Do Those Blue Light Cameras Really Fight Crime? 3 Reasons Why I Say No!
July 25th, 2011 by Shorty
There are thousands of blue light cameras around Chicago and I have to say that they do not work. While I don’t have specific numbers on how many cameras there are and I do not have an exact count on the crime rates, I can say, with confidence, that these cameras DO NOT WORK. As a side note: I can also say that the City could have spent that money more productively, like providing jobs to young people to potentially reduce the need for these cameras
All you have to do is look at any local news station or check out crime statistics on EveryBlock Chicago. I promise, there are at least 50 crimes a day reported and documented in my zip code based on my daily updates from EveryBlock. And I dare not mention all of the personal stories I’ve heard.
Also, if there are thousands of cameras that are functioning as they should, how many are actually manned 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? With the city’s cut in budget and staff, I doubt if half are covered.
Lastly, if people who think they want to commit crimes know that they are being watched by the camera, why would they do it under these invisible eyes? Some people are bold and crazy enough to do things; most people aren’t.
Those are the three reasons why I don’t think they work? What about you? Do you think these cameras help fight crime?
Image: gobeyondsecurity
Who Has the Best Bar-B-Q on the South Side?
July 17th, 2011 by Shorty
While driving to an event this week, I was enticed by the smell of ribs cooking at Bar-B-Q joint on 76th & Cottage Grove. You know I went looking for that smell, right? Well, it was Barbara Ann’s Bar-B-Q. I plan to go back as soon as I can.
Have you ever been to Barbara Ann’s? How was it?
Also, who do you think has the best Bar-B-Q on the South Side?
Image: bbq junkie
Do Low-Income Individuals Get Too Many Benefits?
July 13th, 2011 by Shorty
A neighbor on Everyblock Chicago made this statement:“Is it not enough that Section 8 pays the rent, link buys the food, green card pays the medical benefits, working tax payers support the schools….”
Let me clarify that this person was referring to people who make a living off of collecting benefits with no intention of working. Ever.
What are your thoughts on this statement? Do you think low-income individuals get too many benefits?
What Are Your Favorite Things on the South Side?
July 9th, 2011 by Shorty
What are some of your favorite things on the South Side? Four things I like about the South Side:
3. The Chicago Independent Bulletin
4. Kids Off the Block Youth Organization
What about you? What are some of your favorite things on the South Side?
Image: jenniferscavone.blogspot.com
Who’s Watching Your Children When You’re Not Around?
July 6th, 2011 by Shorty
There was a time when a parent could confidently say that Ms. Smith or Mr. Jones was watching their children outside playing because it was true. When children were in their glory riding their bikes, playing catch or some other made-up game, somebody on that block was watching whether or not their own children were out there. Many times neighbors would come to their doors and windows to see what was going on and who was out there. We called them nosy back then; today they would be considered caring.
Fast forward to the new millennium where everything is moving forward except common sense and the concern for others. Young people are walking the streets all times of day and we do not know who they are. And the sad thing is – we don’t care. So, we can’t really say that Ms. Green or Mr. Brown is watching your children because we do not know who our neighbors are. Many times we don’t bother to take the time to introduce ourselves.
Oh, we begin to care when one of those young people damag,e our property or disrespect us in some other manner. We then want to put a name to the face and find out who they belong to. But, has it occurred to you that if you take the time to do that now, such incidents may not occur? Or, at least reduce the likelihood of it happening – depending on how the parents are raising them.
Here’s another thought on who’s watching your children.
I don’t sit outside on my porch often, but when I do I notice the same few cars driving around several times. Some of the drivers are neighborhood people just out joy riding (even with gas $100 a gallon), others are scoping out the community to see what they can get into. And some times, unfortunately, they may be on the prowl for little kids. That may sound outrageous, but check out the sex offender listing in your zip code. Just did a quick check on the Illinois Sex Offender site and found 172 found in my zip code. How many people on that list are label as “sexual predators”? Sexual predators are people who go after children. Do you see any familiar faces Do you see addresses registered on your block?
There is a guy registered on my block, but he doesn’t live at the particular house registered. So, where is he? Wherever he is, the children are not safe. Neither the children nor their parents know it.
The are two points to this story: get to know your neighbors and check out the sex offender list. You don’t have to be friends with people on your block, but you should at least know who lives in your immediate area. People walk through different neighborhoods all the time and you need to know who live on your block. Also, check the sex offender listing every once in a while. You could be living next door or close to a registered offender and don’t even know it.
Most importantly, keep an eye on your children because if you are not watching them, someone else is.
Image: abstract-thoughts
Minnesota State Government Shut-Down…Illinois Could Be Next
July 2nd, 2011 by Shorty
The news reports are abuzz about Minnesota state government shutting down because the Democratic governor and the Republican state lawmakers could not come to an agreement on the budget.
If you are not aware of this story, please keep your eye on it because it could happen here in Illinois. In fact, things that are happening in other states, like the cutting of retirement benefits for government workers and teachers, are being considered here.
I just want to advise you NOT to get too comfy. Just because it hasn’t happened on a huge scale here, doesn’t mean that it won’t reach great heights.
And, if you notice, the people who are being attacked in all these situations are middle-class people. These people have worked hard over the years to earn all of the benefits that they currently have. Yet, it’s so easy for people with power and money to decide the fate of their future. They are cutting the benefits of working people while they and other wealthy people are getting tax breaks.
Citizens need to recognize that it’s time to fight because if we don’t, the people with wealth and power will win on ALL levels.
I just wanted to give you something to think about. We need to pay attention to what’s happening at government at all levels – Federal, State, County and City. We need to know how people in other states are being impacted because, ultimately, we are affected, too. Just know, despite what you see and read, power rests in the hands of the people.
