Im confused. Did you wear body armor underneath your nice clothes and watch? Are muggers really that cognizant of someone wearing a watch on right or left hand? Why would you wear nice clothes and watch in a bad neighborhood? Did you walk around in nice clothes with an AK and body armor?
Things you learn living in a shady neighborhood
- Thread starter Smoke
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Im confused. Did you wear body armor underneath your nice clothes and watch? Are muggers really that cognizant of someone wearing a watch on right or left hand? Why would you wear nice clothes and watch in a bad neighborhood? Did you walk around in nice clothes with an AK and body armor?
eveled
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I have mixed emotions, on the one hand, if I lived in a neighborhood like that I'd want to move. On the other hand, if good people let the bad people dictate what they do and were they live, they have won.
The things you talk about apply no matter were you live. Sometimes the country can be a very lonely place. In a bad way.
Rich neighborhoods are target rich environments, and the scum commute from the bad areas to ply their trade.
Suburbia, combines the bad from the city with the bad from the country.
It just doesn't make sense to be an easy mark anywhere you are.
No matter were you live, be aware, be armed, live life.
The things you talk about apply no matter were you live. Sometimes the country can be a very lonely place. In a bad way.
Rich neighborhoods are target rich environments, and the scum commute from the bad areas to ply their trade.
Suburbia, combines the bad from the city with the bad from the country.
It just doesn't make sense to be an easy mark anywhere you are.
No matter were you live, be aware, be armed, live life.
686-380
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Having lived in and out of bad neighborhoods about a quarter of my life, I identified with Smoke's situation. My best contribution to this discussion is to try and get to know/befriend your neighbors. That said, be wary. After a while you learn who is probably trustworthy and who is not. That has probably saved my bacon more than once...
I disagree somewhat. In such neighborhoods the less they know about me the better. It gives me the advantage.
Cal44
Member
I have a sister, as well as several friends, who complain about their life situation, but whenever you have a suggestion about how they might improve that situation come up with a dozen reasons why they can't do anything.
A can-do attitude is key to improving any situation.
I obviously haven't properly communicated it but the above quote is what I'm trying to convey.
Colorado Springs in general is becoming a weird place to live.
When I lived in the "nice" neighborhood( Patty Jewit for those familiar with the Springs) is when the guy tried to get in my house.
When I lived in the "nice" neighborhood I would come home from work at 2 or 3 AM and see random people just roaming the neighborhood.
I see people here do things I wouldn't do regardless of where I lived like letting their 13 YO daughter go to the pool alone after dark.
The other day I was walking my dogs and I passed a truck I presume belonged to a GI that had what appeared to be an entire issue of TA-50 unsecured in the bed. I wouldn't do that on post, let alone 6 blocks from a surplus store.
People, don't recognize the dangers, the other night I was out walking dogs (common theme) and I noticed the dealer across the street was having a busy night so I altered my route away from him (best block no be there Daniel-San). I also noticed one of my neighbors sitting on his steps obviously watching every transaction and if I was aware I know damn well the dealer was.
Please cite any post in which I complained about anything
4506517
Member
I give this thread a couple more hours.
Im In Before The Lock.
However, no matter where or when, always know what's going on around you.
OP, I agree with your tactics. Hope things look up for you soon and you can find better digs.
Stay safe.
Im In Before The Lock.
However, no matter where or when, always know what's going on around you.
OP, I agree with your tactics. Hope things look up for you soon and you can find better digs.
Stay safe.
Thank you, Tony Robbins . . .
Geez guys, chill a little.
Why is it things seem to go south so quick in so many threads lately?
And no, that isn't a slam on the southern states, or our neighbors south of the border either.
Why is everyone so sensitive these days? Seems like every question or statement is taken as a personal affront by somebody...
Why is it things seem to go south so quick in so many threads lately?
And no, that isn't a slam on the southern states, or our neighbors south of the border either.
Why is everyone so sensitive these days? Seems like every question or statement is taken as a personal affront by somebody...
How were you able to determine your neighbors' thoughts?
RJJ 1971
Member
Situational awareness is key.
Understanding that not everyone will do you harm (but some can) is the best way to stay safe. There's no 100% guarantee you, your family, or your valuables won't be stolen in a bad neighborhood. But flaunting them or being too lazy to protect them is never a good idea either. Glad that's not your situation and you pay attention.
