2 Gadsden mothers get 10-day notices
Lawyer says appeal could end up in front of circuit judge
Two single mothers whose children were charged with armed robbery last year were told Tuesday they have 10 days to vacate their apartments in Charleston's Gadsden Green public housing complex.
A third single mother could get a reprieve from the city's Housing Authority if her son can demonstrate a good record in school.
The Post and Courier
Jacqueline Clinton holds the eviction notice she received from the Charleston Housing Authority at her Gadsden Green apartment. She is one of five mothers whose sons were charged in two armed robberies near the College of Charleston last year.
Still, the case might have a long way to go. An attorney for the women said a hearing in front of a county magistrate likely is the next step. Beyond that, attorney Skip Martin said, the appeals process could eventually put the dispute before a circuit judge.
The notices came as the two women facing immediate removal continued to call the city's actions unfair, contending they never endorsed their children's bad behavior in October and that there have been no negative incidents involving any of their other children since then.
"Why are they pushing this on our kids, and on me?" said Jacqueline Clinton of Allway Street, adding that her two sons arrested in the robbery incident have been gone from Gadsden Green for some time.
If Clinton is forced to leave, she and five children will have to find new housing at a time when she has no prospects of a new place to live, she said, and when she's holding on to a housekeeping job at a downtown hotel that she likes and wants to keep.
The other mother, Elizabeth Speed, also called the city's actions unfair.
"We didn't know our kids got into trouble. We are devastated about what happened," she said.
The eviction notices are part of an ongoing saga that started in the fall when six juveniles, ages 14 to 16 and belonging to five Gadsden Green women, were arrested for allegedly confronting two people in separate incidents near the College of Charleston.
One of the victims was shot in the hand with a pellet gun. Six youths on bicycles were involved, police have said.
Housing Authority officials have said they observe a zero-tolerance policy against crimes committed by their tenants, even when the occur off their property. Also, federal housing regulations allow the authority to pursue evictions against anyone who engages in activity "detrimental" to a housing property.
A separate clause, however, allows the authority to consider other circumstances in allowing them to stay, including "the extent to which the leaseholder has shown personal responsibility and has taken all reasonable steps to prevent or mitigate the offending action."
Two of the five mothers already have been evicted or voluntarily left Gadsden Green for reasons other than the charges against their children. One abandoned her apartment and the other fell three months behind in her rent.
Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard, who grew up in public housing, has taken up the women's cause, urging changes in eviction rules.
Gilliard had earlier contacted Jesse Jackson Sr. of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, and Jackson wrote a letter to Charleston Mayor Joe Riley in January urging him to intervene. In the letter, Jackson pledged to "take a personal interest in these young men to help assure they do not repeat acts of this kind" if their families were allowed to stay in their homes.
"The law should never be applied to impact the innocent, and in this case innocent women and children are being punished," Gilliard said Tuesday. "To make people homeless who had nothing to do with the crime is surely wrong."
Housing Authority Chief Operating Officer James Heyward Jr. said Tuesday that the other single parent involved, identified as Rushia Robertson, might still be able to stay, largely because she has a good history with the authority. The authority is waiting on information from the school district, Heyward said. He has defended the authority's eviction steps as being protective of other law-abiding tenants.
Gadsden Green is a complex of apartment buildings that houses 262 families near the Crosstown Expressway between Hagood and President streets.
David Slade contributed to this report. Reach Schuyler Kropf at skropf@postandcourier.com or 937-5551.
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Comments
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
If the boys involved have been punished, and there hasn't been further "disturbances" involving the family, then leave these women alone. What can the community expect from the remaining children if they are forced to sleep from house to house, if there are houses available at all? At one point, I thought differently, but when I looked at the above picture, and that woman, who looks absolutely lost, in such a sparsely furnished apartment, I can't imagine what she'll do. If you punish all the kids for the actions of one, they'll eventually never know what they're being punished for. Homeless children are not the answer to the other child's wrongdoing. Is the Housing Authority going to try to locate additional housing? Will they give she and her children a ride to Crisis Interfaith Ministries, or simply leave her on the side of the road? I know that her sons "sealed her fate" for her, but I think they should try to locate alternative housing where the remaining children might be able to get a "fresh start" where the neighbors won't judge them for their siblings' actions.
February 27, 2008 at 2:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
Gadsden Green should be razed and redeveloped as there are no redeeming factors to the neighborhood. I fail to understand why the city hasn't considered the value in selling the property.
It's a pocket of crime in an area that is expanding at an amazing rate. Even if it was converted to student housing it would still increase the tax base and reduce the drain of public services. Turning the property over to MUSC or C of C would make sense for all of us.
February 27, 2008 at 6:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"SOMETRUTHPLEASE" sorry that's not what the lease says. And guess what this is a federally run program so CNN can go pound sand in Washington.
I'm sorry the more I watch and hear these women I have no sympathy. The baby making factories that distribute kids into the 4th and 5th generation of welfare has got to stop! I saw one of the moms on TV this morning and she looks to be in her young 30's if that! 5 children by the age of 30. And she had the gaul to say "i don't want something for free, just want to keep my home i'm comfortable in"
WHAT?! Guess what if the dems get elected you'll see even more of this crap!
February 27, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Ron_Godzilla (anonymous) says...
Every single housing project in this city should be razed. They are nothing but festering boils of crime and riff raff. They are like cancerous tumors on the landscape of downtown. Nothing good comes of federal housing projects. As far as Wendell Gilliard goes, I put him up there with that other pathetic loser, Robert Ford. Any politician in this day an age who plays the race card is a fourth rate flunky. Hey black population of South Carolina- there are thousands of well educated African Americans out there ready to assume positions of responsible leadership. You don't need these pathetic retards (Gilliard and Ford) to represent you. You deserve better leadership.
February 27, 2008 at 6:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proud2bme (anonymous) says...
PalmettoMan,
to answer your question; yes, all parents can control their kids. It's called parenting!
When I had my first, I was dirt poor and lived check to check. Guess what? My kids never did anything like these kids did. My kids were taught right from wrong. It didn't take a village to do it either.
These kids need to learn that when they break the law, they not only pay the price but family does as well. Whether it be by posting a bail, taking time off work or yes, even having to move.
February 27, 2008 at 6:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettywoman2457 (anonymous) says...
Well said proud2bme!! If these 3 women can't control one child....what's going to happen to the other children that they have? Did social services investigate them? Are they really able to raise productive and decent citizens? The citizens already support them, so where is the parenting? They already know that they signed a legal document telling them the rules and they agreed to it...so what is all the talk about...its a done deal or should be.
February 27, 2008 at 7 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gococks1985 (anonymous) says...
With the exception of "sometruthplease", you people are pathetic. As a mother and single one at that, I've raised both of my kids by myself with little assistance from anybody. I've raised them to the best of my ability and taught them right from wrong. Just because one raises their children correctly does not mean that they are not going to become "defiant" and not do the right thing. I've got one of those children. Yes, she has been in trouble, but it was HER CHOICE to do the wrong thing. She knew what the right thing to do was, but SHE chose to do wrong. I as her parent, punished her accordingly...I believe in a good old fashioned whipping if a child is misbehaving. I also have no problem introducing their mouth to the palm of my hand if they speak disrespectfully to someone.
These two mother's don't sound like they encouraged, or even condoned what their children did. Letting them stay where they are as long as they continue to keep close tabs on their children is the best thing for all. If they don't have a place to live, guess who gets to suppport them. WE do. I'm sure we are assisting now, but why take on more. They are TRYING to make a better life for their family now. I'm not sure what happened to compassion among your fellow neighbor, but there seems to be a great lack of it here. Again, this is just my 2 cents.
February 27, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JDHawg (anonymous) says...
I bet the only reason the "kids" aren't there is because their butts are sitting in jail for the crime they committed, and when they are released they would go right back to live in the same place with their mothers.
February 27, 2008 at 7:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
proud2bme (anonymous) says...
