Man says he and his family are targeted for being black in white neighborhood
Feeling threatened
The Post and Courier
Clifford Washington of Hollywood said he thinks his family is being harrassed for living in a white neighborhood. 'I feel as if I am fighting a losing battle,' he said.
The Post and Courier
Washington said someone has fired shots at his house and truck.
HOLLYWOOD — Clifford Washington asked his wife to stop taking walks down their country road after the day someone shouted the N-word at her.
Soon after that incident two years ago, Washington started seeing bullet or pellet holes on his garage, the trucks parked in his yard and above his front door. He thinks he and his family are paying the price for being a black family in a white neighborhood.
"This is harassment and I think it's a hate crime," Washington said.
He called the Charleston County Sheriff's Office 13 times in the first two months after the trouble began. Since then, Washington says he has lost count of how many times he has tried to get help. Deputies have responded to his calls but say they can do little without a lead or a suspect.
"I feel as if I am fighting a losing battle," Washington said, adding that he does not think anyone is taking him seriously.
Worry keeps him home when other families would take vacation, and it stops him from accepting jobs driving his rig at night when his wife and daughter are alone at home. His suspicions were fed when a couple of wooden crosses were set on fire about five miles from Washington's home between Meggett and the Petersfield. The charges were later dropped against the accused teenagers and Sheriff Al Cannon cast the cross-burning early on as an act of mischief, not a hate crime.
Heidi Beirich, director of research and special projects for the Southern Poverty Law Center, said to be classified as a hate crime there must be evidence that the crime was motivated by race. Otherwise, there is no way of knowing if an incident should be attributed to a dispute between neighbors or a prank, she said. South Carolina does not have a hate crime statute, although federal law does contain such a provision.
Washington has a stack of business cards from the deputies who have responded to his calls and a pile of police reports. The reports all read pretty much the same, that the shot marks must be caused by a small-caliber gun, maybe a pellet or BB gun.
The deputies run patrols in the area, temporarily installed a camera on Washington's property, took pictures and tried to determine where the shots were coming from. They told Washington that it's not a crime for neighbors to shoot guns on their property as long as they keep a safe distance. They also pointed out that hunters use the nearby woods.
They have no suspects, witnesses or leads.
Still, the shot marks keep showing up.
"Something's got to give; you can only tolerate so much," Washington said. He said when the deputies come to his house, they listen but dismiss his concerns and don't follow up the way they promise.
The family's Great Dane barks all night most nights as if someone's in their yard, and Washington's wife caught a trespasser snooping around on their land.
Posted on a tree at the start of their long driveway is sign that reads: "Keep Out."
Contacted by phone, several families on Salters Hill Road said they had no problems and hadn't heard of any situations similar to that of the Washingtons. One neighbor, however, said a bunch of rowdy teenagers live in the area and cause trouble.
The woman, who didn't want to be identified for fear of retribution, said her family was the victim of vandalism a couple of years ago, but she said there was no reason to think it was racially motivated.
Although blacks outnumber whites by more than two to one in Hollywood, Washington said all of his surrounding neighbors are white.
The Washingtons didn't have any problems for about six years after they moved to their home from Ladson, but in spring 2006 that changed. At first, they thought kids were messing around and acting careless. After all this time, though, they said they just can't write it off.
"I feel like someone is just trying to scare us off," Washington's wife said. She didn't want her first name used because of the sort of work she does.
Sheriff Cannon said he doesn't understand how Washington could think he and his deputies aren't taking the problems seriously. They have responded to every call Washington's made to 911 and followed up with interviews in the area, among other efforts.
The deputies don't have any evidence.
"There is nothing to support his claims," Cannon said.
He said the Sheriff's Office took the incident involving the cross-burning very seriously and despite the fact that the charges were dropped, it remains a serious situation. The Sheriff's Office worked with the FBI and National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in that investigation.
While the cross-burning was close to Washington's house in relative terms, the fact is there are hundreds of people who live in the distance in between, and many of them are black families that do not feel threatened, Cannon said.
Maj. John Clark said deputies have responded to Washington's calls three times between October and early November. Given the new information, and the proximity of Washington's home to the site of the cross-burning, Clark said the Sheriff's Office would be investigating any leads.
Racial tension is nothing new to Hollywood. The situation became so intense at a 2004 Town Council meeting that some people had to be restrained when a councilman accused a resident of making racial slurs.
Current Hollywood Mayor Jacquelyn Heyward, who was elected in June 2007, said that to her knowledge, Washington's issues involve an isolated incident.
"If it's happening, I am not aware of it," Heyward said.
She said she listened when Washington came to her for help and tried to follow up with the Sheriff's Office.
Washington also reached out to former town Mayor Gerald Schuster, but Schuster declined to talk to the newspaper.
Rep. Seth Whipper, D-North Charleston, has been pushing for years to build protections into state law for people who are made victims because of race, age, sexual orientation or religious preference. Sen. Robert Ford, D-Charleston, also has sought hate crime legislation.
Putting the legislation on the books would be significant in helping determine how widespread hate crimes are in South Carolina and to bring awareness.
"This idea of not having a category for these kinds of crimes, I think, flies in the face of what is really going on in our state," Whipper said. He referred to slayings that involved a gay man in Greenville and a man who dressed in women's clothes in North Charleston.
Whipper said he plans to push again this coming year for the law change. But in the meantime, he thinks Washington and his family deserve more attention for their concerns.
"I think that's some serious stuff," Whipper said.
Dot Scott, president of the Charleston branch of the NAACP, said she thinks more racially charged violence and crimes are happening in the area than are acknowledged, including people being run off the road while driving.
"I wish I knew what to do," Scott said. "Race is an issue and it's worse in South Carolina than in most places and until we deal with that, we will continue to breed that kind of behavior."
Reach Yvonne Wenger at 803-799-9051 or ywenger@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
pirate42 (anonymous) says...
Sorry to here that , But I am afraid it still occurs in the south and seems to be getting worse again. could it be unleashed kids in the area BORED like the ones that lynched on rivers ave. Time to shake the HE...ll out of the parents once again . I am sorry for your problems guy, Just another white guy that gets disturbed by all this BS
December 15, 2008 at 4:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
Stupid Rednecks. It is amazing that in todays world that this still exists. As they say only in the South!
I wish the Cops could assist them more and lock the folks up that are doing this. But they probably will never be able to find out who is doing this.
Stay strong and protect your family.
December 15, 2008 at 5:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
This is crazy but we don't need a new law. Just because someone, God forbid, says the "N" word doesn't require a new law. I hear it said more in a black scool or rap song than I would ever hear in Hollywood.
Put up a camera and catch them. If it has happened as much as the man said then the police should have done some surveilance??
December 15, 2008 at 6:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
EqualityB4theLawThinkAgain (anonymous) says...
I had the same problem in my neighborhood except in reverse. Several section 8 families that came out of N. Chas. moved in to my neighborhood and allowed their kids to roam the streets at all hours of the night and numerous break-ins and drugs deals began to occur. Finally, by setting up a neighborhood watch and with the help of Berkeley County police, the "bored" little darlings have been shipped off to their grandparents and other extended relatives and our neighborhood is peaceful again. Many calls to landlords were also made and par for the course many were evicted not for this kind of unneighborlly stuff, but for non-payment of rent and tearing up the rental. I feel sorry for this man and no one should have to endure the kind of anxiety he is feeling about the safety of his loved ones. I know first hand from dealing with the 'bored' little darlings in my own neighborhood.
December 15, 2008 at 6:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Yep "equality" but your story isn't news worthy because your story is just a way of life for THOSE "little darlings" dependent. Your just supposed to shut up and put up with it.
