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Taking Advantage of People
If You Get Rich, Taking Advanatge of People (Proverbs 28:8)
According to Woodysdubuque.com the following statistics from 2002 to 2009 suggest data that defies the imagination.
Theory and sense, sociology and psychology, all research would suggest that each statistic, each crime against personand property to show an increase, based upon an ever increasing, stressed population. The media has reported increases in gangs, drugs and vagrant kinds of malingerers, without addresses. The economy is shattered in ways no one can explain.
The local violence taskforce says violence is an epidemic.
Yet, we see the media reports of having won safety awards, prosperity awards, service awards, national honors, in fact, as judgements from people who live here or from data...
The recent book of several years ago about Dubuque suggests an elite whose interest in keeping the truth hidden because of powerful and old money interests here who don't want a negative image that will affect their company profits, considers what drives data and the news.
As one puiblisher said today, "Anyone can assess homes and create a number." Are the numbers valid; is what the statistics show actual and true, taken at face value?
The evidence Woody has culled seems to say that Dubuque is more peaceful, less dangerous, safer, more
accessible than it has been:
1) Twenty two less sexual assaults in 2009 than 2002.
2) One hundred eight less crimes against property in 2009 than 2002.
3) One hundred ninety two less thefts in 2009 than 2002.
4) Fifty five less motor vehicle thefts in 2009 than 2002.
What do you believe, the data or your lying eyes (J.R. Ewing, Dallas, 1980's)
Crime Statistics
The statistics Woody gathered are in standardized catagories and offer a very objective look at reported criminal activity in the community. When I looked at these stats property crimes, i.e. crimes against property, thefts, burglaries, and MV thefts, all showed declines. The reduction of sex crimes were also considerably down.
The stats that jump off of the page to me were Robberies. Either strong arm or armed robberies nearly tripled since 2002. The use or threatened use of violence to commit these crimes is what I believe has many community members on edge. From the groups pulling "quick lick" robberies (jumping someone for their money) to armed robberies in broad daylight this one statisical area to me is the most concerning.
While our murder rate was from zero to two a year, the murders in 2009, 2007,2005, and I believe 2004 all occurred in public. Two large fights with multiple persons armed in 2009, 2007 the Blackburn murder, 2005 Johnson murder, and I am uncertain of the year of the Pregler murder/Suicide. Prior to these many of the murders in our city occurred out of the public eye. Many of these were discovered as opposed to "in progress".
In many cases while the objective statistical number may show little change, the subjective intensity of the crime is not represented.
woody
I went into this crime reporting with the idea I would be met with resistance. That was not the case at all, Capt. Crabill helped me tremendously at the DLEC. I have found there is many more blacks in jail then whites if you make it a demographic situation. But I have either stumbled upon gang related issues or 4.62% of the Dubuque black community are in trouble a lot. Of the white population the numbers are much different, there we see .15% of the white community in trouble with the police. The hispanic community have been almost uncounted in crime as far as I can tell.
safety
The winter brings two things to Dubuque, less crime outside more crime inside. I drive this town daily and the only time I come upon our new culture is when they step out in front of my auto and make me wait. But when the weather changes and crime moves back outside, that`s when the arrogance of crimanals and gangbangers invade our town that once was a jewel on the Mississippi. This beautiful town has no alternative, but to act upon what has been thrust at us by greed. Greed doesn`t have to fill your pockets, but give you desired trophies. The people of Dubuque are coming to a decision that will change this bad atmosphere of crime or allow it to remain as the blight we see. Our present power structure must be changed, we must not allow the city manager to mold the council into his likeness. We need new representation in our city government, from the mayor on thru the sitting council. This can only be accomplished by the vote. So anyone that complains and doesn`t vote , I say you are the problem even more then the influx of criminals. And we need people to run against this administrative yes men and women.