2 arrested, charged as family grieves for 2nd slain teen
By Glenn Smith
The Post and Courier
Joseph Witfield, left, uncle of Jermaine Witfield and his mother Shenitia Witfield talk about her son who was shot Tuesday night in a drive by shooting in Dorchester Terrace.
Provided
Jermaine Witfield
Shenitia Witfield stood in a Charleston County courtroom three weeks ago and watched a man receive a life prison sentence for killing her 18-year-old son in 2005. It seemed like the healing might finally begin.
Those hopes were dashed this week with news that another son had been lost to violence on the streets of North Charleston. Jermaine Witfield, just 19, died after being gunned down Tuesday in a drive-by shooting on Madden Drive.
North Charleston police arrested two suspects in the killing early Thursday after investigators and members of a U.S. Marshals' task force tracked the men to a Days Inn motel room on College Park Road in Ladson.
Cousins Travis Richardson, 20, and Ricardo Richardson, 18, are charged with murder. They are expected to go before a bond hearing judge today, police public information officer Spencer Pryor said.
Shenitia Witfield was relieved to learn of the arrests. But she and her family are struggling to accept the fact that two of her three sons are now gone.
"It's real hard," she said Thursday, as she gathered with relatives in North Charleston. "Jermaine was a good boy. He didn't bother nobody. And we just got just justice for Sadaris."
Jermaine's brother, Sadaris Nelson, was one of two men shot to death
behind Ashley Shores apartments in North Charleston in February 2005. Five suspects were charged in the case. The reputed triggerman, D'el Javon Grant, 23, was sentenced to life in prison Nov. 7 after a three-day trial.
Authorities blamed that killing on a simmering feud between one-time friends. Investigators are still trying to pin down a motive for Tuesday's slaying, but initial information suggests the shooting was in retaliation for a fight of some kind within the past couple of weeks, Pryor has said.
Shenitia Witfield said her son had gone to visit a friend on Madden Drive. He had just arrived when the shooting started, she said.
Officers arrived to find Jermaine lying on the home's front porch and bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head. A witness told police she was standing nearby when she heard two gunshots. She looked up and saw a white station wagon pass by with a man standing and shooting through its open sun roof, police said.
Shenitia Witfield said her son didn't seem to have problems with anyone.
He mostly kept to himself and enjoyed listening to music and drawing pictures of cars and other subjects. A former student at Stall High School, Jermaine earned money cutting grass while he looked for a more permanent job, she said.
"He didn't go looking for trouble," his uncle, Joseph Witfield, said. "He was a humble, little fellow."
Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com.
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Navy_kid (anonymous) says...
I lived in this neighborhood for nearly 15 years and this is such a shame. When is North Charleston going to figure things out? They have NOTHING for the kids in this neighborhood. NOTHING to keep them busy, NOTHING for them to strive for. NOTHING but time to get in trouble, dealing drugs and killing each other, and that is exactly what they have. Now this woman has lost another child because once again someone else has too much darn time on their hands to figure out ways to hurt others. Ms. Witfield I'm so sorry for your lose again.
They have no problem getting the cops to come in and run crazy though the streets so they can hold up in Alex's and eat but try and figure out a way to keep the kids out of trouble and all you get is silence.
The drugs and hookers are more acceptable than a park or playground in these neighborhoods and dead children are what you get in return.
Ask Summey and his "revitalization" how much sleep he will lose over another young black man dying to a bullet and I bet you he will be losing NONE. It takes a lot more than new blacktop and fixed sidewalks to fix things up when they are broken. Why don't you put your revitalization money to real use and fix the neighborhoods. Or would that cut too deep into "your" $$ back pocket revitalization?
November 30, 2007 at 7:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ironhorse (anonymous) says...
I agree this is a tragedy and a shame, but their is an alternative to "too much time on your hands"......work, two jobs if need be, and attend school at night.
November 30, 2007 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Imwithstupid (anonymous) says...
I have to diasagree with the first comment in this section when are people going to relize that no matter what the situation is be it drug abuse, alcohol abuse or having nothing to do with your time because you decided to drop out of school to hang out on the corner or maybe on Madden Dr. You must first help yourself, many programs are in place trust me, but these guys have to help themselves first and many of them will not becuase the money is to good from hanging out on the streets. Programs are only good if the people you are aiming to get involved in them give a damn about themselves.
November 30, 2007 at 7:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
If By Chance Ms Witfield reads these comments just know my heart goes out to you and your family and please try not to take everything said hear to heart N. charleston where you are was once a very nice place to live things change just know that I will prayer for you and your family may God bless you in your time of grief
November 30, 2007 at 8:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iculukin (anonymous) says...
It is not the responsibility of the city to raise these kids. He was a 19 yr. old man. Do you think he would of been hanging out on the playground if the mayor was to build one? If the taxpayers money did go to build things in these troubled neighborhoods, how long do you think it would be before they were trashed? These kids growing up these days have no respect for anything, not even a life. If the parent(s) would take control of the upbringing of these kids and tear them a new rear end when they got out of line, then maybe this crap wouldn't be happening every other day in Charleston.
November 30, 2007 at 8:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
Read what is written on the mother's shirt.
November 30, 2007 at 8:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thomasherp (anonymous) says...
First of all, this is a human being with a tragic end. Condolences to the family and friends. Second of all, these problems will not be fixed over night, and cursing the government, groups of society and other individual opinions will NOT help any problem. Ignorance and hypocracy will not get anybody anywhere!! I agree with many comments and suggestions, but anger and swearing is not a "positive" role model for society either!!!
November 30, 2007 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
I cannot make it out.....what does it say?
November 30, 2007 at 8:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
Who cares what she has on dont you people have a heart. Her son was killed for crying out loud The second son. I pray tragedy never strikes your family
November 30, 2007 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flame711 (anonymous) says...
I always get my Way? what.. thats ironic
November 30, 2007 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mypointofview (anonymous) says...
Parks and playgrounds will have no impact. Try parenting.
November 30, 2007 at 8:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flame711 (anonymous) says...
If this happens twice, what does it say?
November 30, 2007 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
It sounds like the kids of today are commiting genocide.
November 30, 2007 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
obrbob (anonymous) says...
The shirt says "I always get my way". Apparentley not. My coldolences go out to the family. BUt I must say something is wrong for this woman to loose 2 kids to violent crime. I'm thinking these boys were not the squeaky clean, upstanding citizens Mom paints them to be. It clearly states in the article that the police think these are 'retalitory' crimes due to fighting...or some type of feud. If it had been me, afterthe first one was killed, I'd have been packed up and gone. I take that back...it wouldn;t happen to me because I will not allow this situation to happen. The cycle has to stop. Who knows what one of these two boys may have accomplished in life? Really, truly a shame.
