Perry's Rising Crime Rate
Bill Blue starts the following discussion:
Topic Suggestion:
Perry's rising Crime Rate & the Mayor Ketring's call for a crime summit
My Ideas:
1. Midnight curfew for all minors not accompanied by a parent. My violations a misdemeanor and make fines payable by parents.
2. All business except hotels to close no later than midnight. Make violations a misdemeanor.
3. All city council members, county commissioners, sheriffs, police chiefs, school board members, and candidates for these offices take mandatory random drug testing (leading by example) and the results of all tests taken by elected officials and candidates to be published.
4. Make all law enforcement officers, principals and teachers submit to random drug tests.
5. Put more cameras and drug detection equipment in schools (business community will donate money - I pledge I will).
6. Raze house and burn lots where multiple drug sales have occurred.
7. County should offer $2500 cash award to tips leading to the conviction of drug sellers.
8. This blog should make people post their real names.
— Bill Blue
Topic Suggestion:
Perry's rising Crime Rate & the Mayor Ketring's call for a crime summit
My Ideas:
1. Midnight curfew for all minors not accompanied by a parent. My violations a misdemeanor and make fines payable by parents.
2. All business except hotels to close no later than midnight. Make violations a misdemeanor.
3. All city council members, county commissioners, sheriffs, police chiefs, school board members, and candidates for these offices take mandatory random drug testing (leading by example) and the results of all tests taken by elected officials and candidates to be published.
4. Make all law enforcement officers, principals and teachers submit to random drug tests.
5. Put more cameras and drug detection equipment in schools (business community will donate money - I pledge I will).
6. Raze house and burn lots where multiple drug sales have occurred.
7. County should offer $2500 cash award to tips leading to the conviction of drug sellers.
8. This blog should make people post their real names.
— Bill Blue
Mr. Blue, you have some good ideas, but what will it accomplish to have all businesses close at midnight. Are you saying the convenience of being able to shop or get something you need from Wal-mart after midnight is causing high crime? Or being able to stop at the one or two convenience stores to get gas or buy something is causing high crime? Is going through the drive-through at McDonald's causing high crime? I think that is a little extreme, and maybe going backwards instead of forward. I understand your thought of leading by example regarding public official drug testing, but I thought law enforcement already has random drug testing. That has not stopped others from doing drugs. Are you asking the tax payers to pay for these random drug tests of the officials they trusted enough to elect and the time and cost to post them? If that is something people think will help, then go for it, but I think the focus on combating this growing problem has nothing to do with testing our public officials. Now testing the entire community would tell you where the problem is, not the officials trying to fix it, but obviously that is not feasible. I am sure you are not saying you think some of our officials or candidates are using illegal drugs?
Although it is not going to change, I want to know why you feel people should have to post their real names.
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I disagree - none of Mr. Blue's suggestions have merit.
Mr. Blue's fixes for the ills of Perry/Taylor County smack of BIG BROTHER. People have real jobs, real supervisors, and real managers and some of these guys are not very nice. Democracy is based on the secret ballot for that reason.
The first thing a lawyer with a real name will do is try to sue someone for an alleged trespass against another person or entity. User names are the backbone of the Internet - from the very earliest days of the Internet, the user name has existed and so it should be. Real names hamper the free exchange of ideas and information. Do you think Karl Rove or Dick Cheney use their real names when using the Internet? Litigious and more litigious, always thinking litigious!!
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Too funny and true! Tell a falsehood (or leak confidential information) and you will get sued. Blog anonymity will not protect you from being sued, ask the RIAA. Revealing your true identity, however, makes you publicly accountable for what you print or say.
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Mr. Blue
Did you come here to share ideas or to boo people up (scare tactic) over their 1st right to freedom of speech. This is how the persons in leadership positions in Perry manage the negative press and information about the decisions made in the name of the people. When in fact it is the work of the "apostles". Yes that is the nick name used to describe that little group of like minded people who work in and with local government. The Taylor County "click" has groupthink, you know the disease which attacks long standing groups and causes social loafing, dominant individuals take charge of group and poor decision making results. Shame on you. You go hide behind you special interest weak skirt, but you may find the rest of use ain't scared. So boo you Bill.
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I agree with you, is that what he is trying to do? It is funny how he compares a blog to RIAA copyright infringement cases. This is just the first time we have had a place or an opportunity for the actual working class people to talk about stuff that goes on in Taylor County and actually inform regular people about what is actually going on. That is probably the problem, public information actually getting to the public...you know what I mean.
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AGREED! I think as this site grows, it could really help make a difference in Taylor County to have "The People" engaged. Look at what the blogosphere has done to politics nationally. More people than ever are involved and letting their voices heard. It's the new "grassroots" of this era! This little site (GREAT IDEA AND LONG OVERDUE)is only the beginning!
I may have left long ago as my name indicates, but I still have a love Taylor County and I still have many loved ones there. I have a strong desire to see you all prosper and succeed.
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I agree, sounds more like big government than equal government by representation. I want to urge the public to at least get involved enough to be aware of what items are on the agendas of both city and county meetings. The ideas of Mr. Blue, the city attorney if I am not mistaken, resembles what most working people dislike and that is the few who think they know what is best for everyone and will force their personal values and agendas on the masses. The idea of fear is used as a control method more than any other. Just pay attention. I will leave you with a quote from Benjamin Franklin:
"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security."
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The comment regarding liberty is valid. Offer a solution of your on.
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Bill Blue is not the city attorney and has not served in that capacity for sometime. Not sure why he is no longer there. Could hae resigned or could have been removed.
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Blue sure did cost the county a lot of money when he was the lawyer for the planning board.
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Not true. Frivolous lawsuits against the planning board (not my client at the time - I defended individuals not the board) cost the county taxpayers considerably. The people initiating those lawsuits weren't any better with the facts than most posters on this blog.
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Mr. Bill
Better read the Press Release from the Commission on Ethics August 1, 2007.
http://www.ethics.state.fl.us/ethics/press_releases/July07chairpres.pdf
There you will find out how "Frivolous" the complaints were. If an attorney did not understand the differences between a complaint and a lawsuit I would be concerned about his level of expertise in his profession. But a better question may be "who was the attorney who gave "advice of counsel" prior to planning board vote." By the way who paid for your representation of these individuals after the Ethics Commission denied your claim for payment? Did these individuals pay your fee? You may tell another tall tale but I know what is "not true".
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The Commission dismissed a nepotism complaint filed against CLAY BETHEA, Taylor County Commissioner. The Commission determined that because Bethea sought the advice of counsel prior to the appointment of his first cousin to the Planning Board, took no affirmative action to make the appointment, and abstained from the vote for the appointment, the public interest would not be served by further proceedings on the matter.
Probable cause was found to believe that KEVIN GUENTHNER and BRYAN BETHEA, Taylor County Planning Board members, had voting conflicts when they voted on a measure which inured to the special private gain or loss of their employer or a parent organization or subsidiary of their employer. Probable cause also was found to believe that they participated in discussion of a measure which inured to the special private gain or loss of their employer or parent organization or subsidiary of their employer, without first disclosing their interest as required by law. However, because they each obtained the advice of counsel prior to the vote and they are no longer serving on the Board, the Commissioner will take no further action on these complaints.
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To SpeakOut, Mr. Franklin did not have the problems with drugs and crime that we do today.
When they did have crime they had a justice system that handled the problems with out all the " poor criminal", "even the criminal has rights" and the "he/she was raised by a single parent, alcoholic parent, drug addict parent etc" crowd. They had a system that treated all criminals as they should be treated. AS CRIMINALS!
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Mr. Blue, please do not try and give any of your "ONE SIDED" opinions...We have all gotten to know how you operate..Lets see, you first see how you can benifit and then who you are friends with or how you can get something for free...Your court records show how you only look to gain and not help those that need the help....How bout us saving money and cutting the number of public defense lawyers that only show up in court and collect a pay check....Lets look at those options Billy !!!!!!
