S.C. again most violent state
Charleston County sheriff says he's not surprised
South Carolina suffered more violent crime than any other state last year, matching its dismal performance in the FBI's annual report for the second year in a row.
As in 2006, only the District of Columbia fared worse in the Bureau's Crime in the United States report released Monday. In 2007, violent crime in the Palmetto State increased 5 percent to 34,746 reported incidents, or 788 per 100,000 people. That's compared with 33,078 in 2006.
The national rate in 2007 was 467 crimes per 100,000 people.
As for property crimes, which increased 2.7 percent, the state trailed only Arizona and D.C.
Charleston County Sheriff Al Cannon has grown accustomed to seeing the state do poorly in crime rates and other indicators of social well-being. He thinks a shortage of criminal justice funding is to blame, as well as the failure of institutions such as the church, family and schools.
"If you look at the number of police officers killed in the line of duty, the South has led in that area as well," Cannon said. "I'm not sure I know why that is. It's probably a combination of factors."
Previous story
S.C. most violent state; Palmetto State surpassed only by Washington, D.C., published 09/25/07
The FBI's violent crime figures combine figures for murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery and aggravated assault.
The number of killings in South Carolina was high but not among the top states. It ranked fourth, behind Louisiana, Maryland, Alabama and New Mexico. The number of slayings here dropped slightly to 352 from 359 in 2006, giving the state a rate of eight per 100,000 people.
The District of Columbia's total was far higher than any state, with 181 slayings last year, or almost 31 for every 100,000 of the capital's inhabitants.
In the Lowcountry, North Charleston was the agency with the most homicides, with 26, followed by the city of Charleston with 15.
The Palmetto State ranked near the middle in robberies, and near the bottom of the top quarter for forcible rapes.
What pushed South Carolina higher than other states was the number of aggravated assaults, which includes everything from a non-fatal shooting to a beating. Its total of 597 per 100,000 people last year was an increase of 2.9 percent over the year before, the highest anywhere outside Washington, D.C.
While the FBI statistics can be useful indicators, they should be viewed with skepticism, said Jeff Rojek, assistant professor at the University of South Carolina's Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice.
"It's not that they're of no value," Rojek said, "but just understand that it has flaws."
The FBI cautions against using the tables for exact comparisons of different communities.
The Post and Courier
FBI Crime Stats 2006-2007
The standards for reporting offenses varies from department to department, Rojek said. Also, some crimes, such as homicides, are widely reported. Others, such as robberies, aren't reported as often, especially if the victim has reasons to steer clear of the law.
Though vehicle thefts were lower in South Carolina than in many Western states, burglaries were higher than in any states apart from North Carolina, Arkansas and Louisiana. South Carolina, with 188,282 thefts reported in 2007, trailed only Hawaii.
Joel Sawyer, press secretary for Gov. Mark Sanford, said the report indicates that funding for the state's criminal justice system needs attention.
Last month, South Carolina's Budget and Control Board ordered 3 percent across-the-board cuts on already squeezed state agencies, such as Highway Patrol, Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services and the Department of Corrections.
The governor favors targeted cuts.
"It's a very unfortunate reminder that we need to do a better job at the state level, prioritizing our law-enforcement needs," Sawyer said.
Reach Noah Haglund at 937-5550 or nhaglund@postandcourier.com.
E-mail this story
Printer-friendly version
Comments
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Hey it's first in something!!! Yehaw!! I'm so proud. Sniff.
We only took a distant 4th in murder though; glad to see the aggravated assaults carried us over the top!! What a team player.
Then they pay cut the LEOs and the citizens scream about gas price gouging. It's no wonder.
September 16, 2008 at 1:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chucktonian (anonymous) says...
If you subtract the crackheads and gangbangers killing each other, SC may be one of the safest states
September 16, 2008 at 1:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
I was at the Charleston County Sheriff's Office yesterday conferencing on a case and I was genuinely taken aback by the outdated physical condition and lack of space in that facility.
Charleston finally comprehended the need for a new jail -- wow -- then they seem mystically unaware of any duty to upgrade the working facilities of the Sheriff's Office -- DUH!
PS://
I know the difference between a reason and an excuse -- so no one needs to waste any time on funding excuses.
September 16, 2008 at 4:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lillycollette (anonymous) says...
Thank you for this story Mr. Haglund.
September 16, 2008 at 4:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
It all reverts back to the welfare state that we are in. DHHS paying welfare Moms to have kids they can't afford nor do a lot of the moms even care.
Start with revamping the welfare system. Make the fathers of these kids pay the medical expenses and the cost of raising these kids. The taxpayers should not have to pay for this crap!
I would much rather have my tax money support law enforcement and the education system than the mismanaged welfare system!
September 16, 2008 at 5:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
"chuck" & "sig" right on. Lets break it down even further though and see what's really at play here. People don't want you looking at the welfare numbers and how they relate to crime or the single mother issue and how it relates. But folks they all do.
Look at our schools the poorest, the ones receiving the most free lunches are the worst in behavior and the worst in test scores. It carrys on in their adult life too.
September 16, 2008 at 6:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
USC_Alumni (anonymous) says...
Judging by some of the comments posted; I can now see why South Carolina is last in education and first in crime. Y'all can't see the forest because of the tress or touch the water because of the ocean.
September 16, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
lowcountrydawg (anonymous) says...
This shouldn't surprise anyone...turn on the local news...what's the first 10 minutes of the news cast devoted to? "Someone was shot, somebody got robbed, etc..." There are too many laws to protect the suspects, so they make bail and are able to run free willy, nilly...
September 16, 2008 at 6:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
it's the judges that keep letting these violent criminals out time and time again
how many times have we heard about some violent criminal that was out on bail for alleged murder, attempted murder or rape only to do the deeds a couple more times while walking the streets waiting for a court date??
it's absolutely ridiculous...
and they need to unload the jails from deadbeat dads and moms to make room for real criminals... just make the deadbeats work and garnish their wages, many already had decent jobs you could have garnished from, but lost them when you yanked them off of the streets for child support rather than yanking the violent criminals off of the streets
the feds need to quit paying the local govt's for this stupid crap
September 16, 2008 at 6:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
When guns are outlawed by the democrats, only police and other criminals will have guns!
September 16, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Riptide (anonymous) says...
I can see why the liberals are getting upset. There is a lot of crack heads, junkies, gang bangers, illegal aliens getting killed. They're all potential Obama voters.
September 16, 2008 at 6:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wonderdog (anonymous) says...
Well said, jammer. I would also add that many of the crimes are criminal vs. criminal. How many times do they publish the photo of a murder victim, and the photo is a mug shot? Lock up the violent criminals and keep them there, and the crime rate goes down. The judicial system fails us again and again.
September 16, 2008 at 7:04 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
karmann (anonymous) says...
It is, unfortunately, in our nature to do harm to each other. Selfishness, greed, not willing to follow rules: these are what seems to drive most people. I wonder what would happen if just these three things changed in the hearts of everyone?
September 16, 2008 at 7:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
LocalHero (anonymous) says...
