Fairbanks police investigating gang-related shooting
Originally published Saturday, August 16, 2008 at 7:05 p.m.
Updated Sunday, August 17, 2008 at 1:25 p.m.
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By MARY BETH SMETZER
msmetzer@newsminer.com
Fairbanks police have been working around the clock since a gang-related shootout Friday afternoon on College Road shattered car windows and pockmarked vehicles with bullet holes along a two-mile stretch of the heavily traveled road between the Aurora Drive and Illinois Street intersections.
Seven people were detained following the gunfire and taken to police headquarters but were not charged, police Sgt. Eric Jewkes said. None carried weapons.
“From what we can gather, there was nothing to charge them with. Shots were fired at them,” he said.
Police continue to search for the gunmen.
Two recent arrests, one Friday night on drug and weapons charges and another Saturday on a felony theft charge, may be related to the shootout, said Lt. Dan Welborn, Fairbanks Police Department Investigation Unit division commander.
In the past couple of weeks, police and troopers have responded to a number of calls where weapons were brandished or used. Incidents took place at Wal-Mart, the Tanana Valley State Fairgrounds and Eagles Hall.
On Wednesday, shots were fired in the vicinity of Danby Road and the intersection of Airport Way and the Steese Highway.
“It was the same group of people. They were stopped at the (Fort Wainwright) main gate by the civilian security,” Jewkes said.
Police impounded a car that had some bullet holes in it and arrested Carlos Davis on a charge of drug possession.
Police Chief Dan Hoffman said the department’s investigative unit was working Friday on recent gang activity before the shootout occurred and, in conjunction with the Fort Wainwright Criminal Investigation Division, had seized three weapons and two vehicles at the Army post.
“We had just put out an update to our patrol officers, and not two hours later, we had this incident on College Road and several of these people were the same people involved on College Road,” Hoffman said.
Patrol officers, detectives and the military CID said the major players on both sides claim to be members of the Crips and Bloods. Some of those involved are active-duty military members.
“We know who they are — nearly everybody involved has been identified,” Hoffman said. “Those involved in the shootings are laying low right now, and we are having difficulty locating them and the vehicles they were using. We will not be in a position to arrest and charge people with some of these shootings until we have a completed investigation.”
Hoffman said the latest incidents should be a wake-up call to the community before gang activities become entrenched, like they have become in Anchorage.
“We are not being ‘Chicken Little,’” Hoffman emphasized. “These instances are positive proof that we are seeing gang behavior at schools and at the military post. And we need to be proactive in stepping up and stamping it out.”
In addition to the Crips and Bloods, other gangs known to local police are Gangster Disciples and MS-13.
Although there have been some racial issues, Jewkes said, gang behavior is not a racial issue nor a military issue — it is a criminal behavior issue.
Both Jewkes and Hoffman emphasized that the few active duty military members involved with gangs are a miniscule part of the overall military presence in the community.
Information learned about an individual during the shootout investigation resulted in an arrest Friday night, Welborn said. Further charges are pending.
“We are working very closely with the department’s gang task force,” Wellborn said. “In addition, two of the seven men detained Friday were military and are now restricted to post.”
On Saturday, another suspect arrested for felony theft was being questioned in connection with the shootings.
Hoffman, who said he considers himself a huge supporter of the military, said it is not unusual to get a few bad apples in such a large entity.
Last winter, Hoffman said a representative of the judge advocate general’s office told community leaders the Army has little crime on post, and that 80-90 percent of criminal behavior committed by soldiers occurs off post.
“We have been continuously in conversation with the school district, city government and stakeholder groups about it,” Hoffman said. “We have been sounding the alarm bell that there is gang activity and oftentimes with a military conduit.”
Military police have been cooperative in the recent shooting investigations but are prohibited from coming into the community to do any law enforcement short of martial law, Hoffman said.
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the shootout in the College Road area Friday afternoon to get in touch with them and to check their vehicle for bullet holes.
“The public concern is our concern,” Welborn said. “We are working around the clock, but we can’t be everywhere at once. We really rely on victims or witnesses in our investigations.”
Contact staff writer Mary Beth Smetzer at 459-7546.
Community Discussion
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At least we know the shooters weren't drinking and driving.
Hoffman said: "These instances are positive proof that we are seeing gang behavior at schools and at the military post. And we need to be proactive in stepping up and stamping it out."
Did I read this right? Did he just give us permission to hunt these jerks down?
Be proactive and use a rifle instead of a handgun. You will be much more accurate then they are.
Seriously though know your children and stay involved. Visit the schools and talk to them.
Pat
Ah! Past actions are predictions of future performance. We are letting the weeds in the Fairbanks garden grow because we fail to have a plan.
I they start poppin caps near me, my plan is 'shoot to kill'.
so there were three other incidents similar to this one and the cops know who the "major players" are. Why aren't these guys being charged? Hell why aren't they in jail on attempted murder charges? Im sure if I saw a car full of these "gang bangers" and decided to do the world a favor, I would be charged with murder! Part of the reason my wife and I moved up here years ago was to get our kids away from this junk. How much farther north are we gonna have to go?
You damn right you better get pro-active. One of our children get shot by a stray bullet by one of these low life's and while the military and our city official know the facts,someone will pay dearly. The military is not a good neighbor if they cannot police their own. By the way isn't the military fighting a war on terrorism. What do you call these actions. Turf war my ass, my tax dollars say give me a safe town. NOW. Hire and pay some off duty Rangers to sweep the streets and rid us of the slime. I'm not talking with a broom.
While I am warmed up by this nonsense that our city officials are just watching. I say if we know these punks are on base then the military should have a vehicle check on the way out of the base and the city should restrict entrance into our city until these thug punks are eliminated.
Well there were six or seven troopers & police searching an empty vehicle tonight. They were on Illinois right past College at about 7:15 or so. Wonder if it was related & wonder when we will find out.
Send them back to where they came from, one way ticket.
Well once again, if the market wasn't out there for the drug dealing gangs, they wouldn't be fighting over "turf". And if you think this is a new phenom, do you also think it was free lancers dealing during the pipeline days?
"it still isn’t against the law to be shot at"
That law needs to be changed!
insbush, you took the words right out of my mouth....Alaska does not need them and they don't deserve Alaska. I'd pitch in for a one way ticket.
This is not the first time these gang -bangers have had shootings. WHY is this not published in the Daily NEWS, or the Alaska Trooper report on a daily basis?? THE Fairbanks police Dept should have a web site to keep the public informed!! Other shooting happened weeks ago & you say the community should be aware!! WELL HELLO! keep the public updated and informed !!!!!!!
AKPrincess, listening on my scanner, the car on Illinois was pulled over after a robbery.
This may be unrelated, but has anyone noticed how after the cops went to digital radio (which most scanners can't monitor) back in 2006, we started hearing fewer and fewer details about crimes that happened in town? The fact that FPD/AST didn't release reports about the fights at the fair, Wal-mart, the shooting on Danby until well after they had happened just blows my mind, and I'm convinced that part of the reason is because it's now a lot harder for Joe Citizen to listen in?
Who watches the watchers?
The community as a whole needs to adopt a zero tolerance policy on this and we need to keep the pressure on our elected officials to follow through. Gang activity in schools cannot be tolerated. These kids need to be expelled pronto and offered correspondance classes, but they need to be removed from the general school population. We need to enhance the punishment for people who commit gang-related crimes so they are in jail longer. And we need to let the military know that they need to remove these individuals from their ranks. This community bends over backwards for our military, and it's time for the military to step up to the plate. Folks in the military can be confined to barracks, can be kicked out and have very little recourse. If they know they have active gang members shooting at one another, it's time to kick 'em out. The entire community needs to report any suspected gang activity so it can be investigated. And we need to have adequate funding for law enforcement. Let's make this community a total hell for gang members and they will move on.
geez what is wrong with these people what do they think they own this state to ? send them back to where ever they came from better yet send them to iraq and give them a good reason to shoot and defend themselves.
Thanks RabbleRabble, with the timing being so close I was curious & hoped they were making some arrests.
If the customers weren't there the problem wouldn't be either.
I would like to know what the military's plan is for the thugs that are in activie duty that behave in such an intolerant way? Is it me just to notice or do others when I say that is becoming more prevalant that enlisted soldiers here in Fairbanks are involved in crime off base? Theabowman I totally agree with you on zero tolerance. What gets me is that when the same students get in trouble at school their parents come to their defense so much so that the staff is accused of picking on their child. I'm not saying where I work but different types of knives have been brought in by the same student, fighting on the bus, threats to other students and list on goes. Keep in mind this elementary. This student is now onto JR high. I firmly believe parents need to stop defending their child when it is very evident that the child is the cause of the trouble.
Folks, these "gangs" deal in FEAR as their primary product.
Coming from me, a liberal Democrat (since 1970) - don't let 'em scare you.
Help the cops (state/local/fed) with anything you know and anything you see. They have more investigative tools and, though having to follow procedure, won't spend time in jail for taking down a yahoo.
Gangstas. They think they're above. AB/Crip/Blood/Cholo/Sinners - they rule by FEAR. In Fairbanks, our fear is running up against a mama moose with babies - on the other side of the road. Mama will getcha. So will mama brownie/blackie. So will 45 below.
We're too good a bunch of folks here in the interior to allow this garbage to suck up our kids, our money, or our lives. We don't need these garbage people from gangs in our military, our towns, or our state. I don't care WHAT gangs - Aryan Brotherhood is one of the worst.
Let's keep our eyes open, our hearts calm, and our minds where they usually are - toward our families, our community and our security.