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oooo! [shudder] say it again Ms. Anonymous
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I presently am handling a number of cases for people without means for free. I never have a case load where I am not representing someone for free.
I am not a public defender.
You appear defensive. I forgive your personal attack and lack of knowledge.
I wonder, however, because you have lied about me in an anonymous fashion, how many other lies have your written about other people under one of your anonymous identities?
Does a "two-sided" opinion exist? What is the definition a two-sided opinion?
Have a blessed day.
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Some of these points are valid points but I totally disagree with making a rule that a business close at midnight. Many people in Taylor County work shift work and having the accommodations of having some place to shop is a must. Not all people are as Blessed as you to have a day job. Also, if our country would legalize and tax the drug industry you would see a drop in drug related crimes. This is a proven fact. Neil Boortz a leading talk show host has spoken many times on this matter.
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Alexis Manning just pled guilty to attempted murder on Tonya Poindexter Fuentes, whom young Ms. Manning abducted after midnight at Wal-Mart. Do you care to ask Ms. Fuentes how safe our town is after midnight?
I don't believe any of our current public officials or law enforcement officers are taking illegal drugs. Given the size of that population over time, it is naive to believe that no in the history of our county was guilty of a drug offense while in office or on the force.
Bill Blue
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I completely agree with you except that one incident, althought horrible, does not justify such a drastic change in our lifestyle. Wouldn't it be easier, more feasible and fair to everyone to publicly ask Wal-mart to provide an escort by one of their employees already on their payroll, if a customer requests it. Your idea is punishing the innocent instead of being more aggressive towards the criminals from my opinion. Is that not what our national elected officials are saying regarding the terrorism issue? Do not give in to them, and continue your normal lifestyles or they have won.
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Maybe we should close all stores all day long Mr. Blue! There is as much crime committed during the day as there is at night.
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That's odd, the police reports appear to disagree.
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Lets pull them and see, Burglary, Drugs, Prostitution, murder, robbery, all are committed during the day. it's absurd for one to declare that businesses should close at midnight. There is a world that evolves after midnight. As stated many people work shift work, attend events, and such and do shop late at night. So, yes lets pull statistics and see.
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There are alot of thing the city and county can do, however when the TCSO only makes 484 arrests in one year won't do it. We need aggressive law enforcement and it's not all in the city. Look and the meth labs in Steinhatchee. As someone said the arrests from the SO are most VOP's which is a warrant.
Watch the booking desk in the last few weeks see who has the arrests.
The county did make a drug arrest last week, but where was he from? (I bet he had no ties to the community)
We made an arrest from some people from texas the other day.
Where are the people from taylor county who have VOTES.
If you VOTE or know people you are not arrested.
Yes, the community needs interact with law enforcement.
The county does have a K-9 unit and this dog can be used on anybody for probable cause/search.
In the paper the PD was interviewd why not the Sheriff?
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Locally our law enforcement and justice officials are getting the job done. We need prevention.
Law enforcement is making the arrests. Prosecutors are pursuing cases. Judges and juries are convicting and handing down sentences. Prisons are filling up. We need to institutionalize a respect for law and authority. I say "institutionalize" because the lessons aren't being learned at home.
As for what can Wal-Mart do, Ms. Fuentes was a Wal-Mart employee. Wal-Mart has security personnel and cameras. What more could it have done? Let's make it harder to commit crimes.
Bill Blue
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Prevention does not even begin to stop crime. What we need are the liberals removed from within the system. Punishments are nowhere near as strict as they use to be. People need to be placed out on chain gangs and made to work in prison. To often we give handouts and a slap on the hand for a crime committed, especially if that someone is well known within Taylor County, for example the juveniles who broke into the school. Its not what you do in Taylor County or the crime you commit, but who you are.
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Oh, and by the way, the majority of the people I am court-appointed to represent are locals.
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Here's an idea....
I've lived in Perry my entire life and I could name at least ten drug dealers off the top of my head. I'm not a drug user but growing up here I've learned a lot. I'd also venture to say that most people who read this know someone who does or sells drugs. It seems to me that this is our problem.
We know who the drug dealers are... yet nothing is done! There's not a day goes by that you can't drive on 19 towards Tallahassee and see a city police officer [*] with a radar gun in the ditch or hiding in the old Gator Motors parking lot watching traffic and stopping people for speeding. While speeding is a problem, I wish our police department wouldn't sit aound so much watching traffic. I wish they'd be more proactive and go after the drug dealers.
One more thing. Why isn't the 98 Bar shut down. There is no way that place can pass a inspection from the State to operate a public business. It is a dump. I'd bet quite a bit of drugs are carried in and out on a nightly basis. There is also a lot of other crimes that happen there as well.
[*]
*Comment edited for reference to personal appearance. Sorry.
BlogModerator
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First I want to say that I understand where you are coming from but...
More people are killed in car accidents caused by speeding drivers every year than intentional killings also an overwhelming majority of drug related arrest are made because the offender was stopped for a simple driving violation.
Law enforcement would love for the 98 Bar to close it's doors and has tried several times to achieve this goal. For the record the 98 Bar did pass a recent State inspection. The State found violations then gave them time to make the corrections. The corrections where made and the 98 was allowed to reopen the doors. This was not in the hand of local law enforcement but the State - it's not as simple as you might think to just close someomes doors. What you know personally and what you can prove are two different things.
One of the great things about living in America is that we have the freedom to operate a business despite the feeling of others. Please do not get me wrong I am very concerned about the crime rate in the community that I love. I just don't want us to start thinking that we need laws that dictate based on open group or persons ideas. Nazi Germany is not a place I want America to become.
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That's odd, the police reports appear to disagree.
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I think James hit the nail on the head; I was about to write the same thing when I read his post.
This is a small town, and it should be pretty simple to find out who the dealers are and make life difficult for them. But I know, from personal first-hand experience, that some known dealers continue to operate with apparent impunity. At least one person has bypassed PPD and TCSO because of this, going straight to FDLE to try to get some action taken.
Curfews for minors are increasingly common, although I've not seen data relating to their effectiveness. I'm also not sure that a significant portion of our crimes are committed by minors.
My biggest question is, who's committing these crimes? Is it people who should be in jail for a prior offense, but were released early? It seems to me that an awful lot of the same names keep popping up at "The Booking Desk" over and over again. These folks repeatedly get out of jail, typically participating in increasingly serious crimes until they finally end up killing someone or being killed. Is there no way to get them off the streets before it comes to this?
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Did you see us on the 11PM news on WCTV? In case you missed it, here is a link to the story with some video on WCTV's website. http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/19086229.html
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Good ol' WCTV... Always quick to head down here when there's bad news!
Sheriff Williams mentions weapons being a problem. However, weapons are a *symptom* of the problem--not the cause of it. Taylor County has always been a well-armed county, but hasn't always had a crime rate at current levels.
The article quotes one resident as listing boredom as a contributing factor. I'm sure for some people it is (we all know the saying about idle hands), but I don't see it as being a major cause. Again, look back at history; there have never been a ton of activities for people here, but the higher crime rate is new. So something else is to blame.
I'd wager that if we looked closely at the people committing these crimes, we'd see some common trends. I'm betting that most of them come from broken homes where at least one parent is missing. Many probably are being raised by aunts and grandparents. It's highly unlikely that the perpetrators did well in school, and most probably never even considered going to college.
So the end result is someone with a broken moral compass who has virtually no hope of earning a decent income by legitimate means. But they watch MTV and BET, and want to emulate the lifestyles they see on there. That's a bad combination that inevitably leads to a life of crime.
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One thing that I do not appreciate is blaming these crimes on individuals being raised in single parent homes or by family members. I was raised in a broken home and I am a single parent of 4 children - I have never committed a crime other than a traffic ticket and am raising my kids to respect the law. I am not saying that they will be perfect BUT morals are being instilled in them. I agree with the school issue and some of the crime could possibly be reduced by a stronger enforcment of children and young adults being made to go to school or be punished. Half of the kids that drop out STILL are allowed to get their driver's license (which isn't supposed to happen).