November 30, 2007 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Brant (anonymous) says...
Junie--click on the pic and it'll enlarge.
I'm sure anybody who has any kind of heart will feel sympathy for this lady, her t-shirt aside.
November 30, 2007 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
Grannyofsix,
Of course this a sad and terrible time for the mom and the family and I send my prayers. I hope she find peace within. As I am here, tragedy such as death will happen to all of us. I raised my children to avoid the foolihness of the streets, but if they fail to listen and go in the other direction then that is on them. We have made many sacrifices for them and we preach to them to be layers, doctors ect...when their we young hoping to brainwash them with stuff such as that.
The shirt the mom was wearing in my opinion made a strong statement, that's all. No hate notes please.
November 30, 2007 at 8:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missthang (anonymous) says...
Tripsa
No one posted a comment and said it was the "white" man's fault. You just wanted something to say.
November 30, 2007 at 9:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
afternoondelight (anonymous) says...
Where was the mother for the first 12 years of her sons'
lives?
Could the mother have done a better job of teaching her boys not to associate with certain others. Did she turn a deaf ear or a blind eye to signs of trouble in their ives?
Where, or who is their father.
So many unanswered questions an no specific answers.
November 30, 2007 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
Tripsa,
Are you at again in race relations? Now you want to tell folks which party they should be affiliated with...Who are you??? You need to check your self.
November 30, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyrider (anonymous) says...
There are two ways to look at "the problems" of North Charleston. We can all sit back and discuss ways to make the neighborhood better, and they may be good ideas. But even if they work, they're not going to work overnight. The other way of looking at this is from the perspective of one parent with kids growing up here. Let's face it, there are many great places to live around the Lowcountry. Hopefully, North Charleston can correct it's problems and be one of those great places in the future. But if you have kids and you live there, do whatever you have to and get out now. As a parent, I can tell you, from experience, a beat-up, rundown house, or a shoebox of an apartment in a nice neighborhood is worth the move. How "nice" your house or apartment is, is nowhere near as important as the surrounding influence on your kids. Work two jobs or even three if you have to to give your kids a decent neighborhood to grow up in. Let North Charleston (hopefully) solve its problems, but for YOUR kids sake, don't wait around for it.
November 30, 2007 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
All MEN Black, white,red or yellow are important and its time like you are trying to say tripsa. We need achage and it doesnt look like that is going to happen. I sent a copy of this to the CNN email not that it will matter but maybe the will focus on this. it isnt doing much but we need help for our young men and women our future no matter what color of the skin.
November 30, 2007 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
tripsa, that's MRTHANG. Thank you
November 30, 2007 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
"He's a good boy. He didn't bother nobody". Apparently, he did. I'm sorry to be crass about it, but after losing two out of three sons to street violence, it's time for Mama for put the reigns on tight for the remaining son. Get him the heck out of there before he becomes a casualty...if he's not in school, make him get a job. If he doesn't have a way to get there, make sure you find him a way. It's hard for a kid to look like a thug wearing a Burger King shirt and hat. And if he works a long day, he's less apt to be running the streets afterward. There are programs available. You have to find them to use them. A playground? Are you kidding? It wouldn't be me taking my small children to a playground littered with crack pipes, hypodermics, and god-knows-what all...once again, someone else blaming lack of recreation for that area's state of affairs...problem is, there's just too much recreation! Let me know which, if any, of these boys involved have ever had a job.
November 30, 2007 at 9:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missthang (anonymous) says...
Tripsa,
I didn't call you a racist name. I just said you were turning it into a race thing when no one said anything about race. Get a life.
November 30, 2007 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chassand (anonymous) says...
What a shame....Young black men dying at the hands of other young black men. Until the parentS (and I mean 2 of them), take responsibility for teaching their children right, wrong and respect for self and others, this will continue to occur.
November 30, 2007 at 9:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
My have these comments taken a cynical turn. True AMERICANS do not have the us versus them attitude. They consider themselves an AMERICAN and feel for other AMERICANS no matter what color they are. I would hate to see the hate some of you teach your children about other AMERICANS of a different color. Then you wonder why racism still exists.
Thanks Granny for leading by example. Ignoring this problem because it is not happening in my neighborhood equals ignoring the terrorists because they are not in the US. Eventually, they will be in your neighborhood if ALL AMEICANS don't do something about it. Sooner or later...
November 30, 2007 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
My condolences go out to the family.
But I find it odd how within two years, two brothers we targeted. There's got to be more to this story. The mother may not know what her boys were up to. Hell, there are TONS of parents out there that don't have a clue as to what their children are doing. Hence the teenage and, sadly, pre-teen pregnancies. Oops, I got off topic. I just think if parents would take a more active role in their children's lives, things like this could be prevented. It's easier to let your children go run the streets than to take an interest in them and spend time with them. It's really quite sad the amount of laziness in today's society. I don't even want to hear someone say they are "too busy" to interact with their children. That's the biggest damn cop-out! You were adult enough to have sex and give birth, then you would think you'd be adult enough to accept your responsibilities and take care of your child. But then again, it's just so much easier to not give a damn.
How many teenagers these days have real goals? A plan? A clue? Not nearly enough.
November 30, 2007 at 9:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jsteph10 (anonymous) says...
Navy, Regarding your question about when is North Charleston going to figure it out? They have nothing to keep them busy, etc, etc.
It is not the government's job to figure out things for young people to do to keep them out of trouble. Real blame rests on the backs of the parents for not raising their children to want more for themselves and their community.
The government will only teach them to rely on more government.
November 30, 2007 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
chassand,
For the two parents because that's not going to true in cases such as this. I am not accusing this mother of anything because I don't know her.
Who is raising these kids when the single mother still have the earge to party in the clubs and hanging in the clubs/streets? Who is going married these women with a ready made family with children that is out of control? With 3 or more baby daddies? These young ladies better wake the the hell up or this will continue to happen. Stop having so many children when you are struggling to feed them. Stop having kids for these good for nothing men who can't afford to pay $50.00 a week to help support that child. Stop bringing no good men around you kids. That's solve most of that problem.
November 30, 2007 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lvhasnocolor (anonymous) says...
When will blacks quit blaming past sins of the white man and start looking to improve their lives?