But we're the most polite!
September 16, 2008 at 7:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
I can tell you this. Three years ago there were 103 murders in the tri county area, 97 committed by those that call themselves minorities! That's not racist it's a fact. Most locals won't talk about about it and if you do you're a racist. So just keep your collective heads in the sand and it won't bother you. Providing Government housing for unwed mothers with ten kids is not the answer. If we were serious about stopping it we wouldn't allow people who can't care for themselves to have multiple offspring. Most murderers and violent criminals are the offspring of guess what? Murderers and violent criminals. Tax the heck out of parents with children and you'll see a marked drop in the low income birth rate which is where this problem manifests itself!
September 16, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
Yeah, LocalHero...I know most muggings start with the words, "PLEASE give me your wallet, mofo!"
Most Polite...too good!
September 16, 2008 at 7:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Allegedly, we are the most polite city in the US, DoaMM. Where else can you go and have someone ask you "Would you like for me to kick your azz?" Lol Seriously though, it sucks that we're first at something and it had to be this.
September 16, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
msplacedinsc (anonymous) says...
South Carolina is ruled, governed, & policed by the Republican party but a couple of (NATIVE & RIPTIDE) folks think the liberals are to blame. Every freaking day stupid people get up and never look in their GOP mirror in this state? You vote for people who stand up at election time and say the word GOD and you run each other over to get to the polling booth to vote for them.
We live is piss-poor, no money state! That is the dam truth. Before you start pointing the finger at women who have 10 children cause it's their fault or illegal people in this country, blame the people who say every 4 years that we are working for each citizen in this state. Politicans!! The very people who go to Columbia and do nothing for us!
September 16, 2008 at 8:24 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
msplacedinsc (anonymous) says...
Spanker, USC Alum, Thewexler, thank you for having common sense and a educated views. We need it so badly in this state? A mind is a terrible thing to waste?
September 16, 2008 at 8:37 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tigerrecord (anonymous) says...
Spankerbuns:
Why don't you, before you go off on another baseless, factless, Obama, Messiah driven rant blaming republicans with no actual solutions of your own give us a breakdown of who represents the highest crime areas.
I for one can tell you I specifically remember a radical liberal in the downtown area who represented that area who was involved in the crime itself. Kwadjo much? Where's Mr. Ford when you need him? How about North Charleston districts, columbia districts? Democrats or Republicans?
What about their local governments that enforce the municipal code? Or, what the hell am I thinking? Were their parents evil republicans that caused them to forget there are laws? It starts there, ends there. Its not my responsibility to make sure someone grows up a responsible citizen by spending my tax dollars on them. If I have to pay more, can I choose what we do with it. Specifically, can I just go ahead and put the dumb people in jail? There going to end up back there, we might as well just keep them there.
Point the finger all day long my friend, if it wasn't for the pork-barrel spending Sanford tried to eliminate, maybe our state would have some reasonable funds to help on these issues.
This is why Obama will never be president. It's the, what about me and my problems, attitude.
September 16, 2008 at 8:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
SC new motto...."Battered Faces, Beautiful Places"
September 16, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
I told you they would call me a racist! How you figure the GOP is to blame totally confounds me. Do you really think the crime rate will drop if the Dems are in charge. Well maybe it will because they will probably excuse the offenders as social misfits and turn them loose thus no crime. It would be interesting if we could see the rap sheets for all the children of mothers on welfare. I'll bet that would be an eye opener! Before you get your panties wadded up, I didn't say all wellfare mothers are guilty and just that this is the root of the problem and a good place to start. Whites brought into this world in poverty are just as likely to be offenders as blacks. It's just that so many young women seem to see having a baby as liberating yet in real life it's just the opposite! Learn responsibility then learn to nuture.
September 16, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
The last word should have been nurture! Now I'm an ignorant racist!
September 16, 2008 at 8:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MsPiggy (anonymous) says...
Makes you proud to live in South Carolina!
September 16, 2008 at 8:58 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Here same data for you tough on crime people...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:US...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:In...
September 16, 2008 at 9:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
Yeah Wexler, we can be just like DC, no means to protect ourselves from the criminals.
It's Dem battle cry, everything is the GOPs fault. It's easier than thinking. Besides, it's all the thinking they do. It's easier to point blame then to try and fix things. Little kids do that.
Oh and guidedbystewart, no more emails. I can read your victimized responses on here quite well.
Yeah spankerbuns responds with a well timed racist comment when you point out facts. It really encourages a healthy discussion. If your skin is that thin spanky, maybe you should go visit the Disney website or something. It's a conditioned response when you point out something negative about blacks, Hispanics. They can't help themselves. Say something negative about Barackstar and see how fast they tag you a racist.
No wonder all discussion about crime, racial issues and drug problems get sidelined so fast. The thin skinned left and minorities(they are minorities when the victim tag is needed and fill-in the blank Americans when they are proud). They make stymie dialouge then whine about why nothing gets done. They prefer the nanny state where someone tells you the what whys and wherefores.
September 16, 2008 at 9:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
Just for fun let's look at the population growth of our Country.
1700 250,000
1800 5,300,000
1850 23,200,000
1900 76,200,000
1950 161,300,000
2000 291,400,000
2050 450,000,000 projected
As you can see our population doulbles every fifty years and the lower the income the higher the birth rate!
My fishing hole is going to be very crowded by 3000. You don't hear either party talking about this do you?
September 16, 2008 at 9:23 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
msplacedinsc (anonymous) says...
Jimmy Crack Boy,
Please tell us educated, open minded folks what's the Rebuplican Code of Life here in South Carolina? Help us understand you folks?
If we have to live amongst you, then we need to understand you and if you don't know go ahead and lie and make whatever sh_t up cause it ok with John & Sarah?
September 16, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Posted by sig on September 16, 2008 at 5:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It all reverts back to the welfare state that we are in. DHHS paying welfare Moms to have kids they can't afford nor do a lot of the moms even care.
Start with revamping the welfare system. Make the fathers of these kids pay the medical expenses and the cost of raising these kids. The taxpayers should not have to pay for this crap!
I would much rather have my tax money support law enforcement and the education system than the mismanaged welfare system!
---
Amen to that.
September 16, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Just for fun let's look at the population growth of our Country.
1700 250,000
1800 5,300,000
1850 23,200,000
1900 76,200,000
1950 161,300,000
2000 291,400,000
2050 450,000,000 projected
As you can see our population doulbles every fifty years and the lower the income the higher the birth rate!
My fishing hole is going to be very crowded by 3000. You don't hear either party talking about this do you?
-- Have you ever read Thomas Malthus?
September 16, 2008 at 9:51 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
GuidedbyStewart, I looked at the websites you posted for the statistics. If you look at the US incarceration rate on the timeline it starts to go up almost exponentially by 1980. That was about the same time that the drug war really got into full swing.
I think the war on drugs and the mandatory sentencing laws for drug offenders, many of whom haven't committed a violent crime but have only been arrested for possession, are the main reason why the incarceration rate is so much higher. We have got to rethink the nation's policy on drugs if we want to really reduce crime.