PalmettoMan,
I'm sure my kids have done things they shouldn't have, that I'm not aware of but I can tell you that they don't have a police record either.
These were not adults, they were juveniles. Make that juvenile delinquents!
February 27, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DanniD (anonymous) says...
WOW, so many fighting words so early in the morning. Be happy, it is hump day.
February 27, 2008 at 7:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
All I can say is, OH WELL!
February 27, 2008 at 7:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
skeeter (anonymous) says...
I am sad for anyone in danger of losing their shelter.
Why bring Robert Ford into it? I like him. I don't know why but I do.
February 27, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
highclass (anonymous) says...
Innocent until proven guilty only works for the legal system. These "mothers" signed a legal document stating that if their family had anytroubles with the police they were out. Maybe if they had spent their time in school not making more babies for the taxpayers to support they would have known how to read and understand what they signed. I do not feel sorry for them. With all of their babies they should be getting child support. Use that money to get a place to stay. Maybe they can all move in together if they can afford a place on their own.
February 27, 2008 at 7:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sweet_pea (anonymous) says...
The news services and crime shows spend a lot of time focusing on low income and government housing. In these programs the residents talk about how they fear for their children because no one does anything about the bad people living there. While these mothers may not be complicit with the actions of their minor children, they are still responsible. The state and federal governments that run these facilities have a responsibility to all the residents. Therefore, this action is in the best interest of all the residents. I hope that these mothers can find a new home for their children and that this will prevent their remaining children from dubious actions.
February 27, 2008 at 8:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Well...let's see...the "children" should not be responsible for their actions, and the parents of these "children" should not be responsible for their own actions and the actions of their "children". That leaves us. There comes a point sometimes that a wrong cannot be righted but must be paid for. The consequences must be played out for that past wrong. A new day and a new opportunity starts today.
February 27, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
I think its all pretty cut and dry. If you ask any Citadel Alumi what they remember most about their time in Charleston and they'll tell you how the long walk at midnight is past Gadsden Green. The place has been a black hole sucking up the city resources for far too long.
More and the Gadsden poll at cedarposts.blogspot.com
February 27, 2008 at 8:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcncamscott (anonymous) says...
Glad to hear it. They raised thugs. You reap what you sow. Low class trash living in gov't housing on taxpayers money that we worked for. It's about time the city got the backbone to do what's right!
February 27, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
John Q, Go to Official offered funds to run .This Might answer some of your Questions in the past.
February 27, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kelly23 (anonymous) says...
Not sure if anyone saw but one of the mothers on the news last night even said that her kid that was involved does not even live with them and did not at the time of the crime. So how can we punish her when that child does not even live there. I live on my own so lets say i go and commit some crime, you think that my parents should have to pay that price. Thats such a stupid thing. I think she probably did what she could when the child lived at home but yu can not control your kids when they are not under your roof. Like my dad always said "when your under my roof you will do what I say"
February 27, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jca (anonymous) says...
they broke their lease now they need to pay the price and move out it wont be easy either as most places wont take families who have a minor with a criminal record. so if these thug kids arent living on the property where are they. these are single moms.
they deserve what they got for not be responsible for their kids
grow up wpmen and pack your stuff your out of there and punish your kids get involved in there lives put out the joint and pour out the beer and close your damn legs
February 27, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tblane45 (anonymous) says...
I do not support the families staying in this housing development/apartment complex because:
1. Regardless, if they confess knowledge of knowing what their children were doing (getting in trouble) the severity of the crime itself shows that these kids have a violent and reckless behavior/actions that places everyone at jeopardy.
2. The following qoute: "Why are they pushing this on our kids, and on me?" said Jacqueline Clinton of Allway Street, adding that her two sons arrested in the robbery incident have been gone from Gadsden Green for some time.
Shows that Clinton does not understand that she placed this upon herself and her family by being irresponsible in having more kids that she can properly raised. Sex is wonderful and just because you take charge to decide when and when not to have sex with/without protection places you responsible along with man that fathers a child. Until you take responsibility of your action than she will begin to understand the importance of managing her life in all aspects.
3. People have overlooked the bottom line that all residences in this area deserves to have a safe environment that protects all.
4. People need to ask Charleston City Councilman Wendell Gilliard that it is more important to risk the livelihood of the other current residents at the expense of these families. Don't current residents deserve to have a safe environment?
5. When are "We" going to take responsibility for our actions. We have young people giving birth and can not read "CAT" or comprehend basic everyday topics more less make decisions to help themselves to a better life. Until people see consequences to their actions than they will begin to understand the importance of not making decisions based on immediate gratification.
Question: Where are Clinton's two sons? Are they in jail? Where are they living? Explore that topic and that will get to the bottom of what is really going on....
February 27, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prosperous_hb (anonymous) says...
Put yourself in these ladies situation, what would you do?
Personally, I don't think that it's fair to kick the parent out because of the behavior of their kids. A parent on instill as much as they want into a child. It's up to the child to take in what the parent has taught them. By kicking the parent out, that isn't solving anything. You will just have more angry kids that will more than likely commit more crimes.
February 27, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kma71 (anonymous) says...
Palmetto man-- R you having fun?
February 27, 2008 at 8:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Kelly23 (anonymous) says...
Its kinda just a circle. These women get kicked out. The other children that they have grow up in a even worse environment. How do you think that they will react to situations when they get older. If you think they would say oh well look what happened to my family cause my brother did this your wrong. They are going to think oh well there is nothing more that my family can lose and maybe if i get in trouble i wont have to sleep on the streets i can sleep at least inside at a jail. And yall all complain about tax payers money.
February 27, 2008 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chozen24 (anonymous) says...
First of all, being a divorced mother of four teenagers I am the first to say that you can only teach your children right from wrong and equip them with good moral standards. You can not think for them or force them to make the right decisions. No one should judge those parents or their parenting skills by the behavior of one of their children. No mother trains her child to be a delinquent. No mother wants to see her child commit criminal acts. And let's stop beating up these mothers who are doing the best that THEY know how, lets direct some attention to the fathers as well. Mouth of the south and proud2beme you both are just exercising your rights to be ignorant.
February 27, 2008 at 9:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flinsc (anonymous) says...
Move everyone in that area and the other run down, cracked out places downtown to North Charleston, Goose Creek, or Moncks Corner. Redevelop the area for people that will contribute to society and will pay property taxes. There are a lot of young people that want to move into the downtown area, but are priced out by places on the other side of Calhoun. To live in this area high crime area you need a gun and a dog to protect yourself. Clean up the city for people that will make a difference and want to live in a downtown environment. All the young people are not allowed to live in this area because of the crap that is allowed to live down there.
February 27, 2008 at 9:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uniequnough (anonymous) says...
For the children who committed the crimes.. Where are their fathers? If the mothers are going to be punished for a crime their child committed, so should the father.. if he's not around, he should be charged with child abandonment and endangerment. I don't believe the mothers should take sole responsibility for these children when they weren't the only one who made them. Both parents should have to suffer some consequences. But, this is a cycle. These mothers are on assistance, their children will have children at an early age and they will be on assistance too.
February 27, 2008 at 9:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
My how times have changed. 30+ years ago when I was growing up, parents were held accountable for their children. When kids got into trouble, the parents had to show up at school or court or wherever, and assume the responsibility then take the matter up with the kid(s) at home. Now, that has all changed. No one wants to take responsibility-not the kids, the parents, teachers, judges...no one. And yet, everyone sits around crying about how youth and crime are out of control. We can't have it both ways, that is being proven everyday. Who will take responsibility for these kids? Anyone? In the end, it is us, the taxpayers, who will ultimately be responsible for their support in prison.
February 27, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettywoman2457 (anonymous) says...
Who said they even know who the father/fathers are? I haven't heard not one man speak up for any of the ones charged or acknowledge parentage. I assume if child support were being paid....they would be living in a better enviroment! If the child was not living with her..then why didn't she take him off the lease or why hasn't she made it legal for the person he is living with to have custodity? I bet they still get food stamps, medicaid, and any assistance they can get for those delinquents!!