When people like you stop grouping the problems by race and calling it such things as a black problem... If you read or heard the news lately you would recognized that it a YOUTH problem... Yes, young uneduated, Africian American Men are most often in news before you take offense to what you are posting, "When will blacks" Africian American Men are managing to do more than what (Tripsa) society labels Africian American Men do to or to become.. I just hate when people use "All" to describe all problems within a race and ask what should they do march or protest for the wrong reasons. Not "ALL" Africian American support NAACP, Al or Jessie as you so put it. They are not GOD or the answer to the problem at hand. If you feel BLACK should fix this problem at hand why don't YOU come with the solution because if it was that simple it would not be consider a problem. I have no race card in my deck but what I do have is problem with the way society labels a problem... But this will never change as long as people pass the problem or create a problem by blaming all for... in this case for what two young uneduated, Africian American Men have done.
November 30, 2007 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
dolemite77
This is a new day and I do not want another course in race relations. It's is very difficult for blacks and whites to dicuss this suject without a heated debate/argument and name calling. Black on black crime is the subject for today and how we the people for the people is going to help resolve this problem. However; The angier and self hate had a starting point somewhere, don't you agree?
November 30, 2007 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missthang (anonymous) says...
Dolemite77,
This is a new day. No one said anything today about blaming the white man except Tripsa. I agree that it is a problem that needs to be fixed but if people (All people) would stop blaming it on race, maybe something can be done.
November 30, 2007 at 10:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devster (anonymous) says...
I do not know what the solution is, honestly. I read and hear so many people complain about who's fault it is, but I am not sure how it even matters to assign blame. Certainly learning from history is important to avoid the same mistakes over and over, but in this case it may be the first of its kind. I am not a history expert or even could pretend to be one, so I am happy to be enlightened. Is there a previous example we can learn from as to how to fix a problem of people killing themselves? Normally societies have real enemies to worry about.
Many people would simply distance themselves from the problem. I would not live in a neighborhood where this kind of stuff happens and I don't know why people living there would not do everything possible to get out and let it fester and destroy itself. Sometimes another great flood could do a lot of good. I am not saying this would actually work but it is just a gut reaction.
There is no sadder story than an ambitious boy studying to get out of his hell hole and being shot on the way home from the library to have dinner with his parents. I doubt this is one of those stories.
"Don't be a menace to South Central while drinking your juice in the hood" is actually a quite entertaining movie but is also a sad social commentary on the existence of these neighborhoods.
November 30, 2007 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...
How many of you, despite color, think we could sit down and come to some resolution as to how we can resolve these issues happening today? We may reside in different areas, but we need to come together. If sit back and continue to wait for our elected officials to do something, we will be waiting for awhile. Let's quite with all the race crap b/c it's quite old. It's time to make a change. This is 2007, soon to be 2008.
November 30, 2007 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lvhasnocolor (anonymous) says...
This killing will continue until these mothers make change and put those kids future before your good times.
As a black man... you sadden me because even you are exactly what you called the other people (just as ironic as the mother t-shirt) amoung your own people. THINK HERE!!! Why are so many black women having to do it all by themselves? Lets solve the problem by making the WOMEN responsible for problem and tell them, Hey you need to be the mother and the father huh? Since you put it that way should the men do?
November 30, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Diamondhead (anonymous) says...
Military conscription might be an answer to some of these kids.
1. It gives exposure to a lot of other kids from different walks of life.
2. The military gives the individual a structure life and teaches discipline.
3. The military takes the individual and turns him into a team member.
4. Becoming a team member teaches the individual responsibility and that other members of the team relies on him just as much as he depends on the other team members.
5. Completing the tough training gives the individual a sense of accomplishment and after completing boot camp you know you done something that you can be proud of.
6. It builds camaraderie and a sense of citizenship.
7. You might learn a skill that can be transfer to civilian life.
I had a buddy of mine in training name McCoy from Philadelphia. He told me I was his first white friend he ever had. I met a lot of guys that were drafted from all walks of life that had no regrets of being drafted and thought the experience was beneficial. It won't save all the kids but it will save a lot of them.
We don't have a draft but it could be on the drawing board. It's a cheaper investment than prison and it has better long term results.
November 30, 2007 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
building parks isn't the answer if the mentality doesn't change. You'll just be giving them another place to deal drugs and shoot each other.The reality is that single parent homes combined with barely educated parents and kids will continue to breed this behaviour.And let's be honest and put the bullsh#t aside,If a mostly white outside group attempted to come into a poor black community to help fix the problem they would be met with skepticism at the least.And it may even be justified if there were ever half-hearted previous attempts in the past.So it now becomes the community's job to address these issues of their children and themselves.If your community is crashing around you,it is up to you to address it with that community or get out.I would recommend starting with your local church.This is an ideal place to speak with everyone and exchange ideas about how to get jobs,job training,and parenting.
November 30, 2007 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lvhasnocolor (anonymous) says...
"When will blacks" Tripsa... The s stating more than one right :))) The term is being used to describe a group not an individual right ? My question to you is who can truly call themselves an American anyway? Isn't that another label or do we pretent it is not? Now you want to put poeple into another category this time it Jewish and what will it be next week... oh let me guess BLACKS :)
November 30, 2007 at 10:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lvhasnocolor (anonymous) says...
sorry poeple = people... just trying to respone to you and not seem rude...
I think the blame lies with the individual. My mother taught never let a situation overcome you. Do not let the pass become your future. What is the best color to be I would say neutral. Be proud of this or be proud of that... But the only thing I am proud to be is a create of GOD... Who is not a slave these days seems like everyone is working for somebody these days rather we like or not. Even Mr Bush :)))
November 30, 2007 at 10:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
According to dictionary.com
A*mer*i*can /ÉË mÉrÉkÉn/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[uh-mer-i-kuhn] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
adjective
1. of or pertaining to the United States of America or its inhabitants: an American citizen.
2. of or pertaining to North or South America; of the Western Hemisphere: the American continents.
3. of or pertaining to the aboriginal Indians of North and South America, usually excluding the Eskimos, regarded as being of Asian ancestry and marked generally by reddish to brownish skin, black hair, dark eyes, and prominent cheekbones.
noun 4. a citizen of the United States of America.
5. a native or inhabitant of the Western Hemisphere.
6. an Indian of North or South America.
7. American English.
8. a steam locomotive having a four-wheeled front truck, four driving wheels, and no rear truck.
How many would we classify as #8????
November 30, 2007 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lvhasnocolor (anonymous) says...
respone = respond... Peace and Blessing to all....I must go now before the master catches me surfing the internet..;)
November 30, 2007 at 11:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halfsheli (anonymous) says...
