Fearful (Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Santa Fe: rent, buying a house, construction jobs)

[cloudcroft]

Winnie,

A real experience to answer your question...

Back in 1975, I got a job as a gas station night manager. Back then, gas-stations were a popular place to rob, especially at night. As you state, I was not allowed a gun while at work, but there was no security, either. Owner didn't care I guess. So I carried CONCEALED anyway. No one ever knew. No one ever found out.

"We The People" shouldn't be treated that way, nor put into a position of being either a dead law-abiding citizen or a live non-law-abiding citizen.

But we are.

I chose the latter.

Until laws are changed and the people who make bad ones are thrown out of office -- which probably will NEVER happen...after all, we don't live in Perfect, do we -- each of us has to make that decision: Obey the law and be vulnerable or do what's best for you/yours and be strong.

BTW, criminals don't fear even the police -- who can't shoot except under certain rule/regulations which criminals do NOT have to go by (of course!) -- but criminals DO fear armed citizens...maybe partly because citizens kill about 3 times as many criminals each year than the cops do. So given a choice, criminals prefer to face cops. Further, citizens are much better shots than cops are.

[Allsups...I like their "gut buster" burritos!] As for the criminal you mention not showing fear, he wasn't facing a gun, was he. He should have been, and shot. Experienced clerks probably know right off when someone walks in and doesn't look/act right...but what can they LEGALLY do about it?

[I have a video or two (You Tube) of convenience store robberies...a very eye-opening view for those who need a reality check]

But hey, that's just me. Others here are probably more sane than I am...

-- John D.

[_yb]

Originally Posted by cloudcroft

[Allsups...I like their "gut buster" burritos!]

-- John D.

Ahh man the old "gut busters" I can almost taste the acid in my throat from the morning after consuming a few of those.

[Towanda]

Originally Posted by cloudcroft

So I carried CONCEALED anyway. No one ever knew. No one ever found out.

"We The People" shouldn't be treated that way, nor put into a position of being either a dead law-abiding citizen or a live non-law-abiding citizen.

But we are.

I chose the latter.

Good for you, cloudcroft!

I personally believe you already have the law on your side. It's called the Second Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America.

[cloudcroft]

But I think it'll take a federal case (literally) all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court to PROVE that protection once and for all, in no uncertain terms.

Unfortunately, given how cowardly that court is -- because they REFUSE TO HEAR any controversial cases (i.e., guns, abortions, etc.) -- that probably will never happen.

-- John D.

[winnie]

I don't want to hijack the thread so I'll start a thread in the politics forum.

[30apples]

Hi-What other cities and/or states are you considering? I have a relative who lives in Albuq. and also comments of crime there, often. shortly after moving into their apt, they had their vehicle broken into and the radio,etc. stolen. The drug gangs have been in Albuq. and some other nearby areas for some time. It's on a direct route north from Juarez,Mexico . You can get more info on crime in Albuquerque from google and from the Albuq. Police Dept..
What size city are you looking for and what what kind of job are you looking for- that may guide people in more helpful suggestions. That said, I'm sure that there are some areas of Albuquerque with less crime than the city average.
If you're set on NM, maybe Las Cruces,Santa Fe, Silver city or Deming would be a better place for you. Good luck w/ your new life.

[onelilredrose]

OK, so those of you who are disenchanted with New Mexico beacuse it is so horrible, where do you plan to move to so you can improve your quality of life? Really, don't post statistics of other Cities with lower crime, blah, blah, blah...but are you REALLY considering moving out of this God Forsaken city to somewhere better?
If not, obviously SOMETHING in NM works to your advantage, what is it?
If so, where to, so I can suggest it to others who bring down the rest of us with their complaining.

[GregW]

Sounds like Albuquerque is the crime capital of the known universe. I guess I’ll just have to avoid the place when we look for a small house later this year. Maybe out in the country with 2,000 yrds to the tree line.

Cloudcroft – I currently live in a very affluent exurb of Boston. I asked a gas station clerk if they were ever armed and he said that the company would not allow the staff to be armed lest anyone they shoot sues the company. I said that I could see that but I also suggested that he should carry his ACP in the cocked and locked mode because dropping the safety can slow down the first shot. He looked sheepish and covered the gun a little better. New Hampshire also has a right to carry law where the local cops have to issue a concealed carry permit or provide reason why you shouldn’t. You can also carry anything, except an amazing list of knives, openly but very few people do.

Also anyone here as annoyed as I am by being completely disarmed on an airplane. Why should I trust those bozos to be my bodyguard? They are supposed to fly the thing and serve drinks as well as help the survivors from the wreckage is something really bad happens.

[Mountainair Cowgirl]

Worries about becoming a victim of crime is a valid concern, especially when you have children.

My family and I live in a rural area within 1.5 hours drive from Albuquerque and enjoy a high comfor level regarding becoming a crime vicitm. When we are home, we seldom ever lock our doors or entry gate, even at night.

Your best bet in my opinion is to really research specific locations and areas inside the city/town you are considering. You might check with local law enforcement (links below) for area specific information. Also, your realtor, if you are using one, should be able to provide you with additional resources for the specific area(s) you are considering to purchase a home in. You might even consider talking with neighbors in the area of homes you are considering?

Here is a link for the Albuquerque NM police department APD | Albuquerque Pollice Department

Here is a link for the New Mexico State Police:New Mexico State Police - Home

Here is a link for Crime Stoppers: The Official Crime Stoppers International Website - Welcome to Crime Stoppers International Online

Good luck to you and your family, I hope that New Mexico works for you - our family thinks it is a fanstastic place to live and we are very thankful at all of the opportunites available to us.

[carmenvitalopez]

I was thinking of moving to New Mexico one day. But, from just doing my research and keeping up with what's going on in New Mexico and reading the postings from individuals that are currently living in the state. It just doesn't seem to be the place to move to. If, you want a nice job and be paid what your worth and not have to worry about crime everytime you leave your house. It's so beautiful in New Mexico and the diversity of the cultures is lovely. But, New Mexico just doesn't seem to be the place to live. I know that different people will have different experiences. But, just from the research and reading this thread. I'm going to have to pass on New Mexico. I will stick to just visiting.