World opinion of Phoenix with the kidnappings, drug wars, robberies and Sheriff Arpaio

[Peter B]

Isn't Arpaio the guy who believes in imprisoning drug users instead of treating them? The AZ taxpayers must love this fool

[Xica_da_Silva]

Originally Posted by Jnvlv247

I didn't know that phoenix was "famous" for the kidnapping stuff until someone told me like 2 days ago :P I could have walked around here for years and not have known that. I think it's very safe. It is all media hype. Aren't the kidnappings more like human trafficking and that type of stuff? Not random people being kidnapped for no reason.

I am Colombian and that is where a lot of kidnapping ACTUALLY happen and it's well known there. However, it has been pretty good recently. If you actually go there, it's not like the media makes it out to be. However, it happens and there has been some high profile cases. I think if you stay out of certain areas and don't do stupid things and you aren't involved in anything then you will be OK

It's just common sense :P Phoenix is no more dangerous than any other city in the USA or even any place near the border

I know this is an older thread, but I have to agree about both Phoenix and Colombia. I've visited Colombia twice and it's a beautiful country with warm, wonderful people. Felt totally safe while in places like Bogota, Salento, Villa de Lleyva, Cartagena, etc. It's so sad that places like this get stereotyped by people who really don't have a clue. In fact, if I had to live in a country outside of the US, Colombia would probably be the one(apart from a region of Brazil called "Minas Gerais"). Yes, there are isolated places that still have issues with FARC vs Paras, but that's well outside of the main tourist spots. The only Americans who get kidnapped are contractors working for the US govt in the so-called war on drugs.
Likewise, it would be silly for anyone to avoid visiting Phoenix due to so-called 'kidnappings'. Sorry, but people need to stop believing everything they hear on the news, regardless of whether it's Fox, ABC, MSNBC, or CNN. Sadly, news has little to do with portraying truth...it's all about entertainment and advertising.

[Valley Native]

Originally Posted by Howard Roark

kidnappings seem to be illegal versus illegal. Drug crackdowns seem to just affect druggies and seller/smuggler versus seller/smuggler. So far so good. But...I would much rather have a government that fears the people than the people in fear of the government. And I think the tide has turned with Arizona state government as something to be feared, notwithstanding a high amount of libertarian people here in the state. We tried to get rid of victimless crime laws a few years ago. The court struck that down like a dictatorship. Eventually our cries will be more urgent and more demanding and we will prevail. In fact I vote against all judge incumbents when possible. I invite you all to do the same.

The kidnapping problem is affecting more of the people involved in the illicit drug trade than normal, average Joes and Josephines. Tourists and newcomers don't have much to worry about if they don't smuggle drugs or illegal aliens.

Overall, I agree with your statements. There are some well intended people in the Legislature (especially those who are attempting to end photo radar, and those who are serious about cutting spending). However, the socialist conservatives have taken over the national GOP, which is why many Republicans in the Legislature have gone along with this trend and pushed through bills pertaining to restrictions on things that are none of anybody's business.

I also agree about voting against judges. On every ballot, I always vote NO to reinstate all of those bozos. Judges are supposed to be impartial, but too many of them interpret the law based on their own personal emotions/opinions, which is why we have such a screwed up judicial system.

[Arizona Mike]

Who cares?

[fcorrales80]

Exactly AZMike. Most Americans are surprised to know that foreigners know the difference between real kidnapping for ransom that is rampant in Latin America compared to the "kidnappings" of illegals by illegals for illegals.

I am Hispanic with some Mexican ancestral roots but I am glad ILLEGALS (which are primarily from Mexico or neighboring countries) are leaving Arizona and Phoenix faster than any other state and city! I don't like Arpaio because I think he is, over all, an irresponsible leader and costs us more money in legal fees and meaningless "roundups" but his general MOS is understandable. He just isn't a smart and savvy Sheriff.