Aryan Brotherhood could take care of the problem if the cop can't
you damn troopers are clueless!
can't wait for the next shooting.
your letting these wanna be's back on the streets.
because you have nothing to charge? haha
we are all in danger!
I think the firt comment is so on-if there was money to be made, as is the case with a DUI, then we would have criminals instead of suspects right now.
tompat, the AB is no better than the Crips, Bloods or Cholos, the Sinners or the rest. They are nothing more than a bunch of thugs dealing in dope, fear and pain, like the rest. No difference. None.
They ALL profess to have certain "beliefs".
What they believe is actually that they are above any law, can do whatever they want to anyone they want, can acquire and distribute drugs/guns/money to whomever they choose, because they are NOT LAW ABIDERS.
The AB can be, and is, as bad as the rest. And they have less members. So who wins in the end? No one. The innocent bystanders who are shot or maimed or killed? The community that's terrorized? And don't get me wrong - ALL OF THESE GANGS ARE NOTHING MORE THAN HOME-GROWN TERRORISTS.
We cannot let them get a base here that will be profitable. If we have to monitor the military, by God, let's do that. If we have to monitor ourselves, let's do that too. Regardless of what political arena you're in, regardless of whether you're military or civilian, regardless of your race, regardless of your economic status - once these outlaw's gain status here, they do NOT give it up.
We all owe it to the Fairbanks North Star Borough, no matter how mad we are about property taxes, etc. to make sure this is a once-only occurrance.
If these GI’s want someone to shoot at, put them on a plane to Iraq and let em loose.
It is our town, our community, and we pay for certain services. I'm trying to stay optimistic and give the benefit of the doubt to those that protect and serve, and it would do my heart glad to see the boys in blue crank the the heat up on these punks. They know who they are, so they should be able to hassle them to near insanity. These a****les shouldn't be able to buy a roll of toilet paper without a cop showing up in line behind them at the checkout isle.
Auntedna, most of them already are on their way, or are finally coming back.
How many of your kids/grandkids have served? It's a tough time to be a troop, and only the really good ones (here, the Strykers) go, and many are killed IN YOUR NAME.
Auntedna, unless you've served, unless you've had someone die in war (and I HATE the politics of this one, but our troops are the best), keep your damn yap shut.
This is just a continuation of the last article. Another chance to point the finger at the military.
Auntedna - so we send these fellas to Iraq. Yeah, that solves everything in your little world that affects you solely now doesn't it.
Nevermind my husband then has to work with them 24/7 outside the wire. Of course, you wouldn't know what that's like in your cushioned world would you?
I urge each and everyone of you to carry a concealed handgun and know how to use it. Our law says it is legal. That is what I call being proactive!
Or their dependents. Or retired military folks who have settled here and their dependents.
Who else are you going to blame?
OK, the kids and adults that come in from the villages and populate 2nd avenue.
The NorthStar Center.
The homeless.
You close the bases or posts, where does our employment level drop? 20 or 30% unemployment? Like pre-pipline? Was that fun?
The military has no more to do with gangs than unemployment, poverty and hopelessness do.
mikejmarvin, how many years did you spend serving your country?
And as for the 50% rate you give to DUI/Assault to the military - it's more like 75% Alaska Native, and usually from out of town.
Want to continue to qualify this crap?
IT IS OUR COMMUNITY. I don't care what color you are. I don't care if you're from Anuktuvik, Bethel, Fairbanks, Ft. Wainwright, North Pole, Salcha, Nenana, Clear, Anderson - IT IS OUR COMMUNITY.
There is no one to blame except the members of these gangs. If our military knew in advance that they were life members, then that is on them, it's not on us. What we need is entire community support to be sure our kids and grandkids don't get sucked in to this.
And if they do, to report them to our law enforcement officials.
These gangs deal in fear. Their drugs, their guns, their control is ALL based on fear.
If you want to close our bases and posts, fine. But you don't find a bunch of fear in troops who've just returned from IED's and firefights in Iraq. And you don't find a bunch of gangsta's in their kids, because most of their kids are less than 10 years old.
You find this crap in much older, established groups around the borough; meth heads, crank and crack dealers, etc. That is where you need to pay attention.
Except for my cats. They are mean. They'd eat a gangsta for lunch!
Whenever you have 10,000 young men between the ages of 18 and 25 there are bound to be some problems. It sounds to me like there were only a few GI's involoved. I totally agree zero tolerance!! But please don't lump them all altogether. Like I've said before, I know some really awesome families and young men who are outstanding people that are in the military.
theabowman
What are you talking about when you say this community bends over backwards for our military? Just curious.
I think the military has a huge impact on our economy. Fairbanks would be a way smaller community without them, which wouldn't be a bad thing I guess. Houses would be cheaper. Just something to think about.
P.S.
I deeply appreciate what our military does for all of us!! And just want to say thanks to all who serve for all our freedoms!!
Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families make for US!!!
wayuphere - thank you for your post by the way! Just FYI for those that don't understand the differences - please don't forget the airmen who are deploying year-round as well. The AF doesn't deploy in large groups as the Army does.
So, though the big news here right now is the deployment coming up next month with the Army, please don't forget those out here at Eielson who silently deploy without the pomp and circumstance, without knowledge of the general public, someone like my husband and countless other airmen who leave their families without the big send-off and who come home quietly just the same.
:)
Time to move to the bush with a stock pile of Ammo!
wayupthere and cor13: good comments/thoughts...saw the pile-on already starting.
Thanks
mikejmarvin - I'd love to know where exactly you get that 50% number. Got some sources? I'm thinking that perhaps you need a course in statistics...
The blame here, to echo a few of my fellow posters above, belongs solely to those involved. Anyone who was should be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
tompat, one of my friends works as a reporter for the newsminer. I'd told this person a year ago about that presentation I'd gone to, a year ago, about gang violence in Fairbanks.
I also asked this person why there was little, or no coverage in the newsminer about these activities.
The answer? Someone felt, at the newsminer, that to report gang-related violence in the paper would only increase gang-related violence on the streets. Reporting on their activities would only increase these activities, as one gang tries to one-up another gang in order to get publicity. Reporting on their activities would only give them further motivation to commit these kinds of activities, and gain more notoriety, more of a "rep."
I had a hard time finding an argument against that . . .
Lady NYC wrote:
Someone felt, at the newsminer, that to report gang-related violence in the paper would only increase gang-related violence on the streets.
If this is the case I should be looking to having Bill Allen help me with my new deck. Lets get real. It is insane to suggest that reporting the news will increase gang violence. I hope your just misinformed since if your right all we will see is feel good fluff.
We are a community. We have been since we got our start with a pirate, then Felix discovered some shiny stuff north of here.
When the AlCan first got here, we were waiting, and telling them they got it wrong in a lot of places. It was just a road. WE made it a highway.
Since 1940, when it was Ladd Air Force Station. We have been Alaskans for Ladd Field, for Eielson when got it's start, since White Alice and BMEWS. We've been Alaskans in support of Ft. Wainwright since before it was Ft. Wainwright. We are Alaskans.
Back during my high school days, in the late '60s and early '70s, Ft. Wainwright was known as "the base where they shipped all the misfits". My dad was pretty connected, and said it was more like the "intelligent but disagreeable" kids got sent. Sort of like, hey you got a choice, Alaska or Viet Nam.
Sure, we wound up with problems. But nothing like we did with the "adults" that came with the pipeline.
Don't judge from one incident. Keep your counsel, trust your cops, appreciate your military.
Lady - the DNM was simply washing their hands of anything, or any involvement pointing the finger at them as the source of all things evil re: any kind of gang activity.
It's my understanding that the gangs have been around for quite some time. The issue just kept being swept under the rug like it didn't exist. I don't see the DNM's solution as being very helpful to Fairbanksans. For the DNM to think that their paper gives weight and attention to the gangs and making it all worse to bring it up is a cop-out.
The DNM is small peanuts against the internet and the WWW that they have access to in their own homes.
Fairbanks really needs to advance about 20 years to catch up to mainstream. Today's real life issues are at your doorstep.
mike thats a damn lie... I think its rediculas that the whole military is getting blamed for two stupid punks. I dont know what u guys expect the military to do with their soldiers when your own fairbanks police are letting shooters go. It's not against the law to get shot at... haha.. obviously they've been shooters in one of the incidents... isn't that how this works... one shoots they shoot back and so forth. The police have been giving names and what they drive.. half were arrested yesterday... and released today??? what sense does that make? They only give a crap if its a dui incident or a no seatbelt violation. I garentee nothing is going to be done until an inicent person is died.
i'm trying my hardest to keep faith in our troopers... but from my experience here in fairbanks.. nothing is ever done. its really sad.
As far as the military members... there isn't even a hand full of them. So really you can't blame all of ft wainwright for the voilence that is going down. Half these guys are Lathrop drop outs.
Realest, from your own typing I would say you dropped out yourself. Or maybe you just could not make it in the real world and joined the military.
Pat
what's wrong with my typing? I'm not in school. And i graduated @$$. U can say what you want about me, I know more about what is going on with this situation so i'm trying to inform ya'll.
=) That says a lot for our school system. I hope your self esteem is intact. I really do appreciate your concern for our well being. Ya'll is that a word?
Pat
It's interesting to read how the military is perceived here. While there may be a military presence here, those that are so quick to trash the military seem to forget that there are Fairbanksans that have been raised here who are also now stationed here.
I found it really interesting how the DNM published that a couple of the guys involved were military, but while watching the local news on TV said NOTHING about that fact. It makes me wonder about the DNM altogether.
Fairbanks needs to look in its own backyard and stop the blame game, get busy and deal with it proactively. Bitching about it isn't going to solve anything.