February 27, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
If the children were minors then the parents are definetly responsible for their actions. If they were over 18, then the parents are responsible for allowing them to stay in the apts. with them and terrorizing the neighborhood. They may say they weren't living there, but come on.... Also, where are ANY of the fathers? How much does anyone want to bet if they have to leave that they will be the next ones to get a Habitat house? I would imagine that all other residents of Gadsden would be behind evicting these people because I know I would like my neighborhood to be cleaned up.
February 27, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uniequnough (anonymous) says...
I agree with you prettywoman2457. Maybe they don't know who the father/fathers are, or the father/fathers are incarcerated or have passed. Who knows... but i just wanted to get my point across, that these women didn't make these children by themselves. And while I agree they need to be held responsible for their children's actions, the Father/fathers name needs to be put out there and they need to be put through the same thing the mothers are going through now.
February 27, 2008 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
How intelligent do you have to be to not have kids when you can't even take care of yourself? Why would these mothers even think of having kids in their situation? It's a disservice to the kids and the community to expect the tax payer to provide for them what they obviously refuse to provide for themselves and their kids. These women should be charged with child endangerment and put in detention. At the very least this would keep them from committing more offspring to their life of irresponibility and dependency. Abortion/sterilization looks justifiable in these situations, or we could just keep pampering them like we're presently doing!
February 27, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ticket3477 (anonymous) says...
I agree with everyone on here that says these projects should be razed. They RUIN downtown Charleston and I think they encourage people to live below their means. Have you seen the projects on Beaufain street??? I used to live right over there on coming street by the corner store...and I mean COME ON! My god...A brick house in the middle of downtown charleston...jesus...I would half consider sucking at life to live there...its cheaper than my mortgage and I can be lazy.
I have no sympathy for these people. These mothers do nothing to control their kids and they know it. These are probably the same dumb@$$ kids that caused me to wreck my car because they were riding around late at night on their bicycles the wrong way down the middle of a one way street. If we are going to have the projects then get someone in there that deserves to be there. IF these women knew half of anything they wouldnt have 6 or more children and they wouldnt be in this mess.
No sympathy. Kick em out...
February 27, 2008 at 10:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
RTC (anonymous) says...
If some of them were 16 last year, are they not now 17?
Where are their photos, and when are their trial dates?
Everything is being focused on the mothers and the evictions. What is going on with the kids who committed the crimes?
February 27, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
KidYendor (anonymous) says...
Welfare housing, HUD, and Wendell need to be run out of Charleston for this insidious system known as public, affordable, Section 8, whatever. Government welfare is evil. It makes me sick when store advertisers post signs on buildings and fliers that they "gladly accept EBT, WIC and food stamps." It is disgraceful and an embarrassment to all that was good about America. And now look at us. We are a self-destroying society
February 27, 2008 at 10:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
quickthought (anonymous) says...
It is unfortunate that these families will be required to move however, they did sign a lease. The lease has been broken. The mother that said her child didn't even live with her will have to face that as well since the child remained on the lease after moving from the facility, therefore keeping another family with more dependents from affordable housing due to a lack of space. By God's grace, and much determination I am free of public assistance. I once lived in subsidized housing, and my children and I were evicted because we had a guinea pig. Three other people in our apartment building also had pets, but they had permission. It was my decision to allow my daughter to bring that little rat home, and we all paid for it. Since then, and without the assistance of their father or the government we have struggled from time to time but we survived and grew. We have all learned from my mistake. We are better off now and I wouldn't dream of living in housing again. That is not what I want for my family. Those of you who say that this cycle will repeat itself if these families are not given a second chance, that in itself is reason for them to be gone. If someone doesn't break the pattern it will continue. Suck it up single moms and move on.
February 27, 2008 at 10:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
>>Posted by CedarPosts: I think its all pretty cut and dry. If you ask any Citadel Alumi what they remember most about their time in Charleston and they'll tell you how the long walk at midnight is past Gadsden Green. The place has been a black hole sucking up the city resources for far too long.
More and the Gadsden poll at cedarposts.blogspot.com>>
Cedar, absolutely dead-on. As a Cid grad, I remember my times as a cadet running around downtown through the projects, with my head on a swivel. Most of the time, I ran alone, and running by there did make me nervous. And at night when I was a freshman, I had to make sure we traveled in groups as we walked down Hagood to Burger Row.
The project is an embarrassment for alumni, because it is sits along a prominent location when going to football games. It also practically sits across the street from MUSC's HR offices...where all employees have to go! The whole block should be bought by MUSC or a developer to transform the area.
February 27, 2008 at 10:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
carolinabeachgirl (anonymous) says...
This has gone on for far too long. They need to move out and let the people who do not have a problem complying with the terms of the lease move in. My taxes have paid for these women long enough. The whole system needs a total overhaul.
February 27, 2008 at 11:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
Two things: The city of Charleston needs to get a backbone and stick by the regulations pertaining to the leases that these mothers signed. Not doing so condones their actions and sets precedent for the others in the housing complex. They see that these families are sliding through the cracks and they will want the same treatment should their kids or themselves get into trouble. I say HELL NO. I'd rather have my taxes go to house someone who will obey the terms of their lease.
Second: "The law should never be applied to impact the innocent, and in this case innocent women and children are being punished," Gilliard said Tuesday. "To make people homeless who had nothing to do with the crime is surely wrong." This is B.S...Nothing to do with the crime??? They have alot to do with it because they weren't acting as parent's should; this is a prime example of bad parenting. In my opinion.
February 27, 2008 at 11:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Didn't the original article say something like there was 25 or so children between the 5 of them? I thought that was incredible at the time. I've never understood why have all these children. I maybe understand the first one could have been an "accident", but birth control is available and FREE to them. Jeez, an IUD is good for 10 years!! I wouldn't want to live in poverty because I chose to have 7 children. Bad for me and them. I would rather give a good life to one child.
Oh well, just an opinion...
February 27, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sheeple (anonymous) says...
People wonder what will happen to the younger children? If they're allowed to stay, they just learned they can stick a gun in someone's face and face zero consequences whatsoever. The daughters will learn they're even less accountable for the children they bring into the world as they thought (the sons already know they have zero accountability for their sperm...).
February 27, 2008 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
forget-
You are correct, there are 25 between the 5 families. I'm assuming they would prefer having more children to obtain a fatter welfare check as apposed to going to a FREE clinic (there are numerous might I add) for an hour to get FREE birth control.
February 27, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
My post last night was made when I was feeling particularly sympathetic...I think the picture solicited a particular response in me. I have enormous amounts of sympathy for the woman's situation, but I am APPALLED that she has 7 children...if two are no longer there, and she'll have to move with 5 kids, that makes SEVEN. That is absolutely ridiculous. The government has been subsidizing this influx of poor, unwanted, uncontrolled children for over 30 years. Programs that were put in place to assist Veterans and their families are now being used by young women, churning out one child after another, because they've deemed it lucrative. THAT is the problem. Now that the problem exists, there has to be a way of doing it. I know that Gadsden Green is an eyesore...a hotbed for crime and drugs. Charleston would be better off without it. The Government has allowed it for years. Now, the Treasury Dept. has the Earned Income Credit and Additional Child Tax Credit to be sure that this particular woman gets THOUSANDS of dollars in assistance with every return...Until the Government stops funding illegitimacy and poverty, they will continue to have these children, too many to manage, at what is an alarming rate. But the problem now is this: the children already exist. In this case, where do the ones who have done NO WRONG go?
I'm torn between anger and disgust at this mother, who has such a large brood that she has no control, and the sympathy for those children that will learn nothing more than living hand-to-mouth for the rest of their lives.
February 27, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ginajo (anonymous) says...
