The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20s to early 30s with tattoos on both arms and the word "thug" tattooed on the right side of his neck, police said.
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The suspect is described as a black male in his late 20s to early 30s with tattoos on both arms and the word "thug" tattooed on the right side of his neck, police said.
BMW

Well, Tammy...

It is possible to have on a hooded sweatshirt and not have the hood over your head. Oh yeah, I am pretty sure that the sleeves on sweatshirts can also be pushed up. Why would he wear a hooded sweatshirt and not have the hood on or the sleeves down? My guess is that he does not rank high on the "intellegence chart."

BUT, I am not saying that because of his race!!! I have never heard such racist comments from anyone; except, of course, from the finest members of the society of Peachtree City. The majority of these posts are SO racist that it literally makes me want to throw up. I find it so hard to comprehend that people are this sick; and I literally mean sick. You people know who you are and I strongly suggest that all of you seek some type of mental health care as soon as possible.

Oh, and I have to say that I am upset that Obama didn't invite me to his "Thug Fest". You know, the one he had where he announced who is really going to be his VP - O.J. Let me clarify: O.J. is a thug, but not because he is a black male; he is a thug because he is a murderer and a newly convicted kidnapper and thief (among other things). But, I guess I didn't stand a chance of getting an invitation from Obama because I am a white female.

Calm down killer! You went on a rant about race when nobody said a thing about it. And bringing that idiot-socialist Obama into it? I really don't understand unintelligent morons like yourself. Take a step into the real world and look around. You're a prime example of white guilt and reverse racism.

Jackets316 -

I do hope that you aren't referring to me. If you are, I believe that you must have misinterpreted my statements.

Mmmmm....here's some help for profiling:

Most robberies are executed by "black males"
Most sexual predators of minors are "white males"
Most drivers DUIs are "hispanic males"
Most rapists are "black males"
Most white collar criminals are "white males" (as are stupid, economy-wrecking Presidents)
Most illegal aliens are "hispanic males"

And so on and so forth....

-----------------------------------
Making you think twice......

You know, I don't like to be robbed anymore than you do, but what difference does it make what color the robber is anyway?
That indicates that you think most robbers are black!

They are not, just the youth, maybe, and I'm not sure about that.

How many black crooked bankers are there?
How many hedge fund managers?
How many corporate crooks?

These people ruin whole families just as these thugs do!

Excuses Excuses Excuses!!! Thats the whole problem. Well other people do bad things too!! The facts are that Fayette County is slowly becoming not a very nice place to live anymore!! Each individual can decide for themselves why that is but I can tell you that the writing is on the wall and my family will not be waiting around to find out!! My house is for sale and I can't wait to get out of here!!

The crime stats and the demographics don't lie.

I guess we really can't expect anything but gratuitous crime being this close to Atlanta. Atlanta is just like Detroit, an urban blight on America. One race overwhelmingly dominates the crime stats.

God forbid people would look at the GBI crime stats and compare violent crime with demographics......nooooooo.....we don't want to look at that.

In Fayette County one race or demographic dominates the crime stats. We are being threatened and bullied because we have a nice peaceful, safe community. We let them have DeKalb, East Point, and Clayton County.....how many more counties or communities are we going to abandon to thugs who like to threaten and bully????

Racism is dying in America.

Better get used to it.

Not all of us white guys are voting for McCain. I am not afraid of Obama. I think he has a better plan for America than McCain. And besides, the Republicans have failed for 8 straight years to bring this nation's economy to a sustainable state.

And, by the way. Obama is not black. He is of mixed ancestry, like you.

Do you really think racism is dying in America? I wish it would.
I don't see it that way here on on this blog or in life. This Presidential race is constantly talking about it.

There are several that can't help but talk about it.

You use to make a lot of sense with what you wrote. When I read that you are a white man voting for a black man- come on ManofGreatLogic, really? I guess I am a black woman voting for a white man.

If racism was dying in America what is all this talk about it we hear daily.

BTW- Beaver was not a racist if you knew him. I did not know him personally but his post did not prove that.

I have been telling people to listen to this: ( Sorry, I couldn't find any country songs about it.)

Turn it up and listen to Black And White.

Black Or White

Sorry, I love that version, but this one also.

Black And White

I was only about 10 when that last song came out. One of my favorites.

