Rest Easy - Minneapolis Not As Bad As Milwaukee Or New Orleans
Rambix commenter Tim points out that Minneapolis is not as bad crime-wise as Milwaukee, and posts a crime blotter sufficient to make your hair stand up. Milwaukee, you may recall, is the city that has had numerous savage gang beatings of innocents, on which I've posted previously: "Upper midwest "wilding?"
Tim has a point. Minneapolis probably isn't as bad as Milwaukee (I haven't seen side-by-side stats, but i have no reason to doubt that), but two responses come to mind: (1) We're not as bad as Detroit either, but I take no comfort in either of the comparisons. In other words, Minneapolis is bad, Milwaukee is bad-bad, and Detroit is bad-bad-bad. None of it is acceptable, and I don't like the company we're keeping; (2) Minneapolis may not presently be as bad as Milwaukee or Detroit, but it's well on its way.
Minneapolis officials are pleased as punch that violence "only" increased 6 times the national average. They also failed to tell you that violent crime in Minneapolis in 2006 is up 35% from the corresponding period of 2005.
That, in short, is how you turn Minneapolis into a Detroit or Milwaukee.
New Orleans, on the other hand, is in a class by itself. The post-Katrina criminal return has plunged the city into virtual anarchy. The latest atrocities resemble not so much urban violence as de facto war: Five teenagers were killed in a gunfight last Saturday:
The Minneapolis Quagmire continues unabated.
Tim has a point. Minneapolis probably isn't as bad as Milwaukee (I haven't seen side-by-side stats, but i have no reason to doubt that), but two responses come to mind: (1) We're not as bad as Detroit either, but I take no comfort in either of the comparisons. In other words, Minneapolis is bad, Milwaukee is bad-bad, and Detroit is bad-bad-bad. None of it is acceptable, and I don't like the company we're keeping; (2) Minneapolis may not presently be as bad as Milwaukee or Detroit, but it's well on its way.
Minneapolis officials are pleased as punch that violence "only" increased 6 times the national average. They also failed to tell you that violent crime in Minneapolis in 2006 is up 35% from the corresponding period of 2005.
That, in short, is how you turn Minneapolis into a Detroit or Milwaukee.
New Orleans, on the other hand, is in a class by itself. The post-Katrina criminal return has plunged the city into virtual anarchy. The latest atrocities resemble not so much urban violence as de facto war: Five teenagers were killed in a gunfight last Saturday:
By CAIN BURDEAUSo yes, it could be worse in Minneapolis, but it's obvious the status quo is unacceptable.
Associated Press Writer
NEW ORLEANS
Authorities were searching for one or more suspects in the shooting deaths of five teenagers in the most violent crime reported in this slowly repopulating city since Hurricane Katrina hit last August.
The victims, ranging in age from 16 to 19, were gunned down early Saturday on a street in the Central City neighborhood just outside the central business district.
Investigators believe the shootings were drug-related or a retaliation attack, Police Capt. John Bryson said. A semiautomatic weapon was used and "multiple, multiple rounds" were fired, he said.
"I think the motivation we're looking at is pretty obvious," Bryson said. "Somebody wanted them dead."
Three of the victims were found in a sport utility vehicle rammed against a utility pole and two were found nearby on the street. It was not immediately known if any of them were armed.
The victims were identified as Arsenio Hunter, 16; Warren Simoen, 17; Iruan Taylor, 19; Reggie Dantzler, 19; and Marquis Hunter, 19, said John Gagliano, the chief investigator for Orleans Parish Coroner Frank Minyard. The Hunters are believed to be brothers or cousins, authorities said.
The Minneapolis Quagmire continues unabated.
posted by Rambix at 9:17 PM
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