Sunday, May 3, 2009

Which is it?

By all I got, dispatch kept referring to the victim as a "he." My witness said it was a male/Hispanic. But the daily newspapers have conflicting reports.
Chicago Tribune: Male critically hurt in Far North Side shooting....

Chicago Sun-Times: Female shot near North Side CTA station....
Hey, Joe... We need a mediator.

34 comments:

ktshndr said...

Hi there- I am an avid reader of your blog, and was unsure how to get a hold of you. We're moving to Rogers Park from Montrose Harbor in about 20 days...and needless to say I'm extremely nervous. Can anyone help me out and give me some tips on the safest ways to live in the Morse area? We'll be around Morse/Greenview...and while I feel this blog is necessary and extremely informative, it also makes me scared to move up there. Am I wrong in feeling that way? I've almost gotten to the point where I try to get out of moving up there based on the crimes near the new apartment.

Craig Gernhardt said...

Just be aware of your surroundings at all times. Morse Avenue is really no different than Wilson and Broadway area.

One last thing. If you're still around in 2011, don't vote for Joe Moore.

Unknown said...

ktshndr: check out this website.
http://gis.chicagopolice.org/CLEARMap/startPage.htm#

You can search for crimes based on address.

The bottom line is that no neighborhood is without crime. As Craig said, you have to be aware of your surroundings at all times.

RP Free Speech said...

It is necessary, as Craig advises, to be aware, at all times, of your surroundings.

Crime, of any type, can occur anywhere. By moving here, you become one big plus in the neighborhood.

And, as Craig stipulates, if you are still around in 2011, DON'T vote for Joe Moore!

Morse Ave Group said...

Don't be intimidated. I moved back here in 2000 from Ravenswood and I initially had to adjust to the street element that wanders around these parts. For the most part, we all co-exist here peacefully. I am rarely bothered by the so-called street element.

You do need to be aware while walking around, but the same is true in Lakeview in my opinion or anywhere in the city. I have lived here since 2000 this time and it is geting better, not worse. Still room for improvement, yes.

p said...

She He whatever it is a plus that this "victim"ill be be either dead or out of business for a while. I have to applaud the bangers on their organized and targeted executions this weekend.

No real victims were hurt, and street scum was reduced via each incident. Thining the herd is the best way to get to a safe neighborhood since the mayor will not invest in the Police.

p said...

Always make sure you buy your rock from a reputable dealer. buying from the wrong dealer could get you killed.

Ax the right pacific questions, as to what homies be runnin the turf before you buy. then you will be fine.

Needless to say it is the same crap in Rogers Park that you experienced in Montrose Harbor after all you picked the two worst aldermans wards in the city to live in.

NRAMember said...

To ktshndr: I've been out of Rogers Park for over 30 years, but the way I kept myself safe was to purchase a .38 snub nose revolver, go to a suburban gun range twice a month and practice practice practice, keep my gun loaded, and carry it in my pocket at all times.

Big Daddy said...

NRA Member, there are better choices out there now. IMHO the 5shot j frame 38 is not enough. Get a Glock,a Kahr or a sub-compact S&W. More rounds. And never leave home without it.

Unknown said...

I lived in Lincoln Park for 10 years and I moved here from 3 years in Lakeview and no, it's not the same. There are definitely more thugs and street people up here. I love the lake, my place and some of my neighbors - but the rest I'm not thrilled with. Maybe I'm too much of a yuppie - but it's definitely been a change. I walk with dogs, mind my own business, so they don't really bother me. I take the L and the bus. Now, I'm usually not out late during the work week, so not sure what the L stop is like during that time. Complain to the Alderman's office and they will continue with the same mantra "crime is down" but I'll keep on complaining anyway! The police do monitor the lakefront area, which is great!

Rogers Park Vigilance said...

A nice H&K USP 40 (short for easy carry!) is a good choice for urban defense. Big grip, small gun, manageable recoil. Like NRA said though, if you're gonna carry, LEARN to use the thing. The life you save may be your own or a loved one...

The North Coast said...

The best urban defense is to be alert to what's happening around you. I am astonished at how oblivious some people are and at how many people shut out their environment with headphones.

If you really love your gun so much, fine, but if I'd had one on me the night I was violently mugged (a long time ago in another city), I would have been killed with it. My assailant took me by surprise and from behind, and if I'd been armed, he would have picked it right off me and used it on me.

I personally report no problems during my 12 years in RP. But we definitely have some major problems, and it appears to me that your biggest risk around here is being caught in gang crossfire.

So be alert. When you see groups of thugs cluttering up the street corners, walk the other direction, take another street home. Be alert to fights setting up, or people getting too close to you. If you see someone coming your way who you don't want to walk past, cross the street.

Hillari said...

Good advice North Coast. I'd like to add that people need to be reminded they live within Chicago. NONE of the neighborhoods in this city are immune from crime. Lincoln Park is no safer than Hyde Park than Austin than Lawndale, and so on.