I constantly have to talk and sometimes yell at my kids, about locking the doors when they leave the house or even leaving their keys in their vehicles.
Understanding that not everyone will do you harm (but some can) is the best way to stay safe. There's no 100% guarantee you, your family, or your valuables won't be stolen in a bad neighborhood. But flaunting them or being too lazy to protect them is never a good idea either. Glad that's not your situation and you pay attention.
I constantly have to talk and sometimes yell at my kids, about locking the doors when they leave the house or even leaving their keys in their vehicles.
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bigwheelzip
Absent Comrade
There, but for the grace of God, go I. Good luck Smoke.
Cal44
Member
This actually is an interesting thread, although for some reason emotions are getting too high.
coltle6920
Member
Coulda...Shouda...Woulda...
Until you have walked a mile in some elses shoes...
The gist of Smoke's post is about situational awareness,PERIOD! It doesn't matter where you live or what you are doing.
Until you have walked a mile in some elses shoes...
The gist of Smoke's post is about situational awareness,PERIOD! It doesn't matter where you live or what you are doing.
Mexistrat
Member
Some interesting takes on bad neighborhoods and the people who live in them. I've lived in my share of bad neighborhoods, and I always observed that good people exist everywhere.
I grew up, increased my earning potential, and stopped having to live in those kinds of places. But I wouldn't presume to know another person's circumstances without having been in that person's shoes.
I grew up, increased my earning potential, and stopped having to live in those kinds of places. But I wouldn't presume to know another person's circumstances without having been in that person's shoes.
RONALD HENSLEY
Member
hey when i was younger my family lived right smack dab on the wrong side of the tracks, we had just moved from florida to indiana, my folks werent working, so we lived where we could afford.this was before the spread of crack, meth, the real onset and scurge of drugs, it was stiil no place for a 80 pound pastey white boy, the elementary school i attended was 85-90 percent black, in my class theres was me and this japanese kid, all others were african/american. gerneraly speaking there was no problem, but on the way to school, on the way home, and at lunch, there were problems, there were many a day my lunch was stolen by a larger kid or group of kids, many of my lunch hours were spent in a fight to keep my lunch, so i know where this guys comming from, you live where ya gotta, by the way im 57, 5 foot 4, 150 pounds, of scrappy, pastey white boy! just now i carry a gun.
RobertJ.
Member
I think this summed it up well.
I have a hard time not getting complacent. This is a quiet little beach town, not much ever happens, and not too many shady people out in the open.
I don't even have a gun downstairs (I live in a 2-bedroom loft), let alone carry one around the house. When I'm out and about here in town, I rarely have one on me. At the beach, in the woods, or at night, however, always. But running errands, rarely.
But situational awareness has to be practiced 24/7. I have to remind myself of that daily. I go to both Portland and Seattle regularly, and it should go without saying I'd never dream of not carrying, although I know what parts of either city to avoid. I do find myself taking a better look around, though, and it should be the same where ever I am.
Rastoff
US Veteran
The environment described in the OP makes threats easy to see. In that situation, the bad guy is not hiding or trying to look unobtrusive. In fact, most play the thug just to be left alone by those who really are thugs.
This is a sound practice in every neighborhood. By all means, be friendly with the neighbors, but don't talk about what doesn't need to be talked about.
This is a brilliant statement. I wish I had said it. We spend so much time talking about the bad people, who are really the minority. We need to spend more time on what it's like to be good people. Maybe the bad element will then try to be good people too.
I feel your pain Smoke. Still, this subject could have been discussed just as easily without bringing your personal living situation into it.
I too have lived in some poor places. I lived here for a while with my wife and 5 year old son:
12'x20' and it wasn't too bad. Still, I had no guns at the time and spent every penny I had toward getting a new place.
None of that matters. Criminals are everywhere. People in "nice" neighborhoods are more susceptible because they think they are in a "nice' neighborhood. I got news for you, crime is everywhere. The only difference is those with a little more money fix their places up after they've been vandalized rather than just letting it go.
I worked areas like that for 30 years as an LEO and understand what your dealing with to some extent. It sounds like your situational awareness is serving you well and I hope you find a way out soon. We currently live in a very nice area and I count my blessings every day. Good luck and stay safe.
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