OT: I Never Knew Arkansas Was So "Ghetto"

[Enigma869]

Geez...a 24 hour curfew in Arkansas What is this world coming to!


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080813/ap_ ... own_curfew


John from Boston

[artist4perry]

I live in Arkansas, not that region, but for the most part it is a beautiful state. It is a sad thing that gangs can do that much harm in any state. Cops are outnumbered by these thugs. I know a curfew is drastic, but how do police control such an out of control situation? It sounds like a War zone. I think gang membership should be enough to convict a person. Maybe it won't be so appealing then.

[Saint John]

John, didn't you forget something?

[Enigma869]

John, didn't you forget something?

Damn dude...you're high maintenance


Crime-ridden Arkansas town expands 24-hour curfew By JON GAMBRELL, Associated Press Writer
Wed Aug 13, 6:41 AM ET



HELENA-WEST HELENA, Ark. - Officers armed with military rifles have been stopping and questioning passers-by in a neighborhood plagued by violence that's been under a 24-hour curfew for a week.


On Tuesday, the Helena-West Helena City Council voted 9-0 to allow police to expand that program into any area of the city, despite a warning from a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas that the police stops were unconstitutional.

Police Chief Fred Fielder said the patrols have netted 32 arrests since they began last week in a 10-block neighborhood in this small town on the banks of the Mississippi River long troubled by poverty. The council said those living in the city want the random shootings and drug-fueled violence to stop, no matter what the cost.

"Now if somebody wants to sue us, they have an option to sue, but I'm fairly certain that a judge will see it the way the way the citizens see it here," Mayor James Valley said. "The citizens deserve peace, that some infringement on constitutional rights is OK and we have not violated anything as far as the Constitution."

The area under curfew, in what used to be a West Helena neighborhood, sits among abandoned homes and occupied residences in disrepair.

White signs on large blue barrels warn those passing by that the area remains under curfew by order of Mayor James Valley. The order was scheduled to end at 3 p.m. Tuesday, but Valley said the city council's vote would allow police to have the same powers across Helena-West Helena.

Among the curfew operation's arrests, 10 came from felony charges, including the arrest of two people carrying both drugs and weapons, Fielder said. The police chief said the officers in the field carry military-style M-16 or M-4 rifles, some equipped with laser sights. Other officers carry short-barrel shotguns. Many dealing crack cocaine and marijuana in the city carry pistols and AK-47 assault rifles, he said.

"We've had people call us, expressing concern for their children," Fielder said. "They had to sleep on the floor, because of stray bullets."

Fielder said officers had not arrested anyone for violating the curfew, only questioned people about why they were outside. Those without good answers or acting nervously get additional attention, Fielder said.

However, such stops likely violate residents' constitutional rights to freely assemble and protections against unreasonable police searches, said Holly Dickson, a lawyer for the ACLU of Arkansas who addressed the council at its packed Tuesday meeting. Because of that, Dickson said any convictions coming from the arrests likely would be overturned.

"The residents of these high-crime areas are already victims," she said. "They're victims of what are happening in the neighborhoods, they're victims of fear. But for them to be subject to unlawful stops and questioning ... that is not going to ultimately going to help this situation."

The council rejected Dickson's claims, at one point questioning the Little Rock-based attorney if she'd live in a neighborhood they described as under siege by wild gunfire and gangs.

"As far as I'm concerned, at 3 o'clock in the morning, nobody has any business being on the street, except the law," Councilman Eugene "Red" Johnson said. "Anyone out at 3 o'clock shouldn't be out on the street, unless you're going to the hospital."

The curfew is the second under the mayor's watch since the rival cities of Helena and West Helena merged in 2006. That year, Valley set a nightly citywide curfew after a rash of burglaries and other thefts.

Police in Hartford, Conn., began enforcing a nightly curfew for youths after recent violence, including a weekend shooting that killed a man and wounded six young people.

Helena-West Helena, with 15,000 residents at the edge of Arkansas' eastern rice fields and farmland, is in one of the nation's poorest regions, trailing even parts of Appalachia in its standard of living.