Hillari said...

The problem with owning a gun or any other lethal or non-lethal weapon is that it can be used on you. Just as bad, the victim can be penalized for using it, regardless if it was for self-defense.

I also suggest learning how to do enough to stun the attacker to give yourself time to get away. Better to avoid some lawyer trying to hang an assault and battery charge on you.

Big Daddy said...

You assume you were going to be killed if you had a gun. Good training and situational awareness should minimize if not eliminate that possibility. But if not comfortable with a gun, so be it. But for someone who is, I highly encourage the addition of that tool to your toolbox.

Man On The Street said...

Yeah, but Big Daddy, what happens if I, as a (pretty much) law abiding citizen gets stopped by a Chicago police officer, and they find a gun on me? If I tell them I am carrying it for my protection, will I be let go? Especially if it's ME they stop, a black male. Seriously, if YOU were to see ME on the streets of Rogers Park, perhaps glimpse the gun on my person under my jacket while I'm walking down the street, bending down to get a Red Eye, etc., what would happen? Would you stop me? Follow me? Just curious. I've thought of carrying a gun for protection but always wondered of the consequences.

P.S. If I told you I got the advice to carry one from you on this blog, would you let me off with a "warning"? Just kidding... sort of.

Big Daddy said...

Man on the street, first of all, I believe in the old saying that it's better to be judged by twelve than carried by six. But if I did see you with a gun I would stop you. And if I was convinced that you were merely a man who was in possesion of a gun for self protection, then adios, have a nice day. Your race is of little interest to me. Your intentions are. But I must admit, not all Police Officers agree with me. Some think that they must arrest you because that's what Illinois dictates they do. What they fail to remember is the Constitution. But my intent is not to encourage people disobeying a law. It is to get people to think about how the politicians in Illinois have no regard for the welfare of their citizens and how they deny them the right to self defense. Then maybe they will work to eliminate these unjust laws. BTW, contrary to popular opinion, not all of us view you as an enemy. We are able to differeniate between a thug and a good man, regardless of their skin color.

Man On The Street said...

Big daddy,

thanks for the honest response. I wasn't trying to suggest that your police work would be motivated by race. But to be perfectly honest I've done a little "profiling" of EVERYONE myself so I wouldn't be surprised if someone saw me with a gun tucked in my coat and thought the worst. I'd be put off by it, but I'd expect it. However, my black horn rimmed "nerd" glasses usually leads them to believe I'm not a threat. And I'm not.

Anyway, thanks for being honest. Like I said, I've been THINKING about some sort of protection and what would happen if I'm caught holding a gun has been one of the issues. I mean, jumped on North Michigan Ave? Things are getting crazy out there...

BillyJoe'sBrain said...

Why splurge on an HK? FN FNP .45...

Big Daddy said...

Man on the Street, think long and hard about this. Not all see grey, some see everything in black and white.

Razldazlrr said...

Boxing Tomboy - seriously?? You think "Lincoln Park is no safer than Hyde Park than Austin than Lawndale, and so on." I beg to disagree - there are way more thugs walking around up here than when I lived in Lakeview near Halsted or when I lived in the Gold Coast. Sorry, the odds are definitely greater for something happening in different neighborhoods. Of course, you always have to pay attention - living in the city common sense.

Clark St. said...

OT, but I couldn't find your email address.
The Sun-Times put all the ethics statements of all 50 aldermen up for the last two years.
Moore is listing 1417 Jonquil, third floor as his property other than his principal residence.
He didn't list it on the 2008 ethics statement.
And yes, I know ethics & Moore are a contradiction in terms!
http://www.suntimes.com/news/politics/1557138,chicago-aldermen-ethics-statements-2008-2007.article

Craig Gernhardt said...

I'm guessing that's Barb's place.

p said...

A responding officer that posted a comment in the Second City Cop Blog reffered to the victim as a him.

The officer said the his brain was scrambled and is brain dead costing taxpayers a ton of money to keep him alive.

I wonder if gangbangers should be required to fill out DNR orders after their first offense for these types of situations?

Dr Who said...

Sorry dude,

If my guys catch you carrying a gun, off to the County you go. When UUW was a misdemeanor, it was worth a gamble. It is a felony, now, and you will get housed..

NRAMember said...

Thanks for the advice Big Daddy. Since I'm a tradesman and not a Policeman, I don't carry openly, so I need a small, light, smooth gun; therefore, I carry a Smith&Wesson .38 Special +P Model 642-2. True, it only has five rounds; but its easily concealed and not uncomfortable to carry while bending, crawling, climbing, lifting, contorting, etc. As far as street self-defense, I think the most important thing is to just have a gun on you, even if it only has five rounds; I've used it several times for self-defense, without firing a single shot; each time the potential assailants took off running as fast as they can.