While I think your plight was exactly the same you will be riddiculed here today for comparing your situation to this "racist" situation.
December 15, 2008 at 6:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
what's with this "only in the south" crap?
I guess none of you have been up in the northeast where racism is way worse than here... it's not just race there, nationality or anything else they can separate themselves with
racial harassment and fights are so common up there that they never make the news, it's a daily thing
you get a couple of punks here acting up and all of a sudden the whole south is a bunch of redneck hoodlums?? you people seem to be the racist... against southerners
how many black against white harassment cases or crimes are there here? thousands a year, but do they make headlines?? almost never...
this happens everywhere, less often here in the south than anywhere else but due to the souths history from hundreds of years ago every little episode is overblown
get over it already
driver move... it's more important that your family is safe than to prove a point that can't be made
those kids will either grow out of it or get caught in another crime sooner or later and be removed from the streets
December 15, 2008 at 6:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
islandbenzbc (anonymous) says...
Surely things will be better after the messiah comes...on January 20th...
December 15, 2008 at 6:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
downtownguy (anonymous) says...
Sounds like he is just looking to be a victim. Some people just love that role, especially if means they have an excuse not to work. He'll probably somehow get a check from the government because he's too "scared" to go to work.
December 15, 2008 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
If you catch the thugs, then you will already have more than enough laws to deal with them. Try finding a way for the sherrif to put more resources into solving these crimes. Of course, unprovoked attacks are hate attacks, hello. Legislators are so dumb in solving problems but so smart in fooling us to get reelected. As for the ignorant or prejudiced general statement condemning the South, where do I start. Yes, I agree with the post about the bigotry and interracial and internationality and interneighborhood and a whole host of other inter's in the supposedly all-knowing victors in the northeast. I lived and worked all over. The bigotry out west against the Indians is nauseating and pervasive, more so than anything that I am aware of here. The South's history will take a long time to overcome, but really astounding progress has been made in my lifetime...not there yet but still moving. It would be quite neighborly if all of the people in this man's neighborhood would reach out to help. Remember that you all must live together and can solve these crimes, if you want to solve them. This man alone or the sherrif alone stand a poor chance. Your neighbors are the solution, bud.
December 15, 2008 at 7:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kma71 (anonymous) says...
downtownguy....you are an idiot!! Please stay downtown with your king Riley!
December 15, 2008 at 7:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
3olivesmike (anonymous) says...
The story is no surprise given the anger and bitterness over the election that is evident from many of the regular posters on this site. My hope is that the identities of the regular bomb-throwers, who treat us each morning to their ignorance and disorientation, is well known to local, state and federal officials.
December 15, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
sig "Stupid Rednecks. It is amazing that in todays world that this still exists. As they say only in the South!"
First, I am not making excuses for the punks (probably young bored teens) so dont go there.
How do you know who is doing this? And this isnt "only in the south". There are more black on black crimes committed in just about every major US city across the country than there are White on black.
And the "N" word is used in movies and "music" by blacks against blacks constantly. Crap, I have to block all the damn MTV channels so I dont have to hear the constant "bleeps" from the garbage being spewed by black "rap artists"
The kids that were just arrested for mugging were all black, I wonder what race their victims were? Hey jimbo, were these guys racists?http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/dec/13/boy_arrested_attacks64973/
Whoever is doing this are cowards and will eventually be caught, hopefully before someone is hurt.
December 15, 2008 at 7:44 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
I am a born and raised Charlestonian, and the level of blatant and unchecked racism in the state of South Carolina is astonishing. I've lived in the Appalachian mountains of Tennessee for almost 7 years and have resided in metro Atlanta for almost 6. I have NEVER experienced racism in any of those states close to what I've experienced in Charleston.
When I tell people where I'm from they all say how much they love Charleston, and how they always look forward to returning to Charleston. I affirm that Charleston and the lowcountry is a beautiful place, with great parks, nice beaches, and some of the best food in the South. But I also have to let them know about the other facets to the lowcountry that's less known.
They have a hard time believing me. I think I will email the link for this article to some of my friends and clients. After reading the article along with the comments posted here, it may open their eyes that they place they like to visit, vacation in, and take abrupt weekend trips to have some serious racial problems.
But hey like the white people of Charleston always say. We don't have a racism problem. We take care of OUR blacks down here.
December 15, 2008 at 7:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
Oh, and Jimbo, was the paster that just got probation for burning down his church (mainly black congregation) a racist?
BTW Jimbo, I agree with you on this; "Seriously though, this man should contact his neighbors and let them know what is occurring. Most families will not stand for this to happen in their neighborhoods without a fight regardless of skin color."
December 15, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beth1070 (anonymous) says...
I'm having a hard time understanding why Mr Washington feels he is being racially targetted when Hollywood is predominantly black. And the cross burning happened 5 miles from his home...5 MILES!
December 15, 2008 at 7:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
oldglory (anonymous) says...
A nice change to see so many supportive comments this a.m. :)
You know what--whoever is doing this to this family, regardless of motivation, is wrong. Law officials need to use all their abilities to figure this out quickly even as they do a murder case (we hope). You, gentlemen, are sworn to uphold the law for ALL. Why do I point a finger at law enforcement? Because at 70 years old with no protectors, it scares the crap outta me to think that if I were in this man's shoes I would just have to tolerate being terrorized as long as the perpetrators felt like it--due to the fact that it appears I couldn't turn to law enforcement for help. I am not impressed to read that it appears to be bb-shot or buck-shot or kids or hunters. Appears to be? Do a little more investigation, please and put a stop to this nonsense!
December 15, 2008 at 8:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
Beth1070, the article clearly spells out that Mr. Washington and his family are the only black family in an all-white neighborhood. Combine that with the fact that everyone else in the neighborhood seems to be copping an "I see nothing, I know nothing" attitude and it isn't hard to understand why this harassment seems to be racially motivated.
As far as the cross burning, it may not specifically be targeted at Mr. Washington and his family, but it doesn't have to be. Symbols like that are intended to be offensive to everyone in a certain group, not just those living or working very close to them. You're just as likely to be offended by a terrorist burning an American flag whether it happens in your front yard, in another state or halfway around the world. Symbols of hatred and oppression can't be excused just because they don't happen close to an individual or because they're supposedly pranks pulled by teenagers.
December 15, 2008 at 8:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
Sorry to hear about that, no excuse for it, my advice is to contact your neighbors and police, let them know whats happening. And buy yourself a gun.
December 15, 2008 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
I'm thinking the perpetrators are- Beth & downtownguy....don't let these cowards run you away!!
December 15, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beth1070 (anonymous) says...
Cross burning highly offends me as a Christian. I have never been able to understand why white trash racial hate groups chose to use that as their "trademark".
December 15, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
greyman (anonymous) says...
sounds like "stupid rednecks" or "stupid kids" or both. The guy is trying to do the right thing. He called the police. He should buy a big mean dog and a gun. The bad thing is something really bad could happen and then people could wind up dead and in jail. How is burning a cross not a hate crime. That is retarted.
December 15, 2008 at 9:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Name_Withheld (anonymous) says...
If you have bullet holes in your house and vehicle you are a target.
The story should be delivered to every residence in Hollywood and read aloud at every Church and school so that publicity might protect the family and the perpetrators can be found.
The community of racial haters (including those regularly commenting on this board) should be shamed and outed at each outburst of their deliberate language of hate so that the message does not encourage the weak minded to violence.
December 15, 2008 at 9:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grits1973 (anonymous) says...