My parents did not teach me color. Just to care for people.

Racism may be dying, but sadly crime is not. We should never get used to being bullied by criminals. The crime stats don't lie.

But comments like this are just ignorant, offensive and needlessly seditious. Can you honestly find nothing better to say about the situation than obsolete stereotypes? Obviously, this person made a poor choice but his race is not to blame for his actions. Should we blame your narrow-minded bigotry on your race? Shame on you!

Nobody is working harder to keep the stereotype of the young black male as criminal alive than young black males.

At its most basic, crime is lower when young black males aren't around. That isn't an opinion, it's fact.

You can take one for the open-minded team, friend. I'm from Berkeley. My multicultural cred is real. I believe that the black community will get itself together, but I don't think it will happen anytime in the next ten years. Until it does, the fewer "Clayton County types" in Fayette, the better.

I don't own or work in a shop in Fayette County, but my sphincter would tighten whenever a young black male came in if I did. Yours would too.

Poor choice? This punk comitted a felony. It's not like he accidentally made a left turn instead of a right turn. He made the concious decision to take money that did not belong to him.

Yes, there is security at the Avenue. But have you ever watched them--they just go through the motions as they sleepwalk through what they perceive to be an easy paycheck. Peachtree City needs to send a message that our law enforcement will be tough on crime, otherwise, we will be overrun soon.

You must not be serious!

"How could they not help,,,,,," He probably sit in his car somewhere until someone parked in the back of the business, then drove there, got out quickly, and escorted them in!

70 cops probably wouldn't have noticed! No profiling, you know.

A guy with a THUG tattoo on his neck should be easy to find.

Hey Thug, if you're reading this, you might want to wear a turtleneck all year.

What a dunce.

You think its bad now with the black thugs…Just wait until the liberal democrats vote in their great black hope..B. Hussein Obama. Just wait…. the black community will be running our country in the same manner they have been running Fannie and Freddie and Congress…

Go ahead…idiots…vote for Obama…and sit back and watch the “thugs” come alive!

I hope to God I don't know you and that your kids don't attend my kids' schools. That's like suggesting that voting for an old white man will give old white men carte blanche to commit bank fraud and rob the middle class...oh wait, maybe that is what they're thinking.

I would like to relate an experience I endured 21 years ago at the naive age of 18 - back when I believed there was good in everyone. This is an anonymous community we have here at the Citizen. I would never, otherwise, speak this openly about that night.

We were 18, my best friend and I. Too old to hang out at high school gatherings and too young to get into a bar so we did youngsters often do at that age - we went cruising Friday night and ended up at Krystal's for a late night feast(my parents talk about how they used to hang out at the Varsity in high school - I guess some things don't change.). We met these three guys and thought they were cute so like the stupid teenage girls we were, we parked my car and got into the car of three strange men. They knew somewhere where we could go 'hang out' and as naive as we were, well.....

They took us for a ride and to this day I don't know where we were. I expressed concern to my friend that we were in the middle of nowhere, it was dark and I didn't recognize where we were going. We didn't have cell phones back then and were completely at their will. After about 30-45 minutes, we arrived at a lake and the guys parked the car. One of them took my friend down near the water. I was left in the car. I won't relate any sexual details but I fought hard, busting my knuckles and must have gotten in one really good knee to the groin because the one they called Mike became angry enough to place a hand over my throat. I tried to look towards where my friend was but couldn't see anything through my own tears, grasping at the hand on my throat. Then...I blacked out and was left there. The next thing I can remember, my friend was leaning over me crying and the three men and their car were gone. I don't even remember how we got home, but once we were home she asked if I wanted to tell someone. We both agreed that we did not. She and I are still friends - have been for more than thirty years - and we talk about anything and everything....except the events of that night.

My purpose in relating this story to you is not for anyone to respond with pity - we know we were stupid in getting ourselves into that situation. Maybe some of you who have young daughters will have them read this - even intelligent young women often do stupid things to be accepted. I offered my story because I know that crime has no color. These three men were WHITE. But, because we never reported the crime - there's one stat that doesn't exist on paper.

I know what the crime reports say, but from personal experience I cannot buy that blacks commit all the crime. I've met many a black man that did not rape me. Certaintly, I've come a long way from that night. I am now wiser and though I sabotaged many a relationship along the way, I am now in a 12 year marriage with a man that I've learned to trust.