Yeah. Only people who drop out or "can't make it in the real world" join the military. Pat says so, so it must be true. pfffft
The saddest truth for me though, is that in stories where the military are mentioned (negatively or positively), there is a small and unfortunately loud, faction of our society unwilling to acknowledge their own bias when it comes to this population of men and women in uniform. To that faction, anything military is ignorant, violent and generally unable to function outside of the military boundaries. That faction is, of course, wrong in it's assumptions and ignorance, but thanks to those who served in the past, they are allowed to voice those same ignorant assumptions loudly.
The military is not the cause of society's ills. In fact, I don't think it would be too much of a stretch to say that serving in the military offers a way out of being one of society's ills - not always, no, but often enough.
Thanks to those of you serving for those of us who can't...and for those of us who won't.
It does actually. I make $30 an hour. I'd say i'm doing very well for myself. Regardless of what you think. It's people like you that make this town the way it is. Completely off the subject. U must be a cop here in fairbanks because your attention spand sucks. And I'm from the south.. so yes, to me... Ya'll is a work.
word**** lol
We need to take the money from the oil and spend it on OUR community, not sit it in an account to be dolled out 1200.00 at a time... I'd rather have better roads, schools, public facilities for families, More police, fireman, teachers than a dividend every year.
What we say here doesn't matter. Nothing will change.
Completely agree with Dana. Half the people talking so negative are the same people who wont man up and join... PAT! These men and women put their life on the line fighting for you and this is what they deserve???
Rediculous? Garantee? U? realest i highly doubt you make minimim wage let alone $30 an hour.
And as far as the newsminer is concerned gone are the days when CW owned this paper and i for one am very sad to see it. This paper reads like a episode of Jerry Springer just a bunch of "shock" to sell papers. I bet CW is rolling over in his grave rite now.
I could be completely wrong, but last I knew, the cops and troopers had very little to do with how long people actually stayed in jail. They can only arrest the individuals. The prosecutors and judges are then in charge.
I agree, this is a horrible horrible "thing" that is happening here. While I certainly agree with citizens carrying, I think we need to think about what we can do to pressure the prosecutors and judges to keep these low-life inconsiderate a$$e$ in jail for a LONG time.
I see that most these people are forgetting about the big picture in what is going on here. I think that realest has said some real things on here but people want to pick at her typing. He's there to voice here opinion not to be correct keyboardest.
Anyway, I thought this was sapposed to be talking about the shootings. I think this is really sad and now that the cops have let these people go i'm affraid to be out. It's only a matter of time before another incident happens again. I give it a couple of days. I also think that its rediculous that the past four shootings this week were not in the newspaper. I think as a public we should be informed of the dangers that lurk around us.
akgirlie... i think you're right, but they're not even pressing charges. They said they have no evidence on these guys. Which i find very hard to believe. They "detained" a guy after wed. morning shooting that had a weapon and drugs and he was released the next day with no charges. How does that work exsactly?
I think it is ridiculous that so many posters here cannot spell a simple word like ridiculous or supposed..............and this site even lets you preview what you wrote before you actually post it.
I know the new "cool thing" is to spell it rediculous and sapposed I have tennagers in my house but this is a very serious matter better left to your parents or guardians.
You kids should just be teenagers and try to have fun during this sad time not post on here.
fbxjeff,
I sympathize with, and even support, some of your sentiments. If someone harmed one of my kids with this sort of nonsense, I would hunt down each and every one of them, and leave a hole in the center of each of their foreheads. No remorse. None.
But on a sometimes-very-busy, late-afternoon city street, the number one rule of shooting applies more than ever; know your background. What's on your horizon? 20 automobiles with other non-involved persons inside, going home or on errands? Pedestrians and bicyclists on the shoulders and sidewalks?
Sounds like a terrible circumstance under which to attempt to administer 'instant karma.' Way too much room for someone to get clipped who didn't need the burden.
Mr. Gorman and Mr. Throop;
The War On (Some) Drugs has been waged for well over 35 years now, being started initially by Dick Nixon and amped up during the Reagan era. Gangs were not involved in most of the early U.S. drug activity. It was laissez faire capitalism. The more attention and strong-arm suppression has been applied to that trade, the greater the political posturing during elections, the more agencies dedicated to it, the more gangs have found a mechanism to pay for their schemes and lifestyles; just as it was during the 1920s and the early experiment with alcohol prohibition.
Apparently the government (and the People) have learned little from their historical experiences with this form of 'vice control.' It fails almost every time.
It's, in essence, what ended alcohol prohibition. Same dynamics. **Except Thompsons and Colts were likely superior collector-grade items than CZs or AKs (my personal bias, of course.. Today's gang-bangers are slumming, in comparison, when it comes to their common weapons selections).
You can have the dysfunctional, quasi-puritanism of the war on drugs, which indirectly provides a market for the gang-bangers to buy firearms and cars, or you can adopt a harm-reduction, medically-defined/medically-oriented model for dealing with these vices (models with greater success than the fabled and failed DARE, and similar programs, I might add), boot the inherent quasi-puritanism to the curb, and take away the funding sources that dozens of these gangs rely on. Gangs that typically don't care one way or the other if your or my families die tomorrow. Your choice. But you get only one. 35 years of the 'war on drugs' has shown that fairly clearly, hasn't it?
We are all on our own here. AST and the other boys and girls in blue need to solve a crime of substance. Start with... one! I realize the 'code of silence' exists that thwarts most investigations. We need young undercover types to get at the 'treats' business and lets at least bust the thieves who are really getting cocky. Your life must be in immediate danger to LEGALLY start tossing rounds.
I'm a grown @$$ woman. You're so worried about grammer and spelling, why dont you comment on the story and stop wasting space. All you've done while posting comments is complain about people's spelling. Get over yourself. For it being a sad and serious situation, you're paying attention to something so petty?
Back to what these postings are sapposed to be about...
Right when i write about the dude they update the story. I'm glad to find out that one of these punks were caught. Question is will he stay there????
(Clyde was that to many question marks for you?)
ArmyBrat, I am sure I will be corrected if I am wrong, but a cop can "charge" a person with whatever they think the charges should be, but the Prosecutor gets to decide what they can make stick and a lot of times the Prosecutors are the ones to blame and not the police. I am not saying that is the case here, necessarily, but the prosecutors decide if there is enough evidence. The cops simply haul them into the jail and chose the initial charges.
I don't think we are being hard enough on criminals. I think if they were held responsible for their crimes and actually spent time in jail not the Holiday Inn, people might start thinking twice about pulling some of these stunts.
how about all of you quit writin these comments.
cause only i know what im talkin aboutt.
hehe-
geez armybratt chill outt.
there's never goin to be and ENd.
get over it.
Well if you are right then maybe it's time to get new prosecutors that actually care about our well being. All the drug trafficing and voilence going on and there's not enough evidence? I dind that hard to believe. For anything to be done, they're gunna have to shoot in front of a cop for him to see it.
I quit reading these posts a while ago, but I will go back and read them. I just thought I would inform you why anything and everything is classified as gang related (although it could be}. Is when you classify it that way you are intitled to federal grants. one more way to get on the big t*t.
I will say that a jury of ones peers in Fairbanks will not find one guilty of nothing if they were to defend them self against any of these punks. I would say it is doing their community service and saving tax dollars. I hope they call for me to serve on one of these needed cases. Need to pressure our official into action.
It is very interesting to see the bickering in the blog. And last night it was a major gun battle in Aurora area off College Road. It is obvious to me the bloggers are not living down in gang land.
We need new laws that prevent the judicial system from letting the gangs off the hook when their busted.
Fairbanks police have been working around the clock since a gang-related shootout Friday afternoon on College Road
I thought they worked around the clock every day, my error?
just because these soldiers fight for our country doesn't give them the right to commit crimes with their gang's in this town or any other town and as far as 50% of the crime committed in town are by natives where did that information come from ?
We all know the police are doing everything they can on this issue and the justice system is slow
Justice takes time to get this gangs off the street legally
I say we all use and implement a strict gun control---
Hit your target the same place 3 times in a row
Like I have mentioned before
--Don't go looking for trouble
But never allow yourself to become a victim and be proactive
Aim straight and true to protect yourself and your family!!
Bugger-
They work around the clock on Traffic Enforcement not major crimes or property crimes.
Remember the days when people openly carried rifles and hand guns in downtown. Maybe returning to some of the past isn't such a bad idea. I pretty sure if all the gun owners in the Borough did this, we would out number gang members.
allowing military personal to act this way is one reason our perception around the world is sliding.
No one allows military people to act this way. How can you allow anyone to do anything? People do what they want to do.
Amazing. And when all the miltary leave here and you still have a gang problem? Who will you blame then?
I agree there is too much complaining about spelling. I know lots of people that make 30 dollars a hour and can't spell. That is just plain stupid to think that anyone productive needs to be a good speller.
It isn't just military and the law enforcement does know who commits gang related activity and they do nothing about it. There has been a local gang that beats up innocent people all the time and their specialty is kicking people in the head. They are punks and cowards that the police continue to protect. The police know exactly who they are. Police lie to get indictments and lie again in courts of law to protect the gangs and put innocent people in jail. Not all cops are crooked but a few bad apples can do a lot of damage to cleaning up our streets. I know of some very dedicated and honest city cops and troopers. Those bad apples know who you are. But the code of secrecy keeps our law enforcement from improving and doing a better job, they need to police themselves first and get rid of their garbage before they can get rid of the street garbage.
I do have a gun and would use it if needed. Most of our problems we can blame on TV and Hollywood gangster glamorization. (Did I spell that right?)