September 16, 2008 at 9:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IOP4ME (anonymous) says...
Last in education and first in violent crime. I bet if you looked at those two statistical graphs by state in inverse, they would be directly proportional. How much more evidence do we need to convince state lawmakers to do something about the educational system?
September 16, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Thanks Newt.
September 16, 2008 at 10:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"Posted by jammer on September 16, 2008 at 6:48 a.m."
"Posted by James_Crackcorn on September 16, 2008 at 7:24 a.m."
"Posted by ColdBeer on September 16, 2008 at 9:16 a.m. & 9:17 a.m."
These are of the few comments that actually addressed this issue and offered very real solutions.
wpc3iop, crankyyankee, tigerrecord, urgatorbait, et al: As soon as an article mentions crime and/or race y'all are quick to comment on how "minorities" are the primary causes of societal ills. You are quick to point out the flaws of the Black and Hispanic races. Y'all are quick to point out how slothful, ignorant, amoral and otherwise a complete drain on American society (I paraphrase since y'all generally don't use such big words but you get my drift) 'we' are.
What you are not so quick to do is offer real solutions. Occasionally y'all throw out the conservative buzz words & phrases; 'let's get tough on crime', 'end welfare', 'sterilize them' etc.
Y'all are obviously convinced that 'they' are to blame for MOST of the societal ills y'all have to face.
What do you suggest be done to those who are causing you so many problems, costing you so much money, giving you so much grief? Many of you want to deport the illegals (I concur) but what of the Blacks & Hispanics who are born here? What do you propose be done with the rest of us oops I mean them?
Far be it for me to call anyone a bigot or racist simply because they quote statistics compiled by LE agencies. As james_corn so eloquently puts it "stats cannot be racist - they are what they are". I'm sure you people have minority friends, co-workers & neighbors. I'm sure you people don't consider yourself prejudiced because you support Colin Powell, Condi Rice and Clarence Thomas. I mean there are always exceptions to 'the rule' right?
So what do you suggest we do with all of these Blacks & Hispanics that have become the epitome of the degeneration of our great American society?
I'm just curious:
BTW, Please spare me and the rest of the posters your normal vitriolic insults towards me. They don't sway me and only make you seem extreme and unintelligent.
September 16, 2008 at 10:17 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Coldbeer,
Good post, but are you aware that without anything for prisioners to do during the day, that it causes insanity. Then the government has to house the crazy ex-prisoners?
September 16, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
I just can't get over the fact that people really think that this is a problem republican or democrat alone can solve.Do you think the thugs in the ghetto are into politics?They could give a crap less.Like magically crime will go away if a democrat is in office or vice versa.ColdBeer hit the nail in the head with his post.But the ACLU would never let it happen.There as a recent story where a lard azz(I believe 400 plus lbs) was in prison for murder and he's suing the jail because he's lost weight his first year in.BTW the prison responded by saying they get an average of 3000 calories a day!I also have to disagree with any birth control PILLS being given out without parents permission.They are a drug that has side effects and parents need to know what to look for.Not to mention I wouldn't rely on a child to take a pill at the exact time of day each and every day.
September 16, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
iceman,
You are always an intelligent and rational voice to the P&C posts, even when I disagree with you I can see where you are coming from. You are usually very pragmatic with your answers, standing ovation!
September 16, 2008 at 10:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Thanks stewart. Maybe I need to run for office? I'm not old enough yet. Maybe in about 20 years.
September 16, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCHoser (anonymous) says...
Nothing will change the way society is going. It's not a political solution at all-that has to be the dumbest thing I have heard or read! One of the biggest and most positive changes we can make is in the home. We are inundated with violence, sex and drugs 24/7. You can't hardly turn the television or radio on without seeing/hearing decay and decadence. It is promoted to our young teens through all the raunchy programs on various channels. It is promoted to our children through cartoons now. As parents, it is our job to monitor this. But, instead, we have people who let their kids worship pos degenerates such as Madonna, Brittany Spears, Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Doggy Dog-wtf?-flavor flave or whatever the hell this idiot calls himself, and the list goes on and on. Even commercials spew filth! What the hell does a bikini clad woman have to do with internet-Go Daddy.com? As a society, we are failing our children, who in turn fail us. Until we stop this bombardment, things will not change and will only get worse. So keep pointing fingers and blaming everyone else, that is not the answer and couldn't be farther from a solution.
September 16, 2008 at 10:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cfrulla1 (anonymous) says...
COLDBEER FOR PRESIDENT........
oh and please explain to me what politics has to do with someone killin people or selling dope or raping people....and yes its a fact that the majority of all the crime committed in the lowcountry is by "minorities"..you dont have to be a genius to know this
get a life all you bleeding heart liberals, and stop using Republicans as the scapegoat for our countries problems...lets see longer prison sentences, NO parole,extremely higher bonds, and no fun in jail,....you'll see less crime then
September 16, 2008 at 10:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
stephaniem (anonymous) says...
Newt, you always sound well educated on this board
I did notice Al Cannon stating this, "failure of institutions such as the church, family and schools"
We have more churches down here than any place in the US I have visited. It would be better to have a few large church with youth programs and multiracial diversity than a small family run one that teaches "us vs outsiders".
I also notice a lack of classical music down here. Most schools don't have an orchestra. I remember when I lived in DC, I felt bad about making C/D's in pre-algebra but kept looking forward to class even though middle school was tough. We also need more art programs. Drawing and theatre allows people to express bottled up emotions in a positive way and become more productive in society.
September 16, 2008 at 10:48 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettywoman2457 (anonymous) says...
Great post ColdBeer!!
September 16, 2008 at 10:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
how many veterans of war are violent?
I wonder... don't worry, I am open to correction, as I'm only speculating. I speculate that after returning from war, and having to use violence in action, these soldiers come home and are likely to repeat...
September 16, 2008 at 10:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Now this makes me feel good. {sarcasm}
I live in SC and work in DC.
I must be nuts!
September 16, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
stephaniem, I grew up going to the symphony and the opera. I also enjoy listening to jazz. There's another type of music that's called "chillout" or "jazz fusion" that's pretty good. Here's a link to a youtube video of an Ella Fitzgerald mix that's pretty good.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRWJub...
September 16, 2008 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
glevans (anonymous) says...
I am not surprised at all. Charleston used to be a safe, caring and kind place...but all that has changed. I used to feel safe walking around our old neighborhood at night now there are drugs and prostitution everywhere in the area. And I have to laugh when I see those South Carolina commercials that ask "when was the last time you were called m'am instead of mom"....it doesn't happen like that anymore in South Carolina. I miss the old days when people really cared about each other now all they want to do is run you over, shoot you, stab you or cuss you out for trying to be nice. If my family wasn't still living there, I might never come back again. Next time I come, I am brining my handgun (which I am licensed to carry).
September 16, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pres...
the above says i'm wrong.
but, i'm still researching
September 16, 2008 at 11:08 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
512c (anonymous) says...