Yes, it is scary that this family is feeling threatened in their own home. But, the police aren't at fault if they have responded to calls and there isn't any evidence for them to identify the culprits. Sounds like this family lives in a rural area on a large piece of land and without other homes closely visible -- not what many of us would consider to be a "neighborhood." That type of setting by it's very nature makes it harder for authorities to catch someone in the act of vandalism. And, why is it automatic that the threats are racist? Just because this family is black? As another posted has noted, blacks outnumber whites in that area, regardless of whether or not those living closest to this family happen to be white.
And, the fact that someone yelled the "N-word" at this family doesn't really mean anything. My husband (who is white) works in this part of the county and a majority of his coworkers are black. The black coworkers use that word with each other ALL THE TIME. There is such a public outcry when a white person says it, but blacks seem to have no problem using it towards one another. I am sure there will be those reading this who feel like they need to defend why this word is different, but really it is just a word. Personally, I think it's ridiculous that our society has elevated this particular word to something more than what it really is - just a word.
And, one final comment - I also find it incredible that our society tries to differentiate between crimes and now we segment out certain crimes as "hate" crimes. In actuality, all crimes at their very root are about hate and the selfish motivation of man to view one's self as superior to another. When a white man murders another white man or a black man murders a black man, that is the fundamentally the same as a white man murdering a black man or a black man murdering a white man. We don't need our laws altered to make special provisions for some crimes to be classified as "hate" motivated while other are not.
December 15, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rebcsc (anonymous) says...
Pellet guns and BB guns are rather up close and personal ... 25 to 50 yards max. to do any kind of damage ... even a dink. A CB short in a .22 rifle is a slightly different matter and even quieter ... but a metal detector could define the difference. A smart deer hunter could set up 24/7 surveillance on Mr. Washington's property at minimal expense and get enough information on this character to make a well illustrated calendar to sell on the outdoor channel. Maybe he's been looking to the wrong people for help.
December 15, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
sig "Stupid Rednecks. It is amazing that in todays world that this still exists. As they say only in the South!"
Ok, sure;
"Culturally, Hollywood and New York City have created a steady stream of dreary and predictable "entertainment" that ridicules Southerners. In an era that celebrates multiculturalism, has there been much enlightenment among our creative class between the years that produced Hee-Haw, Dukes of Hazard, Green Acres, and the Beverly Hillbillies and last year when Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby was filmed?
What entertainment have they fostered upon America? Hip-hop and rap music are a toxic brew of racism, violence and misogyny that springs from Northern ghettoes and that have had a massively destructive effect on the most vulnerable people in our nation; black youth. Gangsta culture is not black culture; it is a insult to black culture and it is a insult that has caused great pain to so many people for far too long -- engendering in our youth (black and white) a nihilism that is perilous to themselves and to others.
Who is charitable? Who helps the disadvantaged?
Southerners are also the most generous people in America. The top 10 states in terms of generosity per capita are all Southern states. New Hampshire, Massachusetts (Kennedy -land), New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Connecticut are at the bottom of the barrel. A few years ago, author Jane Smiley characterized Red America as selfish and lacking in compassion-as "unteachably ignorant." Perhaps that is the pot calling the kettle black?
As journalist Don Feder noted, Smiley's views are symptomatic of the views of liberal elites:
"...liberals have concocted a fantasy version of America where all the nation's brainpower, productivity and generosity reside in the Blue States, while Red America is a land of trailer parks, country-music bars, and Klan rallies"."
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/1...
December 15, 2008 at 9:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
The South is the new engine of creativity and growth
"The nation's growth engine is located in the South. Northerners, fed up with onerous taxes, growth restrictions, and anti-business rules and regulations, have fled to the South.
The South, in fact, has been a hotbed of business innovation. FedEx (Memphis)...,Wal-Mart ,Tyson Foods, Sanderson Farms, Smithfield Foods, Cal-Maine Foods (the number one egg producer in the nation), America's largest bank, Bank of America, is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Meanwhile, New York City is rapidly losing its place as the world's leading financial center to London, Hong Kong, and other centers of finance.
Texas Instruments and Dell computer have created a technological corridor in Texas that will benefit the region for years to come. The Raleigh-Durham Research Triangle can hold its own against Silicon Valley and surpasses Route 128 in Massachusetts. More prosaically, Coke has been refreshing the world's billions for years."
While Texas and Oklahoma and the Southern states bordering the Gulf of Mexico supply our energy needs, many blue states (and Florida) forbid the development of their offshore oil reserves and prevent the rise of nuclear power, while the Kennedys lead efforts to stop a wind farm from spoiling their view off the coast of Cape Cod."
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/1...
December 15, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
"Who is most qualified to judge the level of racism in the South? African-Americans.
What might they say if the liberal elites of the North would ever solicit their opinion? Well, they might just say three times as many of us are moving to the South as are leaving it. They might just say that every other region of America is losing its African-American population to the South. They might just say that more blacks hold elected office in the South than in the North. The South is home to only a slim majority of American blacks but is home to two-thirds of the nation's black elected officials."
http://www.americanthinker.com/2007/1...
December 15, 2008 at 9:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
Considering that there is hardly a neighborhood in the Charleston area that is not peopled by a large portion of out of towners
(northerners ?) (SOB excluded)it's high time to target these damn hate mongering racists and stop victimizing the good God
fearing Rednecks who are just trying to live in peace.
If this is as printed, a "white" neighborhood" one has to wonder why this gentleman would even want to live there.
I for one would not move into Union heights and expect to be treated like royalty.
December 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
To turn a blind eye or to say that because we are a generous sort, that racism in the South doesn't exist is unbelievable.
To grits who thinks the N word is just a word. I suggest you, as a whitey, go down to America Street, get out of your car and yell that word and see what happens. It is entirely different for a person of color to use the N word, then to have it come out of a white person's mouth.
Racism exists, and all can plainly see by some of today's posts. It will never end until we evolve. And with the state of southern schools I don't see that happening anytime soon.
I will give up a night a week and drive to Hollywood and guard this family's house.
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.'
December 15, 2008 at 9:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
SimplyMad, that's an amusing editorial piece that you keep quoting, but I find it a little lacking on citations and palpable facts. Sure, it interprets statistics in interesting ways, but at the same time those interpretations are done to convey a subjective point of view.
And yes, there are a few anecdotes that the editorial you quote provides that make people from other regions of the US look backwards and whatnot, but then again we're all quite familiar with the many examples of how backwards things are here in the Southeastern US.
Making everything into "us vs. them" issues with only one right answer is a great way to screw up an entire way of life, and that's what elected officials and the populace at large are so great at doing here in the South. Yes, individuals and large corporations are moving to the South, but in large part because poor leadership and abysmal education make it so easy for corporations to operate here in the South without being held to environmental or social standards and legislation present in other areas of the US.
I have to say though, that I find it almost hilarious that people complain about portrayal of Southerners as backwards and ignorant in popular culture, then try to justify their treatment of blacks by pointing out how black people are portrayed in the media. Personally, I think I'd get too confused living by double-standards like that, but I guess if that's working for you folks then there's not much sense changing, right? Y'all aren't big fans of change around here anyway. At any rate, the stereotypes of dumb, inbred, ignorant Southerners have stuck around because the actual occurrences of dumb, inbred, ignorant Southerns have stuck around. Yes, these days there are more people living in the South who don't fit those redneck stereotypes, but by the same token there are still a hell of a lot of people who *do* fit those stereotypes.
December 15, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
3olivesmike (anonymous) says...
Simple Mad and others
Your "us vs them" mentality has hurt this region for the last 180 years and is, as of Nov 2008, officially outdated.
Your pathetic version of "The South" loses significance every day. The South will rise again but without you.
December 15, 2008 at 9:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
...no surprise here.
