There is a reason I moved 40 miles from the Canadian border and it isn't about eating Cheezies.
My life was threatened....
- Thread starter Avg_Joe
- Start date
RandallS
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Calgary
Although Hawkin's Cheezies are pretty freakin' awesome aren't they!
Avg_Joe
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- RDU, NC
Getting somewhat back on topic here: I had the chance to speak with a Sergeant in our town police department. I explained to her what happened, disclosed that I did flip the bird (to which she said, "Of course!") but did not say a word, and asked for her recommended approach.
She advised to get safely away and call 9-1-1. I said that it didn't seem like something that warranted a 9-1-1 call. Her response was classic - "Better to call while you can." Point taken; and I've added the 24x7 non-emergency number as a contact in my phone as well.
She advised to get safely away and call 9-1-1. I said that it didn't seem like something that warranted a 9-1-1 call. Her response was classic - "Better to call while you can." Point taken; and I've added the 24x7 non-emergency number as a contact in my phone as well.
PatriciaK
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Pacific Northwest and Piedmont Triad
We have more people in prison in the US than any other developed country in the world. Ice cream and movie nights in prison are not the problem...
Mulezen
Well-Known Member
The Pandemic seems to have amplified the level of craziness in society. Couple that with scant community health access, and you have the lunatic on the bike path, or on the roads, or in the grocery stores, or elementary schools. On the bright side I read about a new and improved AR-15 on the market for $7k in a limited run. Sold out.
Yes. And I love the story about the company NOT getting bigger. If it weren't for the Covid red tape, I'd make a day trip to Osoyoos.
Tars Tarkas
Well-Known Member
ChezCheese:)
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Kitsap Co, WA
I'd like to ask our non-USA resident forum members if they feel endangered by their fellow citizens? Do you feel at risk of attack in any way by the people around you? Do yiu feel the need to pack a gun or wear a bulletproof vest?
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Never.
I was born in California and at 4 y/o moved to Vancouver.
Much of my family is in Idaho, Montana, and Cali.
My dad grew up on a ranch where hunting your food was normal, and to me that's all good.
I inherited a .22 short hex barrel rifle, pump action. It is 100 years old now. It was given to my dad from his, and then to me. It still works and I keep it in good condition.
I have no ammo for it, and I will not acquire any.
Of all my friends and family I only know of one person (a hunter) that has a gun.
I know nobody that wants or thinks they need a gun for personal protection or anything else.
I never need a bullet proof vest, nor a knife, club, or anything else wherever I go.
There is no concealed or open carry here. Nor can you buy weapons of mass death. I will always support that.
I wish this were true planet wide.
I feel safe, and I wish everybody did.
It has become a religion here to own guns. I grew up amongst rifles that were used for hunting and shooting bad critters. I never thought them to be sacred objects. I have a shotgun that I used to hunt birds with but my dog became more interested in gophers so I quit hunting. Also, it's just easier to buy a chicken at the store to eat and you don't have to spit out the shot. Guns are heavy to pack around.
I was asked if I had something when I moved to a bear infested part of the country. The house I rented had been broken into by a black bear. I did make a trip to get suitable ammo but never used it. My dog turned out to be a scary bear chasing retriever and kept bears out of the neighborhood.
Now it seems to be a passage and ritual of manhood to own the deadliest guns they can find. Part of my thinking thinks that it has to do with not so many go to war now to see what injury and death really do. Or even hunt. What with so much hate and anger spewing daily, it all makes a for a dangerous combination.
mschwett
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
same. we are rapidly becoming - if we aren't already - two americas. one with limited access to health care, limited reproductive rights, limited voting rights, poor education, but lots and lots and lots and lots of guns. choose which one you want to live in and don't look back.
i have never felt afraid for my life due to threat of gun violence... except one time about 20 years ago i witnessed (and almost was in the crossfire of!) an intense shootout on the genoa waterfront between whatever the italian equivalent of the FBI is and some sort of organized crime faction!
RandallS
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Calgary
I think my comment earlier was a pretty good indicator as to how I feel about living here.
I have lived across most of Canada, and have worked in some pretty rough places in the 80's in Northern Alberta where guns (for hunting) are very prevalent.
I have many friends who hunt, but I've never felt the draw. But I have never even remotely felt a need to have a gun or bullet proof vest anywhere in Canada.
In any area I have ever been, I have tried to be aware of my surroundings and what's happening, and that includes extensive international travel.
I did one stupid, stupid thing when I was in Zimbabwe in 1981 - I walked back to my 4 star hotel through a park late at night. I got away with it and remind myself about it when traveling to not do dumb things like that.
