Why is crime so high in Memphis

[JoeCartpath]

Originally Posted by simcity

After reading this thread I'm convinced that crime within the city of Memphis will likely increase with time. I own one gun (a glock, had it for 6 years and I've never shot it), yet I feel that one is not enough. What if my gun is downstairs and I'm upstairs during a break-in (or vice versa)? I'm thinking an HK MP5K would provide that extra level of comfort desire.

What if you're on the toilet? In the shower? Maybe you need one in every room. Maybe more. What if your gun is on one end of your living room, and you're on the other?

Of course, I'm joking...but if I ever feel that I have to have an arsenal on hand to feel safe in my home I believe that'll mean it's time to move...

[expatnortherner]

You can pick up slightly used Russian made land mines cheaply these days, eBay is a good source for things like that.

You can also pack anti-personnel mines around the house, these work for me. IR detectors also (again Soviet Bloc surplus). Wireless video cams with movement detectors. Lace your door with steel plates. Change out your window glass for Lexi.

That should set you up right, ready to ride out any economic crisis.

Ex-Pat

[gladtobegon]

My mothers house was recently burgularized and it saddened me as I feel that she lives in a great part of town. Well we upgraded the lighting and home security as well as changes every single light. My mother is from that part of the country and loves her life in Memphis. Since my mother is living alone we added a four legged 120 pound friend who allows no one in with her, this also helps because she now has an escort for her morning walks. I feel for all of you that for some reason feel that you cannot escape Memphis. How many election cycles does it take before you realize that you are being scammed and that nothing will change? Good Luck, Hope I dont catch any of you guys on the "Next 48"!!!!!!!

[Road Bike Man]

How many families rent from white landords, directly or through Property Management firms being advertised on this webstie? Put yourself in the other person's shoes. Many "white flighters" didn't sell their homes before moving to the County. They rented, building their "nest eggs" in the form of rental property equity. All those black families in rented homes, with or without governemnt subsidies. Wouldn't you see yourselves as still being exploited, supporting those living in the "massas house"? Assume a role reversal, how would you feel had you come from a heritage of slavery?
But the "white flighters" didn't think of the big picture. Who could predict the long-term effects, one move at a time.
My family has a heritage of paying rent until we could afford to buy a home. We thought nothing of it. That's the way things were. We didn't resent the landlord. We were never evicted for failing to pay the rent. We didn't develop an "attitude" toward the landlord. Whether justified or not, a lot of black families have been evicted. So it became a "game" of seeing how much rent the property owner could be cheated out of. Children caught on. Forced dishonesty, perhaps, but do children rationalize? It worked, didn't it? There can't be any doubt many black parents bragged about their "accomplishment". The children listened.
A subcultural edict to our children? Take Advantage! Isn't that what criminals do? Take advantage? And our politicians?
Memphis/Shelby County had white mayors, council members, etc. We got the $Pyramid$. A $billion$ debt for the County. If I were a black voter, might as well have corrupt black leaders instead of white ones. At least black politicians ought to look out for black interests instead.
Anyone figured out yet why city leaders insist that employees of new tax subsidized industries, firemen & policmen must live within our boundaries? Is this for everyone's common good or is it designed to force black employment, qualified or not? How do you reslove any kind of racial divide with this brand of thinking by our politicians? It starts at the top.
I, too, have a dream. When the best are glorified as Americans. When race or religion is no longer a factor in the way we view ourselves or our neighbors. When we look into another person's eyes, see the good soul that resides therin, when all those good souls are glorified, when we all benefit because they are in control of our larger society.
My dream is that Martin Luther King might be proud of all of us. Maybe right here in Memphis?
My Grandfather was a folk/poet. I'd like to share something he wrote for the benefit of your children, particularly those who don't realize the benefits of attending school, however bad it may be. As Lincoln did, a scholar can learn even when there's no school to attend>

I BARGAINED WITH LIFE FOR A PENNY
AND LIFE WOULD PAY NO MORE

HOWE'ER EACH EVENING
I COUNTED MY SCANTY STORE

FOR LIFE IS A JUST EMPLOYER
IT PAYS JUST WHAT YOU ASK

IF YOU WANT YOUR DUE
YOU MUST BEAR THE TASK.