December 15, 2008 at 9:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
Spiderjohn, sure, "whitey" as you say cant use the word, unless of course it is in a movie or rap lyrics. Great double standard, makes good sense to young white children who get called cracker at school.
Also, I am not denying that racism exists, I am just sick and tired of the Ivory tower crowd saying it only exists in the south. That is pure ignorance and disingenuous. I lived in Illinois, just south of East St Louis, I saw plenty of racism against the guys I worked with.
As a military brat, I saw racism growing up as my dad was moved from state to state, the south is not what the elite like to make it out to be.
December 15, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
Posted by yird on December 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Considering that there is hardly a neighborhood in the Charleston area that is not peopled by a large portion of out of towners
(northerners ?) (SOB excluded)it's high time to target these damn hate mongering racists and stop victimizing the good God
fearing Rednecks who are just trying to live in peace.
If this is as printed, a "white" neighborhood" one has to wonder why this gentleman would even want to live there.
I for one would not move into Union heights and expect to be treated like royalty.
________________________________________
Goodness Gracious! You DO make us from the south look stupid.
Do you know Mr. Washington? How do you know he is not a god fearing Christian. And just because you fear God does not give you the right to terrorize a family!
This MAN & his family can live anywhere they choose:.and NO ONE has the right to tell him any different.
I'd love for you to move to Union Heights and start spewing your ignorance. One less fool to stir up more crap!!!!
December 15, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grits1973 (anonymous) says...
SpiderJohn, a word is simply just a word. Blacks who use the N-word with other blacks are not using it as a term of endearment. So, why is their "hate speech" towards one another really any different from "hate speech" between a white person and a black person. You can't refer to racist history in our country as a reason to ban the N-word when more black people are killed by other black people today than by people of another race.
December 15, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer007 (anonymous) says...
I hate to say this but, they need to move . It's not going to stop . If a white family moved into a black neighborhood it would be alot worse ! the house would have been burned down or something .
December 15, 2008 at 10:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Deborrah (anonymous) says...
Mischief is taking a brown bag and filling it with feces then placing it where someone will step on it. In South Carolina burning a cross is a Hate crime. There was a point that black bodies hung from trees like "strange fruit".
It does not take anything to cause an isolated hate crime maybe the former owner didn't want a person of color living there. It could be as simple as jealousy. What is the answer? Only God knows!
December 15, 2008 at 10:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
ltgrunt, you are one of those blind and useful idiots that will never get it.
3olives, I have no us against them mentality, I was responding to the "redneck" comment. An idiot opens his post with a insulting term, on an article that is about the treatment by others using the N word.
And I get a kick out of all you south hateing intellectuals that seem to somehow suffer through living here. I am sure you would be much happier among all the brilliant, Ivy-league stiff necks up north.
December 15, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
SimplyMad, you seem to be assuming that "the elite" don't exist in the South. The rich and powerful here are just as bad - maybe even worse - than the rich and powerful everywhere else in the US. They do just as much to deceive, mislead and use the common man here in the South as their counterparts do in other areas of the US, but for some odd reason here in the South people just don't believe that their leaders are doing that. The outmoded idea that only the rich and powerful in New York and D.C. and California are out to get the little guy and our leaders here in the South are watching out for us is a big part of what keeps places like South Carolina and Alabama so backwards.
The South is a stalwart holdout for the ideals of old money and aristocracy lording over poor, dumb farmer yokels, ideals which fly in the face of an educated, empowered and involved populace. These are the ideas that are keeping us behind in education and keeping our people pinned underneath the ignorant redneck labels.
December 15, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
A lot of posters here need to get over the Civil War. Why does it have to be a north vs. south thing? Shouldn't thoughts and ideas be more focused on the location and surrounding areas where this is happening?
December 15, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
AFWally (anonymous) says...
It seems like this dude has plenty of reasons to defend himself, plenty police reports logged.
Solution:
Purchase automatic weapon..... say 7.62 cal.
Shoot and kill all perps on property at night, tough sheet if they are kids that are bored.
Call cops to come tag and bag perps
Be on the ready for parents next.....repeat process if necessary.
December 15, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
grannyofseven_2 (anonymous) says...
If there are bullet holes on his house, and car? why do the cops say there is no evidence?
December 15, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
Spiderjohn~
You rag on Yird and claim a man anad his family can live where they want and no one can tell them different. Try telling that to a sex offender who wants to move next to a playground!
December 15, 2008 at 10:22 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SimplyMad (anonymous) says...
Like I said grunt, you dont get it. I am referring to the "intellectual elite". Not the rich and powerful, although there are many that are part of both groups.
You know the intellectual elite, the ones at expensive dinners that look down their noses at the help that bring them their next martini and make snobbish comments about the poor, working class losers.
You know, the Al Gores and Hollywood types that tell all of us "un-educated' folks how to live our lives all the while, they fly around in jets, eat expensive foods, spend money on ugly art, and go to $2500 a plate fund raisers for obama.
While right down the road on skid row, poor destitute, blacks, whites, crack whores, alcoholics, are wasting away. And the strange thing is the only people trying to help the down and outs are those stupid bible thumpers and their soap kitchens.
You know, the elite community organizers, that somehow over looked Cabrini Green housing projects in Chicago, during the 1990s, while literally thousands of blacks gunned down fellow blacks over drug turf.
December 15, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
Racism sure seems to be a popular topic here at the P&C, seems to come up in at least every article somehow or another.
Questions to Ponder
1. Why is it not OK to call someone a "N_gg_r" but it is OK to call someone a "Redneck"?
Both words put down a particular MINORITY in the population. Wrong should be wrong regardless of color.
December 15, 2008 at 10:25 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pullmyfinger (anonymous) says...
Ok.....is anybody going to say the Obvious?
Just maybe this guy is a jerk and his neighbors really don't like him. He is not living in a exclusive neighborhood, how do I know....18 wheeler in his front yard, vinyl siding. He might have only whites living on his street but I doubt it is a "white neighborhood" He has a nasty look on his face in the picture, maybe sending out bad vibes on his street. Black or whites neighbors wouldn't care for his attitude.
It has to be a couple of bored 10 year olds with their bb gun or pellet gun but lets call Jesse Jackasson and get whip up a frenzy because a white person is not allowed to say the "N" word. If he was still living in a black neighborhood pin Ladson those BB guns holes would be done with 9mm and fit right in with daily activities. Its not a black white thing but a person or persons being stupid.
December 15, 2008 at 10:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
SpiderJohn; You don't need any help looking stupid.
I never remotely suggested he was or was not a "god fearing christian.
Nor did I state that I feared God.
I never said he couldn't live anywhere he wanted nor did I state that anyone else had the right to tell him where to live.
That came from your inability to understand what you are reading.
I would not move to Union heights because I share little in common with the cultural traditions of the residents there and would probably be treated with far less respect and tolerance than Mr. Washington has received at his present location.
You Sir are a typical race baiting idiot and your rants are unworthy of any serious consideration.
Name one progressive government program that is NOT a failure.
December 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
Why is it not OK to call someone a "N_gg_r" but it is OK to call someone a "Redneck"?
I want answers, discuss.
December 15, 2008 at 10:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Confuzzled (anonymous) says...
If Clifford Washington is telling the truth about what is happening at his residence in Hollywood, its a shame. The safety of his family should not be compromised whether it be at the hands of rednecks (a stereotype) or merely the works of local 'punks'.
When I first moved to Charleston, my young children were in culture shock. We had moved from a community where no blacks lived. In fact, when we initially moved into the community in TN in the early 80's, I was told that cross burnings had taken place and that two black families had moved out of the community as a result. To this day, I have never understood that mentality.
I wish Clifford Washington and his family the best and I sincerely hope they are able to stay where they live. The community needs to pull together to make this man and his family feel welcome. This can be done if people are willing to try.
In as much as the 'N' word is concerned, I, personally do not choose to use it for any reason. I was brought up in a prejudiced home and was taught that blacks were the lowest of scum but as I grew older, my mentality changed. No one asked to be brought into this world - no matter the race - and God created us all to be equal. With that being said, I wish the Washington family peace ...
December 15, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ltgrunt (anonymous) says...
SimplyMad, the intellectual elite you're complaining about are the same rich and powerful who are using you and keeping you down even though you don't believe they exist here in the South.
Whether you call them the intellectual elite, the rich and powerful or whatever, the point is that they do not just exist in Washington, New York and California; calling them "Al Gores and Hollywood types" just proves that you've had the wool pulled over your eyes.
A big part of the problem is that you and a lot of other people have bought into the idea that intellectuals and non-intellectuals are and should be pitted against each other. You get misled into believe how bad those intellectuals and "Hollywood types" are and you completely miss the fact that your state and local governments have failed you miserably.
December 15, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
DOES THIS NEWS "PAPER" HAVE AN EDITOR?
THIS PARAGRAPH WAS IN THE STORY TWICE... Maybe Three times, I quit reading closely (many stories are logically out of sequence, and terribly written.). An important story, poorly written... Shame!
"Still, the shot marks keep showing up.
"Something's got to give; you can only tolerate so much," Washington said. He said when the deputies come to his house, they listen but dismiss his concerns and don't follow up the way they promise.
The family's Great Dane barks all night most nights as if someone's in their yard, and Washington's wife caught a trespasser snooping around on their land.
Posted on a tree at the start of their long driveway is sign that reads: "Keep seriously.
December 15, 2008 at 10:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
Mr. Washington, if you need help, I would stick my neck out for you... Why not our Police? (I'm white).
I hope they stack Rangers in the woods for you.
December 15, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
sc-native~
Racism is a popular topic because it touches each of our personal lives every day, would you prefer to comment on how to win at checkers?
December 15, 2008 at 10:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
Because the way the N word has been used in the past to put down an entire race. It was used when lynching a human being, it was used when they said get to the back of the bus, it was used when they blew-up the church that killed 4 young girls, it was used by the police in Alabama, it was used to justify not allowing black people to vote. Redneck has never been used to those extreme.
SillyYou:
Because yird is an ignorant fool. And this man is not a sex offender trying to live next to a playground. He is a citizen of this country and he has the same rights as any LAW ABIDDING CITIZEN. See the difference dunderhead? LAW ABIDDING CITIZEN!
December 15, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
In the country culture that I lived in for several years, it seemed as if everyone who lived out there talked about everyone else. I'm sure that is not so, but it does seem so. For sure, most knew, or thought they knew, what was happening for miles around. Whoever the criminal(s) is, he told someone who told someone and so on. I suspect several of the neighbors know or think that they know who did it. It sure would be nice if they realized that they have a neighbor that needs help and does the right thing. As in most situations, not all of the neighbors are of one mind.
December 15, 2008 at 10:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
How bout it SIG? JimIslander?
Why is it not OK to call someone a "N_gg_r" but it is OK to call someone a "Redneck"?
The N-word is so bad, so awful, so purely evil that you dare not even spell it out, let alone ever say it, and if you did, it better not be above a whisper. Your kids will be expelled from school, you and your wife will be instantly fired from your jobs and you'll have until sundown to get out town or you'll be run out with pitchforks. WHEW! now THAT is a bad word!
But redneck.
Huh, its just a stupid ol redneck. No biggie.
Discuss.
December 15, 2008 at 10:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
ysillyme,
Why don't you answer the question I posted then if you are looking for something to discuss?
PS - I'm sorry the state won't let you move next to a school zone.
Sincerely,
SC_Native_ElCid07
December 15, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
For all you fools that love to nurture the politically correct version of exclusive southern bigotry I have some first hand info for you. Your all full of sh+t.
I started life in the Boston area and the only Negroes I ever saw until I left at 17 were in Tarzan movies, save two that when I did
see them I actually stared at them in childish disbelief. They really exist!
All the blacks were kept nicely sequestered in West Roxbury and they stayed there!
Schools were integrated in SC in 1967 without a hitch. Well into the seventies School buses were being overturned in Michigan and
children being bused in from Roxbury to South Boston needed police protection.
You morons posting all this anti south crap are just repeating what you learned from people just as ignorant as yourselves. You have no clue what your talking about and most likely never will.
Name one progressive government program that has NOT been a failure.
December 15, 2008 at 10:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
sc-native~
But I thought your wife was of legal age, my mistake.
Sincerely, ysillyme
December 15, 2008 at 10:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
letstakeawalk (anonymous) says...
As a white person living in a black neighborhood, I can say it is most certainly a two-way street. In the past 14 years:
-Five bikes stolen, two from inside my house.
-One car stolen, abandoned one block away. Cops said "joyriders"
-dozens of times I've had the door rung late at night, to find someone asking for change
-kids walking by throwing rocks at cars parked in front
-kids walking by ripping out landscaping in front
-while riding my bike, people shout "gimme that bike!" on a regular basis
-stolen car abandoned in front of my house
-there have been times when I've had CPD offer to escort me to my door when there was "activity" on the street. Yes, we crackers are obvious targets...
...and the list could go on. Of course, I live here because it's cheap and close to where I work, and I've invested alot into my property. Bring on the gentrification! I love having college students as neighbors, because at least their parties don't end up in gunfire.
December 15, 2008 at 11:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
yird - you are showing your age and your ignorance.
We in the South have something to prove, that we have left you and likeminded fools behind.
This is about intimidation and hate, plain and simple.
December 15, 2008 at 11:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
usillyass,
I see you still have nothing intelligent to say in relation to the article or racism.
And by the way, if you had ever touched my wife or family, you wounldn't be alive to be typing on this board. Believe that.
I'm sorry the state justice system has fail us all by letting you back out. Again, I'd have shot you on the spot you sick SOB.
December 15, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
SpiderJohn if you want to look stupid I want to help expand your exposure.
My original post:
Posted by yird on December 15, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Considering that there is hardly a neighborhood in the Charleston area that is not peopled by a large portion of out of towners
(northerners ?) (SOB excluded)it's high time to target these damn hate mongering racists and stop victimizing the good God
fearing Rednecks who are just trying to live in peace.
If this is as printed, a "white" neighborhood" one has to wonder why this gentleman would even want to live there.
I for one would not move into Union heights and expect to be treated like royalty.
=====================================================
Your comment:
Goodness Gracious! You DO make us from the south look stupid.
Do you know Mr. Washington? How do you know he is not a god fearing Christian. And just because you fear God does not give you the right to terrorize a family!
This MAN & his family can live anywhere they choose:.and NO ONE has the right to tell him any different.
I'd love for you to move to Union Heights and start spewing your ignorance. One less fool to stir up more crap!!!!
===========================================================
My response:
Posted by yird on December 15, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
SpiderJohn; You don't need any help looking stupid.
I never remotely suggested he was or was not a "god fearing christian.
Nor did I state that I feared God.
I never said he couldn't live anywhere he wanted nor did I state that anyone else had the right to tell him where to live.
That came from your inability to understand what you are reading.
I would not move to Union heights because I share little in common with the cultural traditions of the residents there and would probably be treated with far less respect and tolerance than Mr. Washington has received at his present location.
You Sir are a typical race baiting idiot and your rants are unworthy of any serious consideration.
Name one progressive government program that is NOT a failure.
!