I believe that they should get out. They say they did not do anything but their kids did, people need to start being resposable for the kids they put on this earth. If they can not control them they need to get outside help
February 27, 2008 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
If I couldn't take care of my child (children)I thought they would take them from me. I didn't know if I couldn't take care of her, I would get an apartment, food, daycare, and a check every month. And the more children I have the more $$$ I make!! Wow, I've been doing things all wrong.
February 27, 2008 at 11:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
icmbman - When I was in San Diego back in the day I had a weapons officer from the Citadel (we called you guys smurfs) he told me how he was robbed twice in the same day once going and again coming back from burger row and it was in broad daylight. After that he said he never walked alone.
It's really too bad that being politically correct makes it nearly impossible to discuss the solution.
But many cities have taken the steps to change what was always wrong with public housing. They figured out if you put all the poor black people in one place they have no reason to aspire to better themselves.
In Charlotte at one time crime and drug use in the "projects" was rampant. Now those in need get vouchers and live where ever they like and the Gadsden Greens have be replaced by upscale condos and shopping. Charlotte has nearly eliminated city owned housing with the exception of a few high rise senior centers. The last of Charlotte housing projects is a crack house from hell and is set to be demolished this summer and still they are fighting legal battles but it is so worth the effort.
February 27, 2008 at 11:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
Why are they acting all surprised that they received eviction notices?! How long have they known this day was coming? What their children did was wrong, and now they must all pay the consequences. Maybe this will be a lesson to others. I have no sympathy for them.
February 27, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Go and check the Chas County Clerk of Court page, apparently Ms. Clinton has had problems with City of Chas housing since 2005.
February 27, 2008 at 12:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
Really??? What is Jesse Jackson going to do for them? Make a bigger headline and try to gain sympathy from other moochers who agree that these people should stay? Next thing you know they will claim that this is a racially motivated act.
February 27, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
scrisn (anonymous) says...
I feel uncle AL, and JESSE will be coming once again to the great city of charleston to say how we are all raceist and hate the black people.
Maybe what we need is stiffer penalities for the crimes commmited?
Welfare poeple can only have a certain number of dependants before the system cuts off. That number rises when there are 2 wed parents in the same house.
have to have a full time job to receive assistance.
Any child over 16 not it school, or in police trouble should be treated like an adult. Charged like one and made to fend for themselves. If you can hold a gun on someone and steal their money you know right from wrong.
I was robbed by 3, 11 year olds with guns, and they all got slapped on the wrist. I loved having a gun pointed at my face, back and head. I have 2 kids, 12, 7 and neither are raised to do that. 4 years later 2 of the kids were killed in a shoot out with police and the 3rd child is in prison for double murder. Love the way the system works. And yes there parents were low income living in the projects and it was societies fault. In court I remember 1 childs mother had 8 kids all alone. Judge said they were too young to understand what they did. Were sent back with their parents. And see what a great job they did of raising them..
February 27, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
From what it looks like on the court page, Ms. Clinton is always on the verge of eviction.
February 27, 2008 at 12:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
If the city doesn't grow a backbone and they let these kids slide, this sets the precendent for all who live, not just in Gadsden Green, but all government-funded neighborhoods to do the same things and not have to face punishment. It's not fair to taxpayers and the citizens who abide by the law don't deserve this.
February 27, 2008 at 12:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LutherVanderhorst (anonymous) says...
Find the dad(s), and get a job.
February 27, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
scrisn-
What that here that this happened to you? That is horrible. And to know what the outcome was is just as bad.
February 27, 2008 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SomeTruthPlease (anonymous) says...
If it is the same Jacqueline Clinton, she has been charged with Lynching, 2nd degree and ABIK, charges dismissed due to lack of evidence...maybe I misjudged her. Sad little picture up there, but if that is her, she shouldn't have children in any case.
February 27, 2008 at 1:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Roger1978 (anonymous) says...
They signed paperwork when moving into the place acknowledging the rules and understood the consequences of violating them. Now its time to pay the price since they're not paying for anything else anyways. I'm just GLAD to see that Gadsden Green is actually following through and I hope anyone else who violates the rules follows their friends out the door.
February 27, 2008 at 1:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Michelle_itsafilter (anonymous) says...
Love makes the difference. Throwing these family's away doesn't fix anything. You simply move "your problem" from one town to the next until someone is responsible and loving enough to step up to the plate without being so judgemental and say, "I love you and want to give you a chance."
Those who are shoving those family's out are doing so because the family's don't look like the "model home" family that the leaders want in their environment. That's stereotyping. It's also redlining, and block busting. Take a look at the law and see if it's not. Someone who cares wouldn't try to play "Hitler" in this day and age.
It's time to stop stereotyping people and start loving one another. Do right. Stop judging. Stop pretending you're better. I guarantee that the ones who are evicting these family's have people in their family who has done just as bad or worse. Perhaps consider your own selves in those single mom's shoes right now. Would you want to be judged in the same way as they are? Would you want anyone in your family judged like that?
February 27, 2008 at 1:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hey_U_Guys (anonymous) says...
Why in the hell do people constantly compare these types of situations to the actions of Hilter? The two have nothing to do with eachother. I think Hitler was mentioned on the Religion forum as well.
February 27, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
pezlady (anonymous) says...
Hello? Her children, her lease, her responsibility!!!!!! I feel bad for the other children in the situations! Their mom is using them to get what she wants! First, government housing. Second, a way to stay there, regardless of the terms of her lease. I have known plenty of women who have children and are dirt poor, but they do what they have to do for their children!! And please- all you people out there who are crying for the women- suck it up! Those women do not care what is happening with their children, it is obvious when they make statements like they didn't even know they were in trouble. Sadly, those kids are meal tickets and roofs over their heads and yes, it's a circle. Those kids will become parents just like theirs. It's a depressing situation, but hopefully the other tenants will see what is going on and adhere to the terms of their lease.
February 27, 2008 at 2 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JohnS (anonymous) says...
Look to see this on Bill O'Riley and Geraldo.
February 27, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
About 10 years ago the Commonwealth of Virginia passed a law that put a 24 month lieftime limit on welfare. Once it was exhausted, you were on your own.
February 27, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Michelle - get out of the 60's.
Does everyone need to start at the beginning with you? A member of the household committed a crime, thus violating the lease. You break a lease, you get asked to leave. They have been shown "love". They were allowed to live paying just pennies compared to what the rest of us pay.
They have lived their lives irresponsibly (too many children to support or keep charge of). Time to step up and take charge of their lives. Looks like now's as good time as any.
And face it, you are "judged" everyday of your life. You were judged by the grades you made, the choices you make at work, by your credit report, etc. So sick of hearing about being "judged". Usually the people doing the right and proper things don't worry about being "judged".
February 27, 2008 at 2:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
and besides, look at her record with the Chas. housing dept., she has been given a load of chances. They've shown her the love.
February 27, 2008 at 2:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
PMan, I suspect that you will be searching the area for them once they are evicted to take them into your place...being the angellic sort that you are. I do not think that anyone will stand in your way of taking them totally under your care. I also would wager that we devils would cheerfully give you a donation from time to time. Step out...lead the way.
February 27, 2008 at 2:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Michelle_itsafilter (anonymous) says...
forget,
you are offensive toward me for what reason? Because you don't agree with me that means someone has to be wrong and you feel it will have to be me because you're so right in every way?
As for the "Hitler" comment - Again, because you don't agree with me that says that one of us have to be wrong and it can't be anyone else but me? Nice...
I hope that everyone of you that have judged these family's that know NOTHING about them except what the news has reported and you've been so nosy as to plunder through their lives to see what more dirt you can drag up get judged the same way.
I'm not worried about the judging side of it as much as I am realizing the animalistic tendencies of those in the same community as I am in who are so willing to kick people when they are down. Which one of you went to this lady's house and offered her your help with her kids since you know she's single? Which one of you offered to take and give ANY of these family's an encouraging word, a ride to work, or ANYTHING that would help? Which one of you?