In summary, thugs come in all colors.

"I will allow no man to degrade my soul by making me hate him"
- Booker T. Washington

It was with great interest that I read your above post. First off, I am sorry to hear of your tragic experience. Your summation is correct, thugs do come in all colors. You'd be hardpressed to find anyone on this site who denies that there are white robbers, rapists, and thieves out there. However, it is patently false to believe that blacks do not commit a disproportionate number of crimes when compared to people of other races. This is an indisputable fact, not an opinion or mere speculation. Refer to The Color of Crime (http://www.colorofcrime.com/colorofcrime2005.pdf) if you don't believe me. Therein you will find facts regarding all types of crimes, facts that most media outlets dare not report, facts that most people don't want to acknowledge. The citations and sources are also given, in case you were wondering. So please, familiarize yourself with reality before spreading disinformation. That goes to everyone on this site who is quick to point out the appallingly obvious (that is that, believe it or not, white criminals exist too).

On another related topic, when are blacks going to reaize that identity politics are a losing game for them? Where has it gotten their community in recent decades? Until they vote for political candidates who transcend race and bring to the table actual ideas that will lift the black community out of the perpetual dreg it's in they will continue to go nowhere. I suppose doing so would involve looking beyond skin color and judging one on his ideas and character. How passé.

This is the first time in history that blacks have voted as a block for a black. Blacks did not vote for Jesse Jackson; Shirley Chisholm, that Keys fellow, or Carol Mosley Braun. They are voting for Obama for the same reason that 50% of the citizens of this country are voting for him. He has presented the issues that matter to the American people in an articulate and believable manner. We've had enough of Bush,Rove, Cheney deception. We're broke!! It's the economy stupid! And the American people are judging on ideas and character. Obama is just fine in those two areas. One wife, proud of all of his children, etc., etc., etc. The attempt at Obama's character assassination has just made people look closer at McCain - and it's not a very pretty picture.The wonderful aspect of our system is that we can vote - and our vote will count. November 4th will tell the story.

While I would venture to agree that a disproportionate number of crimes are perpetrated by the minority members of our society, I am wary of using statistical information to substantiate my opinions. After all, statistics can be made to prove just about anything, with most "authorities" using statistics like drunks use a lamppost ... more for support than illumination. Gut feelings and years of experience and observation tell me everything I need to know ... that and the "pucker factor" I get when confronted with things that go "thug" in the night.

Thank You. That was pretty much my point. It is only in recent years that I am even able to share my own experience with any one and imagine some of the missing pieces of that night are because I've blocked them out. The reason I choose to do so now was to combat this notion that if a crime is committed - well, no wonder...he's black! Many young women like my friend and myself do not report the crime, thereby making stats of any kind really nothing more than an estimate.

I fail to see where I was 'spreading disinformation' as ptcavenger claims. My point was simply that, based on personal experience, I will not allow myself to be belied into a false sense of security because a man that approaches me in a parking lot is white and not black. Either way ..... my guard is up!

Could you please point out one magazine article, one AJC newspaper clipping, any LexisNexis finding, that seriously posits that there are no white criminals? You won't find one, because NO ONE IS DENYING that there are white criminals. Of course there are. Above you wrote that the reason you have chosen to share your story with us is to "combat this notion that if a crime is committed -well, no wonder...he's black!" You would do well to remember the cardinal rule of STAT1101, correlation does not imply causation. I am especially fond of the way you discounted an entire academic field as nothing more than sheer estimation.

On another note, I'm thinking of creating a Vietnam Wall type memorial to memorialize the thousands upon thousands of innocent white victims murdered by blacks. I wonder how that would go over.