December 15, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
sc-native~
As a quality minded fellow, I assure you i seek partners a little higher on the food chain; your wife is no longer a candidate. best wishes, ysillyme
December 15, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ysillyme (anonymous) says...
sc-native~
forgot to mention if you are as big and hairy as your wife.....I ain't messing with you.
December 15, 2008 at 11:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ironhorse (anonymous) says...
Dot Scott is involved.....you know this is baseless, black racism, and victimhood.
Nice story to drum up support for the reparations movement.
December 15, 2008 at 11:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
megaward (anonymous) says...
Give this guy a kleenex. Probably a 12 year old with a bb gun making this grown man cry. Oh no someone dropped the N-bomb on his wife, so she says. Sounds more like a cry for attention.
December 15, 2008 at 11:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
letstakeawalk; I wonder if you would have gotten similar treatment by the media if you had gone to them with the large number of assaults on you peace and well being?
Forgive me, I'm being facetious. Everyone knows the answer to that question.
As I said in an earlier post, I would not live in Union heights primarily because of cultural differences.
Thank you letstakeawalk;, for so eloquently pointing out some of those differences.
December 15, 2008 at 11:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stephansdad (anonymous) says...
Well it looks like there is much concern based on these comments. So with that said, the cameras the sheriff's department used were very low tech. Simply mount FLIR cameras, (forward looking infra-red). Use motion detectors, create a live webcam with website so ALL of us can help, also broadcast this on national news so that many timezones can simply click-in.
We did this with a similar problem, caught the thugs and the county hit their parents with the costs incurred. For crying out loud all this technology can be found on EBAY. If the Sheriff really wants it bad enough, there are ways.
I hope this gentleman's family can have a peaceful Christmas.
December 15, 2008 at 12:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
If this is as printed, a "white" neighborhood" one has to wonder why this gentleman would even want to live there.
I for one would not move into Union heights and expect to be treated like royalty.
You posted that! I only said he can live anywhere he wants and shouldn't have to live in fear.
I wish you would move to Union Heights and start spewing your normal hate::one less fool!
You applauded the post about the poor "whitie" living in a black neighborhood, but don't recognize the same story from another human because he is black?
You are the race baiter and your post also proves that you are of the generation that thought "separate but equal" was just fine.
I live in a multiracial neighborhood and any problems I have had come from my white neighbors. Speeding, running over mail boxes, throwing trash on the side of the road. My "black" neighbors are the best! Their kids and grand kids come over and play. Hand out in the yard, go bike riding, the teenagers wave when you drive past.
You can either build a big fence or extend an olive branch; I have yet to have the hand of peace smacked away.
December 15, 2008 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hgefc2002 (anonymous) says...
if this story is true, it appears the law enforcement would be able to investigate and concur it is true, first of all. if the mayor and al cannon aren't sure it's true, i wonder. however, i have always been under the impression that area was mainly a black community to begin with - with which i could be wrong. prejudice between races is not just whites against blacks but also blacks against whites. i was exposed to blacks against whites this weekend shopping a great deal. it is all heart breaking. everyone wants to be equal - so what's the problem. WE ARE ALL EQUAL - EQUAL JOBS, EQUAL RIGHTS, EQUAL PAY, EQUAL HOMES, CARS AND ANYTHING ELSE. it appears to me there are no color involvement unless you aren't happy with your own color. i am not prejudice and have many black friends and have for most of my life, as i am white. i am originally from north charleston and then moved to western new york 20 years ago. i had the exposure of white people treating white people in a racist way. also very prejudice against southern people. that is very heartbreaking. so i can relate to any one who is treated disrespectfully simply not just because of the color of their skin but because of where they originally grew up. if we are not respectful of other people, or of ourselves, we will never live in a peaceful world. WE ARE PRODUCTS OF GOD!!!!! so let's be proud of WHO we are and respect ourselves and each other. thank you for allowing me to express the best i can my feelings regarding this situation and may peace be to everyone especially at this time of year.
December 15, 2008 at 12:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
what the heck did the one person say that was removed - must have been REALLY bad.....
December 15, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Satanssybil2007 (anonymous) says...
i wrote it and no it was not bad but then again i guess ysillyme cant take the real heat but sure likes to dish it out.... just defending another poster on here that ysillyme decided to attack personally and instead of the P&C repremanding ysillyme for their attacks on SC Native and his wife they remove my post DEFENDING sc native...something about that just does not add up
December 15, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devilsadvocate77 (anonymous) says...
Maybe the neighbors don't like the trucks at his house. It looks like a nice large house but who wants to live next to a truck stop? You pay good money for your house, only to have someone down the street park 13 ft tall trucks that are anything but quiet. And don't give me the 'my castle' argument either. Its a matter of respect to neighbors to try and conform. Now if other neighbors park trucks as well then I take it all back.
December 15, 2008 at 1:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HighDef (anonymous) says...
i bet these are the same kids that shot twice at the fake deer on the side of the road, they thought it was a tough one and didn't want to go down. I hope they catch these punks but it sounds like this might be a case for the Hollywood court system and Extreme Akim Anastopoulo .
My guess to the earlier question of why southerners give more to charity is that we feel guilty about what's going on around us ?
December 15, 2008 at 1:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonpride (anonymous) says...
He needs to put a security camera that will record the activity that is going on in the front of his house. He could probably get a reduction in his home owners insurance policy for it too.
December 15, 2008 at 3:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ms_lady2u (anonymous) says...
letstakeawalk- I think it's time for you to start running!
December 15, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
back2u (anonymous) says...
Wow! You folks really got wound up there for awhile today, didn't you? The posts were much more colorful and entertaining than the article and quite frankly the main reason I log on to read the paper. Thanks to all for starting the week off with a bang. :)
One poster "hit the nail on the head" when the suggesting other possibilities besides something that is racially motivated. Entertain the thought that maybe, just maybe, this fellow is a jerk towards his neighbors. How about the bored kids theory as that sounds pretty logical? Or, maybe his wife was walking towards the middle of the road instead of on the side when that word was yelled. Isn't is a rural area? Maybe stray bullets from hunters, which would explain why the cops believe the bullet holes are from low power. I've heard that stray bullets can travel quite a distance.
Now I don't know & certainly am not suggesting these are the answers but merely possibilities. I feel badly for anyone who has to endure vandalism of any sort. I don't know the Hollywood area to know if the rumor/gossip mill is in full operation there or not. I, however, live in a rural area and I don't know what goes on with my neighbors. So the statement that everybody knows everybody else's business is not entirely true.
With all the electronic equipment readily available (even at Wal-Mart), if I were this fellow, I would invest a couple of hundred $ for monitoring equipment & find out who is responsible for the mischief myself.
December 15, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SC_Native_ElCid07 (anonymous) says...
JimIslander,
Thank you for your intelligent response.
By your remarks, it sounds like you hate rednecks. I don't hate any general group of people. No where in any of my posts did I ever put down blacks, browns, whites, reds, blues or purples. Come to think of it, I didn't even put you down JimIslander.
What I was really hoping to bring to light in my post asking for discussion of why one is ok and not another is because neither is ok!!!
Both words are put downs toward the other side and both sides are wrong. We as a society need to come together and put aside our racial differences to work toward the common goal of advancment for all Americans.
People like yourself who have a heart full of hate for their fellow man are the root of the problem...
Why are you so bitter? discuss
December 15, 2008 at 3:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
SpiderJohn ; You really need to take a course in reading comprehension.
I never "applauded the post about the poor white living in a black neighborhood".
Another example of your inability to understand what people write; he never said he was poor, only that it was cheaper to live there and close to work etc.
I was merely pointing out the fact that in today's politically correct climate a person of color who is perceived to be a victim of anything, will get attention rarely afforded a white person in a similar sitution.