I'm a parent too, and mine are teens. Mine have been 90% good and then 10% bad. No criminal records. Not more than a mouthy record from some of their teachers but overall they're going to do what they want after a point and there's not a person on this planet that can stop them from doing what they want no more than anyone can shut the mouths of you as the accusers in this online forum. Funny thing is this... you have the guts to talk a line of garbage behind a monitor. Just don't have much in the line of guts to go help someone... it's easier to run your mouth.
February 27, 2008 at 2:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettywoman2457 (anonymous) says...
Some of you want the race card to be played...I think that is fair. Remember when the single moms in Goose Creek were given so many days to move out of a trailer park that was closed? I am sure that most of them were white, but why weren't they in public housing? How many whites live at Gadsen? How many are on the list to move in there? How many whites live in public housing in the Tri-County area? I never see any coming out of those places. So, I say tear the place down. Where is the equality in public housing anyway?
February 27, 2008 at 2:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
If your children are 90% good, than you are doing your job. That's pretty much what we can hope for. And YOU did it. You took responsibility for them, taught them, and corrected them when they did wrong. everyone of us that go to work and paid taxes have helped these people. For years. We have supported their 25 children, paid their daycare, fed them, paid for their educations, health care, and at the end of every tax year gave them a bonus with the EIC. And we looked up the other facts on these people so that we can maybe determine if they have just fallen on hard times and maybe just needed a little help.
And I just don't spout off alot of garbage behind a monitor, this subject was just discussed at my job and there are 14 other people here (working, supporting families) that pretty much agree. Just as most of the posters on this site. Loving your neighbor only goes so far.
February 27, 2008 at 2:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uniequnough (anonymous) says...
Michelle, I have to disagree with you. Don't get me wrong, I am all for helping others. I believe that's where the hope is in this world. But... I did and still do Help her. I may not have gone to her house and offered to help her physically with her children, or offered her a ride. But I do and still do pay my taxes. So... I ..am giving her money. ..I.. am helping her have a place to live because .. I... pay for that place she has to live. ..I..feed her and her children on foodstamps with..my.. tax dollars. So what more HELP can I offer her.
February 27, 2008 at 2:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Sometimes you have to want to help yourself.
February 27, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
uniequnough (anonymous) says...
forget..you beat me to the punch. We pretty much said the same thing. We were thinking the same thing at the same time.. great minds think alike.
February 27, 2008 at 2:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Honestly, some of the people living in subsidized housing need help for a period. I fully understand and sympathize. But to live their whole lives like that and to produce 7 children while on assistance, is selfish and irresponsible. And, in my opinion, should be criminal. I can "love" my neighbor as well as the next person, but I love my neighbor more when I don't have to support them and 7 of their children.
February 27, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
If Jacqueline Clinton and Elizabeth Speed and their families are being evicted and
"the other single parent involved, identified as Rushia Robertson, might still be able to stay, largely because she has a good history with the authority",
then there is obviously more to this story. If I can see that, why couldn't the author of this story as well, and dig a little deeper. I think these families' issues go beyond the pellet gun incident. Sounds like the last straw to me.
February 27, 2008 at 2:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcncamscott (anonymous) says...
I think when "mom" gets booted out of this place, she'll either step up to the plate, get a job and take care of her litter, or she'll expect some bleeding-heart to step up and help her. That's the whole problem in a nut-shell, these people expect and demand that the gov't take care of them. It never occurs to them to actually work for a living and be independent. And we working taxpayers are expected to pony-up and support them. Seems like a lot of folks here are fed-up with situations like this but not sure how to stop it. She'll be heard loud and clear, but what about the rest of us?
February 27, 2008 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
I know this is sort of off the subject, but just like those folks before and after Katrina that lived in gov't housing. They expected to be picked up and removed before the storm, and to be taken care of immediately after. We didn't see that in Miss. or Homestead. There comes a time when a person has to say "I need to take care of myself, me and my family might be in danger. It is my responsibility".
Unfortunately, in the situation here, they'll be lawsuits filed, and she'll probably prevail. That seems to be the way it works.
February 27, 2008 at 3:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcncamscott (anonymous) says...
I smell a talk-show for her. Maybe Oprah? She'll end up with a paid-for house and movie rights. Hide and watch.!!!
February 27, 2008 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Michelle, by all means, please feel free to get a rental van, load them up, and move them in with you. I'll take my hit for not going out of my way to personally help them, but my small taxes contributed to their care nonetheless. My fellow citizens and I have obviously failed with our funding and communal care to have made any impact on helping those folks become selfsufficient. We kinda thought that they were capable of more. It would be foolish for us to continue expecting a different result. Perhaps your way is better. So please step up to the plate and take them in, the poor deprived folks that you think are so stupid to do anything for themselves. I think that you are wrong and that they could do for themselves if they wanted to.
February 27, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Sure, Charleston is a beautiful place, but we'd like to keep it that way. We'd like to go downtown and be safe. We'd like to be able to go to Citadel Mall again. And who here is interested in going down to Hampton Park on a Saturday night just to walk with your date? Can't think of anyone.
February 27, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jcncamscott (anonymous) says...
Face it, some people just can't be helped. Like Rodney King declared, "Can't we all just get along"! People felt sorry for him after his police charged butt-whoopin and look how many times he's been arrested since then! These dregs of society are an economic and social nightmare. Stop feeling sorry for them. They asked for it!!!
February 27, 2008 at 3:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Mouth - are you in my mind?
I believe my mother had told me "God helps those who helps themselves".
Tired of paying all these taxes for all these people who choose to do nothing with their lives, then we pay for their public defenders, their children, etc. And the attorney that has taken up their cause, who is paying for that? I can promise Ms. Clinton isn't writing a check.
February 27, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
flinsc (anonymous) says...
It is an endless cycle. Those will always be run down crack houses until the city, state, and federal government stop letting these idiots having all the children they want, and reward them for it. If they did like VA, and put a 24 month limit on getting welfare, people would be forced to get a job and work. When kids are 12 and see mom getting money, and instead of using it to get out on her feet, she uses it for cigarettes, booze, lotto tickets, hair, and nails, they won't know any better. Why get an education and job when you are handed money for having kids with out jobs. Quick way to fix it, kick everyone out, you will see how they will get jobs, or go out to the country to live and will have to work. I drive on Meeting St and see the dregs of socity until I get past Calhoun. That is the worst for tourism to see all the people with no jobs, standing on the corner. Get them out of downtown. They mean nothing to society.
February 27, 2008 at 4:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
amylrod (anonymous) says...
The question was raised, "Where are the fathers?" The women obviously made poor choices but those fathers should be held accountable as well. Are they paying any child support? I would propose that instead of evicting the families, subject them to a penalty - increase their rent and keep it fixed for a year (like car insurance does when one gets a ticket.) Perhaps that would be more of an incentive for everyone to abide by. After a year, the extra payment would decrease. The public wouldn't be subsidizing this increase. The parents would be responsible. It would show accountability to some extent on the families part.
February 27, 2008 at 4:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ticket3477 (anonymous) says...
Michelle and Palmetto...
I believe you two have completely missed the mark. These women signed a lease. It is their fault that they allowed their children to do this and now their sons will have to live with the fact that they ruined their mothers and siblings lives. Actions have consequences...its not a free ride for everyone like you seem to think.
February 27, 2008 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
You go down there and see young men hanging out all day doing nothing. There are construction jobs everywhere. Go to a site, ask for a job and learn a trade. There isn't any reason for a young man to be out of a job. They don't realize that if they are productive members of society they'll look at things differently. And I hate to tell them, fathering children isn't a measure of their manhood. Being a productive member of society is.
February 27, 2008 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
forget (anonymous) says...
Alot of times I understand Palmetto's pov, but not today.
And lately, I've wondered, WHERE HAS DOUG_HUFFMAN BEEN?!
There has been plenty of stories that would hit a nerve with him?