Opinions are usually based on theexperience of the person holding the opinion. If you built the wall, based on my experience - and my knowledge of the history of our country - the wall of innocent blacks murdered by whites would be longer and higher. We're talking about criminal action here. Dawn makes a good point. There are 'crimes' committed by 'whites' that are not reported. Today on the news, a hard working white man had his car broken into - and his wife's purse was taken. Low and behold, the 'thug' that did this 'crime' was White. His image was caught on the security tape. Depending on where you live, the 'thugs' will represent the 'color' of those who adhere to the 'thug' life. In my day - and today unfortunately, a black woman will be very wary of a 'white' man driving a pick-up truck with a confederate flag anywhere on that truck. Truthfully, that is a racist reaction - but based on the experience of past and current actions in this country. The children that I have observed in the parking lot at Tinseltown who appeared 'stoned' - or were actually engaging in drug sales were black and white. Fayette county students are more affluent than students in some other areas - and the drug dealers come to where the money is. Our stores do not have 'big city' security - and are easy targets for 'thugs'. In the past four years I have noticed increased law enforcement activity in Fayette County - and great improvement in the youthful activities in the Pavilion parking lot. (I admit that I'm not in the area on Friday or Saturday nights) You have had 'black' citizens in Fayette Country for years. These 'neighbors' have maintained their property and paid their taxes just like 'white' neighbors. I don't think anyone wants a neighbor who brings the value of the neighborhood down, - black, white, green or yellow. Blacks know that not all whites are 'racist' or 'dangerous' to the black community. If whites, especially in the south, would acknowledge that they also know that all blacks are not of the sub-culture of 'thugs' that exists in both communities - the rhetoric sometimes expressed here would not have such a racist tinge.

"You have had 'black' citizens in Fayette Country for years. These 'neighbors' have maintained their property and paid their taxes just like 'white' neighbors." You're absolutely correct. Blacks (I'm not sure why you put that in quotes...actually, I might have an idea) have lived in this community for decades. As I've said many times and I'll say again, if you are an achiever, if you are a law abiding person who contributes to society instead of degrading it, then by all means come to our community. If a person meets these criteria then I, along with just about everyone else, eagerly welcomes them regardless of race. As you pointed out, blacks who fit this description have lived here for years and there've never been any problems like we've recently been seeing. These black residents have a drive to be successful, pay their taxes, obey the law, and generally be good citizens. Now, because there are people who are coming to this county now who DO NOT fit the description above, we are seeing a spike in crimes. In fact, besides Clayton County, Fayette is the only other county in the metro area to see a double digit percentage increase in crime(source:http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/clayton/stories/2008/09/22/clayton_crime.html) The majority of these newcomers are minorities, specifically black. Rememeber that article on here a few months ago that said the minority population of Fayette was up to something like 26%? Let's take this further. Where are the majority of these black residents (or visitors) situated? Within the past year, where have the majority of serious crimes been committed? Answer to both questions: the northern part of the county. Hmm, kind of makes you scratch your head, doesn't it?

A few more things. You suggested that the black crime rate is higher because many crimes go unreported, and some of the perpetrators of those unreported crimes are white. What makes you think people always report crime when the perpetrator is black?

About identity politics and racial voting. You said, "This is the first time in history that blacks have voted as a block for a black." I literally almost fell out of my seat when I read that. Two words: Marion Barry. For those of you who don't know, Marion Barry is the disgraced mayor of Washington, DC who was caught smoking crack. He was re-elected to political office over the other candidate by a 3-to-1 margin, a marginal disparity overwhelmingly due to black bloc voting. In fact, one of their slogans for Barry was "He's not perfect, but he's for DC" which can be translated as "He's not perfect, but he's one of us." Marion Barry is just one of the many examples I could use but, frankly, my hands are starting to fatigue.

I didn't want to talk about Obama, but you brought him up so I will. Last night I was watching the local news and they had footage of a voting drive in Dekalb County. One woman they showed was a 30something black woman who could barely string together a sentence of coherent English. She was a first time voter (in her 30s) eager to register so she could cast her vote for...gee, I wonder who. About a week or so ago I was at the Wal-Mart on Old National. As I was walking in I noticed a booth adjacent to the main doors with a middle-aged black man running it. He asked the people in front of me (who were black) if they were registered to vote and if they weren't would they like to be. He didn't ask me, a white man, if I wanted to register. Later as I was preparing to leave I waited in my car and watched this man. He did not ask one white person entering the store if they were registered or wanted to register. I don't know about you, but to me that is very disturbing. And you're going to tell me that blacks don't vote on race?

If you really cared about the plight of the black community then perhaps you'd be better served trying to talk to black teens about what it means to have respect for elders, community, the law, other people's rights, you know, insignificant things like that, instead of posting on the internet. Educate them about their history and the proud heritage of their forefathers. It's sad when most black youths don't know who W.E.B. duBois or Frederick Douglass are, yet the overwhelming majority of them know T.I. and Young Jeezy. What are you going to do to make it better?