Wayuphere,
Theres a difference from the natives that come from the villages and populate 2nd avenue than these so called wannabe thugs, they do not shoot bullets at each other! I myself am very scared that this is going on in such a great community, I felt way safer here in Fairbanks than in Anchorage or any other big city, not that is changed and that is unfortunate. As for these "gangster" they are playing into the stereotypical black gangsters, so much for progress. I say they should go back to the lower 48 to keep the real alaskans safe. Any more instances and I might just have to go back to the village, where despite the "drunken natives" as some would say, I would feel 100% safer
JB: Our perception around the world is slipping because too many Americans want to complain about our country. Instead of banding together and uniting the country, people want to bad mouth every thing that is done. During WWI and WWII the reason we, as a country, were able to win was because every American supported the cause and pitched in to help win. Today we find more complaining and griping which plays right into the enemies hands. I wonder why most of the Muslim world is supporting Obama? Things that should make every American think long and hard come election day.
In truth the military does NOT take high school drop outs and only accept GED students occassionally when the window openss. Most of the men and women who join want a BETTER life. They aren't hiding from the so called REAL world they are signing on to CONFRONT and make it a BETTER place through their service while getting a college degree at the same time during their service which they use when they return to civillian life bringing those skills to the community they CHOOSE to settle into.
A few inbeciles are found everywhere whether in civillian or even a military community. The conduct of a few shouldn't be used as a weopon to condemn an entire population. I'm sure the commander will punish these idiots but that won't solve the issues of gang violence in fairbanks because it seems most of those involved were within the civillian sector. Where there are drugs there will be gangs. No one is immune to this hard fact of life.
I deeply appreciate those of you whom acknowledge and stand by the military although you may not agree with the governments reasons for sending them overseas. Your support makes the sacrifices we endure for the country well worth it. I can't thank you enough and YES we DO notice.:)
military spouses. EVERY single one them is gangsta, don't cha no?
Did I get my shorthand right? ;)
My tongue in cheek response was to: "Amazing. And when all the miltary leave here and you still have a gang problem? Who will you blame then?"...which I also know was a repartee.
Apparently a busy board...took to long to respond from when I originally started reading the ramblings...
I absolutely agree 'United we stand, divided we fall'. Our Country needs to band together but I don't know if that will ever be possible again. Sadly, I believe we are too divided now to ever come together on anything.
What is funny about all of the gangsta wanna be's is that they have a parent(s). I am amazed at the number of kids running around at all hours of the night with no supervision. Some parent(s) somewhere probably have no idea where there kids are at or what they are doing. When the police bring them home the parent(s) immediately go into denial. If you have kids ask them where they are going? Who are they going with? Where are they going? Give them a curfew. It is not the community's responsibility to parent your kids. More parents need to be involved in their kids life and be nosy. It is your job and responsibility. You brought them into the world!
Big Dan
Better parenting would definitely take care of most of these problems but parents are too busy doing their own thing and just indulging their kids in place of actual parenting. Kids also don't learn how to work since there are fewer family business and less subsistence (which I believe is due to State imposed regulations and mismanagement of things like fisheries).
Kids are being raised by TV, videos, video games, degrading music and a lack of 'family'. We are destroying our Country from within.
Someone asked me what I meant by the community bends over backwards for our military. Well we have military appreciation day and the newspaper covers base events in a postive light. Many stores give substantial military discounts. The schools on the bases are geared to serve military dependents. Although the base has a veterinary facility, members of the military routinely dump their pets at our borough shelter on their way out of here at taxpayer expense. The base has a representative at school board meetings. So these are an example of some of the things we do for the military. And I don't oppose them and for sure, most of the military are not bad people or gangsters. But reading the update of this article, it appears that the military knew they had a gang problem and swept it under the rug rather than working proactively to get rid of the problem. And now, innocent people are getting shot at, 4 in the afternoon in the middle of town. If I were the base commander, I would be giving a statement that I was personally working around the clock to identify these thugs and remove them from the community pronto and make my base a zero tolerance to gangs installation--mess around, you end up in a brig somewhere.
What it boils down to is- with population comes crime!
If we keep bringing in all the big name stores and expand our bases, gas line and all of these other things we all want. All we are doing is welcoming these things to happen! We can point the finger anywhere we want but, we have no one else to blame but ourselves. No, we are not the one's out there pulling the trigger, but we are creating an inviting atmosphere from them.
Blaming the military is not going to do anyone any good it is just creating hostility between us. Also I would much rather get caught doing this kind of stuff as a civilian than active duty!
Our Police Officers are doing what the law allows them to, If you do not like it - CHANGE THE LAWS! Change your votes, become active in the fight!
Dirk,
Once again, you have hit the nail on the head. This is just another of the failures that the "war on drugs" has had on our society. If drugs were legal, there would be no "turf wars" over areas to sell drugs. Selling drugs would be a thing of the past. With that said...we are a State that allows our pupulace to carry without a permit. Please folks, CARRY A FIREARM!!! First, know how and when to use them, but we could stop some of this if several of these punks went to meet their maker. I moved here years ago to not have to deal with this crap, and the Fairbanks I knew then would not tolerate this. We need to send these problem children to their just reward. God will deal with them, we just need to expedite their judgement day.
The answer to gang violence would seem to be strict enforcement of federal anti-terrorism laws. Fear, weapons, and conspiracy seem to meet the criteria. After they are charged we should ship them to Gitmo whilst they await justice via a military tribunal.
akgg, I was being sarcastic about 2nd Avenue and wondering who would buy into the idiotic "drunk Native" stereotype. I'm sorry you didn't catch my irony. I'd much rather walk 2nd Avenue at midnight than I would any street in Anchorage.
My point was this: If one buys into the fear of "gangs", regardless of who the "gangstas" are, one is paralyzed. Think of the old, famous Gary Cooper movie, "High Noon". An entire town was terrorized (and I emphasize that gangs are home-grown terrorists) by a "gang" of outlaws. One man made the difference. Sure it was "only a movie". But if you think about it, here in our community we have way more than one man who is righteous, who is upstanding, who is smart and brave. The difference is made by all of us NOT TOLERATING this crap, whether the crap is dished out by students, military members, general low-lifes or anyone else.
Zero tolerance. Sometimes it works. Don't give in to the fear.
Because they are military im sure they will get away with it, have u watched the news last night about last years shootings when 3 MILITARY MEN were acquited of murder?
Right now military DOES have a gang prob. Gang signs show up in the desert all the time. Fairbanks gang history seems to get louder every year. 2005 shoot out in south side. A military guy and gang member... bullet went through one my friends rooms. 2007 two bodies where found out the south side area A.K.A Dikes. Their bodies were so badly messed up they only could tell who they were by dental records. I was born and raised on South Side by 27th Turner. I have seen and heard a lot of stuff and i know we have to stop this problem now or Fairbanks WILL not be safe no more. Carry a handgun or rifle with you if you know how to use it and also both bases Ft. Wainwright and Eielson should be looking for any suspicious cars/people.... that might mean more car searches. Hopefully both bases might think about making it harder to go off base and city cops will be looking at the tougher areas around town. But please as a community keep any eye out of anything that looks out of place or you see something go wrong. Call the police... tell them it will help limit some of the probs.
Those that were held and released, could they have been undercover police informants? Just wondering......
akgg- what murder are you talking about??? i hope it isn't snoops. the murder that happend a couple years ago after a fight at the strip because ud be sadly mistaken. Those guys are still in jain and got 50-life. Should they have gotten life? yes. but they didn't get released. Some of you crack me up... where in the article does it say that military knew about this. and hasn't done anything. It doesn't. And the community bends over for military? or are they just treated equaly. Half the older people here are former military that stayed. Take out all the military and people that have been in the military your still going to have problems.
theabowman
We do have a military appreciation day. The Daily News-miner does cover a lot of interesting things about the military but I have to totally disagree with you on a substantial discount. Some businesses give a small percentage off. But that helps to draw business to themselves and I'm sure military families appreciate it.
I do agree with you that way too many families get pets that they do not intend on taking with them they leave Alaska. Everything else you stated, they themselves take care of. So, as to bending over backwards for the military you are very much mistaken!
NO it wasn't it was drug deal gone bad.. and sadly to say it was my friend that i used to go to school with. Look it up and ALL my friends in the military know that yea there are gangs and THEY have seen it in the desert. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/2... <-- GANGS in the military
I am not saying it's all military. We just need to crack down on ALL MILITARY AND NON- MILITARY GANG activity. Yes there is the gang called the Coffe's here.. i know couple of them.. there also is native gangs, mexican gangs.. here. We just have to crack down on it all.... before it gets REALLY BAD.
Hoffman says "... the latest incidents should be a wake-up call to the community before gang activities become entrenched, like they have become in Anchorage."
Does that mean it is time to carry a gun, because the police can't handle it?
Thanks YukonJohn, But folks will wait, and pursue already-failed policies, rather than to re-think a different approach to a problem.
Yes, seven51, you're correct.
Fairbanks, as a town, has a -small- number of real gansters, the likes of the Crips, Bloods, and others. Fairbanks has a LOT of wannabe KIDS, who feel some attraction to the 'underground' nature of gangs, gang power, etc. And the more parents and schools harp on baggy pants, rap music, and chain earrings, the more indirect power these wannabes believe that they have; they've been given a boundary to violate, a rather meaningless boundary at that, and all the 'good citizens' on the school boards and elsewhere are so infatuated with creating these irrelevant standards that they've more or less lost perspective on the real issues.
The feds, under Bill Clinton, made $70,000.00 per officer hired available for additional officers in locations that reported a notable gang problem.