*Parent, I understand your defensiveness and taking comments regarding parenting personally, but I think the main point that people are upset about is the parents of the students that knew what was going to happen and did nothing to stop it and/or participated in the act, and then have the nerve to cause all this because their kids were held accountable for their actions. You are obviously an example of a single parent from a broken home that has had the fortitude to be involved and do the right thing, but statistics show that homes without a father or more likely to produce bad members of society, but not all of them. So if the statistic doesn't apply to you, then it doesn't apply to you..know what I mean. The other issue you brought up is not near as easy as you have been told. A good friend of mine does just that and it is not a walk in the park, so I think you are trying to bring attention to an issue that is not a part of the problem. They are watched and are held accountable for everything and have to provide all to whomever asks, often times more than twice a year. People already look different at people that exercise that right without drawing unneeded attention to it. Sorry and I hope you continue to participate.
BlogModerator
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Why is it that a community with approximately 20,000 people has 3,000 to 5,000 drug dependents? I would say the answer may be the wrong questions are being asked. Why do some find it necessary to have a buzz in their head to be able to tolerate living in Perry? Now thats sad. Synthetic joy? A community without comfort and dignity. Taylor County fails to thrive and old worn out ideas and warmed over lefted overs will not restore the loss of pride and prosperity to this socially ill community. I love Perry and the people who live there and I say it is insane to continue doing the same old things expecting a different outcome.
I am reminded of this saying
"Help Wanted: ethical leaders must be honest and sober either one apply."
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Alright folks, let us think about this subject logically. I think the best way to solve the bar-shootings is to enact a local ordinance that forces establishments that serve open-package spirits and is open after dark (all the bars in town) to increase their security measures. I've only been to the 98 bar once and that was with some of my friends. Would I go there by myself? Probably not. Why? Because I probably wouldn't know anyone there anyway and I know that anyone allowed inside could be carrying a weapon. Not to mention the parking lot is unattended and very poorly lit. The same goes for the Inferno club and pretty much all other bars in Perry. Better lighting=decrease in illegal activities in the parking lot. Thieves and murderers and drug dealers use the shadows as their cover. Everyone knows that. A public servant like a Sheriff's deputy or Police officer on the premises of such establishments would drastically decrease the likelihood of people entering with weapons. That's what needs to be done about bar violence. As for the drug dealers? Drug dealers are merely businessmen. They don't usually commit violent crimes unless there are large sums of money involved for fear of raising attention to their business. They are usually not-well-educated and come from lower socioeconomic status. They usually make a standard living with very little effort. The only plausible way to get rid of them is to get rid of the demand for their product.
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I'm still interested in Bill Blue's:
"8. This blog should make people post their real neames."
Bill Blue, are you afraid those who don't post their names are part of some sort of "conspiracy" ?
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I agree that people like to try to cover their activities if they are doing something illegal. However, I have been in the parking lot of Winn Dixie, and observed what I strongly believ to be drug activity. People coming up to a vehicle with large rims and then going back behind Winn Dixie. I reported it to the authorities but was not going to jump out and confront anyone.
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Check out the article about Taylor County and Perry on WCTV's web site:
http://www.wctv.tv/home/headlines/19086229.html
and don't forget to read the comments. I'd like to know if Perry residents have attempted to educate the mayor on this issue, since she seems to be so out of touch with reality.
Looks like the Sheriff's dept is trying to look good in the news the past couple of weeks, but this crime keeps ruining all the good pr they are trying to put out.
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This was very good but it seems the sheriff seems to thank that he's not responsible for crime that go's on in the city as well as the county I guess he for gets that over half of his votes come within the city limits. Well sheriff it time for you to retire.
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time for him to retire, and a bunch of the rest of them too.
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YOU JUST DON'T KNOW
THE "LAW'S" are so complacated these day's that if you're not on up to date on these things,your up to being suied every day of your life.And who do's it cost???our dependable tax dollars that we pay every week.How many times has our current sheriff cost uor county extra money other than his budget?????????????????????????? I'm voting for Bummy as long as his running for sheriff.
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I'm really glad your voting this is what makes this country very different from others. It's so great we can hold elections.I live in the city and thank Bummy is a good man also but he's has let the county and his department get out of hand. Now it seems he campaigning very hard playing catch-up and acting like nothing wrong. What can he do to help our county in 4 more years that he hasn't done in 12 years. I hear that's all he wants is one more term 4 years before retiring. He's had 12 years in office and the city and county has been getting worse each year. I'm going to vote someone in that going to be in it for the long hall, not just 4 more years and stepping out not caring where the county headed. So just like you I voting for who I want but not Bummy......
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If you are undecided on who to vote for be sure and read the blogs regarding the Sheriff's election for some eye opening information regarding the candidates! You may change your mind about Bummy after all.
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I used to work as a LEO in Taylor County and the bottom line is there is too many officers/deputies that are too busy setting around and not doing a thing. I remember getting told you don't have to arrest everybody and being told not to arrest certain individuals. The crime rate will not change until you get the law enforcement officers to do what they are paid to do. There are a few that do this now and catch much scrutiny for doing their job. I have seen that the ones that actually work make the sorry ones look bad.
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I recall a PPD officer that got run out of town for ticketing/arresting the wrong people.
He made a lot of enemies by pulling drivers over for what they considered to be minor infractions. But as I recall, a number of those ordinary traffic stops ended up resulting in drug busts.
This is precisely what officers ought to be doing between calls--patrolling the city/county and enforcing laws and ordinances.
Of course, we've also got to have judges willing to apply the law equally to all citizens, including their friends and family.
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I disagree with with most of Mr. Blue's ideas. Businesses closing at midnight is just taking a town that is already behind the times and putting into the dark ages.
The curfew, would have little effect on most of the crimes. It would have some effect though.
The drug testing of elected leaders and public employees I don't really feel is a necessity. I really feel that money spent on that could be better spent on better enforcing the laws and arresting the criminals.
Cameras in schools is not such a bad idea, if used in the right manner for the right purposes. What type of "drug detection equipment" are you referring to?
Cash rewards are good to encourage citizens with information about any types of crimes to come forward with information. I think $2500 is probably a bit high.
This forum should not make people post their real names. Even though this is my first time on this forum, I frequent others. If this forum required posters to post their real name:
1. This forum would have only about 15-25% of the activity that it has.
2. The anonymity of this site allows people to more freely express themselves. It is up to the moderator to keep them from bashing each other. I'm not sure how much it goes on, as this is my first visit to this board.
About the crime rate in Perry and Taylor County. I have attempted to address this issue with the Taylor County SO and Perry PD without revealing myself. I did this through another forum for Law Enforcement which is also open to the Public.
No one from TCSO replied to me, but there were some responses from people who apparently work for PPD. I asked specifically about the reduction in Drug Arrests in the years preceding 2007.
The first answer they gave, me, I was able to list the statistics to show that their answer was false. The second one actually sounded more like an excuse and I asked for more information to confirm it and they never answered me back.
If you would like to look at these posts, the Perry Police Dept Board is at
http://forums.leoaffairs.com/viewforum.php?f=397
and the Taylor SO one is at:
http://forums.leoaffairs.com/viewforum.php?f=433.
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I don't think more restrictions/rules will help lower our crime stats in the least. Nor will drug testing officials or students. It seems that the more rules we have in society, the worse things get(and the bigger and more expensive government gets). Look at what prohibition did to the US in the 20's. The guys making bootleg whiskey mostly minded their own business. It was the illegal distributors that caused the crime to soar. Imagine what would happen if marijuana were legalized and the distributorships were taken out into the light of day. The same old pot smokers would still be getting high and staying at home eating cheetos, but the shady guys selling/transporting the stuff would be taken out of the equation. It would free up countless manhours of police work. Also, if it were not such a 'forbidden' drug, kids would not think it so cool. It's something to ponder. Now legalizing crack and meth, that's another story. But the current way of handling it is obviously not working. Buy, bust, then sentence to a short stint in jail, probation or community control. The courts and jails are so full of these small time busts, the violent offenders slip through the cracks and end up being released back into society. We are doing something wrong at the national level. It's not just a Perry problem. I'm not claiming to have a definitive answer to this problem, but I do see that the old ways of dealing with this problem (the war on drugs) are OBVIOUSLY not working. It's time to try something new. And closing up the local bars at 12 instead of 1:00 is not new.