What about community watch? Isn't that working well in areas of Charleston?
November 30, 2007 at 11:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
This is on the forum for the two boys arrested after chase. Or whatever the name is.
Posted by Mufahsah_08 on November 30, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
F^K YAL BOI TALKN BOUT MY NIGGA BEMBO! dAT BOI'Z A REAL AZZ NIGGA SO SHUT DA F*K UP! SOMEBODY NEED TA HANG UR AZZ BYTCH. EARLY, WATCH WHA U SAY MY NIGGA, CAUSE SHYT REAL OUTCHA FAMILY. U PROBLY A OLE NON-CHANCE GIV'N AZZ CRACKAH ANYWAY. STAY TRU MY NIGGA BEMBO. SEE YA ON DA STREETZ
November 30, 2007 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
This article "2 men face armed robbery charges after chase"
November 30, 2007 at 11:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
How Many of you MEN can honestly say you are doing EVERYTHING your mothers told you to do thats MEN of all color I raised both my sons and daughter with their father untill they left home. I will tell you I tought them right from wrong and with the aide of the belt But when they left home.I had no control of who their friends were or what they did once they turn 18. all you can do is hope that they remember what they are told. as for my children I love them but they do certain things i dont like illegal yes been cought yes but the were taught by both parents all we can do as parents is hope and pray that they follow your guidlines it has nothing to do with Race and how one race raises the child against the other
November 30, 2007 at 11:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
Interesting footnote: D'el Javon Grant, the 23 year old that gunned down her son in 2005, sentenced in Nov. 2007 for that crime, is on the SC Inmate Search as having been charged as a "youthful offender" in 2002 for Assault with Intent to Kill, sentence beginning 4/6/02, yet not admitted until 10/18/06...No reference at all to a murder charge...why was he on the streets until 06, when his sentence began in 2002? Why would anyone convicted of ABIK be sentenced under Youthful Offender guidelines? Everything about that reeks.
November 30, 2007 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jmw9 (anonymous) says...
OK, here's my comment.
If SO many people believe in being accountable and always trying to better themselves, then I have an easy place for some commenters to start..........
PROOFREADING.
I really like reading everyone's comments, but WOW!!!!
November 30, 2007 at 11:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Reader (anonymous) says...
This is a sad story to be sure. But, since this discussion has focused on the cause of the underlying problem instead of the actual case at hand, I'd like to chime in. I disagree with all of the posters who have tied this and other crimes to race. I'd like to suggest that the REAL problem that leads to these situations is POVERTY and LACK OF EDUCATION. Those are the common denominators in almost all of these crimes, both black and white.
Now, one might correctly argue that POVERTY and LACK OF EDUCATION are merely a proxies for race. After all, the fact of the matter is that blacks in this area are far poorer than whites. Why is that? Probably for lots of the reasons that have been mentioned: lack of family structure, low value on education, etc. You might also argue that everyone has the ability to free himself or herself from poverty with enough motivation. That might or might not be the case.
However, I firmly believe that being black, BY ITSELF, does not make anyone more or less likely to commit a crime.
November 30, 2007 at 12:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
I use to believe that movies and TV and music could not influence a child that it took a weak mind to believe the music and TV and movies but now I see it isnt that way. the kids listen and emulate the gang rap music and movies just as we growning up in the 50s did with Roy Rogers and Annie Oakley but the violence is so much more graphic may God help us and them. May we still remember that there is a family that still grieves for two sons taken because of the lime light that gangster music and movies give the children Black and White. the impression that this is how life should be
November 30, 2007 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Shenita Whitfield- I am so sorry you had to endure the pain of having to bury another son.
I hope that we all can come together to find a solution instead of trying to place blame. Once the blame game is over, what's next? I like reading everyone comments about why its happening but now its time for a solution.
November 30, 2007 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
laine61 (anonymous) says...
Because the mom lost 2 kids to violence has nothing to with her parenting skills. It has to do with the guys who killed them. Some people are blaming the mother for her sons' deaths, when in actuality it is the ones who pulled the trigger that are wrong. Maybe her kids were good boys and because they were good boys they were killed. Not every young black man that gets killed is involved in drugs or any other illegal activity. Could it just be that they wouldn't get involved? I have 4 sons and I thank God every day because 3 of them have graduated high school and went on to live very productive lives. The 4th is still in high school and doing very well. But that's not to say that someone cannot come along and change that because he would not do what they wanted him to do. So, please put the blame where it belongs: on the ones who pulled the trigger.
November 30, 2007 at 12:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devster (anonymous) says...
Short Sarah Silverman clip comparing old Jewish men to young black men. It's hilarious.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=ReJWp3xstsg
November 30, 2007 at 12:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
Yes I do agree with you Girleygirl we need a solution and not blame is there some way that area can be made gated? no dont think so to wide a range more police cruising every hour? nope take away from the donuts and coffee(Not all Police do this) what about what they have in NY the communities get together and form an angel type watch two by two for every so many miles by walking or riding. NOT VIGALANTY (sorry spelling is bad) the black community has lost enough of their sons to this by the way i am white and i do care hope this doesnt upset anyone
November 30, 2007 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cyw_541 (anonymous) says...
First let me say, my condolences go out to this family and all of the other grieving famillies in and around charleston. It is really sad that we have time to fight against each other when our children are dying and killing themselves and others. Not to play down what is happening here in North Charleston but children, young men and youg women are dying and killing each other everywhere everywhere because they think it's "survival of the fittest". My heart just breaks to know that these young people feel they have no other alternative to solving problems except fighting and killing each other. Help starts at home. Parents need to take responsibility for their actions or lack their of. The young people need to be more concious of their actions as well and know that their are serious consequences at stake...life!! No matter what color, nationality, or religion we need to concerned about our youth, our future!!!! We need to stop waiting for a solution and come up with some on our own!!
November 30, 2007 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
Give the police the authority to physically kick these bad ass kid's ass, literally without screaming racial profiling. A good ass kick is better than dieing and my also put some fear in these kids heart. Mothers need to beat these ass as soon as they understand and can express a need such as asking for a bottle or request a diaper change. Don't hold back because if you don't do when they are young then law or thug will. You pay for on the end or the rear.
I placed blame on the MOTHERS who allow themselves to get pregnant by THUGS. Thugs beget thugs. The ones that already have babies between 1 day and 5 years need to be forced to get into some kind parenting classes, MANDATORY. And bill it to the tax payers. Consider it as an investment because you will save a huge amount in the future because there will no need for JAILS to housed them. We can save the BABIES. THAT'S THE SOLUTION!!!!!!!