Maybe if drugs were legal, and people could walk around smoking a J while uploading the latest news paper article from a palm pod, we could just relax and make fobbles and sail them to eurasia while not fearing pirates (only waves) the world would be a little more peaceful
September 16, 2008 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BulldogTLC (anonymous) says...
I didn't have time to finish reading all of this, but this one caught my attention:
"Pay living wages, level the playing field and reduce poverty and crime rates will come down." - spankerbuns
Really???? Sounds like socialism at its best. Why don't the people in poverty do something to advance themselves in life. There are grants to go back to school, there are students loans. What is stopping them from climbing out? The opportunities are there, they are just too lazy to take advantage of them because it would actually require some work on their part. I think it time that the welfare system start deducting for births rather than giving more money. It's time that the recipients of welfare be required to attend job training and become contributing members of society. The welfare system is a joke as it stands now!
September 16, 2008 at 11:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
xdrfox (anonymous) says...
ONLY FOURTH...WONDERFUL !
September 16, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BulldogTLC (anonymous) says...
If you raise the minimum wage, you just raise the number that poverty begins at. You are not supposed to work for minimum wage your whole life. Set goals for yourself and work your way out.
September 16, 2008 at 11:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
msplacedinsc (anonymous) says...
Jimmy_Likes_Crack
Are you still searching for the creed of the GOP? Here's a suggestion go to the life and times of Richard M. Nixon, I'm sure you'll find it there? He was a great spokes person for your clan?
September 16, 2008 at 11:59 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
Posted by iceman1978 on September 16, 2008 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Posted by sig on September 16, 2008 at 5:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It all reverts back to the welfare state that we are in. DHHS paying welfare Moms to have kids they can't afford nor do a lot of the moms even care.
Start with revamping the welfare system. Make the fathers of these kids pay the medical expenses and the cost of raising these kids. The taxpayers should not have to pay for this crap!
You need to get your facts correct. DHHS doesn't pay mom's to have kids!! If what you are referring to is the F&I check a single mother gets let me advise you that in order to receive F&I, they must have a job, along with being enrolled in school, and have regular counseling meetings with their case worker. While this is going on, DHHS is filing papers on the father for child support payments, which ONCE DECIDED BY THE JUDGE ON AN AMOUNT, is then sent to the mother at DHHS at their desire. Let it be noted, that this child support check is not REGULAR. The mother's F&I check amount fluctuates with this, as does her Food Stamps benefits. Now, for all you bitter people, no, my kids nor myself receive F&I checks. We all work full time jobs and pay our taxes. But unlike some of you, we realize that people make mistakes and could use a lending hand now and then. We don't agree that they should just be HANDED A CHECK EACH MONTH, which never happens at all...like many of you on here post about. Get real!! You posters sound jealous of them for qualifying but It's not a great life of luxury, and the money is barely enough to pay rent and utilities for most of these mothers. AND dont holler that they can get free housing, because it is not easy available any longer and is always a waiting list of two years before you can qualify for that. I do agree with ColdBeer's post above about the automatic birth control at 12 yrs old. (My 11 yr.old granddaughter has been taught abstanance since she was 9 but we would like it to be available for her if we want it.)
I hope none of you "hater posters" ever need help.
September 16, 2008 at 12:01 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Newt-a-licious...hope you're feeling better bebeh!!
And to address the non-violent cons issue, I dont think a lot of them know that if they meet certain criteria, they can get some things exspunged off of their record. Not saying what they did was right in the first place but if you really want to make a fresh start, explore all the options.
And Miss Katrena, what is an F&I check? Never heard of it before.
September 16, 2008 at 12:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
eyfig,
How is pointing out statistics racist? Please tell me. They are what the are. How did I make a racist comment by pointing out the propensity of one side to yell racist when facts like the DOJ crime rates are pointed out?
I would assume you are calling me out as a racist for pointing out those DOJ figures and the hysteria normally generated when a white folk point sit out. Apologies.
September 16, 2008 at 12:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buzzinlikealdrin (anonymous) says...
Build the Sheriff a new facility.
Look how much things improved when we built a new facility for the School Board.
September 16, 2008 at 12:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
The prisons are full. We build more. They fill up. Our county jails are also full. We build more. They fill up. We have more people locked up per capita than nearly any state in the Union. Many of our police departments have very little regard for the rights of the accused. They're happy to threaten people to get confessions or evidence. They often fail to get search warrants or properly investigate. They know SC Juries are eager to convict. Our juries do find people guilty. We get lots of guilty pleas. Our Judges hand out long sentences. Our family court judges jail lots of people for not paying child support. We revoke driver's licenses, seize property and generally let the state do anything it wants to any person we regard as a possible criminal. The public cheers it on and regards the constitution and efforts to improve the quality of people's lives here are left wing delusions. The public wants to beat the daylights out of people and the state is happy to oblige.
If punishing people made a State safer, we should be on of the safest states in the US.
Evidently it's more complicated and SC isn't interested in complicated things, so let's elect politicians who can slam jail cell doors, wave the flag and dream of the day we get to shoot somebody.
So much for family values and the bible belt. Maybe the state can jigger the numbers around to show that someone is safter here and, by implication, it's Ok to kill, rob or attack everyone else.
September 16, 2008 at 12:49 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BulldogTLC (anonymous) says...
1. Newt, I'll say this slowly this time - Increasing the wage without them earning an increase is just like sending them a check. If you increase the minimum wage, you just raise the magic number that poverty starts at. You have not helped them at all.
2.How is someone with no (a)education and a (b)rap sheet suppose to get off minimum wage?
(a) This should be easy, get an education. There are so many programs out there that will help you go back to school, that this is no longer an excuse. (b) Stop doing things to get arrested. There are a lot of jobs out there that will hire you with a record.
September 16, 2008 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
sig (anonymous) says...
karenavantassle: Well let me see - the more kids you have the more aid you get from the government. Medicaid covers everything, food stamps for a single person with no kids is $176.00 per month, etc. It is not the childrens fault, but the irresponsible adults. The children need to be taken care of.
Yes there is a waiting list for the government houseing, but I personally know of 2 single moms who got in less than 8 months. I am not against helping anyone that helps thereself and I regularly volunteer to help these folks.
The court trying to get money out of these deadbeat dads is a joke in itself! I know of one dead beat dad who owes over $58000.00 in back child support in Virginia. But they will do nothing about it.
September 16, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
urgatorbait: please reread my post. consult with a friend regarding the big words and get back to me.
September 16, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BulldogTLC (anonymous) says...
If they are workig two to three jobs to make ends meet, they do not need to be having kids. That is being responsible. Actually, people who WANT out of poverty, make it out all the time. I know a lot of them. The solutions are very simple, but you have to WANT it. You have to be man or woman enough to make the right choices and be responsible for your own actions. You are correct, the education system does have it's trouble, but at the same time, there are brilliant people that come out of the public school system all the time because THEY put in the effort to make it. You cannot sit around and wait on someone else to fix every problem in your life. At some point you have to be responsible for yourself and your actions and take whatever steps necessary to get to where you want to be in life.