In the curfew area, those inside the homes in the watch area peered out of door cracks Tuesday as police cruisers passed. They closed the doors afterward.

[Liquid_Drummer]

You know I dont agree with this "martial law" in disguise however... Sometimes we have to make small sacrifices for the better good. If I lived in a place where stray bullets were and issue and my kids had to sleep on the floor as a result I would welcome this. It would only be temp anyway and would hopefully drive the bad element out.... I dont like it but if it is as bad as portrayed then it beats the alternative of children being struck my stray bullets as they sleep etc... Sounds like a war zone...

[artist4perry]

You know I dont agree with this "martial law" in disguise however... Sometimes we have to make small sacrifices for the better good. If I lived in a place where stray bullets were and issue and my kids had to sleep on the floor as a result I would welcome this. It would only be temp anyway and would hopefully drive the bad element out.... I dont like it but if it is as bad as portrayed then it beats the alternative of children being struck my stray bullets as they sleep etc... Sounds like a war zone...

Most of Arkansas is not like this. It has alot of farm towns, and small communities. But unfortunately, like alot of states these days, Gangs are here, too. I think if they are not dealt with soon, it will grow to almost every town. So sad. MS13's and other dangerous gangs need to be outlawed.

[Lula]

i am so sick of gangs!!! i grew up around gangs for the most part, but they were always on the fringe.... now they are next door. i teach in the inner city and gang activity is at an all time high, really sad. i'm all for the strong arm of the law to do something drastic. i know, not very liberal of me

[Rhiannon]

i am so sick of gangs!!! i grew up around gangs for the most part, but they were always on the fringe.... now they are next door. i teach in the inner city and gang activity is at an all time high, really sad. i'm all for the strong arm of the law to do something drastic. i know, not very liberal of me

Holyness, Lu... be careful out there!!!

[Arkansas]

The Mississippi delta region has long been known for a weak economy. Unless you're a big time farmer, there's really not much opportunity to prosper. Much of the workforce has dried-up or moved across the river to the casinos. And Philips county, about a half hour south of Memphis, is hit the hardest. It's just stagnant, if not dying...especially in today's weak national economy.

Helena-West Helena used to be two cities, but due to struggling finances, they voted to merge just a few years ago. And what happened wasn't strength and growth. What happened as racial divide. City government became polarized, and the schools tanked. Civic infrastructure dissolved. In fact, I think the school system was so in debt that they went into state receivership for awhile, and district court held the City in contempt for the constant in-fighting. Nobody could do anything. Tensions continued to rise. Crime increased. And certain parts of town basically became anarchy. Was once told by distant family that even cops were afraid.

So basically the only way to make a difference was to declare martial law in the most concentrated area. And it sucks. I mean it really sucks. But until they can drive the bad guys out, or put them in jail, then there's not really any choice.

Now then, I will say that it's a pretty town. It's got a deep Civil War history. And there's an annual blues festival in October that attracts a 100k people. The King Biscuit Blues Festival is a great music experience. (Literally bumped into Robert Plant there one year.) And overall, this is a very nice traditional southern town.

But until they can fix their politics and shore-up their finances, things may get worse before they get better.
It's just a very tough situation.


later~

[Greg]

The Mississippi delta region has long been known for a weak economy. Unless you're a big time farmer, there's really not much opportunity to prosper. Much of the workforce has dried-up or moved across the river to the casinos. And Philips county, about a half hour south of Memphis, is hit the hardest. It's just stagnant, if not dying...especially in today's weak national economy.

Helena-West Helena used to be two cities, but due to struggling finances, they voted to merge just a few years ago. And what happened wasn't strength and growth. What happened as racial divide. City government became polarized, and the schools tanked. Civic infrastructure dissolved. In fact, I think the school system was so in debt that they went into state receivership for awhile, and district court held the City in contempt for the constant in-fighting. Nobody could do anything. Tensions continued to rise. Crime increased. And certain parts of town basically became anarchy. Was once told by distant family that even cops were afraid.