I honestly don't know why I continue to debate with some people on here.

if you are an achiever, if you are a law abiding person who contributes to society instead of degrading it, then by all means come to our community.

To make the perception of this concept non-racial, let’s target all citizens who do not fit your criteria for citizenship in Fayetteville – whites, Asians, Hispanics. Is there a city commission in charge of this effort?

Check list for Fayetteville citizens:
• Maintain property
• Pay taxes
• Law abiding
• An achiever

Great idea Avenger. Are you on the City Commission in charge of this? Is there a directive to Real Estate agents to check for this criterion before selling a home in Fayetteville? All who have invested in our city would welcome this.

You suggested that the black crime rate is higher because many crimes go unreported, and some of the perpetrators of those unreported crimes are white. What makes you think people always report crime when the perpetrator is black?

Take this up with Dawn. It was her issue that I responded to.

Marion Barry

If you noticed, the candidates I referred to were presidential candidates. Since 1964, when all African Americans received the right to vote in the United States, black mayors and other political positions have been ‘won’ because of the new black vote. This is the first time that blacks will supposedly vote as a block for a presidential candidate. There are not enough blacks to insure that he will be president. Women, independents, the majority of Democrats and some Republicans are joining blacks. Not all black – right? Do you have a problem with the history of white Americans voting for whites? At last we seem to be breaking a product of racism. Aren’t you happy?

The majority of residents in Washington D.C. are black. No surprise that the mayors past and current are black. The majority of residents in Fayetteville are white – no surprise that the mayor is white. Right? Kenny Hahn was a white leader in Watts, California – a minority community. He was re-elected for years to represent this community – not because he was white – but because he was a leader who truly represented his community. Good people with good intentions can conquer racism.

I haven’t seen any registration booths here in Fayetteville. (I live in ‘south’ Fayetteville) However – no Republican has ever asked me if I was registered. Hmmmmmmm. McCain and Palin are targeting Joe six-pack and Hockey Moms (white – although there are some black Hockey Moms and some black Joe’s). Their strategy is called American Political strategy based on race and gender.

If you really cared about the plight of the black community then perhaps you'd be better served trying to talk to black teens about what it means to have respect for elders,

Those of us who care don’t ‘try’ – we ‘do’. Proof of success?

•500-600 black male graduates from Morehouse in 2007 and 2008. (Many accepted in prestigious graduate school programs throughout the country) By the way – diversity training for blacks starts with birth! We were taught how to get along with others in order to SURVIVE! The young white scholar who was elected Student Body President at Morehouse was not recognized as a ‘token’ – but one who had learned to judge by ones character and not by the color of skin.)

•The successful campaign of the women at Spelman College to boycott derogatory music by some ‘rappers’.

•An increase in black graduates from many of the top colleges/universities in the country.

•The polite and courteous black teens seen in the Pavilion and the Avenues, (I must say that both black and white teens have been courteous and polite to me here in Fayetteville.)

•The black teens seen attending church on Sunday.

•The black teens participating with their parents in Fayette County high school sports activities.

However, there has always been a perception that whites are more knowledgeable on how to handle crisis situations like teen pregnancy, drug use, burglary, robbery, car theft, child molestation, truancy, etc. If whites have found solutions to these problems with American teens – please continue to share your successes with the minority population. Let’s start with advise from the current candidate for Vice President, Sarah Palin. (Problems with our teen population, which are not limited to color – are usually associated with home environment, education, etc.) Most of our criminals in the teen population have reading problems; self esteem problems, raised in poverty, etc.

Do I deny the problem of ‘saggy pants’, poor use of the English language, rude behavior, drug use, guns/weapons at school, robbery of hard working business owners? NO!! Educators, celebrities, community leaders in the black community are working diligently to correct these problems in our community – but these problems do not define us. . .and I will not allow you to define the black community in your terms without pointing out your racist intentions. It wasn’t a black student who brought a ‘cache of weapons to a Fayette County High school – but you didn’t warn the community to fear ALL white students. Do you get the point Avenger? ‘ Fear blacks’ is an old political tactic that many recognize.