September 16, 2008 at 1:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"food stamps for a single person with no kids is $176.00 per month"
Wow, those bastards offered me $80 and I had 3 kids. What was I doing wrong? Plus I know senior citizens that get $10/month.
September 16, 2008 at 1:26 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
chucktonian (anonymous) says...
Last year, or maybe two years ago, the P&C ran a gallery of the mugshots of every murderer in the Charleston area. Except for all a few, ALL were non-white. Not racist, a fact. So, let's recap
If you're not black, not a gangbanger, don't use or sell crack, aren't an illegal alien and know who your BabyDaddy is, then you are in one of the safest states in America.
September 16, 2008 at 1:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
BulldogTLC (anonymous) says...
You have no idea who's shoes I've walked in, or did I miss the part about you knowing everything? I grew up in poverty and was surrounded by a lot of people that were getting into a lot of things. That is no excuse to continue the cycle. I walked a lot more than a mile in the shoes of poverty. It is as simple as making the right choices and making your life what you want it to be. It's not an easy road, but the road is there.
September 16, 2008 at 1:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
"If you're not black, not a gangbanger, don't use or sell crack, aren't an illegal alien and know who your BabyDaddy is, then you are in one of the safest states in America."
I'm sorry, I don't get it!
September 16, 2008 at 1:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
iceman1978 (anonymous) says...
Newt, You can't end poverty. You can minimize poverty and work to create a better economic climate for the growth of business and jobs, but there will always be poverty in society. Between the standards for what we define as poor and the inflation in the economy there are always going to be people who struggle. The key is to end the cycle of poverty so that those currently in poverty will have a better chance of getting out.
September 16, 2008 at 1:57 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
FortDorchesterMom (anonymous) says...
Education, education, education. Unfortunately, we are almost last in the nation for education.
Also, South Carolina is tough on their criminals...and I'm not sure which poster said something about taking away the cable T.V...but, in South Carolina state prisons, they don't have cable. If you want a T.V., you pay through the nose for it(with money from your family)otherwise you can watch the community T.V., which get's 2 channels. I'm not sure where the misconception that the prisons here are resorts came from, but they are far from it.
But, once again, if you get a decent education, your chances of getting a better job increase, along with the odds that you won't become a criminal to get by..thus, ending up in prison. It's a vicious circle..
September 16, 2008 at 2:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
J_C,
They are not racist, they are equal opportunity haters. They work hard to make sure no one gets the benefits they need.
September 16, 2008 at 2:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
Tammie....FI is the welfare check's name. (FAMILY INDEPENDANCE.)
http://www.state.sc.us/dss/fi/index.html
This link above is where you can find out about the FI Check.
I don't know about you but $176.00 a month for food comes to $40.00 a week, and these days you can't get much to eat for that. Colburg Milk is $6.00 a gallon now...and in my house we go thru at least 1 gallon of milk every two or three days. I know there must be some kind of special circumstances on the housing issue.I would like to see the day that someone doesn't judge another person because they are on state assistance and that they are not automatically labeled as someone's "baby mama"...and you know the DEAD BEAT DADs' in SC got it way too easy. I know someone who was owed thousands and never got a penny...her son is now over 21 and one time her son was critically injured in an accident and his biological father showed up from being out of the state for 10 years at the hospital..OF ALL THE NERVE...Boy was the bio-father lucky he didnt end up in the room next door!!! Talk about drama!!
September 16, 2008 at 2:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
FortDorchesterMom, I agree with you. I don't know where this luxurious prison perception came from. Prison is not a luxury. I've watched way too many horrible HBO documentaries to question that. They must be referring to Club Fed, where of course you have conjugal visits, are allowed to take pictures and have all sorts of leisure activities. But that's prison's primarily only for those who commit federal drug crimes or swindle people out of millions. I don't think prison is a deterrent, (or the death penalty for that matter). I'm sort of fatalistic in this approach, for most people, if they are going to commit a crime, they are going to do it, regardless of what the consequences *might* be. That's what makes them criminals and not ordinary people.
I agree with whoever said earlier, diminishing the amount of criminal and hence crime at its root is the only real solution. But that's a lot more complicated solution that working on HOW we punish criminals.
September 16, 2008 at 2:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
Pff $40 a week..my groceries come out to about 150 dollars every two weeks. And it's JUST me. When I was broke in college and grad school, I was eating pretty unhealthy because the cheapest food was also the unhealthiest. I know that's a completely different subject all together. But if I only had $40 a week for food, I'm not sure how I would make it.
I don't know if DSS is racist, but I have heard they are just horrible people who work against the people who actually need the system (which is a lot of people) and not with them.
September 16, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Lovely_One (anonymous) says...
I can feed a family of 8 on $150 every 2 weeks. You just have to limit your groceries to beans and rice and chicken with the occasional treat of mac n cheese and spaghetti.
Also, cook enough dinner to last at least 3 days and make sure you don't put more food on anyone's plate than they are capable of eating. Give them a minimal amount and if they are still hungry and want seconds, give them a little more.
And don't always go for the national brands. Try the store/off brands, they are cheaper and they normally taste just as good as the name brands. It's all about budgeting and being thrifty.
September 16, 2008 at 2:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
One more thing...if you are retired...you should be getting your social security check and a disability check if you are disabled, then you should qualify. The post above said her mother in law had to fight tooth and nail for food stamps...Maybe she was not eligible for them and that is why she didn't get Food Stamp Benefits. Its alot more to that story...as most posters don't tell all of the truth.
I do know that concerning education in SC, that most children in middle school have missed the prerequisites needed for success in middle school and then they get behind. Then they just give up on education period and end up dropping out altogether. And from then on they start hanging with bad crowds of other drop outs and start breaking the law ending up in jail. Thats right I said it, it all starts with the SC Education Dept failing to give the children what they need in School!! That is where the destruction cycle begins. Parents better make sure they are learning what they are supposed to and check their work daily so they will be prepared for middle school, which is the toughest years for children!!!
OK, last thing...whose fault is it that you are not prepared for your retirement? If you're disabled and can't work then you can get a disabililty check to live on... but if you just retired why do you think you deserve any assistance like Food Stamps? Maybe you need to go back to work. DUH?
That is why we have 401k's and IRA's.
September 16, 2008 at 2:55 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
well if thats ALL you get then yes it will be cheap...and trust me I had those days too, when i had little variety to my meals...just rice, chicken, cabbage (sooo cheap). But I was getting pretty sick of it. I guess I've been fortunately lucky to have variety.
But also Lovely, what about produce and dairy? Fruits and veggies can sometimes be pricey themselves and dairy is ALWAYS too expensive.
Also, I forgot to mention but I'm sure food, like everything else here is a lot more expensive than it may be in SC.
September 16, 2008 at 2:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
katrenavantassle (anonymous) says...