November 30, 2007 at 1:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
Great post laine61. People here are blaming the victim instead of the suspects. If it was a rape would they blame the victim? Some on here probably would. Sad, but true...
November 30, 2007 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
hmmm start spanking the child when they want a bottle or a diaper change ?? did i misunderstand you GJ56 when my son was nine months old he could verbally ask for his bottle and cry when he was wet so are you saying when he reachs up on the coffee table and breaks something i should SPANK a 9 month old please explain i am an old lady
November 30, 2007 at 1:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
YES, egg this guy on!!!
Posted by Mufahsah_08 on November 30, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
F^K YAL BOI TALKN BOUT MY NIGGA BEMBO! dAT BOI'Z A REAL AZZ NIGGA SO SHUT DA F*K UP! SOMEBODY NEED TA HANG UR AZZ BYTCH. EARLY, WATCH WHA U SAY MY NIGGA, CAUSE SHYT REAL OUTCHA FAMILY. U PROBLY A OLE NON-CHANCE GIV'N AZZ CRACKAH ANYWAY. STAY TRU MY NIGGA BEMBO. SEE YA ON DA STREETZ
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Posted by flame711 on November 30, 2007 at 12:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)
ha ha look at that comment above! Im surprized you know how to use a computer! wow! amazing!
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Posted by flame711 on November 30, 2007 at 12:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by Mufahsah_08 on November 30, 2007 at 9:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
F^K YAL BOI TALKN BOUT MY NIGGA BEMBO! dAT BOI'Z A REAL AZZ NIGGA SO SHUT DA F*K UP! SOMEBODY NEED TA HANG UR AZZ BYTCH. EARLY, WATCH WHA U SAY MY NIGGA, CAUSE SHYT REAL OUTCHA FAMILY. U PROBLY A OLE NON-CHANCE GIV'N AZZ CRACKAH ANYWAY. STAY TRU MY NIGGA BEMBO. SEE YA ON DA STREETZ
Ahh.. IF YO NGGA BEMBO WAS A "REAL AZZ NIGGA" HE WOULDN'T BE ROBBING, AND I BET IF HE HAD THE CHANCE YOUR "REAL AZZ NIGGA WOULD SHOOT YOU FOR $20.
MY NIGGA!
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Posted by flame711 on November 30, 2007 at 12:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I say why take his sorry ass to the hospital, id kick him, make him scream! LOL
November 30, 2007 at 1:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
Grannyofsix: Apparently this is the way it should go down in my home, according to GJ56:
My son (21 months): "Mommy Juice Please"
Me: "What did you just say?? Get your ass over here" *ass beating*
My son: *screaming and crying*
Me: "Don't you DARE ask for juice again!!!"
My son: *sniffling*
Let me tell you something, you don't have to beat the s**t out of your kids to make them listen to people or respect them. I don't spank my son, we do timeouts instead. He hates it, ALOT. We tell him to go to his room. He walks in his room, closes the door, and sits on his bed crying. We let him out when he stops crying or the 5 minute kitchen timer goes off. Whichever comes first. Lemme tell you, it works like a charm. He knows when he hears that "ding" he can open his door and come out. When he stops crying he waits for us to come get him. It's actually quite impressive that he understands.
November 30, 2007 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
strong2000 (anonymous) says...
It's so funny how people pick out the little things to try and make black people look stupid. So now the type of shirt you wear tells what type of person you are? Better yet lets show how black people can't spell! Anyone being silly could have typed that. What point are you trying to prove. ( A few of us didn't spell a word correct or left a letter out, but what does that make us?)And like always, when the racist comments start, I'm here to bring my opinion!!We are all aware of the black on black crime, America has been focusing on this forever!Why must we always blame music, drugs, sex, and single mothers. Okay, we all know some black artist have made some nasty records, but who mostly put out these records and produce them? Better yet who mainly own the record companies? Whites!!! All race have a drug problem, but please believe it's only a hand full of blacks who are able to bring it over to America! I'm not commenting on sex this time. Why blame single mothers? They have to work in order to provide for their families, you can't be around your kids 24/7. A great example of that would be the two white men who beat that teenage black boy because he was going out with one of the white man's daughter.( That was recently on the new, but of course like usual you might have not heard because we can't make a big deal about that!!) Yes, I'm about to get alittle more of subject, but I wonder what kind of parents that white lady had that killed her husband?? Now are her kids going to be killers like her?
November 30, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
Grannyforsix,
Yes to you question. I don't mean abuse them or anything, but they must learn early in life that there are penalties for doing wrong. You can also reward them when they do well. I have seen some realy bad kids and the parents look it their badness as cute.
I personally did this to my kids when they began with understanding and when they turned 4 years old I did not have to spank them nearly ever. When they have better communication skill then the spanking is no longer necessary. Raising kids can be wonderful and if the parents do a decent job and reap the satifaction of a job well done at a later point in life.
As you know, all kids have a unique personality early in life and some need more attention than others but only an attenative parents can see this.
November 30, 2007 at 1:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
Allwoman: If you don't mind me asking, what daycare does your daughter go to? I know at our daycare they are really good about enforcing timeouts and disciplining bad behavior.
November 30, 2007 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
dont know about you all but things are changin for the worse and for myself i am very scared i am in this office by myself a lot of the time and i do get frighten by what i see but i smile and give out the application and i bet these same brother had put application out as well i see the names in my system but with another one of our companies so they werent idle i still cant help be heart broken for MOM losing a child no matter if the child was a priest (questionalbe) or hard time killer a mother love her child hates what they have done mut always loves her son
November 30, 2007 at 1:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
This is in addition to my last post, I guess I thought it but didn't type it.
There are alot of daycares out there that will overlook a children's bad behavior. They simply do not care. I find that when a daycare supports what parents are doing at home, the child learns faster and tends to stick with it wherever they are. Be it at home, at daycare, or out at the store...
November 30, 2007 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Grannyof6- Its too many people replacing CNN or MSBC with HBO and Showtime its not even funny. Too much fiction on tv and people are thinking that its reality and that thats the way of life.
Turn off the tv and talk. Talk about current events and tell your kids you LOVE THEM. I'm sure they know you do but it never hurts to say I love you. Stop letting the internet and cable TV be your babysitter!