Valdez, Alaska suddenly had police administrators reporting 'gang problems.' It was about 1994. Their evidence was kids hanging out in front of the Eagle Quality Center there, wearing baggy pants and listening to rap music. Some of them even got high (not unlike a substantial number of youngsters across America have been doing for decades, I might add.)
I've yet to hear Dan Hoffman give a grounded, realistic assessment of problems associated with various forms of substance use, the depth of gang-related problems, etc. The grand-standing makes his job and dept. more important, and that sometimes eventually equates to MONEY.
Believe it or not, be comfortable with it or not, a number of those claiming to be Crips and Bloods have come up with the military. Others include limited numbers 'scouts' or 'recruiters' from Anchorqage. Limited in number, and playing to a group of wannabes, who, once the gun battles start, quite likely often re-think how dedicated they really are to this 'lifestyle.' Just like any other suburban area in America.
Know where your kids are, prosecute to the fullest those who go on urban (or other) shooting sprees, and don't let the folks pretending to be in charge walk away with the concept of freedom simply because they can talk a big story about what we all should legitimately take seriously, but not cower in fear of.
AKFLYGIRL
In one post you say you've seen and heard things and in another post you say you know some gang members. Have you called the police to share this info? If you have, awesome. If you haven't then you are a part of the problem.
Vigilante justice-just wait till an innocent person is hit. Once the community is done, there will be no one claiming to be a gang- I know we can all shoot quite well--if they put us in danger....
AKFLYGIRL, if any of the people are friends of yours, you should turn them in if you value their life. Fairbanksans will not stand for this and it is just a matter of time until some of these misguided young folks are killed. I, for one, will protect myself and my family and friends if I see one of them taking random shots such as what just happened. And AR-85, I agree that if an innocent bystander is hit by someone protecting the community, it will be a bad deal, but having gang members running around thinking they can't be touched, or that Joe Q. Public will not kill them, is even worse.
So other than everyone packin' their own guns and firing back, what, if any, solutions have been offered here expcept people ranting and raving about "fairbanks won't take this!"
How about this:
When the arrests are made, and they eventually will be made, protest in front the homes of the people who were arrested. When they are arrested, their names and addresses become public information. March up and down their street with signs saying "gangs not welcome here." March in front of the police stations. Attend your neighborhood watch meetings. Get organized -- get involved.
When they go to court, and they will go to court, lobby the judge to post signs in their front yard as part of their punishment, like sex offenders: "Gang member lives here."
Deciding to keep a loaded gun in your purse or under your car seat is tempting, and often is the first reaction, such as "hell, I'll just fire back!", but remember, it's better to be proactive than reactive.
They have dress codes at Lathrop. Last year and year before the principal would be at football games and if there were any gang looking dressed kids they were asked to leave. But at last nights
football game at Lathrop I saw several kids with their pants around their ankles. They should be there asking them to leave again.
Lorna Weise was policing at the games too. I haven't seen that yet this year.
I do agree, the military will not put up with this and I am sure they are working on it as we speak. They are very, very strict when it comes to things of this nature.
Hi Sean
Capt danno's wife
hehe
outspoken: What it boils down to is- with population comes crime!
New York has the country's biggest population but it is also one of the safest places. I think its a bit more complicated than just population.
I don't pretend to know what all the factors are but it seems to me that there is a growing lack of self-discipline and respect for others in our community.
I say if they want to be gangster, why dont they go to LA
REMOVE ALL CONFLICT IN THE WORLD (which is impossible) We cannot get everything what we want...
I thought the hells angels were the tough guys up here?
gkjam -Yes it is true, the more you put in the pot the more likely it is to boil over!! that my friend is a part of life. As long as we jam all these people into this small town, and don't give them anything to do and a there is a town full of trusting souls....
The time of leaving your house unlocked, car running, purse unguarded, fuel tank unlocked, 4 wheeler in the front yard, are gone! And we have no one to blame but ourselves. We all hate it, complain about it, and yet we sit here and take it everyday!
RabbleRabble, looks to be so.
cor13
Lorna Weese is no longer involved with the school district. Its a big loss for the school district
most of Fairbanks is trying to be politically correct about the military. It is time to face the fact that they are not our friends. The base commander should be holding a major news conference regarding what he and others on base are doing about criminals coming into our community.How many of their recrutes now enlist with a criminal background? The Army has fenced us out but allows lowlifes from base to run rampant through town. So lets hear from you Commander. Please stop ducking the matter. There are a lot more of us out here than the few Chamber of Commerce folks that kowtow to you on a regular basis
For cranberry and all the rest of the military haters.
I can't count how many times I've been approached in Fairbanks by people just wanting to say "thanks for your service". I suggest you do the same with your oppinions. Walk up to every soldier you see down town and tell them what scum they are. Tell them they are all highschool drop out, wannabe gangsters who are ruining your town. Tell them you can't wait for them to go back to Iraq and leave this town alone. 9 out of 10 will be professional enough to smile and walk away. I'll be number 10, hee hee, you just think you hate us now.
Wow. I bet Sara is clapping her hands in glee right now. The heat in Fairbanks is on the gangs, and her posts have dwindled to almost nothing.
And to 'spell it correctly Clyde', I think most things I see are typos. But you keep us correct in grammer and spellings. It is good for the soul
Dirk: "Fairbanks has a LOT of wannabe KIDS, who feel some attraction to the 'underground' nature of gangs, gang power, etc. And the more parents and schools harp on baggy pants, rap music, and chain earrings, the more indirect power these wannabes believe that they have; they've been given a boundary to violate, a rather meaningless boundary at that, and all the 'good citizens' on the school boards and elsewhere are so infatuated with creating these irrelevant standards that they've more or less lost perspective on the real issues."
I have to disagree with you, Dirk.
The gangsta clothing and rap music is where it all starts. Kids get sucked up into this "gangsta rap culture" and want to look and act just like the rap performers. This "music" is all about violence and rebellion against authority and sex and drugs and drinking. Most partnts would be totally shocked at the flthy language and subject matter in the music their kids are listening to. Kids get caught up in this rap culture and soon are involved in all that it portrays in order to be accepted by their peers. I have seen it happen to kids I know.
ITS NOT ALL MILITARY!!!!!!!!!!!! THERE ARE ONLY TWO STUPID GUYS INVOLVED IN THIS THAT IS MILITARY! The others are teenage boys who are looking up to drug dealers for guidence. And why some girl earlier brought up the coffee's I have no idea... They're not involved. I would also like to take this time to correct something in the article. The people in the car on Wed were not stopped at the gate by civilians and caught. They went to the gate for safety while being shot at. This whole situation is making me angry and i wish that everything would be put out in the open. There was another shooting last night and i dont seem to see this anywhere in the newspaper. I really dont understand how much proof cops need. The shooting on wed night by the ft wainwright gate was in the intersections... what are those camera's on top of the lights used for???? shouldn't a video be brought up or something?
And for the record before anyone says it... Everything i know I've told the police i think thats why i'm so distraught about the whole thing.
And thank you to those who agree with me when saying Clyde needs a life and stop complaining about peoples typing.
OH and The Coffee's are a family... not a gang... idiots.
Hey ArmyBrat!...Need to correct you on one of your earlier posts....but the incident that took place at "The Strip," and ended with "Snoop's" shooting and subsequent death in August, 2005 ended in NOT GUILTY pleas for all three Army Soldiers charged with Second Degree Murder and Weapons Misconduct.
They are NOT in jail for that Murder, nor are they doing "50 to Life" either. They walked out of jail free men hours after they were acquitted.
Trust me.....I was there at the courthouse for the jury verdict.
Just passing that along....
Peace be unto you!
ArmyBrat
#1 Coffee is what you drink. The family that has been refered to are the Cofey's. Look in the police blotter or the court judgements, you will see them on a regular basis.
#2 Those are not cameras on top of the traffic lights. They are a tool that allows certain public safety users to alter the function of the traffic lights, basically calling for a green light.
#3 It seems that you have a lot of "inside information", yet demand to know why the cops need more "proof" Have you volunteered to talk to a police officer about what you know?
#4 As for the "murder" of "snoop" When you play stupid games sometimes you lose. If you are going to "joust" with shotguns, you probably want to make sure that you gun is loaded. And as Old Skool told you, the men who were charged in his death were acquited and walked out of jail free and clear. No one is doing jail time or 50-life over that.
If you have information you feel would help the Police in their investigations, please feel free to forward your contact info to me through the site and I will make sure it gets to one of the officers on the case.
ARMY BRAT told you she told the police so why dont you read...
and i have to.
why dont you realise that the cops in this town wont do nothing anyways.
i think they know enough and yet their not charging anyone.
like you said those guys got aquitted for killing someone .
what makes you think these guys are going to jail for shooting at cars.
seriously i think this town needs to realise nothings going to be done.
and innocent people are danger and always will be.
This is my own thought, stomp on all of them like the no good bugs they are. Use the big cans of roach spray and use it daily. If need be use it several times a day. Everyone needs to help in every way we can to assist all law enforcement agencies investigating these gangs. I only hope if we continue to spray all of these no good bugs, they won't be able to lay any eggs.
Getting a handle on it early is important. We all know the gang activity has grown a lot in Anchorage. Let's STOP IT before they really get started here in the interior.
"Shoot at me first, I'll shoot back"
#1 Here we go with the damn spelling again... That wasn't the point. The point was that they are NOT invovled in this. So why drag names into this.