You are so hung up with your own victim mentality that you jump at any opportunity to rationalize it.
I have had blacks at my dinner table, have been invited to social gatherings where I was the only white face present, have worked in a number of capacities with blacks and have had but a few incidents that were not cordial.
My rub is with blacks that can't get over the victim thing and even more so with white liberals who like to brag about their black friends or the wonderful diverse neighborhoods they live in but wouldn't give a black the time of day.
Lastly, I am white, conservative and proud of it. I am for the most part more comfortable around people of my race with whom I have commonality.
Most blacks I believe feel similar. Birds of a feather flock together.
So get off your high horse and quit trying to spin a racial component into everything you read on these threads.
Name one progressive government program that is NOT a failure.
December 15, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I thought we were to celebrate our differences. I'm so confused.
December 15, 2008 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
Posted by yird: Thank you letstakeawalk;, for so eloquently pointing out some of those differences.
Posted by: letstakeawalk
As a white person living in a black neighborhood, I can say it is most certainly a two-way street. In the past 14 years:
-Five bikes stolen, two from inside my house.
-One car stolen, abandoned one block away. Cops said "joyriders"
-dozens of times I've had the door rung late at night, to find someone asking for change
-kids walking by throwing rocks at cars parked in front
-kids walking by ripping out landscaping in front
-while riding my bike, people shout "gimme that bike!" on a regular basis
-stolen car abandoned in front of my house
-there have been times when I've had CPD offer to escort me to my door when there was "activity" on the street. Yes, we crackers are obvious targets...
...and the list could go on. Of course, I live here because it's cheap and close to where I work, and I've invested alot into my property. Bring on the gentrification! I love having college students as neighbors, because at least their parties don't end up in gunfire.
Looks like praise to me!
You are a hard core whitey, with a stick your head in the sand mentality about racial issues.
If you had grown up in Charleston as a black man I bet you would have a totally different attitude right now. But since you weren't you think that racial issues are small in comparison to what?
Walk a mile in a black person's skin and tell me how good it is! I call a fool a fool when I see it and you sir are a fool.
Go stick your head back in the sand a pray for the 50's when a white person was "the man" and feared nothing.
You make all us white people sound stupid and ignorant.
December 15, 2008 at 3:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
yird the turd:
I comprehend your posts very well! No matter how you try to spin your posts....you are a self-centered pig that thinks his views are more important and more intelligent than anyone else's. At least anyone that disagrees with you.
You spew forth your crap as if it is law and expect everyone else to fall down and thank you for enlightening them.
I'm sorry I know hate and shallowness when I see it and you have an ugly soul.
You have black friends........I just have friends!
December 15, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
And in what way have I said I was a victim. Because I can express empathy for another human being means I have a victim mentality? PLEASE!
What you are tired of is that people are shinning a light on an issue you think should not be discussed in a public setting? If you don't see racism then it doesn't exist? Or if we turn a blind eye or say it is kids being kids then it is not serious. Yeah, I've known a lot of ignorant bast#$ds like you and all I can say is::::::::::::::::. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.
We all know now that you are not that good man we have been looking for!
December 15, 2008 at 4:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
simpleman (anonymous) says...
I was at the Charleston Christmas parade and three youths rode by and said some pretty nasty things in front of/to my wife and daughters, should they be run down and jailed as sex criminals. The fact that the individuals ancestors did not orginate from the same continent as mine doesnt mean if one in my family had been attacked later in the evening it would have been someone from the same etnic group!
December 15, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BravesFan (anonymous) says...
Black guy living in a white neighborhood, white guy living in a black neighborhood...why does it matter?
Black people call other black people n_gg_r all the time (don't believe me?...try watching stand up comedy by Chris Rock). If n_gg_r is a bad word then it's bad no matter who says it. Why is it only bad when a white guy says it?
White people call other white people rednecks all the time (don't believe me?...try watching stand up comedy by Larry the Cable Guy). If redneck is a bad word then it's bad no matter who says it. Why is it only bad when a black guy says it?
Right or wrong?
December 15, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
SpiderJohn; You still can't read. I never said I had black friends. Acquaintances would be accurate.
I thought YOU were black.
Now I finally get the picture. You are one of those guilt ridden white liberals that think you can somehow solve all the injustices visited upon blacks in the past by becoming a champion of their quest for societal parity.
If you really want to do something donate to the United Negro College Fund, fat chance!
What a two bit phony. It's apparent now why my posts upset you so. I had you pegged and didn't even know it. The truth hurts doesn't it?
Your all encompassing comment;"You make all us white people sound stupid and ignorant" is in error.
I don't make anybody look like anything, although you have successfully made yourself look stupid and ignorant and I congratulate you.
Name one progressive government program that is NOT a failure.
December 15, 2008 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
reality_woman (anonymous) says...
Get some monitoring devices, spend the money it would be worth finding out who is doing this.
December 15, 2008 at 6:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
palmettotree (anonymous) says...
Maybe the neighbors don't like the trucks at his house. It looks like a nice large house but who wants to live next to a truck stop? You pay good money for your house, only to have someone down the street park 13 ft tall trucks that are anything but quiet. And don't give me the 'my castle' argument either. Its a matter of respect to neighbors to try and conform. Now if other neighbors park trucks as well then I take it all back.
I live in Hollywood on hwy 162 I am a white female. In back of me live black people. I know that at least one of them has an 18 wheeler. It doesn't bother me. The only problem I had was when someone had a party still going on at 1 am with LOUD
music going on. But that was only that one time. I don't like Hollywood that much (I prefer by the air base, GC or Summerville) but the people I have met there are really super the blacks and the whites. As for those saying that racism is worse in the north they are correct. I have lived in the north and the south. By my accounts the blacks in the south are outstanding hardworking people. Yes you have your few who are bad but it is like that all over. But the southerners win hands down. I have told my daughter this on numerous occassions so it isn't anything new to me to say this here and now because of the article. I have driven down Salters Road and I myself would love to live there. This guy has every right to live there if he chooses to, even with a semi truck. Have any of you gone down Salters Road? It is really beautiful. I know why he chose to live there over Ladson. I hope that they catch these kids or people who are making his life hell.
December 15, 2008 at 6:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
n4dhs (anonymous) says...
well it just goes to show that liberals are more unhappy than conservatives - jimislander has a right to air his opinions but after watching this board all day - he was the one who started getting nasty.....
December 15, 2008 at 6:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
palmettotree; Thank you!
December 15, 2008 at 6:41 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
still wondering...
The kids that were just arrested for mugging were all black, I wonder what race their victims were?
Hey jimbo, were these guys racists?
http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/d...
Was the paster that just got probation for burning down his church (mainly black congregation) a racist?
December 15, 2008 at 6:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Hey Mixon developers, after reading this article do you really think that whites can live among the blacks in liberty hill in your hanky swanky neihborhood???
December 15, 2008 at 6:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
B_Fwank (anonymous) says...
n4dhs well it just goes to show that liberals are more unhappy than conservatives - jimislander has a right to air his opinions but after watching this board all day - he was the one who started getting nasty..."
He always does, he is a bitter, self loathing, pathetic excuse for a democrat, oh wait, they all are bitter and self loathing...democrats that is.
December 15, 2008 at 6:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
thescoop (anonymous) says...
Black America and the N-word:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dP2U0j...
December 15, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ColdBud (anonymous) says...
The level of stupidity on this site has climbed too high for my taste. Have fun.
December 15, 2008 at 9:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mrsmomofthree (anonymous) says...
Unfortunately we seem to teach hate. I teach and try to teach my kids that color doesn't matter and it is up to them to stop the hate. What disappoints me is that parents seem to teach hate to their children.
December 15, 2008 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
letstakeawalk (anonymous) says...
