Mark Wilde writes, >"How was he filling orders? Did he bring the drugs > with him from Chicago? This is the kind of "a friend > of a friend" told me story that really doesn't make > any sense when you think about it. > > While I agree with most of the rest of this post, this > story really get me mad because it perpetuates a > widely, but wrongly, held belief that many of our > problems come from Chicago."
Sorry Mark, but in this case Chicago just happens to be where that particular drug dealer said he was from. Chicago was not a code word for anything. I am surprised that you might imagine that all others believe only Black drug dealers come from Chicago. I am very sure that many colors of drug dealers find Minneapolis just as lucrative. The storeowner was Roger Bargouthi, and if you contact me off list I will be happy to supply his phone number; so you can get the story first hand. I must admit that it was second hand when I reported it, as I happened to enter the Bargouthi business immediately after the discussion with the drug dealer took place, and only heard it from Mr. Bargouthi. By filling orders I was being comical in comparing him to pharmaceutical sales people. What he was doing was selling rocks on the corner to eager customers. My assumption is that, 'yes indeed', he brought his product with him, caught a cab, and bam he's making green!!! I am so sorry you had to get mad about it. Getting mad about trivial things does affect ones health because of the added stress. Perhaps in the future an inquiry off list before getting mad would lessen the old blood pressure. No, I do not believe all our drug gang problems come from Chicago. I believe a few of our drug and gang problems are home grown, some came from L.A., some bad ones from Detroit, some from K.C, and some from other U.S. Cities. But yes, indeed, a whole lot of the gang and drug problems have come to Minneapolis from Chicago. Denying this is like putting ones head in the sand. Those interested can take the time to talk to the "Gang" experts at the Minneapolis Police Department about where the organized drug gangs come from. The "Gang Strike Force" is a good resource if you have questions. Vice Lords, Disciples, Bloods originating in Chicago, Crips from LA, Detroit Boys from---well you get the idea. By the way, while young Black men do dominate the street drug gangs, the drug business is completely color blind except for GREEN. There are active dealers from every ethnic group. Latinos, Native, Asian, Somali, European, and yes very much so Black gang members are involved in the drug trade. In Minneapolis crack rocks sell for about double what they do in Chicago or LA, so why would someone doubt that enterprising young men come to Minneapolis for that "Golden Opportunity"? There does appear to be somewhat of a division of labor, with different ethnic groups specializing in different products, but as in any business these lines are blurred by those seeking to diversify their product lines. By the way, a whole lot of people have indeed come to Minneapolis from Chicago. Most, like all or most of us, just searching for a better life for their families and greater opportunities. Did some of the bad part of Chicago, which they were seeking to escape, follow to exploit other "Opportunities"? You bet your life it did! Look at police stats from the last ten years. And Mark, do contact me for Mr. Bargouthi's phone number, I am sure he can give you an ear full of "First Hand" stories. To jog some memories, Mr. Bargouthi's store was where R.T. Rybak announced both his candidacy and his victory for being our Mayor. Jim Graham, Ventura Village, Phillips Community Planning District, Sixth Ward, in the City of "Milk&Money" REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