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Marijuana usage is pretty high in Taylor County, but I don't think people are nearly as worried about that as by the usage of harder drugs like crack. In the overall drug war, I would think the resources devoted to marijuana are relatively small compared to other drugs--in which case legalizing it wouldn't have a significant effect on crime.
I do see value in testing students for drug use and removing them from extracurricular activities if they test positive. It shows them that there are very real negative consequences to drug usage. Making them choose between drugs and being on the football team or cheerleading squad prepares them for the professional world, where a choice must often be made between using drugs and holding a job.
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Mr. Blue, you mentioned the Manning-Fuentes case above as an argument for late night crime and closing all to everyone. I hate to bring up an old case because it may bring bad memories to the surface for some, but Mr. Blue, as a lawyer and a person, did you see what Pam looked like after that man beat her to death at her own house for hours a few years ago. If you didn't, did you get to talk to a family member that told you what she looked like? What he did to her? Did you see or get told about the man's full shoe prints impressions left on her body because he stomped her so hard? If not, maybe you should. Manning got 2, count 'em, 2 life sentences for armed robbery and ATTEMPTED murder of Mrs. Fuentes. Do you remember what the ex-husband of Pam got for such a brutal and violent MURDER? 17 years and he gets to walk the streets if he makes it to that day. As a lawyer in the system, why don't you explain that to me? Justify that and then tell the family of Pam how closing all businesses at midnight and all the other ridiculous suggestions you made would have saved her life. You have the luxury to sit there and pass judgment on most of us that don't live like you and the handful that you associate with. My understanding is you claim to be very religious, but if so, it is hypocritical and against bible teachings to pass judgment on others, am I right or wrong. Because you and the others like Mayor Ketring have no clue what it is like to live and struggle like the majority of us do in todays world are surely not qualified to tell us, or put into law, how to live and when we can come and go. Everyone knows who Mrs. Ketring's family is and where she grew up, so get real. I am in no way jealous, or any other word you want to put on it, of how you or the few live, I think it is a blessing that you don't have to experience life like the majority. Some may have experienced it growing up, but most came from old money, and it is the attitude of those that people in this community are tired of. Maybe that is why so many are running in the elections and probably will win. Looks and sounds like to me that the Mayor should call another crime summit that involves the public that lives it. Wonder if you will promote it and make it look so grandeur like you did for your good friend the Mayor...yes it was that obvious. Law enforcement has the ability and access to other county's knowledge of how they fight drugs and crime and win, so I think it is them that should step up, not you or the Mayor. Also, if you are so passionate about it, why don't you use your access to the legal system as a lawyer to fight to fix the justice system and its partiality to the criminal and the sentences that are handed down, instead of wasting your time participating in the very blog you say should be changed to satisfy you and responding to the comments you have condemned above. For the record, I am not taking away from Mrs. Fuentes' case at all, it was a horrible attack and I can't imagine how horrifying it was for her.
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Everyone seems to forget ALL PEOPLE have rights. Drug testing students would do what? As minors, their parents would have to agree to the drug testing. Would it be random or based on suspicion? What would happen if the "star" players were found to have drugs in their system at the time of testing? People want the drugs to go away in our community since they are the reason for crime. Well, what is the community doing to help local law enforcement agencies clean up? When local drug dealers get arrested, their family members are the first to come to their defense, denying illegal activity in their homes, saying the money these drug dealers have belong to mama or another family member, and they are the first to bond them out of jail. As unfortunate as it was that the young man was killed behind the 98 bar, what was he doing there to begin with? A minor in the area of a bar and a place where illegal drugs have been found and sold. I drive past the 98 bar and see men standing outside the bar, hanging out at all hours by the telephone, or standing next to the dozens of cars parked outside. If you really want to clean up the community, run the drug dealers and prostitutes out of your neighborhoods. Call 911 when you see "alleged" drug activity going on, don't just watch it then complain about it later. As long as people believe it is someone else's responsibility to clean up our streets, we will continue to have the problems we have now. If you think drug activity is going on in your neighborhood, shopping centers, the parking lot of bars, CALL 911. Work with local law enforcement instead of against them. I wonder how many times the gentleman who lives across from the 98 bar has called 911 to report criminal activity going on right across the street from his home and a church! Drug dealing is for people who can't hold a real job, probably can't read or write, or are just plain sorry. Get educated, get a job, and become productive members of society instead of hanging out on the corners selling drugs which only promotes crime.
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The way programs work in most districts is that participation in extracurricular activities requires drug testing. The courts have upheld this practice, since these activities are a privilege and not a right (kind of like walking the stage at graduation). I mentioned in an earlier post the benefits of such a program.
I agree that the biggest and best thing we can do is to say, as a community, that we're just not going to put up with the drugs anymore. No more good ol' boy system. No more letting certain people off with a slap on the wrist, or turning the other way when we know it's going on. From citizens to the police to the judges, everyone has to be on the same page.
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I agree and after talking with Mr. Chambers this weekend he's knows that one of biggest problems this county faces is the drugs. He will have a Zero Tolerance to drugs in our county. He also told me that he would put up signs at every main HWY entering into the county that says "Welcome to Taylor County This county has a Zero Tolerance for drugs". I ask him how he would pay for this he said if he couldn't get a grant from somewhere He would pay for it out of his on pocket. I thank Mr. Chambers, Aggressiveness approach is what we need for our county. Mr. Williams has done a ok job but I'm sure if he get Re-elected it's will be the same old thing like you said the GOOD OLD BOY way.
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you have to be kidding me! There are actually people who are advocating the legalization of now "Illegal" drugs. I can just see it now, doctors operating on people after smoking a little "Maryjane". It would be legal. A high "legal driver" on amphetamines. And yes the all famous Taylor county hunter on "legalized hillbilly heroin" Oxycontin (codone, hydrocodone etc....) Your kidding right?
I will quote a famous comedian "I have been smoking dope for 20 years and I ain't hooked".
There is a reason the US Military has a Zero Tolerance policy for drugs. All drugs. Marijuana is a gateway drug. No matter how much you cry its not the info and stats say it is.
I was a DACO (Drug and Alcohol Control Officer) and a SACO (Substance Abuse Control Officer after 1988) I had the job of screening self admittals which was legal until 1988 with alcohol and drug problems and conducting Urinalysis testing, AA meetings and other counseling meetings. The military went to a Zero tolerance policy in 1988 and drug use went down to a Pre Vietnam era level. The solution is was and is for us now education and enforcement. Enforce the laws we have. Educate the addicted and the family of the addicted.
Isn't it funny that when we were kids (I am 44) this was not a big issue. Our Parents made sure we were home when we should be. We didn't stay out like the kids do today. The worse that the kids I grew up with did was sneak a drink of beer. We had kids who smoked dope but they were the "Stoners". They were shunned or ostracized from the crowd. Now it seems like the opposite has happened. They are the norm and those who don't are the outcasts.
As a parent of two young kids (1 teen and 1 almost) I am going to be a "throw back parent". I am going to stay in my kids business. I am going to pay attention. I am going to hold them responsible about what they do where they go and I believe most importantly WHO they do it with. I just hope I raised my kids to know what is right and wrong and how to be and act accordingly.
Mr. Blue, I am glad you started this blog. You have some good ideas and some not so good. I agree with #'s 1,4,5,6,7 and sometimes #8. The reason for #8 is it may have re-percussions on my kids for my opinions.
The comedian I wrote about earlier was Richard Prior, He almost killed his self by freebasing. He caught his self on fire and nearly died. We see on the drive by media daily the celebs that overdose on drugs and or drink there selfs to death.
I ask my children when these things happen why do you think they did it? They say peer pressure and stupidity. I am proud of my kids. They seem to be way ahead of the curve.