We know when you use words to try to correct your intentions – but you’re not fooling anyone. Is it possible that you choose to ignore the increase in ‘northern Fayette County as incorporating the predominantly black communities of Country Lakes or other high scale developments along 314? If your neighbors are not meeting your criteria – move. There are some beautiful homes in wonderfully integrated neighborhoods in Fayette County with neighbors who meet and exceed your criteria.

After I finish trying to make sense of your argument I will respond.

You're paraphrasing his quote, he didn't say they couldn't come, he did say that if they did those things they would be welcomed. Can you comprehend that? You can change any meaning when you pick out the parts you want to ignore, but hey if it works for you go for it.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

Paraphrase: a restatement of a text or passage giving the meaning in another form, as for clearness; rewording.

I carefully copied Avenger's words and pasted them. I did not reword anything. Bye! LOL! (Maybe you're smarter than a third grader!!)

Hutch, this is just a debate on the computer – nothing serious or personal. Have a great day. Life is too short to be upset about anything – believe me!!

The point is you left out part of the passage and made it seem like he meant something else. Here's the part you left out"If a person meets these criteria then I, along with just about everyone else, eagerly welcomes them regardless of race." That was the next sentence and it changes the meaning of the quote. I notice you still change my name, that is sooooooo mature, if it's just a debate why feel the need to try to insult me, maybe I am only as smart as the third grader, but at least I'm honest about what I say and don't omit things to change the meaning.
This is an edit, after further thinking about it, I agree you did carefully copy and paste, you also omitted a key part of what he was saying. I say dishonest in intent, what say you?

I yam what I yam....Popeye

If the purse theft was not reported, how did it get on the news? Also based upon past and current actions in this country, when the car with those 22" rims and the radio blasting the nastiest of lyrics pulls up you better be just as afraid of it as the pickup with the Confederate flag, in regards to your last sentence, it's sad that you don't hold your own people to the same standards that you hold the white race.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

You know Hutch, when I'm walking across a parking lot and see one of those big old cars circling, playing the loud boom, boom music, and the driver sitting in the back seat. I tend to get a little nervous.

I believe most of us can identify the number one racist blogger here.

How you doing?

Tug

In the LA area - I would be more than a little nervous. Here - darn it, I take their picture with my phone!! I refuse at my age to be intimidated by thugs of any color! (And unfortunately they're here in Fayette County.) As I've said before, the citizens here have an opportunity to help law-enforcement big time. A thug looking like that should not have felt comfortable even driving in the parking lot - but he was right - no one would do anything. Let's show them that we can fight back and keep our community safe. The gangs haven't taken over here yet!!

I'm doing OK, how are you doing, got that computer fixed yet? I don't think Davids mom is a racist, but I also don't think just because you're white and have a Confederate emblem somewhere on your truck that it means black women have to be afraid. I can't help myself, when I see or hear bovine droppings, I have to call bovine droppings. I'm going to see if I have Hack's number here somewhere and see if we can't get together, if I get a hold of him I'll shoot you a email. Have a good day, you too Davids mom.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

Today on the news, a hard working white man had his car broken into - and his wife's purse was taken. Low and behold, the 'thug' that did this 'crime' was White.

Does that answer your question? (This was in my statement) When you can read and comprehend like a fifth grader - let's chat. I'm pleased to inform you that the standards I hold to 'humans' know no color criteria. What about you?

(Contrary to popular belief - most people here don't spend hours in front of the computer - and your statements usually don't warrant a response.)

Do these words sound familiar "You don’t have to speak to me ever again – but I will call you and your ignorant bigoted words out whenever I come across them on this or any other blog. I respect your right to be conservative – but your words represent a group of people that make all conservatives appear bigoted – and I know that is not true." Right back at you lady.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

You must have missed the sentence right before that mom, the one where you said that "There are 'crimes' committed by 'whites' that are not reported." I can read and comprehend just fine. Just like I called BS on the beaver, I called it on you. Did it make you feel grown up to change my name? Have I made fun of your moniker on here? This is just what I'm talking about with you, you said "In my day - and today unfortunately, a black woman will be very wary of a 'white' man driving a pick-up truck with a confederate flag anywhere on that truck." When I reply to that it somehow has less meaning? Did you say a human in a pickup truck, No you said white man. You and the Beav are a lot more alike then you will admit. You don't like my responses because they hit to close to home, but that's cool, I have little respect for your opinion too.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

No reply? Why am I not surprised.

