Neighborhood activism in Manchester

[KBCraig]

For those of you in or near Manchester, the people trying to take back their neighborhoods from violent thugs might be worth your volunteer time.

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Activist%3a+We%27re+going+to+keep+fighting&articleId=e588c52a-16af-4a26-8dd5-0a7fc2309bb2

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Neighborhood+to+meet+tonight+on+crime&articleId=976981e0-65d2-4ce8-91fc-a68e2cf58c5e

[Dave Ridley]

i'm trying to figure out a way to be there, will see

[Fluff and Stuff]

i'm trying to figure out a way to be there, will see

It seems like relegalizing pot is the solution to part of this problem.  The 1st article mentions that the drugs came into town and things got worse.  That means that drug laws got worse or cops because more abusive and naturally, crime went up.  The cops are driving the crime with the war on drugs.  Either reduce the amount of cops or reduce the amount of crimes where no one did anything wrong. 

Maybe you could buy her a copy of a pro-freedom book about drugs or send her some copies of a pot related freedom rag.

[KBCraig]

While ending the drug laws is important, that would do nothing to help the people whose neighborhood is being overrun by thugs right now.

Not all of the crime involves drugs; most of it probably does not. Much of the crime that makes the news is simply violent thuggery for its own sake.

[Fluff and Stuff]

Not all of the crime involves drugs; most of it probably does not. Much of the crime that makes the news is simply violent thuggery for its own sake.

Maybe it is crime involving other government forced prohibitions, because of high taxes, forced miseducation, zoning and building code laws.  Fact is, most crime can be traced back to the government.

The two easiest ways to solve the current problem are to reduce the amount of cops and code enforcers or reduce the amount of totalitarianism (unconstiutional laws).  You cannot end violent gangs without ending the cause of violent gangs (prohibition of civil liberties and other bad government laws).

[KBCraig]

Government doesn't cause all gangs. Violent crime has existed since Cain and Abel. Violent gangs have variously existed before government, because of government, despite government, and as government.

Violent gangs existed well before drug or alcohol prohibition. Some people simply choose to be takers, rather than producers, because violence comes easier to them than does industriousness. In urban settings, these "takers" flock together and become a gang.

Kevin

[d_goddard]

Thanks for the link.
This is indeed a great volunteer opportunity, a way to let people know we are the Good Guys, and we are worth listening to when we say that legalizing drugs is a way to reduce crime. We say that now, but people are much more likely to listen when they have seen us roll up our sleeves and help deal with Real Crime -- with their own eyes.

[Pat K]

Government doesn't cause all gangs. Violent crime has existed since Cain and Abel. Violent gangs have variously existed before government, because of government, despite government, and as government.

Violent gangs existed well before drug or alcohol prohibition. Some people simply choose to be takers, rather than producers, because violence comes easier to them than does industriousness. In urban settings, these "takers" flock together and become a gang.

Kevin

Thank you Kevin

[Lloyd Danforth]

Most of the gang activity in northern New England was established by envoys from the larger cities to the south expressly for selling drugs.  Pot has been in Manchester forever.
The gangs are moving into northern cities to sell the more addictive stuff like crack and heroin.

[AlanM]

Most of the gang activity in northern New England was established by envoys from the larger cities to the south expressly for selling drugs.  Pot has been in Manchester forever.
The gangs are moving into northern cities to sell the more addictive stuff like crack and heroin.

Lloyd, I hate to tell you but the more powerful and exotic drugs have been around NH since the 1950's at least. Sveral classmates of mine became addicted to heroin in the 60's.

You are right about the place of origin of these gangs. They are moving in to muscle in on the pre-existing illegal drug trade.

[KBCraig]

FYI, for anyone wanting to reach out. They need more people power, less police power. But no need alienating those who dial 9-1-1.

http://www.unionleader.com/article.aspx?headline=Neighbors+show+up+in+force+to+make+their+streets+safer&articleId=922c43e2-4367-479a-9f69-e495e4d326a6

Neighbors show up in force to make their streets safer

By MARK HAYWARD
Union Leader Staff

MANCHESTER ? Just feet from the spot where Manchester police officer Michael Briggs was fatally shot, dozens of residents gathered last night to say they've had enough with crime in their neighborhood.

They chanted. They made speeches. They brainstormed. They prayed. And they pledged to nurture their efforts and keep them going.

"It's something the neighborhood needs: (for people) to become more involved," said Laurel Street resident Cindy Binette. "Citizens need to be braver. They need to come forward when they witness anything and look out for each other. They shouldn't be afraid."

The gathering - held outdoors on the corner of Lake Avenue and Lincoln Street - was arranged by Cheryl Mitchell. Her yard hosts a shrine that includes messages, flowers, statues and signs in commemoration of Briggs.

About 75 people showed up, including reporters, a company that specializes in bounty hunting and the head of Weed & Seed, a crime prevention effort designed to nurture community activism.

The gathering did not end with a detailed strategy of how to combat crime in the center city. But residents bantered about ideas; they gave Mitchell their names and telephone numbers; and they said they would return in a week.

"We don't want to be angry. We don't want to focus on revenge. We don't want to focus on hatred," Mitchell said.

Ideas included a Neighborhood Watch for the area, a community center for youth, the renaming of Litchfield Lane in honor of Briggs, political activism and efforts to find grants.

Mitchell said several people have suggested the use of a vacant brick building at Lake Avenue, Massabesic and Hall streets as a teen center. It is across the street from a small park.

Spruce Street resident Patricia Georgopoulos said a teen center is a good idea. Her children eat at the Salvation Army's Kids Cafe and take part in an after-dinner activity, but that closes early.

"Something later would be great," she said.

Others, however, said teen services are available. Nicole Rodler of Weed & Seed noted that several organizations offer some opportunities for youth. The YMCA and Salvation Army have a teen night on Friday, and the Boys and Girls Club hosts a Saturday teen night.

But they are only for children up to 17. Hot Couch, an arts-oriented gathering spot for older youth, closed because of budget cuts, she said.

"The challenge is getting that 24 (hour), 7 (day) model,'' Rodler said. "If I was to say there was a need, that would be the need."

Rodler said Weed & Seed is an effort of police, social service agencies and residents to prevent crime and improve the neighborhood's quality of life. But it is supposed to be overseen by city residents, and she invited everyone who showed up last night to attend monthly Weed & Seed meetings.

Meanwhile, Tracy Degges said her citywide Neighborhood Watch effort will soon take to the streets to highlight the problem of crime, as residents did 10 years ago.

[maineiac]

How about instituting Vermont Carry style gun deregulation?

Thugs hate it when their victims may be randomly armed. The same goes for cops, too!