I don't know what is going on, but there is an Alexandria Police helicopter circling pretty low and we keep seeing it fly over Joshua's house. I just heard police sirens go by so it makes me wonder, car chase, shooting, robbery, what? I'm half waiting to hear the officers on the copter say "Go into your houses immediately!"
Of course there's nothing on the local DC channels, nor WTOP or the Washington Post. I guess I'll find out tomorrow when it's all over.
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
Showing posts with label crime. Show all posts
July 28, 2007
July 10, 2007
Update on Violence
I wrote about the attack that occurred in Greenbelt. Well I talked with my friend about making a presence in the center during our "Other Friday" dinner and we agreed it would be a good idea. Last Friday we were sitting outside in the center, and yes, there were a number of suspect persons hanging out in the center as well. Within ten minutes, they headed out of there and away from us, so I would chalk that up as a success. Anyone who did gather in the center later were generally just there, not causing any trouble, and even if they wanted to start some, they knew they were being watched.
I only hope that other folks in Greenbelt will start making a presence in the center as well, as GreenBeLT Pride can't be the ones doing it all the time.
I only hope that other folks in Greenbelt will start making a presence in the center as well, as GreenBeLT Pride can't be the ones doing it all the time.
June 30, 2007
Violence Hits Home
Gang Attack in Greenbelt
The person who was attacked was someone I know, and it was in a place that I know very well. It's scary to think that even now I have to consider being careful about where I walk at night.
The last thing I want to do is hide in my home and be scared, that accomplishes nothing. All I would do is give the power to the fucking jackasses like those kids that would attack people for no reason. I refuse to give that power to them, for far too long I had allowed myself to be powerless, and it's time to stand up and take the power back.
Already there has been talk on the Greenbelt listserv about this, and someone made the point that lately the area has had people coming in who clearly are driving from out of town and hanging out in the center. Some are afraid to come to the center when the sun goes down now. There's been talk that this needs to be a wakeup call for the city council and the police that there is a problem going on. I remember a few months ago that there was a discussion about putting cameras in the center, which set off a major debate over their effectiveness at curbing crime, and whether we were willing to be watched. Personally, I don't want to go to the center and be watched by cameras, even if I am not doing anything wrong. I get watched enough at work, why should I be watched like that in my private life. But I digress, my point is that I am sure that debate will be revived and it will get ugly again.
Still, I would rather increase my presence and take back the center, why should it be ruled by thugs, when it should be a place where people feel safe. My GLBT organization goes there regularly to have dinner and hold other events, I've already made the suggestion that we should try to be outside more, especially during this time of year. We'll see if others agree, I hope they do. I certainly don't want to run away and hide anymore.
The person who was attacked was someone I know, and it was in a place that I know very well. It's scary to think that even now I have to consider being careful about where I walk at night.
The last thing I want to do is hide in my home and be scared, that accomplishes nothing. All I would do is give the power to the fucking jackasses like those kids that would attack people for no reason. I refuse to give that power to them, for far too long I had allowed myself to be powerless, and it's time to stand up and take the power back.
Already there has been talk on the Greenbelt listserv about this, and someone made the point that lately the area has had people coming in who clearly are driving from out of town and hanging out in the center. Some are afraid to come to the center when the sun goes down now. There's been talk that this needs to be a wakeup call for the city council and the police that there is a problem going on. I remember a few months ago that there was a discussion about putting cameras in the center, which set off a major debate over their effectiveness at curbing crime, and whether we were willing to be watched. Personally, I don't want to go to the center and be watched by cameras, even if I am not doing anything wrong. I get watched enough at work, why should I be watched like that in my private life. But I digress, my point is that I am sure that debate will be revived and it will get ugly again.
Still, I would rather increase my presence and take back the center, why should it be ruled by thugs, when it should be a place where people feel safe. My GLBT organization goes there regularly to have dinner and hold other events, I've already made the suggestion that we should try to be outside more, especially during this time of year. We'll see if others agree, I hope they do. I certainly don't want to run away and hide anymore.
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