November 30, 2007 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
We allow our son to watch an hour of tv a night. After we get home and eat dinner he likes to watch Backyardigans and Hannah Montana. Then we play and read until bed time. On the weekends he watches about an hours worth of cartoons in the morning and then we spend the rest of the day outside. We go to the park, the Children's Museum (Chas and Columbia), The Zoo, Cypress, bowling... All stuff we can do as a family and have fun. We've been wanting to take him to Myrtle Beach. We want to go to the Ripley's Aquarium and Museum, as well as Medieval Times. Anyone have any experiences at any of those place?
People just don't take the time to know their kids. That's pretty sad that they don't want to have an active role in their kid's lives. No wonder sooooo many children act up. They want attention, good or bad. Just SOME KIND of attention.
November 30, 2007 at 2:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
i am raising my grandson so he can go to a better school he comes home does his homework watch some tv we have a lot of movies blocked he can only watch hbo family as for MTV and the others including country music is blocked from his tv
he only gives me a problem on how he dresses so i bought him his clothes for school this year NO bagging pant i did tell him if a belt wasnt worn i would buy pants with elastic in them a belt not need he has his time out i havent spanked him he is 11 i will not allow him to listen to that gangster rap in my home what he does in his mother home i have no control short of spanking my 41 year old daughter but he is a good kid does his chores as well and always tells me he loves me B U T when he is and adult will he remember what he was taught by me he has me as an influence then there is his mother and father so we wait and see sometimes it is the person raising the child if they dont have any values but not always and i dont know Ms Witfield but i bet she did everything in her power to raise her sons right
November 30, 2007 at 2:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Nonsense (anonymous) says...
I don't remember who the person was who commented earlier, but another grammar lesson here -
LOOSE - not TIGHT.
LOSE - opposite of WIN.
November 30, 2007 at 2:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
If you really want to see bad grammar, check out the "Murder Charges Filed" comments.
November 30, 2007 at 2:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
Heyuguys,
I don't you made a fair interpertation of what I was trying say, but it's no big deal. Spanking/tapping on the hand or buttock doe not physically hurt a young child, but their feelings are hurt. I have raised 3 childrend who now grown and all have a masters. It's is a good feeling when their later thank me for doing agreat job with them especially when we so many young people going down the wrong road.
I have learned that kids really wants to please their parents, but you have provide them with directions no matter what's the process.
Time out may be right methods, but let me know in a few years if it works. Sounds like you have a healthy enviornment to raise your kid, the daycare, the works. Well for your information these women live in the projects and does no have the fancy daycare to help with their kids. They would probally hire a nanny if they could afford one.
Bottom line; these mothers need to do what ever they need to do to ensure the survival of thier kids even if that means spanking at an early age. They must instill decipline in these kid at an early age.
I am a retired military man with over 25 years of active sevice so I have delt with many young men and women, all races from all walks of life and one of my job was to instilled good order and decipline. Kids want guidance. PS.....I am a Black man.
November 30, 2007 at 2:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
I never was any good in english class or spelling too late now i get my lessons from these blogs there is always someone much brighter and smarter who will be quick to let you kow you misspelled a word or took a word out of context but they arent smart enogh to stick with what the discussion is about
November 30, 2007 at 2:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
GJ56: My father was in the Navy for 21 years. I wasn't spanked until I was 7 years old. That only lasted until I was 8 and my dad NEVER hit me. Not once. My mother was the one who hit me. And I don't mean tapping. She used to grab whatever she could find to beat my a$$. VCR cables, paddles, wooden and plastic spoons, belts, tree branches, you name it, I was beaten with it. (just about) I never listened to my mother because she was never a "mother". She left me with whomever was around to watch me. When my dad was out to sea, she was at the bars with me at a neighbors house. She hit me because I didn't see her as a parent.
Spanking, to me, is for people who cannot control their children with words. So they resort to physical actions. And don't tell me spanking doesn't hurt a child physically. Yes, their feelings are hurt, but they feel when you hit them. I feel, and this is my personal opinion, that when you hit a child, it teaches them it's ok to hit. My husband spanked my son one day. My son cried and cried. When he was finished crying, he walked up to my husband and spanked him on the a$$. Now, we use timeouts.
November 30, 2007 at 2:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Strong2000- I was going to comment on the tee shirt thing as well and my emotions were running wild so I said I am going to leave it alone. Thank you for doing it for me. I have seen tee shirts that says spank me, beat me, hump me on pre teen girls and we are commenting on a grown women choice of a tee shirt? WOW.
Its too many damn people that want to say black people this and white people that but when some other posters like myself, you, grannyof6, or others pitch in to say what can we do to fix the problem. The people that want to place blame and act like they know what they are talking about go away. What's up with that? You all have all the intelligent answers as to who is doing what but when people say lets do something about it, you all are the first ones to run into a corner and say not my problem. Well if its not your problem no one cares to know what you think you know. We all have to remember its very easy to criticize something but, right now, if you do not have any constructive criticism then save the drama. If I had a solution, hell I would give it to you guys and say let's try this if I knew what to do but I don't. So lets stop with the BS and find a solution. Let's help each other on that! Can we all agree to that?
November 30, 2007 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halfsheli (anonymous) says...
scnative4ever -- please go away
How about ALL folks need to step up?!?!?!? Why should we as a concerned society put the blame and responsibility for change in the hands of only a few. I for one believe that EVERYONE must step it up. Today's kids are much different than past generations. They are more media and technologically savvy; they are more desensitized; they are WAY more indulged; they want for hardly anything; they are not typically even aware of -- much less taught -- basic character: honesty, respect for EVERYONE, humility, work ethic, etc.
All of this translates in to a young generation that is out of control. Some are violent; some are apathetic (and ignored); some are spoiled and whiney. Pick your poison.
I fear of where we'll be in ten years if there is not a drastic paradigm shift in ALL of society.
November 30, 2007 at 3:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
Sometimes people who want to help get pushed away
November 30, 2007 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
captivated (anonymous) says...
To Ms Witfield and family, my condolences on your loss. To Laine61, thank you for examining the posts and noticing that not every young black man gets killed over drugs or illegal activity. Unfortunately, we live in a time when everyone is a genious and knows everything about everything. More than enough of us think just like what it says on the shirt. The P&C said there was an ongoing fued between the boys that probably led up to this tragedy. Drugs were not even mentioned, yet everybody knows what happened, when and where. I hope some of you unlicensed expert socioligists come up with a solution to this problem real soon.