It is a real struggle to feed a family these days. I knew a woman who fed a family of four on $40.00 a week... but that was 1985.It is now 2008 and I spend $40.00 each time I visit the grocery store for just a few little things. Well "Everyone needs to go on diets anyways...American's are the most obese people these days"...maybe that is the reasoning behind the $176.00 a month Food Stamps??? I am mostly a vegetarian these days...as I live mainly on salads...occassionally a ground hamburger meat meal...I consider myself healthy as a horse... until I saw Richard Simmons last night on David Letterman. HE is 60 years old and has the thighs of a 25 yr old!! His skin looks terrific! Maybe all that exercise and jumping around like a speed freak works! I am going home and dragging out my copy of "Sweating to the Oldies!!!" Whoopeeeeee!!
September 16, 2008 at 3:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
katrena do most jobs over 401ks or IRAs? Honestly, I have no idea. My job does and my last job had its own administered pension fund, but I'm not sure if those retirement options are actually options for everyone.
Some people aren't prepared for retirement because they've just worked at OK wages their entire life. My parents are both preparing to retire and will both be drawing retirement from different jobs worked throughout their life as well as social security. In the end though, with growing cost for health care, it may not be enough , though they are lucky enough to have kids who are doing well enough to more than help them out. I know some people in their 50s who are STILL working, and will probably have to work until their backs literally give out because they've never been able to save enough money or work at a job that offered retirement benefits. It's just a fact of life for some. This is important because as the baby boomers (like my parents) get older, we will be face with the real dilemma of how to take care of our older generation, many of whom never made enough in their lives to support themselves.
September 16, 2008 at 3:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
I'll Try to address This The Best way I can.I worked during the Guiliani administration In the NYC Street Crimes Unit and a combination of things worked in NYC in regards to Violent Crime.
1)Active Agressive policework in Violent areas.
2)tracking violent crime on maps to identify problem areas(crime analysis)
3)aggressive on Minor crimes giving tickets(fines) for minor criminal offense to free up court and jail space.
4)plainclothes saturation teams in problem areas on Monthly basis with real unmarked cars that blend into the community to keep the bad guys guessing.(Could use seized vehicles under forfeiture laws)
5)Need manpower of handpicked agressive officers that know what they are doing.
6)need agressive and honest supervision of Unit.
7)Need accountability of Zone Commanders(Comstat)
8)Need a backing of the officers from Leadership and community.(combatting violent crime is not going to be easy to accomplish and Mistakes will be made)
9)Accurate and Up to Date analysis of Crime in the Low Country from all counties.
10)We need to free up jail space to House these violent criminals. (We could do this by garnishing wages of dead beat dads and seize any assets to pay their child support instead of jailing them. This would free up space and money).
11)Parole and probation should be abolished.
12) we should house violent criminals together in one jail.
13)Cooperation of agencies is a must.
14) We should apply for federal,State and Private Grants(Now Being #1 would be a good time to apply)
15)utilize reserve officer to work with Deputies to enhance manpower.
16)Have Court sessions More than once every 2 Weeks to alleviate stress on the system.
17)three strikes law is excellent for violent crimes .
18)Build Trust with the Community.(listen to community needs and acting on the information and letting them know the results)
19)educating the public with information on crime patterns in areas(working with crime Watch)
20)Award Ceremonies for Community and Police Officers to appreciate All the achievements.
21)Accountability for our actions and inactions or complaints by the community.
etc......
All this with the Proper safety,Equiptment,and resources for our officers as a priority.
Just a thought.
September 16, 2008 at 3:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I wonder how SC ranks on ignorance and close mindedness? JACKPOT!!!!
September 16, 2008 at 3:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
What are you even talking about RW? Countries like India DO have comparable crime rates. The crime rate is VERY bad in India. It's more than poverty, yes, but the countries with highest crime rates are usually the poorest. I believe the US (which is of course considered a rich country) has the highest crime rate of any industrialized nation, so I'm not sure what that even says about us.
September 16, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
RW: "Read THE BELL CURVE! Deficit intelligence is the real reason for these problems! Crime is cultural...and maybe genetic!"
Based on your 4:09 p.m. post and on several other posts related to your opinions of minorities, I AGAIN WILL ASK YOU THIS QUESTION:
Do you feel that non-Whites (Blacks & Hispanics in particular) are inherently inferior to Whites?
I've asked this question before and you've not answered me.
I challenge you to be as man enough to answer my question as when you think you are when making your normal comments on this site.
September 16, 2008 at 4:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Look, it is MR sees things in black and white RW, So which Bell Curve are you talking about? I am sure there are several variables that lead to violent crime, and poverty is a huge one. Some others could be single parented homes, a lack of a positive role models, perceived opportunity, education, and moral upbringing; I could really go on for days. If there is any our indication of incarceration rate, the reactive approach is not working. Really there is not an easy answer. Sure, if punishment is going to work as a deterrent, punishment needs to be swift, certain and severe, and fixing these certain principles could do wonders. Yet, being proactive, something I think North Charleston is trying with trying to involve leaders of the community, needs to take place. I also agree with iceman, that we need to stop this war on drugs. Most and I repeat most of the violent crimes that take place are drug related, or at least what one of my best friends, a detective on the CPD, says. Anyways, it is going to take changes in the laws, community involvement, vigilant law enforcement officers, better school, and yes, better paying job opportunities before we see crime improve. Again, as many on this site have called on energy reform, the three prong approach or even five prong approaches, the same approach could help with crime. I rarely comment on crime issues, because they are complicated, and not solvable from just the stereo typical knee jerk racist comments that usually appear on this site.
September 16, 2008 at 4:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Posted by SCdeacinNYC on September 16, 2008 at 4:28 p.m. (Suggest removal)
"What are you even talking about RW? Countries like India DO have comparable crime rates. The crime rate is VERY bad in India. It's more than poverty, yes, but the countries with highest crime rates are usually the poorest. I believe the US (which is of course considered a rich country) has the highest crime rate of any industrialized nation, so I'm not sure what that even says about us."
It is called a high disparity of wealth, very rich and very poor. Other places that have a high dipsarity of wealth also has high crime rates, such as other Latin American countries. Anyways I got to go.
September 16, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Really Jane? Really? I had no idea. I simply thought they were all squat, brown with dark hair!
WTFudge?
What is your point?
Maybe it's that you just want to make sure that the blonde hair blue eyed Hispanics aren't thrown into that equation; because if we do that, then neither you nor anyone else can substantiate the 'genetic causation for intelligence deficit'.
Hmmmm.
Though Hispanic people have a genetic link to Spain (whose actual citizens aren't all White) it must be those Black or Indigenous genes that overshadow the 'good' genes and create the intelligence deficit.
September 16, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Where did you read this publication? Was it printed by SS Reich Press?
September 16, 2008 at 4:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
I really got to go, I am sure RW's response to me will be really degrading with a homosexual comment and self gratuitous laugh, so save your time, I have already acknowledged it.
September 16, 2008 at 5:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
RW: You did not answer my question so that obviously answers the question of you being man enough to do so.
So, I'll ask it again:
DO YOU FEEL THAT NON-WHITES (BLACKS & HISPANICS IN PARTICULAR) ARE INHERENTLY INFERIOR TO WHITES?
