year’s eve Peach drop (I can see the firworks for all at my place) and the Olympics - may neighborhood is extremely quite.

Even though I have a garage - which I pay monthly for - I can park on the street with no problem. As a matter of fact - I was only robbed when I lived in the burbs.

Education is the hardest thing for me and I’ve found a good solution for my Daughter. But while you suburbanites where making sure your nieighbors teenage kid didn’t run you down while you were trying to teach your kid how to ride a bike - I my building’s courtyard - all of Underground Atlanta (it’s empty Mon - Thurs after 6) and the Stadium Parking Lot to do the same.

My daughter has an excellent back yard - the children museum, the zoo, a huge new fish tank, and even a few city parks that are not totally inhabited by panhandlers. We are within 2 blocks to MARTA - another well kept secreet. We take adventures to the Center for Puppetry Arts, take in a Movie via the free transportation from the Arts center to ATlantic Station. We occasionally run into panhandlers but I’ve never had to get mean with them.

FYI I work in Duluth - getting out of town is not hard but trying to meet the 6:00 p.m. deadline back in drives me looney.

Does your perception bother me. NOT in the least bit.