#2 My best friends ex husband is in jail for the shooting for snoops death. He was also in my dads company. I dont kno all the details.. maybe he was charged in the military world. i dunno dont quote me on that subject. But if you guys are right about them walked scott free, what exsactly do you expect them to do wtih these shootings? NOT A DAMN THING!
#3 again. If you want to nit pick at my comments try reading the whole thing. It says I've told them everything i know and thats why i'm so upset.
#4 I was ASKING about the cameras
Hmmm? Will the Barney Fifes here in Mayberry get anything right? Hey I know, let's see if there's money in the budget to hire Robocop! Seriously! He'll bring an end to all of the injustice, on both sides of the law! He'll just need the prime directives!
Will someone please ship Armybrat home?
I can't help but voice an opinion myself. I agree with being pro-active. Now that we are getting some concrete evidence of violence out of control in our small town (small as in city limits, anyway), it's time for people to arm themselves. I don't mean go all crazy but if I was going to be living here for another year, sure, I'd get myself a gun for my car. I don't want to be in the middle of a pointless, idiotic, dangerous gang crossfire with no way to protect myself and those I love.
Still can't believe I'm saying "gang" while still in Fairbanks...
These guys need to find some desolate wooded area...not hard here...and end this thing once and for all. Turf war? There's plenty of turf outside of the city limits. Go for it.
another one, sorry guys, i just read the comment about the commander on Wainwright. i agree that he should make a public announcement on how he will handle such issues as these two military gang members in Fairbanks. i fully support the troops, but i do feel the public has a right to know what faces these military a-holes who feel the need to start problems. maybe once the facts are all laid out, as far as a plan and consequences, all military members will get the bigger picture and not make such stupid decisions.
the same should be done for non-military citizens as well.
very funny ogreat1. Guess you dont like hearing real $h!t. Ship one of the people that have been trying to help in this investigation... very smart.
Judo-chop!!!!
Nawww I just don't see the need to brag about knowing about a crime and the extent that wannabe's go to for attention
I guess you're ONLY one who knows about all the crimes that have occured in the area. Hmmm an accomplice maybe?
Feed these guys for years in prison?!?! Give me a break! No jail time, straight to the executioners chair!
As for the two GI's, did you not say these words upon your graduation of basic training?
I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
Or did you think that those words did not imply to you because of your affiliations?
This is disgusting! Time to start making phone calls and writing letters to the City "Fathers" and to the Military.
It's long past due to shutting this crap down!
Our community of Fairbanks needs to come together at this time and clearly make it known that gang activity will not be tolerated. I moved to this beautiful state 20 years ago, and it would be a darned shame to allow these things to grow and fester. Instead of spending all you time on here talking the talk, why not get together and rally?
because there's no point.
I would like to clear up some misconceptions that have lead the readers of the article to believe the majority of the problems are flowing into Fairbanks from the U.S. Army. This is not true, yes, we have our own bad apples; however, if you take the populace of Fort Wainwright and compare the "bad Apples" then take the population of Fairbanks, AK and compare the "bad apples" I believe it would be a bit of an eye opener. However, that being said, a U.S. Soldier should live up to the Army Values and not conduct his/herself in such a manner. The core of the Army has slid some down a path of "filling the ranks" and the outcome is obvious, discipline is a thing of the "old Army". We the Army will work back towards that; however, the main focus now is deployment and our eyes are not focused on "bad apples" but Iraq and Afghanistan.
As for the issue at hand, the "southside", "Cushman", "22nd Ave", "Cofey", or what ever you want to call them "CRIPS" have been in Fairbanks for a long time. They are the majority when it comes to gangs and are not dependent on U.S. Soldiers in fact. The problems arise when the few gangs of other colors "Bloods" decide to challenge the embedded "CRIPS" and guns are fired. The article above makes it sound as if the "blood" gang is the problem and it is filled to the brim with U.S. Army soldiers. NOT TRUE, yes there are some members who may or may not be U.S. Soldiers; however, they have been restricted to the instillation and the Army has a plan to deal with them. What is being done to quell the Majority of the CRIPS who believe they can not hold down a job in Fairbanks, pay taxes, or do anything other then be THUGS and sell DRUGS.
I sincerely apologize to the Fairbanks community for the fact that a couple of U.S. Soldiers were involved.
In defense of rap . . .
Too, too many postings here are blaming gang violence on rap. Y'all are in need of clarification. The following is from the *first* rap song I ever heard, back in NY, in the mid '80's . . . from "The Message." Too many postings here blame rap as the cause of gang violence. Read on, and see a prime example of how some rap artists try to educate, and warn kids *against* violence.
A child is born with no state of mind
Blind to the ways of mankind
God is smilin' on you but he's frownin' too
Because only God knows what you'll go through
You'll grow in the ghetto livin' second-rate
And your eyes will sing a song of deep hate
The places you play and where you stay
Looks like one great big alleyway
You'll admire all the number-book takers
Thugs, pimps and pushers and the big money-makers
Drivin' big cars, spendin' twenties and tens
And you'll wanna grow up to be just like them, huh
Smugglers, scramblers, burglars, gamblers
Pickpockets, peddlers, even panhandlers
You say I'm cool, huh, I'm no fool
But then you wind up droppin' outta high school
Now you're unemployed, all non-void
Walkin' round like you're Pretty Boy Floyd
Turned stick-up kid, but look what you done did
Got sent up for a eight-year bid
Now your manhood is took and you're a Maytag
Spend the next two years as a undercover f*g
Bein' used and abused to serve like hell
'til one day, you was found hung dead in the cell
It was plain to see that your life was lost
You was cold and your body swung back and forth
But now your eyes sing the sad, sad song
Of how you lived so fast and died so young so...
Don't push me 'cuz I'm close to the edge
I'm trying not to lose my head
Uh huh huh huh huh
It's like a jungle sometimes
It makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under
Huh, uh huh huh huh huh
It's like a jungle sometimes
It makes me wonder how I keep from goin' under
Huh, uh huh huh huh huh
Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five
*************
Rap is powerful. And there's something quintessentially appealing about it to young people everywhere. Americans, Middle Easterners, Asians, Africans, South Americans. Young people around the world are drawn to rap, its rhythm, its cadence, its vitality.
And there's a significant portion of rap that has nothing to do with promoting the culture of gangs, gangstas, gangbangers. I was amused, but not surprised, to hear recently about some Christian music groups using rap to get their own particular message across.
Rap is not just about praising a culture of violence. And likewise, the the full spectrum of our culture of violence is in no way limited to rap.
To suggest that rap can't all be to blame based off of one song from the 80s is just plain ridiculous. While there are raps out there that attempt to send a "good" message, there are 20 more that counter it.
While there may be some rap artists out there trying to educate through their own mistakes and situations, there are all the others that glorify the gang world. Those messages, unfortunately, by example alone, are the messages that our young kids are listening to.
Perhaps they'll hear those raps that warn against gang life or gang violence when they are in jail and get the big "aha" moment and by that time, they've obviously committed a crime.
Now, if ALL RAP was focused on doing good in the world, then you may have a good argument there.
:)
Kind of ironic, isn't it? I'm from a place where a lot of people love rap music. A *lot* of people, me included.
And I hate guns. Far from making me feel safer, I can never seem to be able to get out of my mind that, ultimately, they are killing machines. They repulse me. Death just isn't my thing.
So, it's kind of ironic that a lot of people posting here who love their guns, also hate rap music.
As to loving rap and embracing gun violence, I'd say from just these posts alone, there seems to be a strong *inverse* correlation.
I just figured it out!!! The Price of gas is to blame! They must have been upset over the price of their fuel cost, and let their anger carry out on the streets!
Mamabear, dude, you're right! You can't make inferences about a whole genre of music based off one song from 20 years ago, or even a few handful of recording artists.
My point is that rap is a medium. In and of itself, it is not any particular message (pun sort of intended).
I'm just trying to defend rap, the genre of music. It's just getting dissed in these blogs entirely too much, rap, the genre of music. And that's unfair, considering all the artists out there who have used the genre to reach out to a particular audience (young people) in order to teach positive, life-affirming messages.
If you're going to diss anything, diss gangsta rap. But even there, I've heard lyrics that were so incredibly profound and enlightened, that so decried the needless violence and cruelty of gangsta culture . . . that I, myself, tree hugging peace lover that I am, cannot 100% condemn even gangsta rap.
So, in my book, it all boils down to the individual message. And not the genre, at all.
Rap has gotten an unfair rep.
1995, Public Enemy, from Temples of Boom, "Boom Biddy Bye Bye"
Now lay down
Stay down
Don't move a muscle if you see your homeboy's brains on the ground
Don't f -- k don't say nothin'
You f -- k around and I might get ragamuffin
Boom biddy bye bye
Line up on the floor now you' all gonna die
Boom biddy bye bye
Put your @$$ on the floor an' don't ask why
Boom biddy bye bye
I put the Glock to your dome and you started to cry
Boom biddy bye bye
Any last prayers before you die
Boom biddy bye bye
Rock-a-bye baby boom biddy bye bye
Boom biddy bye bye
Put your @$$ on the floor an' don't ask why
Boom biddy bye bye
I put the Glock to your dome and you started to cry
Boom biddy bye bye
Any last prayers before you die
Boom biddy bye bye
Rock-a-bye baby boom biddy bye bye
Boom biddy bye bye
It's time to die
Boom biddy bye bye
Time to say good-bye
Boom biddy bye bye
Now it's time to die
Boom biddy bye bye
Now it's time to die
No arguments here, LadyNYC.
The problems aren't born of rap, music, loud mufflers, baggy pants, cannabis, crack or any other inanimate object. The problems are born out of a general disrespect for life, others' boundaries, and poorly repressed anger, coupled with too little of many other things, including a sense of humanity, and respect.