February 27, 2008 at 4:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ticket3477 (anonymous) says...
not to be cute...but garbage workers, mail carriers...they make good money...and you dont need a college degree and probably not even a highschool degree...
its all about being lazy and knowing they can screw around on our tax dollars because we let them.
February 27, 2008 at 4:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
The question is how does anyone no how to really raise a child? We can only go on the facts of what our parents tought us. It's easy to judge the parents when you don't no them. People only no about the little bit they read in the papers. And how does it feel to go to chruch on sunday n pray to god for forgiveness on little things that u did wrong HAHAHA lol now how does it feel to no that god has to judge u instead of people white or black rich or poor now doesn't that sound like the way it should be.
February 27, 2008 at 5:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
ticket3477 - got bad news about those jobs you were thinking about, without at least your High School diploma you are out of luck.
Let not forget a clear backgound check! The money is good but the pension is what one day will divide us all.
February 27, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
It may all be mute, a drive by of Gadsden shows a pickup truck with furniture being loaded up. Not sure who's moving but someone is packing up.
2 of the five have already moved and one may get to stay as for this discusion it gets more heated as the day goes on. I'm still in favor of razing place because it is what it is. I'll post some photos later at http://cedarposts.blogspot.com/2008/0...
PS Some people need to let go of this anger. Not good for your heart errr that is if you have one.
February 27, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
No one wants the younger kids to be homeless. They themselves might have nothing to do with what their older siblings did, but their mother has a responsibility to take care of her kids, which apparently wasn't happening. They are living in homes funded by OUR taxes, abusing the system. They were informed of the risk of losing the space in this neighborhood should anyone in the household committ crimes. This should not be tolerated. The mother should have thought of the consequences before she let her kids run wild. Now because she chose to not pay attention, the rest of the family is being forced out as they should be. Not one WANTS the younger to be homeless. But that is the price you pay.
February 27, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
The_*itch_Of_The_South
Were you at the post and courier to get the first newspaper because it appears to me that all the correction needed is having a man or a woman to take up all of that free time and it seems that you have NO LIFE AT ALL! What you need is more than.?!@#$%^&*()_+ all these things and the balls to step up to the plate and realize that life goes further than your keyboard. And that everything isn't always what it seems. People need to try and understand that many people in this society are facing the problems of having homes.
P.S. I'm waiting for ignorant thougts and comments. Was that good enough?
February 27, 2008 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
Is that all you have to say? What god do you serve? I would hate to think that your preacher respects you as a member of that church and i would hate to know what your children would think if they knew that this is who you really are!
I WILL PRAY FOR YOU!
February 27, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
The VA law also had language that if BOTH parents did not apply for welfare for their offspring, they got nothing. There were a bunch of cases where DNA tests were done to finger typically the father. From what I have heard, it has reduced the welfare rolls in VA significantly. My guess is that the state was able to hit up mostly deadbeat fathers for bach child support.
February 27, 2008 at 5:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
Welfare Queens??? LMAO...
It's like they don't care that they are having babies knowing they can't afford them. I just don't understand what the problem is with the ones who do that. What kind of life is that to want? Then half of them pawn their kids off on relatives or parents or abandon them.
February 27, 2008 at 6:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jca (anonymous) says...
what is the court house website you guys are fighting over i didnt know we could look people up on it
these women got what they deserved they didnt keep tabs on their kids now they pay for it good for the city for doing something
February 27, 2008 at 6:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Pratt07 (anonymous) says...
Anyone who is a welfare/public assistance recipient should be drug tested monthly.
February 27, 2008 at 6:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MAJMike (anonymous) says...
Truth your post at the very least are an indictment of our education system. I really wish I could comprehend you inconsistent thought pattern. I am sure you have something important to say. However, your misspelling and over all poor grammar only provide and easy target for those of us who are much more educated. It very difficult to convey a logical thought, much less any type of argument WHEN YOU CAN'T SPELL OR WRITE!!!!
February 27, 2008 at 6:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
No one seems interested in the fact that one of the mothers may be allowed to stay because of "good history" with the housing authority while the others are evicted.
I think this speaks volumes. These families apparently have some sort of history that made them bad tenants prior to the armed robberies and these incidents were the last straw.
I feel badly for these young children, but their mothers cannot teach them about suffering consequences for your actions if they don't have to themselves.
February 27, 2008 at 6:43 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
Lazy parents who make too many babies and don't work to earn rent force children to go homeless.
spit on that
February 27, 2008 at 7:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
Hast thou judged me?
post another hundred times, you've obviously got nothing better to do.
February 27, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
Have you bumped your head?
February 27, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
PalmettoMan, again you show your idiocy and in addition, you now show your freakiness! HOW DARE you quote Scripture in reference to a situation that has been escalated due to the city's socialist tendencies!!! Shall we quote another Scripture which indicates for all individuals to give to "Caesar" and to God??? I don't think these project dwellers are living up to that verse, in their lifestyle AND in fighting what is clearly indicated as a legal right for the city: eviction. You break the rules, you lose. Heard of accountability which is also mentioned in the Bible?! I think you need to have a Bible study or two. You are truly unbelievable!
Cedar, I remember that our summer leave uniform did give us Citadel guys the nickname "smurf", but we also referred to the uniform as the milkman outfit. That is sad and pathetic for regular military college kids to have to worry about walking to Burger Row or the lower section of downtown. Your friend's story doesn't surprise me, but it does sicken me. I LIKE Charlotte's idea of vouchers. Indeed, take a trip to their downtown and all you see are nice buildings, tons of investments made...all because they made the riff-raff leave. I think the city government of Chas should take a clue from other cities like that.
February 27, 2008 at 7:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Gullah (anonymous) says...
"Two of the five mothers already have been evicted or voluntarily left Gadsden Green for reasons other than the charges against their children. One abandoned her apartment and the other fell three months behind in her rent."
Last time I checked - if I didn't pay my rent I was evicted too. Why are they special? Because they have kids? Hmm...I think I'm gonna go have some children so I can live free...
February 27, 2008 at 7:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
Again, I find it amazing that we are debating an action that the city has every right to do, despite its socialist tendencies with providing housing in the first place; the US 17 widening in Colleton and Beaufort counties continues to lag, despite the people who have died, and no one can comment on that debacle!
Priorities.
February 27, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CarolinaWren (anonymous) says...
I do agree with most of the comments I have read. It appears there are too many men who are thinking only with their penises and not with their brains. They are no better than the women who are having all these fatherless children. It makes me wonder if these so called fathers think these children were conceived by a Immaculate Conception. It should not only be the female's responsibility to prevent a pregnancy and raise the children but it should also be the responsibility of the male. With these fatherless children we all pay but the children pay and also suffer the most. A lot of jobs have gone over seas; gas is over $3.00 a gallon, people are losing their homes due to foreclosures, etc. The economy is in trouble and everyone is struggling... They are not better than the rest of us who are trying to make ends meet except they get food stamps, free health care, and low to no rent to pay, and a welfare check the first of the month. Maybe after thinking about it, perhaps they are better off than most of us
February 27, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
PalmettoMan, you have officially taken exorcist_pencocky's position as the village idiot. Congrats!
February 27, 2008 at 8:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ebf1 (anonymous) says...
Their are hard working people on housing that are trying to make a better life for themselves and their kids.As a single parent you can't keep tabs on your teenagers every second of the day, everybody on housing is not there smoking drugs and drinking alcohol all day.I think that they do owe it to the other tenants to keep them safe. I have driven through one of these areas and kids are hanging out on the streets and corners all times of the night.A curfew should be set for them with the police department.I dont think that they should be evicted because of what their kids did, there needs to be a look into if their kids of been in trouble before and how many times have they been in trouble and also what have the parents been doing.If their is a constant problem with the kids and the parents are not discilpling them and doing their job they should be evicted
February 27, 2008 at 8:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
just1reader (anonymous) says...