Now RW I cannot think of anyway to put that question in simpler terms. I did however put in all-caps hoping it will do for you what yelling at blind person does.
September 16, 2008 at 5:04 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCdeacinNYC (anonymous) says...
guided:
Just about. The Bell Curve was a best-seller in the mid-1990s written my various psychologists and racial scholars. Fundamentally they tried to link intelligence to genetics and not environment and then to crime and maybe poverty. Many academics have since debunked their claims but it created a big brouahaha back in the day. They make underlying assumptions about intelligence and how it can be measured and base an entire book on that assumption and make some damaging assumptions on that.
If you want to find out more about the book and the debate the best resource may actually be wikipedia which sums up the debate and the book and has lots of credible links to people who agree and disagree with the research. I'm one of those people that thinks psychology is pretty much the least exact "science" out there, so any research that appears to be definitive is not impressive to me at all.
September 16, 2008 at 5:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
IPFreely (anonymous) says...
The way to end all the violent crime is to vote obama. He will give heath care to all and increased welfare money. This will make the impoverished rise up and go to school. They will get good jobs and make a decent wage. The gangbangers will put down their guns and sing koombiya my lord. Well thats not true but its funny. Crime will be here as long as we as a society will tolerate it.
September 16, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
IPFreely: that was the funniest post on this article. Unfortunately there are people who truly believe that.
Just as there are those who are deluded enough to believe that McCain/Palin will offer any REAL & SUBSTANTIATIVE change as well.
As long as the sheeple of both the Democratic and Republican party continue to vote along party lines as opposed to voting for REAL CHANGE, things will remain the same.
September 16, 2008 at 5:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ChrisPia (anonymous) says...
Cold Beer,When I wrote 3 strikes I hesitated...But Here is my Reasoning...These criminals are getting 5 years in Most states for violent crimes. They are out in 3.They go back in and are given 10 years are out in 7. They have a chance to change after 10 years in Prison. The 3rd time they can't say We didn't give them a Chance. It's Mandatory Life WITHOUT PAROLE.
I also left out that while in Jail If a Criminal Commits a Violent crime that causes Death it Should be an Mandatory Death Sentence after conviction.
I agree education and social issues are problems and need to be addressed.
September 16, 2008 at 5:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
"I did however put in all-caps hoping it will do for you what yelling at blind person does."
:) :) Don't know why but that is funny to me.
September 16, 2008 at 5:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
tc1: you ever met a blind person or watched someone be introduced to a blind person and they raise their voice like that is going to help matters?
see it all the time as a gag on t.v.
September 16, 2008 at 5:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tc1 (anonymous) says...
Yes, I got it, it was serious sarcasm but still funny to me. I need to read my posts before I press go. That is twice today I was not clear. (that I know of LOL)
September 16, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
WSMcDaniel (anonymous) says...
Again, I am not too suprised with the "debate" here. The story was how SC's FBI crime stats stood in comparison to other states.
S.C.'s approach to policing at the local and state level has always been this REGARDLESS OF WHATEVER PARTY WAS IN CHARGE: Policing is a patronage job, or for the simpletons who can't do anything else.
Contrast this to other places where it is considered a "profession."
I say this from the perspective of being a native Sandlapper and LEO.
You want to know why more LEO's get killed in the southeast as opposed to other more populous places in the country? It is because the public and the politicians expect you to be the violator's buddy, and don't have a clue about how the dynamcis of human interpersonal aggression work!
It ain't CSINCISSealTeam6Crimesceneunit fantasy like you see on T.V.
I call it fantasy, as I'd sooner expect a furry-footed hobbit to ride to a crime scene on the back of a fawn before I'd believe any of that.
Andy Griffith was fantasy when it was filmed in the 50's. Cops carried guns then for a reason.
Our justice system in this state is beyond broken. We have been on a definite "deprofessionalization" trend since about 1999. The public expects law enforcement to act as a primary point of contact for all government social services, and the politicians ride this to election each and every time.
As for me, I'll have to stick with reality. Doing the opposite can be lethal.
September 16, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
It just behooves me that no one could have a real answer to the problems our community faces. I think I have one. Why dont we let the police not go after all guys who "sag" their pants but instead use their time and resources to patrol these area where this crime is consistently happening. Why not take all the officers who patrol the market area downtown for parking violations at night and staurate them in the areas where there are crime problems. How about not using the officers to ticket open containers at the Art sponsered events and place these same officers in high crime areas.This would eliminate the need for extra resources since these same officers are already on duty;unless these violations are more important than drug dealing and shootings and burglary that exist on the other parts of our same communities. And please no one say that these communities dont want this protection from these thugs cause they will see this as racial profiling-They want these thugs gone worse than You. They live around this and only want a safe place to live. I am an expert on this cause as a younger black male I was also a apart of this criminal element and I have come to despise it and what it has done to my community. My comments are just a suggestion for us to make ALL OF OUR CITY SAFE!!
September 16, 2008 at 6:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dianed43 (anonymous) says...
some of the worst schools and now the most violent....why would any one want to live there. nice place to visit, glad i left. gov sanford should be proud of his state!!!
September 16, 2008 at 7:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
QUIT BLAMING GOVERNEMNT. That's the liberal way of thinking! Always thinking they can do a better job than the parents of raising Americas children. It's been touched on by CB, hold the parents accountable. (ASSUMING THERE ARE ANY?)
September 16, 2008 at 8:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kd (anonymous) says...
The high crime rate is a sign that we lack leadership in our community. We all know crime is tied to poverty.
GO OBAMA!
September 16, 2008 at 9:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
Posted by eyfig, "DO YOU FEEL THAT NON-WHITES (BLACKS & HISPANICS IN PARTICULAR) ARE INHERENTLY INFERIOR TO WHITES?"
Let me take a stab at this one. No I think blacks and hispanics are superior to whites as they would survive a collapse of our social structure that I believe most fat lazy whites wouldn't. This is why I think there is something grossly wrong with a whole race of superior people that seem content to whallow in mediocrity. That's what po's me every time I read about another capable individual choosing the wrong path. Let me ask you a question eyfig.
"Why do the majority of the minorities mentioned choose to do so litte with their abilities and opportunities?"
From what I've read of your posts you have a very high oppinion of yourself. I'd like to buy you for whart your worth and sell you for what you think you are worth! I could retire.
September 17, 2008 at 8:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
walterrhett (anonymous) says...
Jobs! Better paying jobs! Too many deadend, low paying jobs create a spiral of negative, crime options and fanasty thinking. Too many low wage jobs support dysfunctional families that provide no moral training or teaching. Too many jobs without real skills add to an atmosphere of trouble in neighborhoods where no one works. Add jobs! Stop crime!
September 17, 2008 at 9:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
RW & cranky: I have a mother who suffers from congestive heart failure and a myriad of other health problems. Generally I'm wrapped up in caring for her and my remaining child. Also with my community/educational service I'm unable to take a lot of time during the evenings to respond to you. I read your posts and chose to respond to you this morning.
