Nathan Writes: If the problem is drug dealers shooting each other and other people over turf and $$$, then banning crack pipes or other paraphernalia from corner stores isn't going to accomplish anything. Users and dealers aren't prevented or encouraged to use or sell drugs based on whether you can go into a store and buy a pipe, syringe, etc. There isn't anybody out there that is thinking, "I would start doing drugs if only I could buy a pipe, but since I can't I won't!"
Michelle Hill responds: It may not stop the behavior, but we should not allow any stores in the community to contibute to the behavior. The problem not only lies with drug dealers shooting each other and other people over turf and $$$, It involves any activity or action that contributes to the decline of neighborhoods and overall livability. Remember, our children often go to those corner store too. Booker Hodges has written many articles, in the Spokesman-Recorder, about corner stores, to no avail. They not only sell crack pipes, baggies and weighing scales, they sell cigars in which the young people replace with Marijuana, called a "blunt." They also sell expired baby formula and bad meat, and allow people to sell stolen items outside and inside the stores. I often wonder how they stay in business, with all of the complaints they receive. I know for sure that my council person knows all about those stores and the problems they cause in the community. Yet, they continue to remain open and continue to add to the decline of the community. I choose to go the extra distance to CUB FOODS to do my shopping, even though some of their prices are not much better than the "corner store." Michelle Hill Cleveland REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:mpls@mnforum.org Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