So basically the only way to make a difference was to declare martial law in the most concentrated area. And it sucks. I mean it really sucks. But until they can drive the bad guys out, or put them in jail, then there's not really any choice.

Now then, I will say that it's a pretty town. It's got a deep Civil War history. And there's an annual blues festival in October that attracts a 100k people. The King Biscuit Blues Festival is a great music experience. (Literally bumped into Robert Plant there one year.) And overall, this is a very nice traditional southern town.

But until they can fix their politics and shore-up their finances, things may get worse before they get better.
It's just a very tough situation.


later~

Wow...that's sad! Make me appreciate where I'm living at, and where I'm living at has next to nothing anyways. The only thing my area has going for it is NASCAR. We have our share of gangs here as well, but probably not enough for any drastic measures. I'm all for bringing in the big guns if it means a safer place to live. Some people get too caught up in civil rights when they don't realize civil rights does nothing for you when you're dead.

[Tito]

Are these gang hispanic or black? Or white?

[Rhiannon]

The only thing my area has going for it is NASCAR.

Pfft...

...and Beamerball.

[Arkansas]

Are these gang hispanic or black? Or white?

Interesting question. Don't know for certain, but I think mostly black. The Mexican population in Arkansas is growing, especially in rural areas where labor is needed, but I haven't heard of any gangs. Don't know of any white gangs either, except the KKK. The KKK isn't high profile per se, but they know who they are.


later~

[Greg]

The only thing my area has going for it is NASCAR.

Pfft...

...and Beamerball.

Ha true dat! Me personally, I could do without NASCAR, but not Beamerball!!!

[Tito]

Are these gang hispanic or black? Or white?

Interesting question. Don't know for certain, but I think mostly black. The Mexican population in Arkansas is growing, especially in rural areas where labor is needed, but I haven't heard of any gangs. Don't know of any white gangs either, except the KKK. The KKK isn't high profile per se, but they know who they are.


later~

(Illegal alien) Labor is NOT needed.

[Rhiannon]

The only thing my area has going for it is NASCAR.

Pfft...

...and Beamerball.

Ha true dat! Me personally, I could do without NASCAR, but not Beamerball!!!

Hah! I'm driving home next weekend for mine & my Dad's Bristol birthday tradition! I like the Nascar.
...Hoping to make it home for a game at Lane Stadium, too! Only a couple more weeks until football's back in Blacksburg!!!

[artist4perry]

The Mississippi delta region has long been known for a weak economy. Unless you're a big time farmer, there's really not much opportunity to prosper. Much of the workforce has dried-up or moved across the river to the casinos. And Philips county, about a half hour south of Memphis, is hit the hardest. It's just stagnant, if not dying...especially in today's weak national economy.

Helena-West Helena used to be two cities, but due to struggling finances, they voted to merge just a few years ago. And what happened wasn't strength and growth. What happened as racial divide. City government became polarized, and the schools tanked. Civic infrastructure dissolved. In fact, I think the school system was so in debt that they went into state receivership for awhile, and district court held the City in contempt for the constant in-fighting. Nobody could do anything. Tensions continued to rise. Crime increased. And certain parts of town basically became anarchy. Was once told by distant family that even cops were afraid.

So basically the only way to make a difference was to declare martial law in the most concentrated area. And it sucks. I mean it really sucks. But until they can drive the bad guys out, or put them in jail, then there's not really any choice.

Now then, I will say that it's a pretty town. It's got a deep Civil War history. And there's an annual blues festival in October that attracts a 100k people. The King Biscuit Blues Festival is a great music experience. (Literally bumped into Robert Plant there one year.) And overall, this is a very nice traditional southern town.

But until they can fix their politics and shore-up their finances, things may get worse before they get better.
It's just a very tough situation.


later~

Thanks for the info Arkansas, I don't know enough about the town. I live close to Jonesboro, and you know that history. The gangs are starting up there as well. It does seem to thrive in the poor communities. I really hate that our children are sucked into it out of boredom, fear, wanting to belong, poor parenting, or whatever contributes to the popularity of these thugs. They make good kids turn bad. I am very sad for the folks in that town. I truely wish we could save our children from it. I have been in schools and seen where children that had promise, got sucked in. Our state is not alone. It is a national problem.

[Greg]

The only thing my area has going for it is NASCAR.

Pfft...

...and Beamerball.

Ha true dat! Me personally, I could do without NASCAR, but not Beamerball!!!

Hah! I'm driving home next weekend for mine & my Dad's Bristol birthday tradition! I like the Nascar.
...Hoping to make it home for a game at Lane Stadium, too! Only a couple more weeks until football's back in Blacksburg!!!

I want to go to a game this year so bad!!! Heck, I'd even be willing just to go and tailgate!

[Rhiannon]

I want to go to a game this year so bad!!! Heck, I'd even be willing just to go and tailgate!

I probably won't be able to make one, on account of it being a 10 hour drive. And I have a feeling Jefferson Pilot Sports doesn't exist up here either, so I might not even get to watch all the games!

Tailgating is totally worth it though... try and find a cool spot near the hiking trail and throw shit at the drunks wearing opponent gear as they come stumbling out.

[Greg]

I want to go to a game this year so bad!!! Heck, I'd even be willing just to go and tailgate!

I probably won't be able to make one, on account of it being a 10 hour drive. And I have a feeling Jefferson Pilot Sports doesn't exist up here either, so I might not even get to watch all the games!

Tailgating is totally worth it though... try and find a cool spot near the hiking trail and throw shit at the drunks wearing opponent gear as they come stumbling out.

Hahahaha!!! Maybe also to park close to the truck that usually has the big wide screen tv in the back with the game on!

So am I gonna have to tape the games and mail 'em to ya?

[Rhiannon]

So am I gonna have to tape the games and mail 'em to ya?

Would'ja, could'ja, ain'tcha gonna?
Lol... the important ones will be national broadcasts, I'm sure. If not, I'll letcha know.

[Greg]

So am I gonna have to tape the games and mail 'em to ya?

Would'ja, could'ja, ain'tcha gonna?
Lol... the important ones will be national broadcasts, I'm sure. If not, I'll letcha know.

That's true. If I'm not mistaken, I think Tech is ranked #15 or #16th right now. Of course that all could change (hopefully for the better and no pun intended on that one) once the season starts...

[Rhiannon]

Of course that all could change (hopefully for the better and no pun intended on that one) once the season starts...

Definitely for the better... (I hope.)

[Rick]

I was in West Helena a few times when I was a teenager. It was nothing like that then. But that was almost 30 years ago. What a shame.

[whirlwind]

Have faith! Obama is going to CHANGE all this and our inner cities will once again be safe.

[artist4perry]

Have faith! Obama is going to CHANGE all this and our inner cities will once again be safe.

Pretty speaches won't do it. He can promise the moon, most politicians do. I have yet to see many who walk the talk.

[Saint John]

Have faith! Obama is going to CHANGE all this and our inner cities will once again be safe.

Pretty speaches won't do it. He can promise the moon, most politicians do. I have yet to see many who walk the talk.

Been hangin' with stevew2, eh?

[edcha]

The Mississippi delta region has long been known for a weak economy. Unless you're a big time farmer, there's really not much opportunity to prosper. Much of the workforce has dried-up or moved across the river to the casinos. And Philips county, about a half hour south of Memphis, is hit the hardest. It's just stagnant, if not dying...especially in today's weak national economy.

Helena-West Helena used to be two cities, but due to struggling finances, they voted to merge just a few years ago. And what happened wasn't strength and growth. What happened as racial divide. City government became polarized, and the schools tanked. Civic infrastructure dissolved. In fact, I think the school system was so in debt that they went into state receivership for awhile, and district court held the City in contempt for the constant in-fighting. Nobody could do anything. Tensions continued to rise. Crime increased. And certain parts of town basically became anarchy. Was once told by distant family that even cops were afraid.

So basically the only way to make a difference was to declare martial law in the most concentrated area. And it sucks. I mean it really sucks. But until they can drive the bad guys out, or put them in jail, then there's not really any choice.

Now then, I will say that it's a pretty town. It's got a deep Civil War history. And there's an annual blues festival in October that attracts a 100k people. The King Biscuit Blues Festival is a great music experience. (Literally bumped into Robert Plant there one year.) And overall, this is a very nice traditional southern town.

But until they can fix their politics and shore-up their finances, things may get worse before they get better.
It's just a very tough situation.


later~

What's happening in Helena is really very sad. I live in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) which includes Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, and a few smaller cities-- where gangs are not a big problem--as far as I know. I have not been to all the corners of Arkansas. I've been only to Fort Smith, Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Stuttgart, and a number of smaller towns. Correct me if I'm wrong, but my impression is that NWA is relatively in better shape economically than most of the rest of Arkansas. People say it's also relatively more business- and family-friendly. Not long ago, this part of the state was reportedly one of the fastest growing parts in the country. One reason is that headquarters of several big companies are located here: notably Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport, etc. The Univ. of Arkansas in Fayetteville where the Razorbacks are based--also helps. I really hope that the progress in this part of Arkansas spread to the rest of the state.

[artist4perry]

Have faith! Obama is going to CHANGE all this and our inner cities will once again be safe.

Pretty speaches won't do it. He can promise the moon, most politicians do. I have yet to see many who walk the talk.

Been hangin' with stevew2, eh?

Nope just sick of political crap on both sides. Wish we could get politicians that actually got things done, instead of lining pockets, and feuding with each other.

[artist4perry]

The Mississippi delta region has long been known for a weak economy. Unless you're a big time farmer, there's really not much opportunity to prosper. Much of the workforce has dried-up or moved across the river to the casinos. And Philips county, about a half hour south of Memphis, is hit the hardest. It's just stagnant, if not dying...especially in today's weak national economy.

Helena-West Helena used to be two cities, but due to struggling finances, they voted to merge just a few years ago. And what happened wasn't strength and growth. What happened as racial divide. City government became polarized, and the schools tanked. Civic infrastructure dissolved. In fact, I think the school system was so in debt that they went into state receivership for awhile, and district court held the City in contempt for the constant in-fighting. Nobody could do anything. Tensions continued to rise. Crime increased. And certain parts of town basically became anarchy. Was once told by distant family that even cops were afraid.

So basically the only way to make a difference was to declare martial law in the most concentrated area. And it sucks. I mean it really sucks. But until they can drive the bad guys out, or put them in jail, then there's not really any choice.

Now then, I will say that it's a pretty town. It's got a deep Civil War history. And there's an annual blues festival in October that attracts a 100k people. The King Biscuit Blues Festival is a great music experience. (Literally bumped into Robert Plant there one year.) And overall, this is a very nice traditional southern town.

But until they can fix their politics and shore-up their finances, things may get worse before they get better.
It's just a very tough situation.


later~

What's happening in Helena is really very sad. I live in Northwest Arkansas (NWA) which includes Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, Bella Vista, and a few smaller cities-- where gangs are not a big problem--as far as I know. I have not been to all the corners of Arkansas. I've been only to Fort Smith, Little Rock, Jonesboro, and Stuttgart, and a number of smaller towns. Correct me if I'm wrong, but my impression is that NWA is relatively in better shape economically than most of the rest of Arkansas. People say it's also relatively more business- and family-friendly. Not long ago, this part of the state was reportedly one of the fastest growing parts in the country. One reason is that headquarters of several big companies are located here: notably Wal-Mart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt Transport, etc. The Univ. of Arkansas in Fayetteville where the Razorbacks are based--also helps. I really hope that the progress in this part of Arkansas spread to the rest of the state.

It is much nicer in this region. Our town is growing every day, so is Jonesboro. I live in the NEA area. The bootheel area is growing every day, alot of commerce here too. Let's hope it spreads.