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A number of movements to legalize the use of marijuana have been gaining steam lately. There are places in California where it's already legal for medicinal purposes. Much of the American public now believes that the drug should be legalized (41 percent according to a Zogby International Poll) but others are still concerned about health damage and other adverse affects. The drug generally isn't more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation. Limiting the use of the drug intrudes on personal freedom. Even if the drug is shown to be harmful, isn't it the right of every person to choose what harms him or her? Marijuana use is generally thought of as a "victimless crime", in that only the user is being harmed. You can't legislate morality when people disagree about what's considered "moral".Legalization would mean a lower price; thus, related crimes (like theft) would be reduced. All illegal drugs are higher in price because the production, transportation, and sale of the drugs carry heavy risks. When people develop drug habits or addictions, they must somehow come up with the money to support their cravings. Unless a person is wealthy, he or she must often resort to robbery and other crimes to generate the money needed to buy the drugs. Legalization would reduce the risks and thus reduce the prices. There would therefore be less need for the secondary crimes needed to raise money. There are medical benefits such as the those for cancer patients. As detailed in the related links section, there are a number of medical benefits of marijuana, most notably in the treatment of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Others believe it helps in the treatment of depression. Certain states like California have brought initiatives to legalize the drug for at least medicinal purposes.Street justice related to drug disputes would be reduced. Currently, if someone in the drug trade screws you over, there's no police to call or lawyers to litigate. You must settle disputes yourself. This often leads to cycles of retaliatory violence. Legalization would create proper means to settle disputes.It could be a source of additional tax revenues. An enormous amount of money is raised through government taxation of alcohol, cigarettes, and other "sins". The legalization of marijuana would create another item that could be taxed. I'm sure the government would have no problem spending all that extra money.
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My continuing thoughts on the legalization of marijuana
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I have only lived here for 2 years and I see a lot of problems with this community. I am from a much bigger town and it has 1\2 the crime and drugs. Crime is also taken a lot more seriously there, and it doesn't matter who you are or who you know.
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I see prostitutes and drug dealers walking around every day on 19 and 98. Would it be illegal for the PPD to walk around out there too? In my old home town we had armed bicycle cops all over the city.That might keep some of those people indoors. Also, no one else has mentioned the number of sexual predators in this area. Do we have a "unit" or something on the internet trying to monitor these people? I would volunteer my time to keep pedophiles in prison where they belong. These people do not rehabilitate, yet they are living amongst the rest of us and our children.
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Is anyone out there surprised about the decision not to indict in the murder @ the 98 bar?
I have read all the quotes and heard all the stories and seen all the blurbs on wctv and personally know one of the jury members and I still find it hard to believe that a unarmed 17 year old can scare two adult males into taking out a gun and shooting a young man down and then stand over him and continue to fire into his body and claim self defense.
Is there any doubt in anyones mind that this absolutely would be a different case if the person who fired the shots was White. Do you think the same jury would have come back with a "no true bill", declining to indict?
Only in Perry can people use and I quote the excuse of " Words were exchanged and shots were fired". If I were a parent of young men and women in that part of the city I would do what ever I could to get control of my children and keep them away from that place. It is obvious that you can say something around there and "they" can pull out a gun, shoot you and then say I was in fear of my life and get away with it. All they need is a witness, and I am sure that around the 98 bar they can find a few witnesses for a very small sum!
I drive down US19/98 (intersection)at all hours of the night. The hookers, druggies and drug dealers are all out on the streets pretty much around the clock. Where is our law enforcement? I have witnessed a city and county car sitting @ the tire shop, and hookers 2 blocks away on 19 in plain sight. Can someone explain to me what is a Known drug house? How can it be known for more than 10 minutes without the law doing something about it? If its known you can do something about it? Right? Well if this is what is going on and it is what I see more and more every day, I choose to arm and defend myself and my family.
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At least a decision was made not to prosecute. The son of the PPD officer has never been charged with anything. Matter of fact have you heard any more about that? Unbelievable.
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Well said. I too arm myself everywhere I go, and I urge all law-abiding, intelligent citizens to take advantage of Florida's Concealed Carry Law, and to properly train yourself in the law and also the use of the weapon. Not only that, you should continue to train and practice for your safety and those around you. Law Enforcement can't protect you from a violent attack if they are not sitting right there, and what are the odds of that. It is ultimately up to you to protect yourselves and your families from those that choose a violent/criminal life.
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I worked for the Sheriff Office years ago. I have been reading the blogs about the rising crime rate the last one about the shooting a the 98 bar. The sheriff ( bummy ) is the head law enforcement officer for the county. He can and should help patrol the city of Perry , why because theirs a lots of voters inside the city limits . But he does not like to make waves or rock the boat so why get involved the easy way out is to blame it on the PPD. Most of you Sheriff’s has a Deputy or two assigned to the city. Do you the citizens of the county and city no how well were covered . I sure you don’t until you have been there. Ok let’s see the Sheriff office has about 11 to 12 Deputy’s that works only day shift with weekends off and yes even the K-9 deputy works mostly days with weekend off. They have 4 shifts that work 12 hours with two shifts of 3 to 4 deputy’s off every Friday, Saturday and Sunday . So now we have close to 19 deputy’s off on weekends. So really how many Deputy’s are actually working on the weekends maybe 3 to 4 on days and the same on night and that no one is sick or on vacation then were down to 2 or 3 for the entire county and city. I really believe there something wrong with this picture. The deputy’s are not at fault here they only work what there told. Just my opinion but this is no way to run a department. I have herd that he the Sheriff ( bummy) only want 4 more years to do what. Well I’m glad he (bummy) thanks we do not have a problem with crime in our county. I thank it’s time for a change in the Courthouse starting with the Sheriff 12 years is enough I would hate to see what this county would be like if we let him stay another 4 years. I guess there no crime or drugs in the street on weekends either . After reading this you can see why the reason we have the highest crime rate in the state per population . I also guess people have stop growing marijuana in this county or is the sheriff just not looking anymore if you want to see what the S.O has found in 2005, 2006 and 2007 just go to this site to see for your self. www.fdle.state.fl.us/publications Back when Sheriff Whittle was in he and his deputy’s would find 2,500 to 3,500 plants a year We need a sheriff who will be aggressive and not scared to make waves or rock the boat and need them quick.
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"...Where is our law enforcement? I have witnessed a city and county car sitting @ the tire shop, and hookers 2 blocks away on 19 in plain sight..." - -Excuse me, Armed Citizen, are you saying that you know for a fact the females (I assume you mean females) you observed 2 blocks away from the cops were "hookers"??...and exactly how did you know they were "hookers"??...and what exactly do you expect?? Do you honestly believe that the city and county cops you saw there should have just ran 2 blocks down, picked the females up and hauled their asses to jail because YOU can look at them and tell that they are hookers??!! I am quite sorry to enlighten you to your own ignorance, but the justice system does not quite work that way.
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I hear what you're saying, MAGGIE; we have to be careful not to judge people based on their appearances.
But I'm sure you'll acknowledge that the hookers can be easy to spot. Anyone who spends any time in Perry recognizes them; generally rough-looking, super skinny, walking around the same stretch of 19, frequently seen getting into different cars. And this being a small town, we often even know their names, know their families, and know they're turning tricks for crack.
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Boy, you sure took offense to that....no, the justice system does not work that way BUT these women have been in and out of jail more times than I can count - we all know that if they were approached by law enforcment they would be obviously under the influence (look at the walk) and more than likely would have drugs and/or paraphenalia on them. THey aren't scared of the law - THATS what is wrong with the crime rate. THey (prostitutes, drug dealers, drug users, etc) KNOW that the law is not going to mess with them unless they get to big. In the course of my work, I am up and down Hwy 19 several times a day - Drug deals go on all day every day and at times they are obvious. But the law turns a blind eye. THats why all they will ever bust is the small guys.
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7)"It is estimated that if prostitution were legalized in the United States, the rape rate would decrease by roughly 25% for a decrease of approximately 25,000 rapes per year...."