To North Coast and Boxing Tomboy: true, its 'possible' that someone could take away my gun, but thats why you should keep situational awareness. Since I don't use public transportation, other than crowded elevators, I won't let a stranger come within 10 feet of me without brandishing. And yes, when I walk my dogs at night, I cross the street when someone is approaching.

I now live in a state that has "Shall Issue" concealed carry, which basically means that if you aren't a convicted felon, escaped mental patient, illegal alien, or military deserter; the county Probate Judge has to issue you a concealed carry licence. Let me tell you, it sure is a lot more relaxing to legally carry concealed. When I lived in Illinois I was always worried that I would be arrested and have to pay a lot of money to a 'connected' lawyer to make the charges 'go away' so I wouldn't have a record.

One of the reasons for choosing this state to live in, and pay taxes to; was the low level of street crime due to the prevalence of concealed carry. My town, like any town, does have street crime; however, compared to Rogers Park and Chicago in general, its Mayberry.

To Big Daddy, I read this blog to keep up with the neighborhood where I grew up, and you're a voice of reason in a sea of liberalism.

Big Daddy said...

Bill, what difference does it make if it's a felony or a misdemeanor? Does the Constitution of the United States make that distinction? Does it say arrest them if it's a felony but not if it's a misdemeanor? Bill, do you not agree that it is wrong for the government and Daley in particular to deny a citizen the right of self defense? Do you not think it's wrong or see the hypocrisy in arresting otherwise law abiding citizens whose only crime is the desire to protect themselves from the scum of society that we both know is out there and bolder than ever? Why should a man like Man on the Street go to jail for carrying a gun? A man who goes to work everyday, pays his taxes, pays his own way, contributes to society and is an asset to the community? Because Daley says so? Can you not see how wrong that is? Why should he go to jail for something that is legal in almost every other state in the union? Bill, we are not talking about some gang banging thug here. People are afraid and with good reason. You of all people should know that the criminal justice system in this city is a joke. It will do nothing to protect people like you, me, the MOS or the thousands of other citizens who rely on it for their very survival. On the contrary it will do everything it can to blow them off. Bill, I beg of you, re-think this notion. Surely you and your guys don't need that type of pinch. There is enough scum out there to arrest. We don't need to "house" people like MOS simply because they wish to live to see another day.

Man On The Street said...

Bill...

Does that go for everyone or just me?

Big Daddy, you make more and more sense with each post.

BillyJoe'sBrain said...

It doesn't seem like the criminal element pays any mind to bill and his guys. Don't let yourself become prey.

ktshndr said...

Thanks everyone...I appreciate the honesty and solid opinions from all of you, whether I agree with them or not. I just need to stay on my toes and be aware at all times- which I do practice at the time being. It's sketchy where I live now, too. It sucks that I'm a hard-working wife of a wonderful, hard-working man...and we're just trying to live life happily, and the scum of the Earth has to get in our way sometimes...can't even go out too late because we're afraid of being out in the 'hood too late at night. But that's the reality of the city and paying a cheaper rent, I suppose! Thanks again to you all- looking forward to helping you all get this neighborhood on the up and up.

Dr Who said...

Yea, I'm going to let somebody go thats carrying a gun on the streets of Chicago in violation of state law, so that I can at the very least get fired, if not prosecuted. All sorts of government agencies have scumbags out here just waiting to screw a copper. I don't know anybody thats going to take a draw like that. Its not Daley's law, it the State of Illinois. Like I said, when UUW was a misdemeanor, it was a reasonable gamble to carry, because if caught it was a slap on the wrist. Now, its the County and a Felony, that far outwieghs the advantages.

Big Daddy said...

Bill, who controls this state? Daley, that's who. Forget about Moore,Stroger and all the other puppets who do his bidding. He is the puppetmaster. BTW, if you don't see something, you can't arrest them for it,right? I don't know about you Bill, but when I signed up I took an oath to support the Constitution of the United States. I didn't sign on to support whatever the tyrant decided is best for me or anybody else. But if you can look yourself in the miror everyday, then have at it. Me, I'm not one of his puppets and I will NOT enforce unconstitutional laws that deny people the right of self defense.

Man On The Street said...

Your comments are duly noted, big daddy and if I could be assured that it would be YOU that might stop me and at least listen to my reason for carring a gun, I'd do it. But like I suspected, that's not going to happen and rather than try to protect myself in this crazy environment with a firearm, I guess I'll just have to rely on luck. I'm not keen on going to county just as I am not keen on getting shot in the face. Anyway, thanks BD

floss said...

ktshndr,

Welcome to the neighborhood.

The news on the blog can be scary but keep in mind we are trying to shed light on what is happening here, as our alderman is ignoring these problems. Being such a large focus of the blog it can appear that it the Wild West here. It is not that the neighborhood feels overrun by the gangs. It feels more like they are part of the mix.

Being an artist I have lived in four lower rent Chicago neighborhoods, I have not enjoyed any so much as RP.

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