I yam what I yam....Popeye

Good to see you checking in. Now that rascal Git needs to check in.

Git Real we miss you...Southernbelle and Tug too.

I was just thinking about Tug yesterday, wonder where she is?

As for Git . . .you know, he's always got a "conference" in Florida, or cats to herd in Oklahoma, who knows where he might be.

Good to hear from you. I know you were very busy last week. I know one time Tug said her computer was on the blink.

Git's was too, because he tried to use "vista" which other people have had prblems with.

The Muddles haven't checked in either. Have a good day.

Finally we have rain, it is so nice.

There aren't any confederate flags on any vehicles in my neighborhood, but there are countless youths wearing droopy-drawers and doo-rags shuffling around whilst listening to the beat of thug-rap music.

They look just like the kids you see getting busted all the time on "Cops".

I just don't feel safe in this town any more. Time to move on and find safer pastures, I guess...

Hey Fred-O, Wasilla, Alaska might be a place you'd like to consider....
-----------------------------------
Making you think twice......

Good idea Mr. DragNet. I'll bet the crime rate is a lot lower there since it's so much further from Clayton and South Fulton counties.

Bye!

Good Grief! Did I start all this? Well, I apologize. I never intended to incite racial discontent or to leave you holding the bag when you came to my defense.

I am aware of what the statistics say. I'm aware of discrimination that comes from all angles. I just choose to try and rise above all that. I quoted Booker T. Washington: "I will allow no man to degrade my soul by making me hate him.". This is a quote that has carried me through many a tough time, when it would have been way too easy to hate - and yes, hate is the easy way. If one allows statistics and stereotypes to guide their judgement then hate will soon follow. I know that someone out there will respond to this post in an objectionable manner, but I'm done with the banter. David's mom, all we can do is live how we deem appropriate and raise our children to adhere to our values. By the way, I'm a white woman who LOVES fried chicken and watermelon. In fact, every white person I know loves watermelon!LOL

Have a good day, David's mom, I really enjoy you.

You represent the present and the future! No apology needed. Thanks for your contributions! Most of the time I just 'read' now - but I can't allow ignorance to define the black community. I am joyfully aware that persons like you represent the majority of today’s citizens in Fayette County. I rejoice in that fact! . .and I'm happy to have chosen Fayette County as my home!!

Guess that was a little joke-feeding into the sterotype, but those are typical southern delicacies not particular to one race.

As for your earlier blog about what happened to you as a young lady. That was such a different time-back then it was assumed that if you got in a car and went with a young man/men you knew what was expected of you and if you didn't 'put out' you were branded a 'tease' and these young men took what they wanted. Back then, almost everyone--man or woman would say that the young women got what was coming to them--that they were 'asking for it'. No, it wasn't right but that is the way people felt then. It was only much later that it was and is drilled in young men's heads that 'No means no, no matter the circumstances'. If any of those men in that car that night with you and your friend were told they had committed a crime they would have been flabbergasted. More than likely your parents would have been incensed but would have blamed you for being where you shouldn't have been. What happened to you was tragic and it happened to many women. I was in this position once or twice myself--not going off with men in a car but going on a date and having the young man feel that a good night kiss meant more. I have had to fight off more than one--and a knee to the groin made them realize I meant no. I have even had these same men call me the next day and apologize and ask me out again--I wasn't that crazy to even attempt a second date. As tragic as your situation was, you cannot compare it to having someone pull a gun on you and order you into their car regardless of their color or ethnic background. What you experienced is what we now call date rape.

Mytmite: Yes, I was making a funny. Thank you for seeing the humor in that. You are correct. My experience is not comparable to having a gun pulled on me and yes, my friend and I were very stupid. That is precisely why the crime went unreported - we knew very well that we were not to blame for the violence itself but very much to blame for poor judgement. It was just as stupid as if we had hitchhiked. As is often the case, sometimes we have to make incredibly stupid mistakes to learn and mature. When my daughter is old enough, I intend to tell her my story so that maybe she won't be so naive.

Davids mom: Thank you for your nice comments. I very rarely get one on this site.