8)"Sex work is legitimate work and problems within the industry are not inherent in the work itself. It is vulnerability, not sex work, which creates victims. Sex workers should enjoy the same labour rights as other workers and the same human rights as other people."
9) "Prostitution is not merely an exchange of sexual favors; it is a financial exchange. At this point, individualist feminists rise to defend the free market as well as a woman's self-ownership. This is expressed by the question: 'Prostitution is a combination of sex and the free market. Which one are you against?'
Feminists of all stripes should speak with one voice to demand the safety of these women by granting them the same protection as any other woman can expect. Only decriminalization can provide this."
10) "Decriminalization is not at all a solution to every injustice that exists in the sex industry; it is a starting point. If prostitution were not an underground activity it would allow us to much more effectively address the serious problems of forced prostitution and juvenile prostitution and the other abuses which are part of an industry that operates completely in the shadows. ...[T]here are many who... want other options and they should be given alternatives and assistance. And then there are also those who organize for their rights and are not quitting at the moment and they should be afforded options, their rights, and self-determination as well. Whatever ills are attendant to prostitution, criminalization of prostitutes exacerbates the abuse."
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M.A.G.G.I.E. is it? I also have trouble spelling. Well I guess I am funny that way. Yes I believe our law enforcement personnel should enforce laws. And the last time I knew prostitution was illegal. Selling drugs was illegal. Shooting people was illegal. How do I know they are prostitutes? I have eyes I have seen them getting in and out of cars, Semi's and other vehicles. I have seen them stop and go back to a vehicle that has pulled over down the street and or as the people used to call her before she died "Look back" every time a car passed to see if they would stop. This is a quote from someone who new her and lived in the area and wishes it would also stop. She does not like her tax dollars wasted either. I also have reasons to travel that part of town at all hours of the day and night to go to and come home from my job. Yes a job that I have that pays taxes for the "local authorities" to do their jobs. I am sure some where it also states that probable cause allows law enforcement to make stops if the witness something that may be illegal. Women or men standing or walking down the same stretch of road at all hours of the day/night can be probable cause. Most if not all have a very extensive police record and you can read their names quite often in the local news print in the article called "the booking desk". I know it makes you feel better by saying you will "enlighten me to my own ignorance" but I am well aware that I am ignorant on some issues and possibly on others, I am however not on this issue. Our justice system works. Only when the perps don't fear the law does the law break down. Do you think that our crime rate here in our little slice of the world would be as bad as it is if they feared the re-precussions of their actions? If you are a member of our "Local Law enforcement community" I am sorry if I offended you. It was not supposed to. No let me take that back. If you are I guess I know why you took offense to my statement. Isn't it great that we have the right to sit here and state our opinions? Curious, what does the acronym stand for?
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it is my personal opinion that prostitution should be legalized. I will now present 10 reasons why:
1)"Prostitution should not be a crime. Prostitutes are not committing an inherently harmful act. While the spread of disease and other detriments are possible in the practice of prostitution, criminalization is a sure way of exacerbating rather than addressing such effects. We saw this quite clearly in the time of alcohol prohibition in this country.
...What makes prostitution a 'victimless crime' in the sense that no one is necessarily harmed by it is that there are consenting adults involved."
2) "We chose sex work after we did a lot of things we couldn't stand. Sex work is better. For me, sex work isn't my first choice of paying work. It just happens to be the best alternative available. It's better than being president of someone else's corporation. It's better than being a secretary. It is the most honest work I know of."
3)"Why is it illegal to charge for what can be freely dispensed? Sex work is no more moral or immoral than the chocolate or distilling industries."
4)"Criminalizing the sex industry creates ideal conditions for rampant exploitation and abuse of sex workers…[I]t is believed that trafficking in women, coercion and exploitation can only be stopped if the existence of prostitution is recognized and the legal and social rights of prostitutes are guaranteed."
5) "Decriminalization would better protect people in the sex industry from violence and abuse.
...Police cannot and do not simultaneously seek to arrest prostitutes and protect them from violence.... Indeed, women describe being told, 'What did you expect?' by police officers who refused to investigate acts of violence perpetrated against women whom they knew engaged in prostitution. The consequences of such attitudes are tragic: Gary Ridgway said that he killed prostitutes because he knew he would not be held accountable. The tragedy is that he was right – he confessed to the murders of 48 women, committed over nearly twenty years. That is truly criminal."
6)"For HIV/AIDS prevention to succeed, the conditions of risk have to change. The context – legal, social, economic – of sex work has to change, with repeal of criminal laws, access to visas and work permits, freedom of movement and association, and occupational safety and health regulations, to reduce the imposition of risk from above. Until then, it will be heroic, strong individuals that can insist on safe behaviours, leaving those who are less heroic, those who are more timid and afraid, to suffer the consequences of the context of risk."
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If only we could legalize and tax morons! Nobody would have to pay a dime of taxes. In fact - we would be getting rebates every year!
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Guess if one outwits another one the only thing someone can do in retribution when they can not comment with an education answer is to attack ones character...
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T.Mac,
I'm surprised you don't blame the "local" tree-huggers for the local prostitution problem we have here. You blame them for everything eles that's gone wrong in this county.
Legalize prostition would be the answer for ALL the "Johns" out there.
You sound like that would benefit you in some way!
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P.S. The two crimes everyone seems to be complaining about on here is drugs and prostitution...I have seen no complaints about nothing else. These two things can be remedied simply by legalizing them. The points have been made yet I see no debate back, just attacking ones character. I have spoken nothing but truths on here and all the two of you can do is call into question ones integrity. This site is designed to bring about different thoughts and points. I do simply believe I have outwitted the two of you and you can simply come back with nothing else to say.
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I'll bite. Please explain how I was "outwitted". I'm not attacking your character - just some of the unworkable solutions you present here? I know it is just for fun and you obviously put thought into your posts. I would like to see you come up with something we can use and stop calling anyone with an opposing opinion a tree-hugger. It is attacking their character. Besides, a tree is God's creation and we are charged with good stewardship of his work.
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Evidentially you did not read the text, my character was attacked by "danny" accusing me of being with a prostitute. I have simply provided an opposing opinion and I get attacked. Look at the state of Nevada, where prostitution is legalized. Look at the Scandinavian countries where drugs are legalized and compare the crime rates. I am simply offering the opinion that if these items were legalized our resources could be better used elsewhere.
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T. Mac,
I wish not to debate this issue with you but I would like to offer ten reasons prostitution should not be legalized. The number one reason can be found in Exodus Chapter 20 verse 14; Thou shalt not commit adultery. The other nine reasons will be found in verses 1 thru 17. I hope you will take time to read the ten reason (Ten Commandments)and will see why prostitution can never be legalized.
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Surely you're not suggesting that God's laws be turned into America's laws. Should it be a crime to not keep the Sabbath holy, for example? If so, who decides what it means to keep it holy? And who defines whether the Sabbath is Saturday or Sunday?
I recognize that to an extent, our laws are based on the Ten Commandments--but they only loosely-based on them.
That said, I do disagree with T. Mac's characterization of prostitution and marijuana usage as victimless crimes. The reason they were outlawed and remain illegal is that they do have a broader negative effect on society. It's the same principle that lead to seatbelt laws; when someone is injured or killed in an accident because they weren't wearing a seatbelt, it impacts more than just that person.
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Let me say I can proudly say I have never used any type of illegal drugs. I can say I have partaken in the use of a legal drug known as Alcohol...With that I pose a question, Have you ever seen a marijuana user beat his wife ? No....I seem to remember a few years ago we lost a prominent family to a drunk driver..I have seen no move to make alcohol illegal. How many people are affected by drunk drivers ? We are willing to accept one evil but will not another ??
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Independent of that harm, adults ought to own our own bodies, so it's not intellectually honest to argue that "only marijuana" should be legal -- and only for certain sick people approved by the state. Every drug should be legal.