November 30, 2007 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halfsheli (anonymous) says...
okie dokie, conservative. but, your let's put blacks back in their place way of thinking -- not so productive either. i am not flapping my gums; i am twinkling my fingers across the keyboard (much more exhilerating than mere speech).
most of the black culture angry?? well, with posts like yours, i can't begin to imagine what would piss them off. by the way, how in the world do YOU know how many black people are angry? got your finger on the pulse, eh?
November 30, 2007 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
you can't help people that don't WANT it.I can set up all the free basketball courts and after school programs in the world, but it won't matter if the parents aren't raising their kids.Why is it all of a sudden everyone else's job to "chip in" and help when we aren't even a part of that community.What happened to pride in one's neighborhood? And concerned neihbors volunteering to do community patrols.Also regarding blaming single mothers.....if you are a second generation young single mother then yes it is partially your fault when your child repeats the same cycle of getting pregnant or dealing drugs instead of focusing on school or a trade.Break the cycle people.These comments are not directed towards the mother of this story since I don't know her background..not to mention that would just be in bad taste.Also, have we forgotten the 80's and how crack created a generation of kids being raised by their Grandmoms?We're going to be feeling those effect for a few more years.But again,stop telling us to all chip in if the neighborhood has no interest in helping.
November 30, 2007 at 3:33 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
I work hard to make sure I can live in neihborhoods that care about their streets and kids.And judging by the rising black middle class in America,I'm not alone in this thinking.
November 30, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DCartisan (anonymous) says...
People will start helping to find a solution when these "isolated incidents" start happening in their pefect world. I don't recall most AMERICANS caring about terrorism until it happened here. It was always someone else's problem. Give it time and they will be touched one way or another. What we are trying to say is to find ways to prevent it from happening. No matter what color you are, you still live in AMERICA. Not on some remote island immune from these kinds of things.
Give it time. We could either try to stop it, or wait for it to come in our world.
November 30, 2007 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halfsheli (anonymous) says...
oh, and by the way -- i educate children. i teach and love and support and discipline and nurture and appreciate young adults. what do you do?
November 30, 2007 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
SCNative- you are the only angry one here. You obviously think that because you are white you are right. You're the one on this board being negative. So if you are not part of the solution YOU ARE THE PROBLEM. I do have a question as well and I'm sure many other white and black people do too. What is the "white" way of raising your kids? You are telling blacks to raise the kids like "white" way so tell me....how?
November 30, 2007 at 3:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ccsdteacher (anonymous) says...
I have taught in the north area for several years. I actually taught the sister of the bothers and one of the boys that shot the boy. I believe there is a lot more to the story than is put in this article. The fact that two of three sons have been gunned down raises questions. The fact of the matter is that she is mouring the lose of her son. I will keep the family in my thougths and prayers.
This is not a black white issue. It is an issue of violence in our town. It just happens to be the black males doing most of the killings.
November 30, 2007 at 3:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofsix (anonymous) says...
I think the shirt said i always get my way
November 30, 2007 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Dolemite- yes you are dumb because I never said you said anything negative about the shirt. When you pointed it out up alot of other dumb ass comments were said. SO learn how to read and get back with me on that one. I also said that there are more pre teens wearing these type of shirts and people are commenting on what a grown woman is wearing. That's ironic as well now isn't it!
November 30, 2007 at 3:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
well i'm sure some people would consider gun toting street thugs who deal drugs a form of urban terrorism,so why does it still continue in neighborhoods like cherokee or America street?Because people in these areas have an "us against them" mentality and would rather allow kids to deal in front of their houses instead of calling "the Man".Have you noticed that when there is someone in those areas who DOES call the police or video tape their neighborhood, that person is almost always a senior citizen?We have definetly lost some values from that generation to this current one.I think the reason this perpetuates itself in poor neighborhoods is because most people with enough sense to look around them have all moved on and out,hence the rapidly expanding minority middle class.So what your usually left with is the bottom of the gene pool or some poor old senior citizen who invested their lives into an area that was great 30 yrs ago but crap now,and they can't afford to leave...Which takes me back to my point of seniors always being the ones to actually try cleaning up their neighborhoods.
November 30, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Imwithstupid (anonymous) says...
The better question is look online at these individuals criminal history and see how many breaks they have already been given. I urge all the people who have posted to this comment section to go and sit down at the Court house during a court week and see what kind of punishment these guys and girls are getting and how many times they have done it. Pleas are open to the public as well as clerk or court records for disposed cases. Many of you will see why things in this town are escalating (sorry spelling) so fast in Charleston and North Charleston. There is no true punishment anymore.
November 30, 2007 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
Also, all of you people that keep posting things about grammer need to lighten up.Do you correct people in mid sentence when they speak incorrectly?Most of us are typing from work and don't have the luxery of fawning over our posts and checking for errors lol.When you waste space correcting how to spell a wurd u looke ignrent.I huv sussesfuly ben thru the S.C pubelic skool system and am prouds of myi edukation.After all, at least we don't rank 51st in worst education!Holla
November 30, 2007 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Girleygirl (anonymous) says...
Scnative- can you answer my question what is the "white" way of raising kids?
November 30, 2007 at 4:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tashabecca (anonymous) says...
My mother was raised in that neighborhood. She was the daughter of a minister, but that did not stop her from getting pregnant and having me at 15. My grandfather instilled in her great values and raised her as a parent is supposed to. Today, as an adult that made it through some of the worst times, she is a model person. Most of the problems have to do with parenting and enforcing positive productivity on all levels not letting things things "slack". Some will become upstanding citizens and some will not regardless of what type of parenting they have had. Another thing at fault is that the "public" as a whole needs to let these children know that it is OKAY to be CHILDREN. The young men's problems did not just start on the day of the incident. The public is confusing our children. We are hell-bent on giving contradicting advice such as pregnancy, education, employment, etc. Oh, by the way, I became a teenaged mother but that did not dictate what kind of a mother I would be. Poverty is another culprit and the sting of it is even worse in the South. When you are poor here your mentality is even so. Racism is another culprit with it's trickle-down silent-but becomes piercingly loud as the end result. There is more than one reason for such criminal activity but it all starts in the home which includes the neighborhoods (city and state included)
These violent actions do happen and regardless as to what is the blame, these grieving families have my condolences and sympathy because it is a HURTING thing to lose a loved one no matter how they expired!!! Remember that it could be your child as the victim/criminal, no matter who you/they are!!! The only thing that really matters is what they become!!!
November 30, 2007 at 4:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Imwithstupid (anonymous) says...
