Thanks, Dyna -- Actually, my reasons for wanting to leave aren't real hard-core crime related -- just more frustration, hurt and irradiation with recent events.
That couple that got victimized three times in less than 24 hours lives (I mean 'lived'; they moved last week) just a half a block away which is a little disconcerting. I've also been real annoyed by the basketball hoops set up right in the streets this summer. There are two within half a block of me; one across the street and one partially blocking the alley entrance so that we have to go over another neighbor's grass. And when drivers try to pass through their games; we get looks and stares and gestures as if WE have no right to be on the street! They've used my car as a cup holder and have bashed into my fence and plants going after the ball. When they do move for a car, it's barely out of the way so we hear additional horn honking all day on top of the boom cars. I've talked with the kids about the obvious safety issue but they claim it's not a problem. Sure, it's not a problem, because they take their time getting out of the way and continue their play tossing the ball right over passing cars. Other frustrations: People walk in the streets and impede traffic -- what's wrong with the sidewalk?!? People drop their litter anywhere they please -- I've found entire plates of food laying in the street not to mention used condoms, clothing and the occasional trashed bicycle! Driving side streets becomes a game of chicken when someone enters at the other end even though it's clear that it's a really tight squeeze. I see hookers nearly every day on Lowry. I see drug deals going down in broad daylight. I hear mothers screaming in the foulest language at their children and these children then cry and wail into the wee hours when they should be asleep. The loud cars -- the honking horns -- I just don't like it here anymore. I've done more than my fair share of calling the proper agencies and authorities with mixed results and I'm just plain tired of it. The topper was catching some kids -- in the act -- throwing rocks at my dogs yesterday -- TWICE! Another of my dogs died mysteriously a few years ago after I witnessed a shooting and I'm not willing to risk the health and safety of my pets any longer. Not to mention my sanity. To my utter shock and amazement though, one of the youths came to my front door today to tell me he was sorry. I had to ask several times what "my bad throw rocks your dogs" meant and have already suffered great teasing from my more 'sophisticated' daughter for not understanding this lingo :-) When I asked him why he did it, he said it's cuz they bark when he comes down the alley. I said I was sorry that he had to deal with that but first of all, he has no reason to be in the alley behind my house -- his house is further own the block on the corner -- and secondly, my dogs aren't just companions; they help protect my home and barking is their way of letting others know they're on the job. I also told him that I was one of the people who helped his two rottweilers find their way home after one of their many escapes from his yard. And before people go ballistic on barking dogs; I'm home all day and check on my dogs EVERY TIME THEY BARK so it's never excessive. On those rare occasions when I do leave for any period of time, I have someone stay at my home to care for my dogs and for shorter excursions, my neighbors (who also work at home) keep an eye (and ear) on them. I've asked all of my neighbors many times if the barking is ever a problem when I'm not home and have received repeated assurances that it's not excessive and that they actually appreciate the warnings that someone might be lurking about. Every cop I've ever asked has assured me that dogs are the best deterrent to crime in a neighborhood like mine -- unless, of course, they're the innocent victim :'( At any rate -- I am so impressed with this young man's fortitude to come to my front door and offer up his apology like that. I shook his hand, introduced myself to him and told him how impressed I was with him. I offered an apology in return for his annoyance at my dogs and told him that I'd already made arrangements to complete the privacy fence across that portion of my yard so they (hopefully) won't be barking at every passerby any longer. While I feel comfortable this young man won't be back to torment my dogs, I'm still going to be overly cautious and keep them in the house with me more. And I still want my place in the country so I can focus my energy on more positive pursuits instead of always being on the lookout and frustrated with the lack of respect and common courtesy and this bizarre sense of entitlement I've been witnessing lately -- both here in North Mpls as well as the 'burbs. It's everywhere! It's everywhere! Connie Beckers - FOLWELL Neighborhood THE GODDESS OF GLASS www.goddessofglass.com "You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one." ~John Lennon TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. 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