"How could you say such a ridiculous thing?" asked my assistant. "Heroin and cocaine have a permanent effect. If you do crack just once, you are automatically hooked. Legal hard drugs would create many more addicts. And that leads to more violence, homelessness, out-of-wedlock births, etc!"
Her diatribe is a good summary of the drug warriors' arguments. Most Americans probably agree with what she said.
But what most Americans believe is wrong.
Myth No. 1: Heroin and cocaine have a permanent effect.
Truth: There is no evidence of that.
In the 1980s, the press reported that "crack babies" were "permanently damaged." Rolling Stone, citing one study of just 23 babies, claimed that crack babies "were oblivious to affection, automatons."
It simply wasn't true. There is no proof that crack babies do worse than anyone else in later life.
Myth No. 2: If you do crack once, you are hooked.
Truth: Look at the numbers -- 15 percent of young adults have tried crack, but only 2 percent used it in the last month. If crack is so addictive, why do most people who've tried it no longer use it?
People once said heroin was nearly impossible to quit, but during the Vietnam War, thousands of soldiers became addicted, and when they returned home, 85 percent quit within one year.
People have free will. Most who use drugs eventually wise up and stop.
And most people who use drugs habitually live perfectly responsible lives, as Jacob Sullum pointed out in "Saying Yes".
Myth No. 3: Drugs cause crime.
Truth: The drug war causes the crime.
Few drug users hurt or rob people because they are high. Most of the crime occurs because the drugs are illegal and available only through a black market. Drug sellers arm themselves and form gangs because they cannot ask the police to protect their persons and property.
In turn, some buyers steal to pay the high black-market prices. The government says heroin, cocaine and nicotine are similarly addictive, and about half the people who both smoke cigarettes and use cocaine say smoking is at least as strong an urge. But no one robs convenience stores for Marlboros.
Alcohol prohibition created Al Capone and the Mafia. Drug prohibition is worse. It's corrupting whole countries and financing terrorism.
The Post wrote, "Stossel admitted his own 22-year-old daughter doesn't think [legalization] is a good idea."
But that's not what she said. My daughter argued that legal cocaine would probably lead to more cocaine use. And therefore probably abuse.
I'm not so sure.
Banning drugs certainly hasn't kept young people from getting them. We can't even keep these drugs out of prisons. How do we expect to keep them out of America?
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Just bringing some points to the table Danny....Not going to stoop to your level and try to degrade someone. When one has been outwitted in a debate such as yourself and Deep-Thought, they often begin by attacking ones character. Guess you and him both ran out of intelligent thoughts.
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I believe in God and believe in Heaven and Hell...I do have a hard time reading a book that was rewritten by a King(King James) and we have not seen the original text.) What about all the old men of the bible who had concubines ? I think one has to follow their heart in search of religion.
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Satan also believes in God and he will spend eternity in a lake of fiery torment knowing that there truly is a living God.
Believing in God will not put you into heaven, believing in your heart that his son Jesus Christ died for your sins and arose on the third day is the only key to heaven; and for those who believe this, they will certainly disagree with prostitution.
As far as a religion; It's not religion, it's faith.
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I will take my chances with God judging me more so than I will with your beliefs...Only he knows what is in your heart.
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A number of movements to legalize the use of marijuana have been gaining steam lately. There are places in California where it's already legal for medicinal purposes. Much of the American public now believes that the drug should be legalized (41 percent according to a Zogby International Poll) but others are still concerned about health damage and other adverse affects.
#1 The drug generally isn't more harmful than alcohol or tobacco if used in moderation. As you'll see by reading research studies from the related links section at the bottom of the page, the studies of the harmfulness of marijuana are inconclusive and contradictory. Most doctors would agree that it's not very harmful if used in moderation. It's only when you abuse the drug that problems start to occur. But isn't abuse of almost any bad substance a problem? If you abuse alcohol, caffeine, Ephedra, cigarettes, or even pizza, health problems are sure to follow. Would you want the government limiting how much coffee you can drink or how much cheesecake you take in? Most doctors believe that marijuana is no more addictive that alcohol or tobacco.
#2 Limiting the use of the drug intrudes on personal freedom. Even if the drug is shown to be harmful, isn't it the right of every person to choose what harms him or her? Marijuana use is generally thought of as a "victimless crime", in that only the user is being harmed. You can't legislate morality when people disagree about what's considered "moral".
#3 Legalization would mean a lower price; thus, related crimes (like theft) would be reduced. All illegal drugs are higher in price because the production, transportation, and sale of the drugs carry heavy risks. When people develop drug habits or addictions, they must somehow come up with the money to support their cravings. Unless a person is wealthy, he or she must often resort to robbery and other crimes to generate the money needed to buy the drugs. Legalization would reduce the risks and thus reduce the prices. There would therefore be less need for the secondary crimes needed to raise money.
#4 There are medical benefits such as the those for cancer patients. As detailed in the related links section, there are a number of medical benefits of marijuana, most notably in the treatment of patients undergoing chemotherapy. Others believe it helps in the treatment of depression. Certain states like California have brought initiatives to legalize the drug for at least medicinal purposes.
#5 Street justice related to drug disputes would be reduced. Currently, if someone in the drug trade screws you over, there's no police to call or lawyers to litigate. You must settle disputes yourself. This often leads to cycles of retaliatory violence. Legalization would create proper means to settle disputes.
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# Police and court resources would be freed up for more serious crimes. Many consider the War on Drugs an expensive failure. Resources for DEA, FBI, and border security are only the tip of the iceberg. You must add in the cost of police officers, judges, public defenders, prosecutors, juries, court reporters, prison guards, and so on. Legalization of marijuana would free up those people to concentrate on more important things like terrorism, harder drugs, rape, murder, and so on. In addition, an already overloaded civil court docket would be improved; thus, the wait time for other legitimate court cases would be reduced.
# Drug dealers (including some terrorists) would lose most or all of their business. Perhaps the biggest opponents of legalizing drugs are the drug dealers themselves. They make their enormous sums of money because of the absence of competition and the monstrous street prices that come from the increased risk. Legalization would lower prices and open competition; thus, drug cartels (that might include terrorists) would lose all or some of their business.
# The FDA or others could regulate the quality and safety of drugs. Many drug users become sick or die because of poorly-prepared products. After all, there is nothing to regulate what is sold and no way to sue anyone for product liability. By bringing marijuana into the legitimate business world, you can oversee production and regulate sales.
# Like sex, alcohol, or cigarettes, marijuana is one of life's little pleasures for some people. All of us have our guilty pleasures. They are part of what makes life worth living. Several of these little pleasures--coffee, sex, alcohol, cigarettes, etc.--are potentially harmful if abused. Even legal substances like pizza and donuts can be harmful to a person if not consumed in moderation. Would you want to give up all these things for the rest of your life? Would you want someone else telling you what you can and can't have when it is only your body that is affected?
