Michele

Well, Tookie has been executed. And so far, there are no reports of violence. It's 6:20 am, so who knows what will happen. But I'm thinking maybe it's not going to be the full scale rioting we saw in '92 and '65. Maybe there won't be any rioting at all... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And then you're doing far more than most people will do for whatever their beliefs are. Kris, I wasn't coming after you personally. You know me better than that. I understand your views, but I disagree with them. I'm sorry you're angry...if I felt the way you do, I might be angry as well. But I don't...and I think that the death penalty is a fitting sentence for this man. We will agree to disagree on this, yes?

Schwarzenegger is doing what the law says to do. if you (or anyone) is against the death penalty, then lobby the legislature and do something. Tookie may have been nominated for the peace and liturature prizes, but he was nominated in part because of the anti death penalty position, not because he deserves it. Can he do more good? Perhaps...but it will not erase what he did do, and is currently incarcerated for. I'm sorry you're angry, Kris...use your education to do what others can't...lobby those who can change the law. But if there was ever a person who was neither deserving of clemency nor innocent of the crime, Tookie is it. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Well...considering the [Red]Head Honcho just chimed in, and he's not one of the "playmates" mentioned, I think Jen's thread - which was not a "trap" in the least, imo - demonstrated her intentions clearly. I was also considering some of Jen's past postings here, and it seems to me that she is as aggressive in her posting topics and behaviors as she accuses others of being. So frankly, Sinker (and I'll call you that), I suspect we are seeing a clear case of transference, inasmuch as she sees her own motives and behavior in others who are not demonstrating that whatsoever. Oh well. Jen, good luck with your disseration. If I prayed a rosary, then I'd be sure to say one for you. I don't, so I'll just hope you manage to get it done coherently in between your heroin injections without nodding off too badly. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

The lawyers for Tookie have appealed to the US Supreme Court for a stay of execution. Not sure how this works, but I think if they ignore it or deny it, Tookie will die at 12:01 tonight. I wonder what sort of city I'll wake to in the morning? I am not in an area which is likely to go, but...but...things like this there's no telling about what will happen where, and if indeed it occurs. Sigh... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

For it to be over. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Considering the overflow in our local jails, I'm not sure that it's a feasible solution...but I also think that it should work. Does anyone know if that's a local jurisdiction or a federal one? It would seem to me to be a federal one, but I just don't know. At the very least, it is against the local law of inciting a riot. Schwarzenegger has not yet made public his decision. Should he refrain from deciding, or decide to not overturn the sentence, then Stanley "Tookie" Williams will be executed at 12:01 tonight/Tuesday morning. Schwarzenegger might be withholding his decision until late this evening so as to not inflame those who would riot...allowing people to get home from work to perhaps prevent another Reginald Denny situation...but I am in pure speculation mode. The California Surpeme Court has denied the last minute appeals, and the 9th Curcuit has not yet ruled on the appeals before them. Additional city council members have made an appeal to their constituants to remain calm, and have asked that churches and other centers of gathering remain open tonight so people can "talk" rather than riot. And I've heard the rumor that all leave and vacation has been cancelled for the cops, so as to have as many officers on the street as possible. I just dunno. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I was aware of how he murdered and made fun of his victims, similarly to Karla Fay Tucker. I also agree that he is a prime candidate for the death penalty. I further agree that his deeds since his incarceration do not ameliorate his actions. And lastly, I also contend that the Gov. needs to uphold the law... What I find interesting is the threat of rioting from those in my city if he does, indeed, get executed. It is, imho, a form of blackmail which can be deadly...and it indeed does incite violence (which is against the law). Perhaps the threats are empty...and perhaps they are not. Gov. Schwarzenegger has apparently announced he will make a decision today...I suppose we will see what happens. I just don't like considering my city in flames again, with innocent people getting killed because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I jump over at Elsinore, and I know that it's an absolutely wonderful dropzone. Their instructors are some of the best, and some post here. Shark is one of them, and so is CurtisMelanieJ. Send them a pm, and see what info they can give you. I love that place, and look forward to meeting you there. Congratulations on wanting to learn to jump...and welcome to the sky. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

