🚀 go-pugleaf

On Mon, 26 Jul 2004 20:48:25 GMT, DuZen <AustinWTNichols@yahoo.com> wrote:
>Ah!!!
>I don't know if you know it, but you've really put your finger on it!
>
>"the fear of crime"
>
>Not actual crime...
>
>The FEAR.

Here are some facts. I have lived here all of my life.
While I grew up in the 'burbs my parents were the sort who
never avoided the city because it was oh, so scary.

As a result I've always been a "city" person and I've
always interacted with it. I don't throw caution to
the wind, BUT I have been going back and forth, using
pub trans most of my life, walking around town, etc.
with never any problems. Not one, single solitary thing
has happened to me, crimewise, in Phila. I'm 54 years old.

>The kind of fear that a shut-in with basic cable and a dial-up internet 
>connection can apparently succumb to.
>
>I recently moved here from California, and I've met the nicest people!

This is what I hear a lot.... Folks who move here saying how
nice and friendly people are here. Some are totally taken-aback
by random acts of kindness and so on.
 
>In shops, on the street, in the park, they always ask WHY I would move 
>away from "Cali"?....

Unfortunately a lot of Philadelphians still have a inferiority complex
that some of us are trying like heck to remedy. It's an uphill battle.
But I do see positive change.

>I tell them it's because of people like them! Regular people who aren't 
>-afraid- to take the time and talk to a stranger.
>Of course affordable housing, good schools and being able to vote in a 
>swing state help ;)
>
>mcs, unplug from the hysteria. Turn off your T.V.! Read a good book.
>Talk to the people in this city who don't share your fear. If you listen 
>carefully, you just might be able to break the cycle of fear that has 
>you in it grips.
>
>Remember, wherever you go, there you are...
>
>Good luck with your recovery.

And thanks, Kurt, for sharing a perspective that more
Philadelphians need to see!

KByrd