The front desk manager's eyes got very large when he asked me where I'd come from and how I got from there... lesson learned!
That was a country that had just theoretically finished a civil war (it wasn't really done yet) as Mugabe had many more people to kill yet...
rayray
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
All true, but the issue I’m referring to is the repeat felon who is released on personal recognizance or minimal bail, sometimes more than once. It’s not unheard of to see such an individual commit further crimes, including murder, shortly after release.
tomjasz
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Minnesnowta
I’m afraid in my view you’re cherry picking. That I imagine does happen. How widespread is it? I’d like to see some statistics. I still struggle with the patterns of incarceration and the disproportionate punishments. Every one of my friends of color has been stopped and often times even had their luxury cars searched for driving while black. Most of the white trash crime here is a result of meth users. But racism continues to keep those jail numbers disproportionate.
rayray
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Dude, if I started googling and posted all examples of uncalled-for release of criminals by judges, I’d be here all day. You can look into it for yourself, or remain unconvinced. It really doesn’t matter to me.
As to the racism issues, I’m sure you’re right about the disproportionate numbers, but I’m talking about improper release, not improper stops, arrests or incarceration. I’m ok with releasing the innocent. Fixing discriminatory practices is another issue entirely.
Tars Tarkas
Well-Known Member
Just curious, how much more are you willing to pay in taxes to afford the jail space needed and the judges qualified to know the difference between people who will and won't cause trouble if released pending trial?
TT
rayray
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
We’ve had numerous break-in’s and attempted break-ins in our neighborhood. The most recent 3 incidents involved a meth-head who was released by a judge, after being advised the man is psychotic and a danger to others. The psychologist couldn’t even actually interview him, because he had s*it in his cell and smeared it all over himself and the cell, and was exhibiting violent behavior to the extent that jail staff wouldn’t enter his cell.
As a result, just this week I spent $8500 on an upgraded security system. I also paid $1900 for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy (screaming low deal, actually), so my wife, who is hard-of-hearing, can feel safe when working in her flower beds. Then there’s the $1800 invisible fence. That brings us to a total of $12,200 before accounting for dog training and other miscellaneous costs.
Is that the taxation number you’re looking for?
Believe me, I’d have much rather seen it go toward providing mental health services, as that’s the real problem, or the jail/prison system as a last resort. Paying judges and prosecutors to go through the motions, as is happening now, is a really bad option.
EDIT: I had no idea this site was so censored that the word “s*it” is automatically edited.
6zfshdb
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Northeast Pennsylvania
I'm not trying to be a smart a** here and I know it's easier said than done but if it were me, I'd put that $12,200 toward moving somewhere else.We’ve had numerous break-in’s and attempted break-ins in our neighborhood. The most recent 3 incidents involved a meth-head who was released by a judge, after being advised the man is psychotic and a danger to others. The psychologist couldn’t even actually interview him, because he had s*it in his cell and smeared it all over himself and the cell, and was exhibiting violent behavior to the extent that jail staff wouldn’t enter his cell.
As a result, just this week I spent $8500 on an upgraded security system. I also paid $1900 for a Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy (screaming low deal, actually), so my wife, who is hard-of-hearing, can feel safe when working in her flower beds. Then there’s the $1800 invisible fence. That brings us to a total of $12,200 before accounting for dog training and other miscellaneous costs.
Is that the taxation number you’re looking for?
Believe me, I’d have much rather seen it go toward providing mental health services, as that’s the real problem, or the jail/prison system as a last resort. Paying judges and prosecutors to go through the motions, as is happening now, is a really bad option.
EDIT: I had no idea this site was so censored that the word “s*it” is automatically edited.
rayray
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
I understand where you’re coming from with that, but we’re not going to be forced out of our home. It’s a bizarre situation, as we live in what has always been a good area, and it just seems to be afflicted at the moment. Besides, we’d have to move out of the region, not just our neighborhood.
The crime increase statistics in much of Washington State, especially the Puget Sound region, are crazy right now, and the outcry is growing such that it’s looking like those who allow it will eventually be forced out. Even the media, which had a part in the lead-up to these crazily loose policies, is now calling them out. I’ll keep the faith.
Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
My understanding is a great many judges, particularly at the local level, are reluctant to keep people in jail at this time due to the continuing high risk of covid. I have knowledge of two specific cases, one in fall of 2020 and one a few months ago where someone who under normal circumstances would be locked up, at least temporarily, did not ever see the inside of a jail.
Similar threads