No, you included the *City* of San Fernando. The vast majority of the San Fernando Valley is Los Angeles City incorporated. Burbank, Simi, and TO are unincorporated...which is why the stats so rapidly drop. They haven't got places like Watts and Crenshaw (both over the hill from the Valley, as a matter of fact) to contend with. I am very clear you had a bad experience in LA. I am sorry for that. But there are many many people who live in good, decent, working class neighborhoods and they are not victimized. Anyway, Curt, PM me if you need a hand... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Apparently, the word is out on the streets that if Stanley "Tookie" Williams is executed by lethal injection next Tuesday, there will be rioting. http://www.pensitoreview.com/2005/11/23/america-turns-blue/?p=1506 From the link: The LA Weekly reports that the word is out in the “gang-osphere” that if Crips founder Tookie Williams is executed on Dec. 13, angry mobs are set to riot once again in Los Angeles: “Took die, the city fry,” said Raymond “The Hatchet Man” Locket, a member of the West Side Harlem Crips, who says he knew Tookie back in the day. “That’s the word on the streets.” http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2005/12/10/WILLIAMS.TMP From the San Francisco Chronicle: "If they kill him, there is going to be a riot," said hair stylist Shelton Carter, 43, as he stood at the checkout counter of the West-Vern Liquor & Deli store in an area known as the "Rolling 40s" or "40 Crips," gang lingo that has been adopted even by the police. "I know that he was wrong, but he wrote books and has taken up the cause of stopping gang violence. How is he going to do that if he is dead" Williams was convicted of murdering 4 people in the late 70's, and was sentenced to death during his trial in 1984. He has run his appeals, and the clemency appeal is in front of Governor Schwarzenegger. A group of celebrity activists, including such "luminaries" as Bianca Jaggar, have been protesting outside San Quentin in hopes of...well, doing something. Williams has, you see, been nominated for the Nobel Peace prize for his work in trying to prevent gang violence, and has written 9 children's books. What's also true is that he is the undisputed founder of Los Angeles' notorious "Crips" street gang, which has not only been responsible for thousands of murders, but also has spread to other states, bringing their own special brand of violence with them. Schwarzenegger has not yet ruled on the clemency request, having a hearing with attorneys both pro and con last Thursday. I likely wouldn't have given this story too much credence, but with recent radio appearances by some local 'representatives' calling for rioting, as well as city leaders requesting calm should Williams be executed, I am no longer too sure the riots won't happen. It's Christmas. There are lots of goods in the stores and in people's homes. There is ample opportunity for crime at this time of year, let alone a riotous mob. Having lived here through the 92 riots, I can honestly say that I am not at all looking forward to next week...I will have a full tank of gas, as well as a stocked fridge, should the worst occur. And I most certainly hope that we don't handle it like a) 92's riots or b) France's riots a few months ago. But I was wondering what you all thought about the rumors of rioting. It might be nothing more than some scaremongering...but it might not be. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I am aware of the crime stats for my city as well as those others you've quoted...I also say I live here, and that my 83 year old father lives here, and neither of us has a reason to worry about safety. Consider also that using the entire Los Angeles city stats includes places like Encino (high rent, low crime) and Watts (low rent, high crime) in those compilations. Also consider that Los Angeles is something on the order of 450 square miles...and thus encompasses some really great areas as well as some poor areas. If someone wants to move to an area, it's best to talk to those who currently live there. I do live here, which is why I offered to give Curt a hand. If I were to move to your town, I'd gladly take your assistance. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

LOL, no kidding. What is interesting to me, in a very uninterested way, is that the OP has this sort of stuff sent to their in-box. Again, I am left to consider the source... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Sorry to hear of your experience, Vectracide...but I've got to disagree. As a single woman living in the Valley all of her adult life, I've not had that experience - nor one close to it - in my time here. Depending upon where Curt is going to work, and how long a commute he can handle, I can recommend great areas that are not too expensive. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Good on you for writing your dissertation. I wish you the best of luck. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm sure if I tried to be pretentious, I could do a much, much more complete job. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And the Valley just gets better and better - Curt is coming!!!!!!! As for a room, I haven't got one...and no, I don't know of anyone who does. But in the worst case scenario, you can have the couch for a bit, if you can deal with cats. Let me know when you're here, and we'll go get dinner or something. And congrats for the new job, too. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

You know what, I don't think RL is looking to get anyone banned. I think it was a PA, as well, and think you might want to use the edit button. But I think RL has much more productive things to do than to get you in trouble...after all, if we just let you ride, you'll do it yourself.... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

As I was saying..... Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I wouldn't have clicked on it. But I betcha that ACI is doing his best to come up with something even more disgusting. LOL...and I won't be clicking on that one, either. Sometimes, you just have to consider the source. Ciels- Michele Edited to add this afterthought...I highly doubt that the owner of this site, as well as the advertisers, would like to have this even peripherially connected with them... ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I have to admit, I tend to find men who skydive sexy. Of course, that's because I also skydive. If I wasn't a skydiver, and some guy told me he skydived simply to impress me, I don't think it would work so well. It's definitely not something I'd want to talk about for more than the barest moment. So if you're looking to impress a girl, be who you are...not what you do. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Rest easy, Mr. Pryor. Thanks for the laughs. You always did it right. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

Dear child. It's funny how you and I have such polar opposite views... I have found, that for me at least, when I became more aware of the spiritual aspect of life, I learned a whole lot more. And I've found that I've grown deeper, more compassionate and considerate, than I was in my early-mid 20's when I already knew it all. I think that my exploring the spiritual aspects of life has hugely contributed to my growth potential, and has widened my horizons, deepened my understanding, and developed me in ways I never expected. Then again, I've never dabbled in heroin, so you may be right about that particular subject. I'll take your word for it, how's that? Seeing as you speak from experience. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

And that would explain a whole lot. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~

I'm not quite sure what you mean by that, Linz. It's been my experience that a manic attack can, in fact, be very quiet but frantic; those who know the symptoms may in fact miss them until it's just far too late, and intervention must occur. Granted, if he was running through the airplane yelling, waving his arms, then I'd say he's past the attack stage and in full blown crisis. Which can happen very quickly, should the stressors manifest in the right order in rapid succession. If he hadn't been taking his medication for a bit of time, or if it was a new med that he hadn't gotten the levels right on yet, then something can indeed go south very quickly. I've been there, I've seen it, and I've dealt with it. Not, of course, a bomb in a bag sort of situation, but I've seen the mood lability fluctuate within hours - and when the crisis point comes, it's loud, volitile, and often incredibly destructive. So again, I'm not quite sure what you meant with your above comment, and with all due respect to you as an MD. I've just had very different experience with the illness. What I don't know is how long he had been off his med, and indeed what, if any, hs illness was. What I do know is that it is not a condition which an Air Marshal can spot, or contain, with only the barest of moments to make the decision to either shoot or not shoot. Often, brain diseases like bi-polar and depression can be very, very difficult to spot, and equally difficult to treat, manage, and survive. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~