You're right. You might get it again, hang on... I posted this earlier....it may seem somewhat out of context but I think it finishes well (or is at least relevant to the conversation)- "Except that it doesn't work this way. Based on what I've seen and experienced as a Oakland resident for the past 15 years, you're proposing putting another 300 well-armed and connected thugs on the street to deal with violent crime. Doesn't matter which side the thugs are on, they're going to do what they're going to do....aside from a few exceptions to the rule it's all they know how to do, and when they're operating under the color of public mandate really nasty things can happen. I've dealt with enough cops in different situations to know that at the end of the day they're simply another gang. Best to avoid them altogether and take care of yourself...that means not looking conspicuously wealthy (or easy to rob) in certain parts of town without acknowledging some level of personal risk. To do anything less is the height of irresponsibility and entitlement." For the record, I am a rapidly approaching 40 yo larger bodied male of fairly light complexion. I prefer to not align with any race or sexuality because I think it's arbitrary...I'm concentrating on being the best human I can be, and I think setting labels aside could help me get there. Or not. Time will tell, I suppose. I was robbed at gunpoint by two kids in 2006...it didn't happen because I was white and they were black, it happened because I was visibly drunk and they were opportunistic. Since then I have made it a point to not look like someone who would be worth robbing, as far as a) what I may be carrying b) my awareness of my surroundings and c) and how much potential I have to turn the tables on the situation. The first two ANYONE can do. The latter, maybe not so much...it has to do with how you carry yourself in certain situations. In other words- if you look shook you look like a much easier target. But if you look like you're on point and like you might be willing to dish out a little more than someone who wants to fuck with you, then you will generally be left alone. As far as what Rhodey said about helping sudoers helping sudoers avoid shitty situations of this nature, I can offer one huge piece of advice- most strong arm robbery happens near BART stations and transit hubs, so be especially aware when you're near one. That means paying attention to who is near you and what they're doing. Do NOT walk down the street chatting on your iPhone at 1 am in front of groups of strangers....almost every holdup story I've heard over the last few years started off this way, and there's absolutely no reason why it should. I should add that since embracing those three guidelines I have felt safer living in Oakland than anywhere else I've lived (and I've lived in a lot of different places). I definitely feel safer here than I did growing up in Millbrae....that may sound strange to some of you, but try being a freaky looking queer teenager there and tell me how that works out for you. I had WAY more stress there than I ever had in Oakland....had I known then what I know now I would have moved here a lot sooner. In short, at the end of the day YOU are responsible for your own safety. Not the cops, not Oakland at large. So be safe out there. -chrisbee On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 9:18 PM, rhodey <rhodey(a)anhonesteffort.org> wrote: On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 9:18 PM, rhodey <rhodey(a)anhonesteffort.org> wrote: