Tuesday, January 30, 2007

WE HAVE ANY GANGS HERE?
Interesting stuff happened here over the past weekend. One of our TV new stations had both the Police Chief and Hesoner on an interview talking about gang related violence in Albuquerque. Both of the gentlemen poo-pooed the the idea of organized gang problems, remarking that most of it was caused by out of state gang members who seemed to be passing through our fair city and, although some did exist, it was not a problem. That occurred the same day two eleven or twelve year olds were shot while attending a birthday party.
To add insult to injury, our morning daily paper ran a front page article about gang violence here. They were not kind, did not pull any punches, backed up the statements with facts, and informed the citizenry that we do, indeed, have serious gang problems. The timing could not have been better. The newspaper quoted fact after fact.
A friend of mine who has a hand in security at our state hospital told me about the multitude of shootings, beatings and disfigurements that are brought to the emergency room on a daily basis. The remark was passed that they were second only to the illegal aliens physical complaints. The officer's remarks were followed by "and don't forget, we get to pay for all this crap."
Footnote: I believe New Mexico is around 44th in lowest per capita income in the U.S.

2 comments:

TomCat said...

It's been many years since I last passed through Albuquerque. How thinks must have changed there! Sounds to me like your Police chief and Hesnoer see what that want to see and hear what they want to hear.

Thanks for your interesting comments at my place.

Women on the Verge said...

Sounds like Albequrque officials are taking a page from our President's playbook..."If I say it ain't so, then it ain't so!"

Out-of-state gang members wreaking havoc as they pass through on their scenic tour through the southwest??? Give me a break...

Thank you for your comments on my brush with chaos. I'm planning my continuation soon...