Some of this reminds me of the old musical, 'The Music Man,' wherein there was a song that portrayed the town folks getting all wrapped up about a pool hall coming to town. It went, "We've got trouble, right here in River City, and that starts with 'T', and that rhymes with 'P', and that stands for pool.."
I've re-written that particular verse a number of times, in a number of different ways over time, for different causes; each one, in its own right, still makes me chuckle.
Folks, time is running out to create something productive and enduring from this great dialog. Once this story goes off of the front page, all will quickly be forgotten, as usual, until the next gang-related shooting... when the people at that time will have to start all over just to get to this point.
I suggest that all who care enough to post here pledge to coordinate a public "town hall" type meeting at the Alaskaland civic center.. or Schaible Hall at UAF - press invited. For best impact, perhaps schedule it the day before the next major public Fairbanks police or Wainright function, so that the results can be addressed with people who would have to go on record about their intentions.
Also, anytime a candidate for anything has a rally, grab a tape recorder and ask them what they would do about the problem if (re) elected.
Anyone care to grab the baton?
Lady - I'm glad you came back and posted in response - I get where you're going with it, and your response goes into more detail. Thank you :)
Dirk - I am cracking up with your Music Man comment! I was in the musical in middle school and anytime I watch the Music Man on cable with Robert Preston/Shirley Jones, I sing right along with it! My husband just looks at me really weird lol :)
This rap song absolutely haunted me ever since I first heard it. And every other time since. It goes far from glorifying violence. But it does go straight into its head.
These lyrics are from a gangsta rap song. For as many people there are, there are at least as many interpretations. Mine, of this song, is that's a description of the complete duhamnization that takes in the gangsta world.
"Boom biddy bye bye" . . . it's a lullaby. And therein lies its sheer cruelty, and twistedness. These lyrics don't try at all, in my mind, to glamorize the mindset of a killer. The lyrics simply tell it like it is, for some. For far too many.
Rap isn't apologetic. It isn't politically correct. It is *incredibly* honest, and that's exactly why so many young people relate to it, from all over the globe.
We in this community, we in Fairbanks want to end gang activity and involvement in our town?
One of the great paradoxes from time immemorial is that a solution to any given problem can almost invariably be found in how any given problem is expressed.
With regards to rap music and gang violence . . .
Gangsta rap seems to be taking hold of our kids. How can we be more compelling in our influence than the destructive rhythms and lyrics that we deem our kids to be listening to?
Answer 1: listen to what your kids listen to, enjoy listening to. Allow for the possibility that you can learn from them, instead of always the other way around. Ask them to try to share what it really is they're hearing, share what it is they're getting out of it.
Answer 2: listen to what your kids listen to, but not only in terms of what they're hearing, what they're picking up, but also in terms of what you believe is being put out as a message. If you have concerns, especially if they're deep concerns, speak out.
Answers 1&2 require an open mind on behalf of parents, of adults.
Logically, answer #3 is to keep an open mind.
Answer #4, from any cynical teen's perspective, is to have a mind to begin with.
Nativborn - so are you starting up the rally? Or talking about it for someone else to do it?
Nativborn,
For having proposed the *real* solution, I do hereby nominate you among our fine board of bloggers here, that youself, grab the said batton.
I fully, absolutely agree with you. It'd be incredibly validating, invigorating, and actually even somewhat more effective, if folks channeled their energies (I, of course, include myself) from hanging out at their keyboards, to actually getting their butts over to a public meeting of some kind to actually *deal* with whatever situation.
People stepping up to the proverbial plate seems to be an issue in our culture.
But since you suggested it, in reference to gang violence, I hereby, by cyber-Robert's Rules of Order - nominate you to take the lead.
. . . the same way I'm waiting for DistantThunder and FairbanksGas to spearhead that darn bullet line of ng from the slope to the rest of Alaska . . .
. . . the same way I'd love for 11801N to take the initiative to get the residents of Interior Alaska to file a class-action lawsuit against the state for its inequitable distribution of energy relief efforts.
So, go for it, bro (or bra.) And if you want to make sure that we don't end up reinventing the wheel on this issue, most definitely make contact with Lorna Weese, and ask the newsminer to report on it. Ms. Weese has *incredible* insight into the gang situation in Fairbanks.
Oh, fie on me! It was Cypress Hill, not Public Enemy, who recorded "Boom Biddy Bye Bye" in 1995.
I was thinking of saying something... =D
Have a good night NYC!
LadyNYC,
As always, your posts are full of heart and I commend you for it, even when I disagree. Thank you.
To further your list above, my suggestion is this: don't wait until your children have grown to like a "genre" of anything. Be an involved parent from the beginning, that way you aren't (necessarily) blindsided. Coming to our children in their teens after ignoring them for a decade won't get much of a positive response.
While I find there to be a huge difference between rap and Elvis, if I remember the stories right, the adults at the time thought that that type of music would be "the end" and was the reason behind the teenage angst and all of society's ills.
if the local government knows who these people are why not post their faces and names in the paper and on the web? how about the year make and model and license plate number of the vehicle. . maybe if they did the parents of these kids would step in and possibly say something to them or the public officials. the parents may not know their kids are gang members out trying to kill people.
if they are military then why doesn't the general do something? oh yeah not his job. he just commands them. commands them? what a concept, so is he reaping the rewards of the drug dealers? hhhmmmm. i guess we will never know.
I find it extremely closed-minded and ignorant to lump the entire military population together as criminals based on the actions of the few. If the article had stated that two of the individuals involved were accountants, would you be up in arms about the horrible effect the local CPA’s are having on Fairbanks? Would you be pushing to ban any and all accounting firms from the city limits? I doubt it.
Judges all over the country used to give criminals the option of going to jail or joining the military, so the current trend is nothing new. Do not attempt to blame President Bush for everything you perceive to be wrong with the world.
In addition, why did the DNM highlight the military involvement? There was no mention of the remaining gang-banger’s occupations, probably because they have no jobs except for wasting our oxygen by continuing to breathe.
If you want to do something about the gang issue in Fairbanks, you have to get involved. Whatever involvement you feel is necessary and right for you; be it involvement in your children, community, city council, police force, or neighborhood watch. If you’re doing nothing to help solve the problem, you have no room to gripe about the way it is being handled.
I'd love to organize *believe me*, but I'm an expat. Hope to be home one day soon tho. In the meantime, I'll have to serve as the "idea guy". ;) Baton, anyone?
Oh, shucks darn, nativborn.
Ok, pass the baton to me. I'll hold it. But only for a few minutes, only for as long as it takes to call up my reporter friend at the news miner, and ask this person to talk to one of the editors about interviewing Lorna Weese (formerly with the school district, now with the fbks police department).
The shootout last week generated a lot of interest in gang activity in this town, about which not much is generally known. The news miner editors just might bite - folks seem to care a lot about this topic.
Association Brings Assimilation
Association
1. an organization of people with a common purpose and having a formal structure.
2. the act of associating or state of being associated.
3. friendship; companionship: Their close association did not last long.
4. connection or combination.
5. the connection or relation of ideas, feelings, sensations, etc.; correlation of elements of perception, reasoning, or the like.
6. an idea, image, feeling, etc., suggested by or connected with something other than itself; an accompanying thought, emotion, or the like; an overtone or connotation
Brings
1
a: to convey, lead, carry, or cause to come along with one toward the place from which the action is being regarded
b: to cause to be, act, or move in a special way: as
(1): attract <his/her actions brought the attention>
(2): persuade, induce
(3): force, compel
(4): to cause to come into a particular state or condition <gang style to be accepted>
a: escort, accompany
d: to bear as an attribute or characteristic <brings gang actions of experience to the position>
2: to cause to exist or occur:
as
a: to be the occasion of <acceptance brings problems>
b: to result in <the culture brought immediate attention>
c: institutes <brings gang culture>
Assimilation
Assimilation (linguistics), a linguistic process by which a sound becomes similar to an adjacent sound
Cultural assimilation (often called merely assimilation), the process whereby a minority group gradually adopts the customs and attitudes of the prevailing culture Language shift or language assimilation, the progressive process whereby a speech community of a language shifts to speaking another language Gangization (of Americans), cultural assimilation of Americans in the United States
Association Brings Assimilation
Association Brings Assimilation
Simple Do Not ideas to help.
Just say no to Gangs.
Just say no to drugs.
Just say no to drinking.
Set and stand by family standards.
Be pro-active set a good example.
Set and stand by business standards.
Be there for your children or get a rude awakening.
Be there for the children or get a rude awakeing.
Be there for your business or get a rude awakening.
1. Politely ...Post And Refuse service to Gang Attire ( dress codes,no baggy pants, pants fulled up, gang emblems,caps/hats on correctly,or off,etc.)
2. Do not buy gang attire for your children.
3. Do not allow gang attire for your children.
4. Do not allow gang attire brought by your children.
5. Do not allow gang movies for your children.
6. Do not allow gang friends for your children.
7. Do not allow gang language for your children.
8. Do not allow gang music for your children.
9. Do not allow gang culture in your neighborhoods.
10. Do not allow gang culture to influence your children.
11. Do not allow gang attitudes for your children.
12. Do not allow gang culture to take your children.
Association Brings Assimilation
1. Politely .... you get more with honey than vinegar.
2. Do buy non-gang attire for your children.
3. Do allow non-gang attire for your children.
4. Do allow non-gang attire brought by your children.
5. Do allow non-gang movies for your children.
6. Do allow non-gang friends for your children.
7. Do allow non-gang language for your children.
8. Do allow non-gang music for your children.
9. Do allow non-gang culture in your neighborhoods.
10. Do allow non-gang culture to influence your children.
11. Do allow non-gang attitudes for your children.
12. Do allow non-gang culture to take your children.
Gangs in Fairbanks are real gangs.