The better question is look online at these individuals criminal history and see how many breaks they have already been given. I urge all the people who have posted to this comment section to go and sit down at the Court house during a court week and see what kind of punishment these guys and girls are getting and how many times they have done it. Pleas are open to the public as well as clerk or court records for disposed cases. Many of you will see why things in this town are escalating (sorry spelling) so fast in Charleston and North Charleston. There is no true punishment anymore
November 30, 2007 at 4:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
All of you that are clumping all black in a group as a negative race of people should be careful of that. Besides of the few bad ones, blacks are a extremely GIFTED RACE and and is as equally intellegent.
1. Gifted in music
2. Gifted spiritaully
3. Gifted in sexuality
4. Gifted with strength physically and mentally
5. Women sort after him from all nations
6. Gifted in youth and many more
Anyone 40 and younger does know his strugles, but if you are older then you know that they just recieved his true freemdom less than 50 years ago. Heck! He could not even vote. Look how much they have achieved in such a very short period, so all you doubters just wait and see how much more they will achieved. They are like an airplane taking off, but when they reach that altitude, beware.
November 30, 2007 at 4:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
tashabecca-when you became a teenage mother,did the father stick around to raise his child?If so then statistically you are a rarity.Accidents can happen in life,hence your mother becoming pregnant regardless of her upbringing.But when this starts to repeat itself with you,then I think you have an obligation to pass on your lesson to your child and make them understand how hard it is to be a young single mother and break the cycle.The public's responsibility to your child comes waaaayyyyyyyyyyy after your own responsibility to your child and what you teach and instill.And what kind of contridicting advise are you talking about?It's pretty widely accepted that going to school and learning a trade are GOOD things....please tell me you haven't been hearing the opposite of this in your own neighborhood.And sorry but yes,when you have a child and you're still a child, it does "dictate" to a degree what kind of parent you are.Especially when you take the father out of the equation.It means that there is a HUGE increase in the chance that you'll struggle at trying to work full time,go to school,and raise a child in a way that insures he won't repeat your mistakes.It is the exception to go through these tribulations successfully, not the rule.Although something tells me you are the exception and I congratulate you!
November 30, 2007 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mppowell (anonymous) says...
GJ56-if you believe that most of those attributes come from race and not struggle then are ignorant.Read a history book and you will see signs of this in every culture at the time of their struggles.Except for the sexuality thing.Is that why black men walk with a limp?You lucky son of a gun
November 30, 2007 at 4:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GJ56 (anonymous) says...
mppowell,
You may have point. So you do agree that the black race have been in struggle? I love history so I would be very happy to read some more. I am kinda lucy though!!! Thanks
November 30, 2007 at 4:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gzippy (anonymous) says...
Yes, this was a tragedy, and there is blame to go around at all levels. But I haven't heard anyone express any graditude to the North Charleston Police and the U.S. Marshals for capturing these murderers so quickly. They put their life on the line everyday helping to try and make a bad situation better. Let me say Thank You.
November 30, 2007 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
poorboy (anonymous) says...
Did you ever hear daddy mentioned anywhere in this article? No you didn't, do you think that could be the problem. I'm tired of this crap and I'm really tired of blacks looking for someone else to fix their problem. Don't come back with "its not just a black thing" because that's BS. Watch the news. It isn't all but its the majority. 7-10 black children are born out of wedlock thats the real problem.
It's a horrible thing to see every single day. So what's the fix? We all comment on it but what really would it take to fix it?
November 30, 2007 at 7:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
juniemoon1957 (anonymous) says...
Well, I just could not read the shirt. Should have offered my condolences of the loss of her sons no matter what the shirt said....no matter what happened and how. I apologize. It is sad. But, it also makes me grateful I had the upbringing of two parents, grandmothers, assorted aunts/uncles/cousins/ and yes....many black people that influenced my way of life and living...and to those I am very grateful.
November 30, 2007 at 7:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
so the solution is??
it's going to take successful adult black men mentoring these young men gone astray, as in they will actually have to stop their busy lives and do some serious gruntwork in the streets with these thugs
the govt or the whites can't do a thing about it, those young black thugs wouldn't dream of listening to either
but if you successful black men get out there and explain to these young men how to be successful and be a part of them reaping the rewards for attempting to change I think things will start to turn around... maybe??
these young men will have to be spoon fed because they've never been taught how to be a real man, or what it feels like to actually earn success and the pride that comes with it
they have the opportunity but they don't know or believe in it... they don't believe it can be theirs, but it can be and with a little hand holding you guys can show them it can be
that is if any of the successful adult black men are even willing to try and save a generation of their own people, and aren't too wrapped up in their own little corner of life
there's more technical/industrial jobs out there everyday for people that don't wish to go to college, and there's a good living to be made doing them after you've climbed the ladder a little
they are pulling black men out of the jail at Leeds Ave to try and teach them to be welders and the likes for hundreds of these jobs available, there isn't anything holding you back but you
just some thoughts...
November 30, 2007 at 9:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
7green0 (anonymous) says...
Wow, the young men who stormed in and killed a man while he was sleeping did not get nearly as many comments as this story.
I wonder why?
November 30, 2007 at 11:53 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jeanspatch (anonymous) says...
It is the responsibility of the parents to provide to children productive ideas of things to do with their hands and their minds. Things that does not include tearing down their lives and ultimately their livelihood. It is the job of the "police" to come running to tear down trouble. If you persist in being the "trouble", then you will always be the one that the police is seeking to tear down. Get a clue parents, it is up to you to stop this vicious "monster of destruction" that persist in our community year after year ripping apart the positive hopes and dreams of our precious children. Stop looking to the police, the mayor and even to your neighborhood. Start with yourself, take a stand. Your child does "not" have to be the next featured story of drugs, murder or death.
December 2, 2007 at 7:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tashabecca (anonymous) says...
I knew the difference between right and wrong and my MOTHER instilled in me a conscience. I knew it was unacceptable by American society to become a "teenage" mother, but I am a good mother. I knew it would have had more than teenaged trials and tribulations to go through if I chose to marry the child's father, I would have ended up with an unmotivated, drunken, abusive man as well. I continue to be a single parent of FOUR and do not mind the struggle as the reward far outweighs the struggle. MY four children and me being a GOOD MOTHER, regardless of who was and was not there. Let the children be children. Let them know that there are consequences to their actions.(why is the punishment worse than the crime?)Let them know that they are not alone. Let them know that mistakes will be made and lessons learned. Forgiveness is possible. The future is not promised but there is a chance that they may be in it, but how will they be in it? Etc....
December 4, 2007 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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