# Drug busts often trap young people in a flawed system that turns them into lifelong criminals. Imagine an impressionable teenager who is tired of earning minimum wage, who hates living in a poor ghetto area, or who needs to save money for college. He's offered the opportunity to make some decent money simply carrying some drugs across town. Then he's busted. He's thrown in jail as part of a mandatory sentence. There, he spends his time and becomes friends with many other delinquents. He gets meaner in jail since he has to defend himself in a rough crowd. When he gets out of prison, his job and college prospects are slammed because of a felony record and/or disruption of school. This just makes the resumption of a normal crime-free life all the more difficult. Strapped for cash, he joins some of his new friends in a greater crime like robbery. Suddenly, you have someone who has started down the road of being a lifelong criminal. This story may seem farfetched, but it is
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Mr. Mack, I have agreed with you on many issues. I have thought what a smart blogger in reading some of the facts that you have posted and I only wish that I had the time and ability to research as much as you do. I however live in the real world and have spent many years in this and other countries on both coast and in a few of the mid states. I have seen what drugs (and I really don't care what drug addicts say Maryjane is a doorway drug) do to a community and people. I have personally witnessed in my family as well as friends families. You say legalize it. Prostitution is a "victim less crime"? What about the men and women who just wanted to have sex and a little companionship who now have AIDs or Ghonneria or Syphilis or Herpes and not only that they have taken it home to their loved ones. I would say that is may be kind of sorta something like a victim. Is it not? I believe that if you research Las Vegas health department you might find a very high rate of STD's in the local LEGAL prostitution circles. Heck WHen I was stationed in Korea they had a government run program where they tested every hooker on wendsday. Still the std's persisted. In the Philippines the have something called the Black Syphilis. Still no cure for that one either. All your arguments sound realy pretty to this old former US Marine with only a High School Diploma for a "Formal Education". I however have as my daughter and other young ones like to say "live in the real world". I did not nor will I ever vote to legalize Mind altering drugs or prostitution. I was not around for the legalization of Alcohol but as a former partaker of adult libations and as a child of a father and mother who did and witnessed as well as relieved the usual results from the drinking I wonder if alcohol should be legal. I have no desire to argue the points with you or anyone else on this issue, All I can say is the despair and destruction that I have witnessed in the 21 foreign countries (even the legalized ones you refer to) I have had the privilege to got to as a Marine and what we have here in our town, state and country is enough for me to see that we need as much or more effort to take care of this as we do the terrorist that are knocking at the door. Some would even say that this is a form of terrorism. I tend to agree. I was 21 once and I tried the guilty pleasure (with the exception of drugs) you wrote about. I grew up.
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I agree with armed citizen, T-Smack needs to get a life and wake up about reality. Not all of us live on becoming self important by posting blogs all day. And please be real, legalize pot? You really are a loser and uneducated. Burglaries, rape, battery, theft, are just a few of the results from your pot.. How can someone still be so narrow minded in this day in time? I constantly see you giving your opinions on "every" subject on this web page, wow you really don't have a life. Put down the pot and beer and get a life and become something positive for our community. No I don't need an answer from you, nor does anyone really care what you say...So just read this and please GO AWAY !!!!!!!!!
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Now hold on... Isn't this site called "Taylor County Talk", with the idea being to talk about issues affecting Taylor County? That's all T.Mac is doing. What's the problem?
I don't agree with him on everything, but it would be pretty boring here if there were no differences of opinion. I *like* discussing issues with people who hold positions different from mine; it causes me to reevaluate my own beliefs and consider whether I need to hold on to those beliefs or modify them. It's a great intellectual exercise.
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TaylorCountyCitizen , you are correct, as I have stated that is what makes our country so wonderful, we can agree to disagree, where in other countries we would be beheaded for our beliefs. We can have dinner together on Sundays, attend church together and yet agree to disagree on our society.
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Thank you for your service to our country!! God Bless you and our soldiers who are serving today. First I do partake of anyone of these, drugs or prostitution. . I just feel that some of our funding may be spent on other means...
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I have been reading this blog and find that everyone keeps saying the same things. But, maybe we need to call it like it really is. Maybe we need to start naming names. Name those drug dealers we know or have known for years. If we know who they are you can bet we are not the only one. Maybe we need to start holding the law accountable for their actions. My sister's ex-husband has been in and out of jail for drugs, dui, and DWLS many times but this last fiasco is just plain ridicules. He was picked up for DUI and DWLS. He was let out on bail the next day with $100.00. The next day he picked up his truck from impound. Remember throughout this story now he doesn't have license. The next day he was beaten by a couple of individuals over in the not so safe area of town. The ambulance and police were called out. I can only imagine what he was up to. He refused to be taken to the hospital and the police let him drive away. Oh, did I mention the night his truck was taken into custody and he was release. He stole his brothers work truck and the police were called and a report was filled against him and he tried to call my sister and my brother to stay with them but they had already been notified by his brother that the police were after him and he had a crack pipe on his person. Even though one had been confiscated when he was picked up. Oh yeah if you can keep up with this tale in between this yes he picked up his truck. He was on the road again. After his run in with the bad individuals he went and took his grandmother's ATM card and stole $1,400.00 from her. She said she had no choice but to call the police and report it. Well,later that night he was picked up for guess what? drugs, DUI, DWLS, and now theft (twice) right? Well I wonder who is to blame for this tangled tale of everyones lives and who is going to pay for the destruction of this person who should have stayed in jail because did I mention he just moved back to town because he was released from, can you case, prison. I believe in everyone having their rights respected but what about his brother, grandmother, and all the time the law enforcement has spent running him around this small little country town where everyone knows everyone and everything. Change will only come when we decide to do something about our present positions. I am gad to say I will be definitely voting for a new Taylor County.
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After reading your post, it seems to me that law enforcement was doing their job. They kept putting your sister's ex-husband back in jail BUT it wasn't law enforcement who let him out - IT WAS THE JUDGE!!!!! I am sure law enforcement knows the same drug dealers you are referring to and the problem is a little thing called the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. It seems they (law enforcement officers) just can't go arrest someone without probable cause or go into someone's house without a search warrant. Knowing who they are is only part of the solution. Someone has to go in and buy drugs from them (working in conjunction with the law) and it has to be video taped (more than once) to even get an arrest. Once arrested, they get released (by the Judge when they pay their bond) and go right back to doing what they did before they were arrested. Is this the fault of law enforcement officers? What about family, friends, neighbors, etc. who know what these drug dealers are doing and they do nothing about it. Have you ever asked yourself WHY? I guess they just don't want to get involved. Maybe they are intimidated by those selling drugs around them or maybe they are reaping the benefits of those drug sales. I don't really know the answer. But I do know that if we don't want the drug dealers and their cronies selling drugs on our streets and in our community, it is up to us to do something about it. A new sheriff will not end the problem with drugs. Blame our government for the drug problems this nation has. I am not saying that it is not time for a change in leadership because I believe it is! Mr. Williams is the ultimate politician (like Eldon Sadler and Jack Tedder). Always attending the funerals, shaking hands with the voters, and telling us what we want to hear. Mr. Williams is not the only one who needs to go -- the good ol' boy system is running rampant within the department. But Mr. Williams will turn a blind eye and allow his staff to continue to run the show. I imagine certain command staff cater to their "chosen" few. We need a real leader in there who will do the right thing and clean house, starting with the same certain command staff and a deputy, just to name a few.
*Italicized words inserted in place of names*
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Tired on T Smack ...Thanks, glad to know I can be of public service...First let me respond that I partake of neither...Beer or illegal drugs...I am self employed and have never taken no public assistance. Public studies have shown that the legalization of drugs are feasible. Have you ever seen a pothead beat the hell out of his wife ? No, but I have seen an alcoholic do so. Have you ever seen a pothead kill someone while driving under the influence ? How many lives are taken by drunk drivers every year ? We can legalize marijuana and all the money pent on drug eradication programs could be spent on the education of our children. Not to mention the money that could be made off the taxation of it. Now, What have you done for your community ? I am active with numerous charities and most of all I am a registered voter....Can you say that you are ? Narrow minded people like yourself choose to attack ones character when they can bring nothing to the debate at hand...
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Did anyone attend the meeting on crime rate tuesday? If so how was it?
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I read Friday's newspaper and there was no mention of crime in the community. It was more about jobs and recreation opportunities for our youth in the community. I did not attend the meeting so my information comes strictly from the newspaper.
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If you compare our little newspaper to some of the other rural ones it is a joke...When in madison County the other day I picker up the carrier and was astounded...Unless it falls down dead at the front door of the newspaper that is the only way we know about it, and sometimes they still wallk over it for days...Now I like the owner and his wife, wonderful people, but can we not find some student aspiring to be a write who would be willing to volunteer and write some stories in the newspaper ??
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I read in Wed. Taco Times about the drug arrests and burglary arrests. Hooray! Our tax dollars at work. I am curious about something - why is it when CPT Rice does the press releases he does not specifically name the individuals responsible for these arrests as previously done by former PR folks. I believe these individuals worked diligently to affect the arrests but they are not named. I would think the officers from the various agencies would like some recognition for their efforts. However, CPT Rice does like to see his name in the paper. To the officers from all of the agencies who were NOT recognized in the newspaper, great job!
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