Gangs in Fairbanks are not new gangs.
Gangs in Fairbanks has been here for decades.
Gangs in Fairbanks have no real color limits, every culture is in it.
Gangs in Fairbanks reaches across our city limits to surrounding areas, across our state.
Gangs are more localized people in Fairbanks, then in the local military.
Gangs in Fairbanks are spreading because adults don't see or accept there is real gangs.
Gangs in Fairbanks are not wanna-bes.
If you see a crime, report it to Crime Stoppers with valid info, names, dates, pics, drugs, drinking, shootings, fighting.
Set up neighborhood watches.
Set curfews and enforce them.
Set down with your children ask them questions get answers.
Set down with your children ask them about gangs, get answers
Go unannounced to school to observe your children.
Attend school open houses, school events that pertain to your children.
Get strict school dress codes.
Check your children's behavior at school before you get a call.
Meet parents of your children's friends.
Volunteer at your children's schools to see first hand.
Don't bare arms, it might be a relative, neighbor, friend, co-worker who'll get hurt.
Secure all guns from children.
Get strict Borough, City, business dress codes.
Get strict Borough, City, sound control codes.
Support the Police/Troopers
Intervention...
Prevention....
Pro-active....
Non-acceptance...
Stop the negative Association that Brings Assimilation of gangs....
A key component in the crackdown is use of Identity laws to Photo and gang iD them.
A key component in the crackdown is use of Alaska school laws to send them to prison.
A key component in the crackdown is use of Alaska gun laws to send them to prison.
A key component in the crackdown is use of Alaska drug laws to send them to prison.
A key component in the crackdown is use of Alaska organized gang laws to send them to prison.
To develop more cases, Police/Troopers need to set up a joint operation with agents of the principal federal gun law
enforcement agency, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, CID.
A key component in the crackdown is use of federal gun laws to send them to prison.
A key component in the crackdown is use of federal drug laws to send them to prison.
A key component in the crackdown is use of federal organized gang laws to send them to prison.
Facts.....
http://ojjdp.ncjrs.org/pubs/96natyouthga...
Don't arm yourselves, securing the gun out of reach of children........
Break the trail to Gang life...........
Break the path to Gang life...........
Break the rivers to Gang life...........
Break the connection to Gang life...........
Several years ago I was heavily involved with "Red Ribbon WeeK" in Fairbanks with the Schools(public & private), the Base and Post, FWW was our military host, the public merchants and the PXs, the Army all donated prizes. There was contests to attact children grades K-12, wow the teachers was "Awesome", and the Base's Youth Center was "Awesome",public merchants was "Awesome". The children wrote or drew, designed posters, wrote songs, rap contest, singing contest, and of course the dance off; all had the theme of "Say No To Drugs". A student from Lathrop was published, many who wrote or drew, designed posters, wrote songs, had their efforts moved to the State and National contest of "Say No To Drugs". All 4 top winners per age group in each class of wrote or drew, designed posters, wrote songs, rap contest, singing contest, and of course the dance off; all had the theme of "Say No To Drugs" received a Ribbon & a Prize. It touched my heart to see so vast of involvment in Fairbanks. I'll always see the sparkle in their eyes, as their name was called to come forward and be introduced and get their Ribbons & Prize, in front of family, freinds, neighbors, strangers. I saw a proud child. Children's essays, poems, personal stories, posters was displayed at many places in town Schools, in Public as well as Private businesses,
on Base at the Youth Center, where the children performed by, written songs, rap contest, singing contest, and of course the dance off; all had the theme of "Say No To Drugs" received a Ribbon & a Prize. I saw the sparkle in their eyes, as their name was called to come forward and be introduced and get their Ribbons & Prize, in front of family, freinds, neighbors, strangers. I saw a proud child. It was alot of time and effort but my goodness my memories are "Awesome". The Base paper was so supportive, there was a person or 2 who wasn't always fun to be around, the fact is, those children was "Awesome". If any of the children who entered the contest I owe you a very greatful Thank You for your involvement. Oh and Wendy, and all the Great people at Youth Court hold my heart with many "Awesome" events, and having such a postitive connection to our youth.
Blessings,
Ms.P
Ok got word from a friend in the military that the 2 guys from FT.WW will be thrown out of the military by the end of next month.
Correction:
FWW Youth Center was the location for displaying entries, hosting the performances, where the children performed by, written songs, rap contest, singing contest, and of course the dance off; all had the theme of "Say No To Drugs" received a Ribbon & a Prize.
Sorry I still get Base and Post wrong.
Sorry FWW
P.S.
Call Youth Court and see if you can help in any way, they have a wish list and a need of money donations; to keep reaching out to our children.
Or volunteer this year for Red Ribbon Week
Wow, I cannot beleive that some of you actually beleive the silly crap your posting.
I have traveled and lived all over the world, and I am presently in Fairbanks, and one thing I can definitely confirm is that there are gangs and crime all over the world. All because we live in Fairbanks, doesn't mean the crime is not here. Look at some of the crime that has happened like the rapes, the murders, the shootings, and alot of those crimes were by civilians in Alaska and the surrounding communities.
Just before moving to Fairbanks I was security in a school, and you have children who for the most part are trying to do the right thing, but when you open the doors to some of those children's homes, they are filled with alcoholics, drug users, child molesters, filth, no parents, nothing... absolutely nothing. You blame the kids? Why? How would they know to do different, when their home lives are so screwed up.
You cannot blame the military, the police, the state troopers, and others who are working the crimes happening here. One thing that I am glad that the military, police, state troopers and detectives do not do is release information. Sorry but releasing information to unauthorized persons has a number of consequences, and some that could be more harmful than helpful. Do not second guess those who are trained to do what we are not.
As far as some of the posts stating to take matters into their own hands? Wow, now tell me what makes you better than the knuckleheads shooting at each other? Your gun/rifle could also shoot an innocent person. Let me go farther, are you absolutely positively sure you shot the right person? Think about it.
Close the military base? Are you serious? <laughing> From what I can see and from living around the world, it looks like if the military was not here - Fairbanks as you know it would not be Fairbanks. Alot of bases around the world build stores, and other shops specifically because of the military being here. If the military was not here, you would have nothing. Hmmm I am just wondering if Ft Wainwright had come up on the closure list, what some of you would have done then. I already know the answer, I have seen what a base closure has done to a community, and I assure you it is not - was not pretty.
No soldier is "just thrown out" that quick. There is a process as there is in the civilian court.
Be aware of your surroundings, report things that do not look or feel right, do not think someone else will report what you seen, because maybe they did not see what you saw. Do not jump to conclusions, and definitely do not take matters in to your own hands. Talk with kids in the neighborhood, not AT them. Listen with the ears that you have.
Have a good day.
TWillz
One last thing...
Some have said ship them off out of Fairbanks, out of Alaska...
Hmmm... interesting when some of them are from Fairbanks. Sorry to burst some bubbles here, but Fairbanks is "Not all that and a bag of chips" as alot of cities are not as well.
Do not throw rocks at a glass house when your house is made of glass.
Hmmm..
I like Fairbanks, it is a beautiful town, but I am not going to sit and think it doesn't have its problems, it hoodlums, its wannabe/cannot be's, its molesters, its drunks, etc., if I thought that, I would be ignorant.
Have a good day.
TWillz
Maxwell, for the two immature thugs that are "being thrown out" of the military are they getting one way tickets back to where they came from? Hope so!
Well interesting that Maxwell's "friend" KNOWS SO MUCH, considering if his friend did know SO MUCH, he then would know, that IF.... IF it is proven they are guilty, prior to getting to a guilty and thrown out, there must be an investigation... imagine that... an investigation... then possibly a court martial, and a sentence, and now IF that all happens, and it is proven, found guilty, they will be chaptered out of the military, and oh my.... HOW DO WE KNOW THAT THESE SOLDIERS... are not from <UHOHHHHH> FAIRBANKS... AND THEY STAY.... <ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh>
Ok I know that the above was very silly of me, but seriously... People will say, make comments, and form their own opinions, to suit their needs, and remember, we do have some knuckleheads sitting right here online, that could be questionable themselves... <HELLLLLOOOO>
Have a great Evening!
TWillz
I am sick of these redneck types from "hick-town" USA coming here even if they are in the military. they bring their backward ways with them and stress our systems. now the gang types are here from those "cess-pool" cities and we will have to deal with that as well.
Twillz Fairbanks will be here long after the military are gone. We do not need them to survive. I personally think we will be better off without them here.
P Davenport I will continue to bear arms as it only makes sense in these days and times. You have some good suggestions but that is not one. Train your children in the use of them and gun safety and you will be much better off in Alaska.
On the original topic yes gangs have been here for some time but not always. We did not have this problem while I was in school here.
I am sure not all military are gang members but they bring their habits from the states which have had these problems far longer then we have.
Regards,
Pat
I WOULD BET DOLLARS TO DOUGHNUTS THAT THE GANG MEMBERS AT FT. WAINWRIGHT ARE NOT FROM FAIRBANKS.I say send them back to where they came from. Better yet, send them to a rival gangs neighborhood.
Still waiting for a public comment from the base commander.
have a nice evening
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I cannot BELIEVE the number of you that can not read. They said they know who they are. The 2 soldiers are restricted to the base. And go figure the rest of them are on the loose. Who needs to get ahold of who? Looks like the military is doing their job. It is the city dropping the ball.
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