Palmetto, what's the problem? Sign up to live by rule. (At the expense of your fellow citizens, no less) Break Rule. Consequence. AND...........??? Then those who think you should live by rule and suffer the consequence if you break it become sociopaths? (Oh no, sorry, forgot, something else going on, had to break rule...so no responsibility?) Please get real. Do you believe that anyone has any personal responsibility for their own life? Are parents responsible for those to whom they give birth? I think so! Just do it. And if you can't, get help, it's out there! Are you responsible for your children???? I would hope so. But if you think you aren't, why should the rest of us be? Come on.....
February 27, 2008 at 9:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Michelle_itsafilter (anonymous) says...
Its not that they didn't pay their rent that they are being evicted. They're being evicted because their children broke the law and the entire family is being punished for one child's disobedience. I guess the only children that do wrong (based on the comments of this forum majority) is those whose lives began poorly and in financial hardship. It's all their fault for not being taught right. What about the parents...what if they've not been taught right from wrong? Oh? That doesn't happen? You MUST know right from wrong in this society? Really.... this society that tortures its children is some of the most horrid ways. This society that laughs at the impoverished and refuses to help the elderly. Abuses its pets and finds great humor in the pain of others. Mocks the disabled, stereotypes those who don't go to their "churches" and I could go on and on about this...
Opinionated and judgemental. You only see the bad in others because you see it in your own life and you're too ashamed to admit it. This was a huge mistake to come in here and post a comment. It was a mistake because short of 2 people on this entire forum "chat" area the rest are the reason that there is still no solution to the problems in this beautiful city. Excuse makers make no changes.
I'll finalize my comment with one question - moving this family out of it's home into the street solves what? Moves them into your neighborhoods with the same problem?? If they're so "unwilling to be taught" then when they move next door to you what will you do then?
February 27, 2008 at 9:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
just1reader (anonymous) says...
To put it more simply, I don't expect you or anyone else to be responsible when my minor children mess up. That is 100% my problem to solve. How about the same courtesy in return!
February 27, 2008 at 9:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
masterdiver (anonymous) says...
Guess I am just kind of slow. I am curious how a mother doesn't know about the activites her child(ren) are involved in.
I was always raised to balance compassion with justice.
There justice here is that the family be required to vacate the premises for failure to follow rules; which would allow for another family who has demonstrated responsibility as parents with responsible children to move into.
Compassion might be considered by locating the family in an area where past violators get a second chance by proving over a period of time that hey can live by common rules and exercise responsibility for their family members. I don't know if such a location exists in Charleston; but it is a thought.
February 27, 2008 at 9:42 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
yeahright (anonymous) says...
Michelle--If they move in next to me, they'll be paying rent, not living in government housing, but they'll still have to abide by the rental agreement they've signed. Or be evicted.
Sometimes emotion clouds reality.
February 27, 2008 at 9:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
umakebrains (anonymous) says...
There is a school back there that is doing wonderful things, they have had some big names visit, they have met AYP and also serve a majority of the families in the area , so there must be some kind of good raising going on there for this school to be a success with the so call element that is trying to be depicted here. Not all the mothers are welfare recipients either, their rent is based on income some pay as much as 600.00 yes 600.00, so know your facts, and to that mother who's kids are in church and "they would never do anything like that", hold on to your hat honey the ride will not be easy, never say what your child won't do, you are powerless when it comes to what they decide to do. Stop judging, some of these women have college degrees, are transient or just want to be in the city and 600.00 a month is an attractive rent for the convienence of city living!! Why take the chance of being blown up in meth lab explosion in one of the high rent district!!!!!!!!!!!!!
February 27, 2008 at 10:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
onlytheway (anonymous) says...
Michelle_itsafilter: Bravo.
Palmettoman: You make some valid points. Not all, but most.
Mouth? Who are you really? A few of us wonder. Come clean. We will if you do.
February 27, 2008 at 10:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Ron_Godzilla (anonymous) says...
I was riding by the project over by the Post Office on East Bay the other day and couldn't help but notice all the new model vehicles parked in front. If you don't believe me go take a look some morning (hint hint any reporters out there) All the cars are financed of course but if you're getting subsidized rent I guess you can afford a nice ride.
February 27, 2008 at 10:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walleyedwoman1215 (anonymous) says...
Pedophiles? Hitler? Satan? Sociopaths?
Methinks a nerve (or three) has been struck!
February 27, 2008 at 10:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
klugm06 (anonymous) says...
I would like to know where the mothers were when the teens were committing the crimes?. I understand that a parent can not be there at all times. But obviously these teens need supervision. Should the mother lose her home? Well I say yes. what is in store for the other children in the home?. These teens obviously are not setting a good example for their younger siblings. Is it a matter of time before the younger ones are out robbing people? I believe that people in need should get the help but if they are not following the rules to help themselves they need to be kicked out and discover how hard life is paying full price rent..I struggle everyday and I am a law abiding citizen.
February 27, 2008 at 10:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCPDBLUE (anonymous) says...
There is not one community in this country that once it go's Section 8,the crime rate doesn't jumps two fold.Woodside Manor was a very nice subdivision before section 8 came in ,now its a war zone.Name one housing project,subdivision,apartment complex or trailer park that is section 8 that is not a war zone. Way to go City Of Charleston housing authority,stand by your guns and send a clear message to all the mothers,aunts and grandmothers who are raising these wantabe gangstas that is,if little gangsta does a crime you will be in the street no matter how long you lived in the project.To the mothers,Aunts and grandmothers,If you see the children in your care with other youths with red(bloods) or Blue(Crips) on all the time stop him from wearing these cloths or listening to Gangsta rap the glorifies the killing of police officers,selling drugs,treating women as sex objects and every other word is profanity,Stop it by not allowing that crap in your home,You are the keeper of the kid,act like an adult or start looking for a new home for yourself,a bail bondsman or funeral home for your little wantabe gangsta.The choice is yours,pay now or pay later...
February 27, 2008 at 11:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
klugm06 (anonymous) says...
TO: ebf1,
THere is a curfew downtown for minors. (I lived in a little house off of Rutledge for a year that's how I know this). It is up to the parents to ENFORCE the curfew.. Surely you don't expect the police to take time to tell delinquent teens to get inside and finish their homework.
February 27, 2008 at 11:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
umakebrains (anonymous) says...
welfare has it's place, however who said all these women were on welfare, did i miss something? if you are not a part of the solution then you must be part of the problem. stop saying these gadsen green children, your child my be living in ion but have gadsden green tendencies.be careful of your comfort zone, because one slepps on 600 thread count sheets and one sleeps on no sheets at all doesn't mean they won't wake up thinking the same thing.. Live in the real world people
February 28, 2008 at 12:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
umakebrains (anonymous) says...
ignorance is the only course you can take and make a peferct score without studying.
February 28, 2008 at 12:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zyvin (anonymous) says...
Why is it that people that live in public housing keep reproducing at the rate of rabbits, anyway? Once you become supported by the state you should be spayed or neutered. :)
February 28, 2008 at 7:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
icbmman (anonymous) says...
>>PalmettoMan wrote: icbmman,
Still trolling the site and stalking me, I see.<<
PM, if anybody is trolling on this site, it's you. You've done nothing but spew vile statements, judging every single person who has proclaimed to have a logical opinion about this issue.
You can continue living in your own warped reality...what you forget is that you've made a pretty ugly name for yourself with what you've posted. And I will continue to call you out for all the bulls--t you produce. You have reaped what you've sown...deal with it!
February 28, 2008 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ticket3477 (anonymous) says...
palmetto man...I dont think you know what a sociopath is...pull your head out of your ***...actually no...keep going...I need a good laugh today.
But your God and scripture arguement is seriously lacking. These people are leeches...they need a good hard kick in the *** so they can step into the reality the rest of us who work live. You know...I would love to quit my job and suck the life out of every hard working american but Im not a dumbass so I dont. These people have multiple babies to get more money from hard working tax payers. Its just pathetic...
Cedar...I know you need a highschool degree...I was just trying to put some kind of a positive spin on their options for jobs...alas...theres really no help for the socially retarded and lazy. They know they can live for free off of tax payers and they will continue to do it.
February 28, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
follyb (anonymous) says...
Received this email today...how appropriate!!
THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER
TRADITIONAL VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.
MORAL OF THE STORY: Be responsible for yourself!
*MODERN VERSION:
The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.
The grasshopper thinks the ant is a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.
Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.
CBS, NBC, PBS, CNN, and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food. America is stunned by the sharp contrast.
How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?
Kermit the Frog appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing, 'It's Not Easy Being Green.'
Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, 'We shall overcome.' Jesse then has the group kneel down to pray to God for the grasshopper's sake.
Nancy Pelosi, John Kerry & Harry Reid exclaim in an interview with Larry King that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and both call for an immediate tax hike on the ant to
make him pay his fair share. Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity and Anti-Grasshopper Act retroactive to the beginning of the
summer! The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government. Hillary gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent we lfare recipients.
The ant loses the case.
The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.
The ant has disappeared in the snow.
The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once peaceful neighborhood.
MORAL OF THE STORY:
Be careful how you vote in 2008.
February 28, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
TO FOLLY B:
SO YOUR ROLE ON THE COMPUTER IS WHAT? TO BE THE SNAKE THAT EATS THE GRASSHOPPER,ANT,OR THE SPIDER, OR THE JACKASS THAT KICKS THE BUCKET WAITING FOR THAT STORM TO KNOCK YOUR HOUSE DOWN. SO YOU CAN HAVE A BIGGER HOUSE TO CRITIZE FROM?
February 28, 2008 at 12:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
TO VYVIN:
WELL!!!!!! WHY YOUR MAMA DIDN'T DO THAT TO YOU CAUSE THAT STATEMENT WAS VERY IGNORANT!!!!!
AND IF YOU ARE TRYING TO ASSUME THAT GOOD PEOPLE DON'T COME FROM LOW IMCOME AREAS, THAN YOU ARE THE DOG OR CAT(CATCH MY DRIFT (THE CAT) THAT NEEDS TO BE SPAYED.
February 28, 2008 at 12:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
THE-MOUTH-OF -SOUTH:
LIFE MUST BE NICE WHEN YOU CAN BE UP AT 6:21 AM TYPING NEGATIVE THINGS IN HERE. OKAY AT 5 AM YOU WERE JUST COMING OUT YOUR LOCAL GAS STATION WITH FOUR CUPS OF COFFEE,TWO DOUGHNUTS,TWO BAGELS, A CUP OF O.J. DON'T FORGET THE CREAM CHEESE, A BUCKET OF BUTTER, A NEWSPAPER OH MY BAD, YOU PROBRABLY GET THAT FOR FREE TO AVOID PAYING READY FOR THAT BIG WORD,,,,,, TAXES. BUT I'LL WRITE YOU BACK WHEN YOU GO BACK TO THE STORE FOR YOUR HEAP OF SNACKS. (DON'T FORGET TO BUY THE HO-HO'S AND THE DING DONGS) AS A MATTER OF FACT,,,,
JUST JUMP IN THE BAG OR GET IN YOUR OWN BOX!!!!!!!(CHEEZITS)
February 28, 2008 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
truth_hurts_32 (anonymous) says...
DEAR HIGH CLASS:
IT'S PEOPLE LIKE YOU WHO MAKE ME SICK!!!! YOU MIGHT BE THE SAME ONE COMING IN THE LOW INCOME HOUSING LOOKING FOR YOUR FUTURE MAN. I WISH IGNORANT PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF WOULD THINK OF SOMETHING TO DO WITH YOURSELVES THAN JUDGING THESE MOTHERS WHILE EATING A CUCUMBER AND WATERCRESS SANDWICH AND ASKING YOUR NANNY TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CHILDREN!!!!!!!!
February 28, 2008 at 1:48 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ticket3477 (anonymous) says...
yikes...
cucumber and watercress sandwiches are pretty nasty...
February 28, 2008 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
voice_of_reason_411 (anonymous) says...
Good morning to you all,
I read some of these comments a couple of days ago and wanted to respond, however then was not the time, now is. You know sometimes there is a time for us to speak and other times when we need to keep our mouths shut.
First, I must say many people quote the word of God and so many people take it out of context. Some may use one verse and make it to fit a situation, but you must ask yourself who and what those scriptures were for at the time and the situation that was involved. Did you know there are 6 things the Lord HATES, yes I said hate, but 7 are an abomination unto him: (Proverbs 6:16-19)
1. a proud look
2. a lying tongue
3. hands that shed innocent blood
4. a heart the devises wicked imaginations
5. feet that be quick in running into mischief
6. a false witness that speaks lies
7. he that sows discord (tension) among brethren
I say this to say that GOD loves all. He has no respect of persons (which means he shows no favoritism- what he does for me, he will do for others).
Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged and with what measure you meet, it shall be measured to you again. And why beholds you the mote that is in your brother's eye, but consider not the beam that is in you own eye? Or how will you say to your brother, Let me pull out the mote out of your eye and behold a beam is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of your own eye, and then shall you see clearly to cast out the mote out of your brother's eye. (Matthew 7: 1-5)
Now to Ms. Clinton, God loves you, sweetie you have no idea. He is ready to bless you BEYOND your imagination. "But it is written, Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have it entered into the heart of man, the things in which God has prepared for them that love him." (1Cor 2:9) You love him and yes, you have accepted him as your Savior and your PAST is forgiven and forgotten. (Washed in the blood of our LORD) ALL OF IT!!!! Now the only thing is you need to forget it. You have a long road around of you, because this is just the beginning. You will have to make decisions that will be hard, because you have a giving heart. You always give to others and put yourself last, well now it is time GOD wants you to put him first and all other things will come into place. There is a major decision you have to make, and I will write you later on that, however like I said before there is a time to say something and a time to keep shut. Right now you need to reread this comment and mediate on the words. Read the scripture addressed to you. (1Cor 2:9). Ms. Clinton, I will place a comment later this evening, DO NOT WORRY OR READ the others, some are negative and those words are not speaking life. DO NOT READ THEM. You will be tempted but look for this screen name. I promise you GOD will never let you down.
May the Grace of our Lord and Saviour be WITH YOU ALL!!!!!
February 29, 2008 at 7:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ticket3477 (anonymous) says...
Palmetto man...
am i online at 3 in the morning ranting and raving?...No...I dont think so. I actually only go out once a week because Im not bitter and old...but responsible and smart! That "mental disorder" you speak of is all in your head buddy...so maybe its you who needs to see a psychiatrist and get out all of the rage you have.
I have no sympathy for anyone thats trying to live off of my or anyone elses dollar. I have a job for a reason...to support myself and my family that I will have one day. I save money, pay my mortgage (yes...i own a house and im much younger than you are), and pay all of my bills. I dont ask for a handout from anyone. These people are lazy and you know that and you are mad because you know that you are wrong. If they put half the effort they put into having 7 or more kids they would have better jobs and not be in this mess.
You need to grab on to reality and hold on tight or maybe start a career as a comedian because seriously...your comments crack me up! I normally dont smile that much early in the morning so thanks!
But if you must...you must...Dont get your panties wound up because the rest of us are logical and intelligent. Call it an affliction but Id rather be afflicted with common sense and a drive to succeed than be afflicted with a god complex and living in government assisted housing and popping out kids simply to increase my income.
February 29, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Roger1978 (anonymous) says...
So what do we have to do to get the rest of this place evicted so we can build some condos?
February 29, 2008 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ptmama73 (anonymous) says...
GO TO www.charlestoncounty.org and look the mothers' up on the clerk of cour web site - LYNCHING, ASSAULT AND BATTERY. ENOUGH PITY ALREADY. Kids learn by what they live.
March 3, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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