What are your thoughts on government shut-downs in general? What do you think can be done to avoid them?
Image: Another Black Conservative
Shorty’s Views: The Depressing Side of the South Side
June 24th, 2011 by Shorty
For as much as I love the South Side, I’m really getting a little depressed living in these parts for several reasons.
First, the paper content on the ground is ridiculous. One day I went out to pick up paper and it filled up a WHOLE bag. I was so mad. If the paper wasn’t on the ground, the wind couldn’t blow it and it wouldn’t be on my property. But just walking down main streets and having the paper chasing you on a windy day is horrible.
Second, the state of the buildings where businesses reside. In my neck of the woods, even the building look like they don’t want to hang around any more. Many have bars on them to prevent burglary. A lot of them are boarded up. Even worse are the ones that are occupied and you really can’t look at them at tell. It’s not a very pretty site. At all..
Third, the hopelessness in faces of the people you pass on the streets. I don’t know the cause of those faces, but I do know that there are so many unhappy people on this side of town and it shows. Literally.
Fourth, people in the community break into the businesses in the community. That’s a jacked up mentality. Actually that’s beyond effed up. You have people who are trying to provide a service to the people in the community but these same people break into their business and inconvenience them on so many levels. So, much for community support.
Fifth, there has been a great increase in crime with the recession and the unemployment rates in many of the community are outrageous! And the perpetrators of crimes are getting younger. Don’t believe me? Attend any CAPS meetings and learn for yourself.
I need to end this side because it’s getting depressing talking about the depressing side of the South Side. Before I go, I would like to know: What are some things about the South Side that depresses you?
Shorty’s Fave: The Chicago Independent Bulletin Newspaper
June 7th, 2011 by Shorty
The Chicago Independent Bulletin (The Bulletin) is a true community newspaper. Each week for nearly forty years, it has been sharing news relevant to the community; highlighting neighborhood businesses and organizations; and honoring residents on the South Side of Chicago. Although many community newspapers cover stories in their individual neighborhoods, The Bulletin covers a good part of the South Side. In fact, they have a “readership of more than 85,000 primarily middle-class working African American families, businesses and neighborhood institutions.” Amazing!
Subscribers get information that is exclusive to the publication. We get a taste of literary talent from the community in the Poetry Corner; columnist Eve Cogdell educates us on black history profiles throughout the year; and we get current entertainment news in the Mediatainment Zone. You can bet that graphic artist Jamal Bashir will bless our hearts and minds with a thought-provoking cartoon. And my personal guarantee: you will find community information in this publication that you would NEVER see in or on any other media. The Bulletin is so connected that it publishes information from politicians first. Love it!
The resource would not be possible without the dedication of Managing Editor Hurley Green, III. He makes sure the paper is out every week. He is an excellent journalist and photographer. Yes, most of the photos in The Bulletin are his. Although Hurley is doing a great job, I have to give credit to Hurley Green, Sr. for his vision nearly 40 years ago. He recognized an opportunity and made it a reality. And it’s still going strong even though people claim that print is dead.
Essentially, The Chicago Independent Bulletin Newspaper is one of the best things that has happened to the South Side. I know it’s been a blessing to me. Don’t continue to miss out on great information, subscribe today!
For more information about the publication, visit their website: www.chicagoindependentbulletin.net
Note from Shorty: I am not getting paid for this post, but there is a special place in my heart for The Chicago Independent Bulletin (The Bulletin) newspaper for two reasons: I am a contributing writer and it is one of the longest running publications catering to the South Side of Chicago.
Image: Hurley Green, III
Congratulations Mayor Rahm Emanuel!
May 18th, 2011 by Shorty
After two decades of King Richard’s rule, Chicago now has a new mayor, Rahm Emanuel. From the news reports, it appears that people are optimistic about his leadership. We know some of the challenges he’s inherited and we hope he has the support to work them with the new and current administration.
I personally hope he gives more attention to the South Side and the Chicago Public School system than Daley did. I hope he gives as much attention to South Shore that we know he’s going to give to North Shore. And I really pray that he doesn’t make charter schools a priority over the broken school system we have here. That really won’t solve the problem. And more than anything, let’s hope Mr. Emanuel can mend the budget without increasing unemployment which ultimately will result in more hopelessness and desperation which will result in even more crime on the South Side.
King Richard did NOT reform Education and Public Housing
May 17th, 2011 by Shorty
I read a piece of literature that stated: “Richard M. Daley has been mayor of Chicago since 1989. He has reformed education and public housing, strengthened community policing and overseen construction of billions of dollars of schools, libraries, police stations and infrastructure, as well as the renovation of Soldier Field and the creation of Millennium Park.”
This must have been a marketing piece written by someone who either loves Daley, is getting paid a nice penny or clearly does not live on the South Side. While I agree that he renovated Soldier Field, created Millennium Park and did well with some infrastructure, I would argue about the rest of the noted “accomplishments.”
First of all, he did not reform education or public housing. If he did, he didn’t do it on the South Side. Efforts were put into community policing ,but the reduction of the force is not helping to fight crimes in high-crime areas. There was lots of money invested in construction projects, but for some reason, the police stations look so much better than the schools on my side of town. And, without actually knowing, I am almost certain that he put so much more money in police stations than in education.
As for public housing, I really don’t know where to begin. I do know that tearing down building and moving people to other communities without proper communication and acclimation on both parties’ parts was not the best ideas King Richard has over come up with.
On a more positive note, he gets much credit for the libraries. I don’t have a problem with facilities; however, some of the staff members need a little polishing.
Image: Brackwall