Midtown...
Where the action is!
|
World News
Participate in the Forum @
for Midtown concerns.
|
Atlanta's Weekly E-Magazine
Oct 12th - Oct 19th, 2001
|
IMAGES: MNA Meeting
For more Shots of China
World News
Market News
|
For the past few days we have been reading, hearing and watching on TV how America has been striking back in Afghanistan. The first strike consisted of 30 planes, 50 missiles and with precision bombing more than 85% of the 30 targets were destroyed. The Guardian, the British daily newspaper, reported that the United Kingdom had participated by sending in one of their submarines to the Gulf.
This is a war against the terrorists and those countries which harbor and finance them. This is not a war against the Islam, although most, if not all, of the terrorists are of Islamic and Muslim faith. Their attrocities
constitute an insult to all law-abiding and faithful Islams of the free world. Islam stands for peace. These fanatics stand for violence, hatred and death. Contrary to their faith.
What can we, as private citizens, do in this new war against terrorists? Be on the lookout ! Terrorists are ruthless, evil, secretive, lonely, diabolic-minded fanatics who live with one zealous goal: To inflict the maximum death and destruction. President Bush released the pictures and the names of the 22 most wanted terrorists. If you come across someone who looks suspicious to you, his behavior, his mannerism or even if his looks remotely resemble that of any of the 22 most wanted terrorists, please call the police. Call 911, or your local precinct, and report your suspicion. If you are interested in the names of the 22 terrorists, please
click on.
I know this writing may raise some eyebrows and probably generate some criticism. For those who disagree with my view, please allow me to emphasize that the security of our nation and that of our citizens is significantly more important than a dozen of eyebrows or criticism.
ALERT!
The FBI has issued a security alert for the next few days.
|
|
Editor's Corner
MNA'S SAFETY COMMITTEE MEETING
The Midtown Neighbors Association's Safety Committee held its monthly meeting at Mary Mac's Tea Room
last Tuesday evening. The chairlady of the committee and declared candidate for District 6 of the Atlanta City Council, Jannie Gerds, opened the meeting by introducing a number of guests, among them Major Robertson, Lt. Walker, Sgt.Bell, Sgt. Johnson, Officer Triplett, in charge of repeat offenders, Officer Randy from the Vice-Squad and Inspectors Swoope and Baynes from the Atlanta Police Department. The key-note speaker of the evening was Michael Julian Bond, declared candidate for President of the Atlanta City Council.
Lt. Walker was the first speaker who briefed the audience of the arrests made by his officers in Midtown. One in particular, was a young man driving a U-Haul who followed the Federal Express and UPS trucks whenever they made a stop and left packages in front of houses. He was finally arrested last Monday. There were several questions from the audience relating to the white male, about 6' 3" tall, dark hair, about 24 years old, driving a Jaguar, who goes around soliciting financial help by telling the weirdest stories to motivate his victims. Lt. Walker acknowledged that his office had received several complaints about this man and they all matched the description, but his officers were unable to pin him down. However, he assured the members that it was only a matter of timing until he was apprehended. Lt. Walker's announcement that he now had officers in civilian clothes patroling the neighborhoods received a thunderous round of applause.
Prior to Councilman Bond's introduction, Patsy Bonafair made a passionate endorsement of Jannie Gerd's candidacy. She told the members how proud we were to have a candidate of Jannie's integrity and character, and that this was the first time we had a candidate from our own neighborhood. Jannie lives on Myrtle Street and so does Patsy. She invited the members to volunteer doing some phone calls, door to door calling, yard sign planting, contributing, etc. Patsy's passionate endorsement was met with an equally passionate round of applause.
Councilman Michael Julian Bond spoke eloquently about his proven leadership. He said that he is committed and held accountable. He has met every political promise he has made. He spoke of efficiency over bureaucracy in city government. He said the issue is quality of life and public safety. He stated that he has been a good stewart for his constituents and invited the audience to call some of them to verify his proven leadership. As President of the City Council, when elected, he intends to upgrade the ethical standards in city government. In closing, he solicited the vote of the members and echoed Patsy's view that campaigning from door to door for your favorite candidate is the most effective way of getting your candidate elected.
The final issue on the agenda was hiring off-duty officers patroling our neighborhoods. The initial planning calls for two officers per shift on two eight-hour-shifts, or one fifteen-hour shift. The study is very preliminary and the initial cost will run from \\$18.00 to $25.00 per month for single homes and $15.00 per month for condo owners. The targeted area is the square from Ponde de Leon to Tenth Street and from Tenth Street to Monroe. Officer Randy stated that some areas need more patroling than others. For example, he stated that in the course of one week, he and his vice-squad had arrested 38 male prostitutes in the surrounding area of the Backstage theater. The discussion was concluded by suggesting that the members submit their feedback to Jannie Gerds.
James C. Stathis
Associate Editor
|
|
|
Issues
make us your homepage
