Dear Chicago, am I still in the U.S.?

[Deputy Purple 1,294]

When I lived in Savannah Georgia (still miss that city) there were areas that resembled a 3rd world country. I remember when we were first looking for an apartment in one neighborhood we crossed the street and went from nice sothern houses to what looked like a bombed-out war-torn city!

[Meg and Nigel 21]

...Ya there's actually a lot more to it than that. I don't know what they teach in Virigina schools, obviously not tolerance. Maybe you should read a book called Illegal People and get back to me later. BTW, freedom of speech is a first amendment right that guarantees you the right to speak (write, etc.) without retaliation from the government, not criticism on a public forum.

You are my hero. I couldn't agree with you more. Bravo.

[mrsean 4]

This is NOT a Chicago problem, this is a problem that exists in every single city in the US. It isn't a Latino problem either, it is a social issue that covers every single race. I lived in Chicago for 14 years and never had a problem, now I live in NY and haven't had a problem either (knock on wood!).

Definitely not a problem in the UP of Michigan. Of course, the biggest 'city' is only about 25,000. The local 'ethnic group' is Finn!! I feel sorry for any immigrants from more civilized places who find themselves in places like the one described. It embarrasses me that I may have to explain about stories like this one to my fiancee! Fortunately she will not have to experience this when she moves here.

like i said puerto rican problem weather latin or not,every where they are they have gangs and trouble that is there life style!!!!!!!!!!in every city where they live they are problems,dirty,no morals etc latin kings etc scum bags

[Leenie 15]

I just couldn't leave this thread without adding one thing: "hypercritical" and "hypocritical" are two different words with two different meanings. So, there's actually no spelling issue in that case at all!

While I'm here, I'll just add that I've lived in the Chicago suburbs for all of my 23 years, and while I think "the city" is a nice place to visit, I definitely wouldn't want to live there!!

[Nystu 2]

There are Latino gangs, white gangs, black gangs,etc... So NO, even if you don't want to agree with me, "IT IS NOT A LATINO ISSUE". People who join gangs do it out of ignorance, not because they are Latinos... Also, Puerto Ricans are not the only Latinos in the US, therefore they are not the only ones in gangs. While we are at it, Puerto Ricans CAN NOT be illegal aliens, they are American citizens.

Another thing, I am a native Spanish speaker, and have never gone to a job interview where speaking Spanish was a requirement, what kind of job is this person pursuing? Plus, having a private school education and all that was mentioned, one could think a place in a decent neighbourhood could be afforded... Anyway, I am sure that if I lived in a poor black neighbourhood I would have problems with black people, if I live in a poor white neighborhood I would have problems with white people... White picket fences in the suburbs are nice and quiet, I just hope once there you are not the one who gets applied a stereotype.

[Colin&Lori 6]

There are Latino gangs, white gangs, black gangs,etc... So NO, even if you don't want to agree with me, "IT IS NOT A LATINO ISSUE". People who join gangs do it out of ignorance, not because they are Latinos... Also, Puerto Ricans are not the only Latinos in the US, therefore they are not the only ones in gangs. While we are at it, Puerto Ricans CAN NOT be illegal aliens, they are American citizens.

Another thing, I am a native Spanish speaker, and have never gone to a job interview where speaking Spanish was a requirement, what kind of job is this person pursuing? Plus, having a private school education and all that was mentioned, one could think a place in a decent neighbourhood could be afforded... Anyway, I am sure that if I lived in a poor black neighbourhood I would have problems with black people, if I live in a poor white neighborhood I would have problems with white people... White picket fences in the suburbs are nice and quiet, I just hope once there you are not the one who gets applied a stereotype.

Jesus Christ people do you lot not read??????

in HER area Latino people ARE an issue, she/he is not talking about the whole of America but just in her area where she lives where latino gangs ARE an issue

[Nystu 2]

Jesus Christ people do you lot not read??????

in HER area Latino people ARE an issue, she/he is not talking about the whole of America but just in her area where she lives where latino gangs ARE an issue

I am glad you are not running for any kind of office after that statement...

[Colin&Lori 6]

I am glad you are not running for any kind of office after that statement...

HELLO....reality check, its true

sorry for speaking my mind

[Nystu 2]

HELLO....reality check, its true

sorry for speaking my mind

No need to be sorry, that's the beauty of this Country, you are allowed to your opinion. But unfortunately for many, the same right is given to everybody.

[Colin&Lori 6]

No need to be sorry, that's the beauty of this Country, you are allowed to your opinion. But unfortunately for many, the same right is given to everybody.

i don't mind people speaking there opinion either...world would be quite boring if people did not have different opinion's

i don't have a problem with Latino's nor any other race

all am saying is because the gang/gang's mostly consist of Latino's then there are a problem in that area but not as a whole

Edited October 12, 2010 by Colin&Lori

[Laveau 67]

It's similar here in Dallas but doesn't seem as bad as what you've observed and described about Chicago. I'm American of Mexican descent. It saddens me, and at times, pisses me off when people of similar background (similar to my ethnic background) choose lives of terrorizing others and trashing up neighborhoods. Believe it or not, a lot of these "latinos" that choose to be "gangbangers" ARE U.S. citizens. Either way, it fvcking sucks.

Sorry you've had such horrid experiences in your area. I hope everything works out when/if you relocate.

[Laveau 67]

It's similar here in Dallas but doesn't seem as bad as what you've observed and described about Chicago. I'm American of Mexican descent. It saddens me, and at times, pisses me off when people of similar background (similar to my ethnic background) choose lives of terrorizing others and trashing up neighborhoods. Believe it or not, a lot of these "latinos" that choose to be "gangbangers" ARE U.S. citizens. Either way, it fvcking sucks.

Sorry you've had such horrid experiences in your area. I hope everything works out when/if you relocate.

That sounds awful. Actually, when anyone chooses to do this. Just sometimes people are judged by the actions of others of similar background. That's what I meant. Sounds really bad the way I originally put it!