You two are of no consequence to me. I certainly do not fear you and I know for a fact that my level of cognitive abilities far exceed ANYTHING that either of you have shown on this particular site. Not to say that either you may not be a molecular biologist minutes away from curing cancer, however, I only respond what you two posts so if you think I'm speaking down to you perhaps you need to evaluate what it is that you regularly post that would make me or anyone else perceive you to have a less than stellar level of intelligence.
RW, I went over your posts and I did not read a clearly defined question posed to me by you. In fact it took you several posts just to clearly and not-so-succinctly answer my question. But I thank you nonetheless for doing so. Also I did not try to put you on the 'defense'. If you had answered my question with a direct answer as opposed to spewing your normal "you're a poopy-head" responses, you wouldn't have felt you were on the defense. I guess I'm just lucky you didn't insult me with a homosexual reference.
Cranky: I'm worth more than any human being could possibly fathom, just as is everyone else on this earth (including you). No human being is worth more than the other. So your insult is meaningless. I am extremely intelligent. I do my level best to research before justifying any position I take either on this or any other forum. Though I may be a bit verbose in my responses, I am thorough and (except on rare occasions) respectful to those who truly wish to debate me on the issues.
September 17, 2008 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
CRANKY: To answer your question: ""Why do the majority of the minorities mentioned choose to do so litte with their abilities and opportunities?" I do not know why people in general choose to do the things that they do. There are a myriad of reasons/excuses I'm sure. However it is from my personal experiences that minorities are no more susceptible to making poor choices than whites. In an urban environment, especially here in the Charleston area, it would seem that minorities are more known if not prone to not excel either personally, academically or professionally.
However most people of color that I personally know are successful or are definitely on the path to success. Actually I know more Whites (professionally & personally) that are on a lower socio-economic scale than me and my minority counterparts. But unlike you I wouldn't deign pose a question about why Whites aren't doing well. As I don't see the failures of a segment of White society as an indictment of the entire race as you so obviously do.
In my travels across the country I saw many Whites who have failed to take advantage of the opportunities available to them. I lived for years in and near Appalachia where Whites lived as if they were sharecroppers. Drug/alcohol abuse, out-of-wedlock births, crime, academic apathy and failures. What I did see were generations of families not finding a way to break the cycle of poverty. I saw the same thing in Texas, Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. Conversely I would see pockets of affluence in NYC, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, Florida and Georgia (especially the Atlanta region) where all you would see are Blacks and Hispanics working and living well.
So I'm puzzled by your assertion that the MAJORITY of minorities are somehow failing. A large percentage? Perhaps. But the majority of minorities are working hard to make a good life for themselves and their families. Will that trend continue? I'm not sure. Subsequent generations may be adversely affected if this growing trend of young minority children in urban areas eschewing the educational/professional opportunities continues. If this trend of increased under aged births, dropping out of school and delving into criminal activities isn't abated there will definitely be a problem in a few decades.
Again, there are a myriad of reasons/excuses for personal failures. From my own experience I see lack of parental involvement by far being the greatest contributor to many of the adverse issues facing young people today. From my White neighbor in the 3000 sq. ft house with two BMWs in the garage whose 18 year old daughter just had a baby, to the Black woman from across town who because she had no education and is working two jobs and whose son is dealing drugs to earn 'fun' money his mom couldn't give him. Without parental involvement and supervision ANY child can go astray. And unfortunately there is no government program or law that can change that.
September 17, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
eyfig, you like so many caught up in emotion and perception did not quote me correctly and even tried to make my comment something it wasn't. I did not say that all minorities are failing, I said, "Why do the majority of the minorities mentioned choose to do so little with their abilities and opportunities?". The minorities mention were those that committ crimes. I didn't say only blacks fail, I didn't say all blacks, I said, "Why do the majority of the minorities mentioned choose to do so litte with their abilities and opportunities?". I don't know how I could be any more succinct but if you don't get it, you don't get it (or don't want to). It's very apparent that statistics and objectivity are not your bag. Blacks are only about 35% of the population of the Tri County area so when you look at the crime and education statistics it begs the question I originally asked. Bless your heart!
September 17, 2008 at 1:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
cranky: I knew EXACTLY what you were asking and I answered you. My response was as unemotional as this post I'm writing now. Nothing you've written has moved me to such an extent. So you are ASSUMING my emotional/mental status.
And YOU misquoted me, "So I'm puzzled by your assertion that the MAJORITY of minorities are somehow failing." I NEVER said you said ALL Blacks.
Interesting, you are doing just what you are accusing me of.
Please reread my post. I understand it WASN'T as succinct as your post but try not to SKIM.
September 17, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
Posted by crankyyankee on September 17, 2008 at 8:11 a.m.
"This is why I think there is something grossly wrong with a whole race of superior people that seem content to whallow in mediocrity."
This comment seemed like a generalization to me. "i.e. whole race"
"Why do the majority of the minorities mentioned choose to do so litte with their abilities and opportunities?"
Again, seemed like a generalization. You said "minorities mentioned" but did not refer to what/when/where mentioned. You NOW say "The minorities mention were those that committ crimes" however there was no way for me to ascertain that in your previous post.
"I'd like to buy you for whart your worth and sell you for what you think you are worth! I could retire."
Speaking of emotionality, you write that I'm not worth much. How would you know my worth? Your comments seems like you have an emotional personal axe to grind with me.
I hold no personal animosity towards you. I place you in the same category as several other posters on this site. If anything I find you amusing and enlightening. Just as I think as human beings we have evolved socially, I read your posts and am quickly put into my place.
If anything I should be grateful and THANK YOU for challenging me and starting my day off with a bang. You are as great as a strong cup of coffee!
Gracias Señor crankyyankee! Gracias!
September 17, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
eyfig, it's the capitalist republican in me that makes me want to skim! I don't think any one person could answer the question I asked you, so maybe it wasn't a fair inquiry. I don't think I'm a racist, I pretty much don't like most people but I try to understand them all, though unsuccessfully sometimes! It's obvious you are educated and able to express yourself, I only hope we can conduct a serious discussion without the petty sniping. That's usually why I post early before the flame throwers get up. I look at life as a room with four corners and the oppinions you have depend on which corner you are viewing it from. Have a good day! Seriously!
September 17, 2008 at 2:10 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
EYEFIGUEROA-I am so proud how you handled the simple-mided people.
September 17, 2008 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
kontact (anonymous) says...
I am so proud how you handled the simple-minded people
September 17, 2008 at 2:36 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ironhorse (anonymous) says...
Bro, McCain and Palin will win. Cut and paste this. I know you hope to be able to paste it in November but you will not be able to. Try it, I dare you.
September 17, 2008 at 11:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Postandcourier.com is pleased to offer readers the enhanced ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Postandcourier.com does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not postandcourier.com. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "report abuse" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website.
Users can now build user-to-user connections, follow friends' recent posts, add an avatar that fits their personality, and more. If you have posted here before you'll need to sign up again, or if you've never posted before, start now by signing up!
Full terms and conditions can be read here.