@ spiderjohn
I'm not sure if you were implying that my comment makes white people sound stupid and ignorant, or if yird's praise of my comment does the same.
Either way, I'm just pointing out that no matter what color you are, when you are the minority, you are the target. Black people are just as rascist as white people (and Chinese, and Russians, and Arabs, etc.) Doesn't make it right, and I wish it would stop.
I agree with those rational posters who are suggesting that there is another issue here besides race. Economic differences are more likely... jealousy over a job, or a lifestyle, could even be the truck!
Maybe Mr. Washington should throw a BBQ, Oyster Roast, whatever, and actually get to know his neighbors. Appearing in an article in the local paper and accusing your neighbors of being rascist is certainly not the way to make peace.
The P&C also bears some responsibility in this. This article has no merit other than as shock journalism.
December 15, 2008 at 10:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...
letstakeawalk ,you sound like a female.You have two choices Arm yourself or be a victim of reverse rasism. You are a target because of your race (white). One day when you let your guard down is when you will become a victim,Dont you think these nice neighbors are watching you.Alarms are good but response time 3-5 minutes alot could happen in that time.Call 911 3-5 minutes. the choice is your victim or witness.
December 15, 2008 at 11:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SpiderJohn (anonymous) says...
AND STILL Yird the Turd doesn't address any of the true issues. About tolerance and understanding. He continues to spew abuse with no true relevance to the article or the issue at hand.
BTW - I am not guilty or a whitey that feels we need to have reparations....I am a human that believes in equality for every person.
You represent all that is ugly and mean in the human species. Enjoy your lonely life.
December 16, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
SpiderintheJohn;You should be awarded a merit badge for naivete.
Name one progressive government program that is NOT a failure.
December 16, 2008 at 4:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JustJennings (anonymous) says...
Bigotry of all kinds is still very much alive in South Carolina. The saddest part is that the biggest bigots usally make a big show of being Christians, and give the real Christians a bad name.
December 17, 2008 at 8:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eboogie (anonymous) says...
I am from the North, there is racism there as well. I have never encountered racism there the way I have here and neither have my children. Up North they may not like you but for the most part they are cordial and go there seperate way. Here they burn stuff, call you names and for goodness sakes they still have the Confederate flag hanging all over the place. In fact it's a sign to tell those that were considered minority not to come into their establishment. So if you want people to think any differently of the South than they used to then change those old ways! Racism is very alive here in the SOUTH there is no doubt in my mind about that!
December 22, 2008 at 10:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
yird doesn't have black friends.
but...
he did feed them at his table. he did/does work with them.
He's a White conservative. Not just a conservative.
he's more comfortable with Whites, with which he has more "commonality".
as opposed to being comfortable with:
fellow Americans of any color
veterans of any color
children of any color
elderly of any color
taxpayers of any color
I could be his acquaintance but not his friend. I can work with him and even eat food at his table but we have so little in common that friendship would not be something he would or could be interested in.
birds of a feather?
Let's see:
I'm a human being
I'm an American
I'm a veteran who sacrificed to support this country during a time of war
I'm a tax payer
I'm a Libertarian who's very CONSERVATIVE
I'm a homeowner
I'm a parent whose children are successful in what they do
I'm Hispanic and Black
THAT must be what keeps us from sharing ANY "commonality" .
Because based on his previous posts, yird and I are very similar and other than SKIN COLOR AND ETHNICITY we would be birds of a feather that could flock together.
Yup, he's getting closer to jimislander everyday.
January 5, 2009 at 12:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
eyfigueroa;Your interpretation of my comments is just that,an interpretation.
My idea of a friend is obviously quite different than yours.
In my life I had many acquaintances but only a few that I would call friend. John McCain addressed the whole country as "my friends". I've had panhandlers on the street address me as friend.
Don't try to pigeon hole me into one of your neat little racially secure compartments.
I won't fit.
What I mostly do when dealing with anybody is what I call aping. You smile at me, I smile back, frown, I frown,get in my face, I'll get in your face. Worked for me for a long time.
My comment about commonality is born out by just opening your eyes if it's not to difficult.
I sailed on many ships over the years. We all pretty much got along. There's not much room on a ship for petty hang ups. Still when people congregated in
the crews mess area whites generally sat with whites, blacks with blacks and Latinos did the same. Animosity or dislike were not the motivators for this behavior,just familiarity.
"Commonality"
Comparing me to Jim is pretty low and undeserved.
January 5, 2009 at 12:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Yird: If I erred in my assumptions about you, I'm secure enough in myself to apologize when the apology is warranted.
However I can only go by your posts and on more than a few occasions you have been VERY strident regarding people of color.
it is you that seems intent on pigeonholing individuals based on their ethnicities/race. Case in point, on another article I believe you assumed a poster was White because he had some conservative views. If that isn't pigeonholing I don't know what is. Granted you apologized to the individual but that doesn't negate that fact that you have definitive views of individuals solely based on race.
I've never been that way and have always taken people at face value without the suppositions/stereotypes based on ethnicity/race/skin color. But that's just me.
I will agree that people do gravitate towards like individuals. (birds of a feather)
I'm an Army veteran and I've seen first hand people segregating themselves especially early on in their military careers because they don't know any better having been raised that way. However, having had boots on the ground and being shot at I know for a fact that race is not a factor when digging a foxhole or protecting your buddy's back. I can't speak for the other services but in the Army (during the 80's & 90's) us 'old heads' ate, bunked, bathed and fought with ALL soldiers, not just the ones who looked like themselves.
In any event, my comments were based on your posts on this article and others I've read over the past few months.
Perhaps I should not confer upon you the title of bigot/racist. Not because you're not one, but because I cannot read into the hearts of anyone.
However you have remarked and/or inferred that Blacks were inferior to Whites and on occasion your posts are tinged with that.
And that is how you are the other side of the coin Jimislander is on.
Jimislander slanders anyone who thinks differently than he does. He is also someone who is racist though if you spoke to him he would swear that he isn't.
Uber-liberals are no different than many White so-called conservatives. Both believe that people of color are inherently inferior and base opinions and policies upon that supposition. The liberals believe they must create a world that people of color can succeed in as opposed to just allowing them to do so and racists/bigots think Minorities just can't succeed so they set up roadblocks to keep them from even trying, i.e. deliberately not hiring out of a belief that they are incapable.
So it is my opinion, that your posts are becoming more like those of JimIslander.
Granted, as opposed to JimIslander you actually make sense regarding politics and the economy but when it comes to race you and JI have more in common than you want to believe.
From one conservative to another, I enjoy your posts for the most part and look forward to reading them in the future.
January 5, 2009 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
Hey Eyfigueroa! I hope you and your family had a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
January 5, 2009 at 11:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yird (anonymous) says...
eyfigueroa;maybe if you could point out just one of my posts that suggest that I think whites are superior to any other group it would help me understand how I gave that erroneous impression.
I might get a little overzealous *in the heat of battle* as I endeavor to emphasize my points by using inflammatory language but I have never believed any one group of individuals to be endowed with more intelligence or moral character than the next.
if I created that impression then I was wrong and will do my best to see it does not happen again.
Something my old man used to tell me comes back to mind; perception is everything!
January 5, 2009 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
yird: i appreciate your comment. I too occasionally get a bit overzealous in the heat of battle so I certainly appreciate where you are coming from.
perception is everything and unfortunately posting on this site, we are unable to look at each other as we "speak" and thus are unable to discern true meaning behind the 'words.
again, on occasion we, and I do mean we, "say" things on this site that may be misconstrued.
I'll try to behave myself and definitely try to not judge so quickly and harshly before asking the right questions.
January 5, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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