Pantagraph.com | News | No arrests after at least one bullet hits car on Market Street

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

Shadow wrote on Jul 10, 2008 8:51 AM:

" West side should be made into gigantic parking lot for the Colliseum. Move them all to E. St. Louis. "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 9, 2008 2:08 PM:

" Carebear89....I agree with your last post. "

Carebear89 wrote on Jul 8, 2008 9:44 AM:

" iluvchoc: I have looked up the sex offender registry and i am not suprised to say that u are right, many do live on the west side. That is most likely becuase they cannot afford to live anywhere else (by the way i am not saying that all people on the west side can't afford to live elsewhere) due to the fact that they have a hard time finding a good paying job becuase they cannot be near children, or businesses just do not want to hire a convicted felon. And yes, most of the crime is near the Market street area but whos to say that the people that are involved with the crime don't live near you or i. Basically what i am trying to say is that no matter where u go or where u live crime can happen anywhere and u really are never safe. "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:30 AM:

" To Carebear89 cont: If crime does get worse I will go elsewhere as it is obvious you want to drive out those folks concerned with their safety. BTW ever look at the sex offender registry and see how many live on the west side vs. the east side?

To Isabelle: I agree with you saying there are some places with beautiful history on the west side. Miller Park is a wonderful asset to this community as we have visited the park and zoo before. As I have said before my past experience is that I feel very unsafe on W. Market and visiting the DMV. When I am in that area it makes the little hairs on the back of my neck stand up and I get the same feeling I had when I was in a new assignment with the military without having the benefit of any personal defense devices.

I hope everyone stays safe no matter where they choose to live! "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 7, 2008 9:30 AM:

" I am only commenting here to express my opinion....if it offends you so be it....but remember my comments only come from my views and experiences

To Cocoa: I am very glad to hear you and your family have never had any issues that make you feel unsafe in the area you have chosen to live. I hope you never do. In my experience I feel very unsafe visiting the DMV on west side of town. I do not believe I have a fear filled bubble!

To Carebear89: Yes, crime is evident on all sides / areas of town but is appears most of the violent crime is concentrated on the west side / market street area. Property crime on the east side is a reality but being hit by a stray shot is a lot different than someone sealing my property. If violent crime does ever enter my area I a well prepared to defend my home and property from intruders. "

OGS wrote on Jul 6, 2008 7:46 PM:

" And how many different law enforcement agencies showed up at State Farm for the rifleman that turned out to be a janitor carrying a piece of pipe? Uh huh,,,right. "

isabelle wrote on Jul 6, 2008 11:00 AM:

" LifeisLife:

Thanks for sharing your story! I am so happy to hear from people like you. :) "

LifeisLife wrote on Jul 4, 2008 7:09 PM:

" I am certainly not saying that my story applies for everyone but I am saying that I am tired of the bad kid getting all the attention. I am so tired of negativity overshadowing good things. There are many people that live on the west side that have never been in a gang or live off govn't programs. I could move to the east side but I am a true cheap skate. I don't like to spend extra money when I don't have too! I can get the same three bedroom for $200 less than on the eastside. That's gas to get me back and forth to work. That can go on my light bill, food, etc. Everyone that lives on the west side is not poor, or in a gang, or convicts, or baby making machines. I am so tired of this narrow minded country. All u people on this board making comments about people on welfare be careful the country is in a recession it may be your family standing in the welfare line when u lose your job! Then you will know how it feels to get judged not by your character but your circumstances. "

LifeisLife wrote on Jul 4, 2008 6:55 PM:

" I live on the west side. Yes I came from Chicago. I graduated high school and enlisted in the military right after. I went to Robert Morris College and obtained a AAS in Medical Asst. My husband and I moved from the city because of crime and the high price of living. We have 3 daughters that we didn't want 2 raise in the city. My husband and I work full time jobs and we still struggle. I always wanted to wait to have children but GOD saw differently. I currently have 6 lawyers contacting me about law suits. I took my birth control FAITHFULLY and all it did was make me gain weight. I do receive food stamps but not cash or medical our jobs provide medical,we work so we don't need cash, and even though we get stamps we still pay close to $400 for food monthly. My point is this, people need to stop being so judgemental. Reading things like this makes me upset that I could have lost my life in a war to protect a country that doesn't even respect me as a person. Only GOD can judge! "

cocoa wrote on Jul 3, 2008 3:59 PM:

" iluvchoc - oh, give me a break! We've lived on Bloomington's west side for over 5 years now, driving back and forth every day, often down - gasp! - Market Street, day or night, and never had a problem. No shots fired at us, no mobs in the road, no more fear for a carjacking than we would have driving through any other part of town at night. Go ahead and stay in your little fear-filled bubble, though, and just hope that little bubble never gets popped. "

Carebear89 wrote on Jul 3, 2008 2:48 PM:

" isabelle: what you speak is totally true. Thank you for saying that!

iluvchoc: The fact of the matter is that any crime can be committed on any side/part of town, and to say that just the westside is full of it is wrong. Yes there is crime, and unfortunately when it happens on the westside it is always in the paper, but the eastside has crime too. Maybe if you actually traveled around a little bit and expand your horizon you would see all of the crime that does happen. What about the recent burgleries in the eastside...if that is too much for you then perhaps you should go elsewhere. "

isabelle wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:58 PM:

" iluvchoc

You are doing your community and yourself a disservice by avoiding everything west of Main street. There is a lot over here on the west side that is not marred by crime and violence. Miller Park has a beautiful brand new playground! We are much more than the DMV; you should explore Bloomington a little more instead of isolating yourself. The newer parts of town seem to be higher on the socio-economic status, but these older parts of town have some beautiful history! "

isabelle wrote on Jul 2, 2008 7:55 PM:

" Two Cents...
maybe we agree more than we thought! That's always encouraging. "

Two Cents wrote on Jul 2, 2008 6:36 PM:

" To Isabelle: Thank you for helping me better understand where you are coming from. Please don't think that I am heartless and don't want to help others. I am just a firm believer in individuals taking care of themselves and taking responsibility for their actions. I know there are struggling families, and I don't in any way mean that they should not be able to get help when needed. "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Jul 2, 2008 3:00 PM:

" To Mdorf: The Cats slams everyone on these boards. Clearly someone who has a personality disorder of some type. They are always the expert so it's really no use arguing with them, facts just get in the way. Best to ignore. "

isabelle wrote on Jul 2, 2008 1:25 PM:

" Two Cents...
I'm not here to make enemies. My original point was that at any point in time forcing someone to be sterile is absolutely unacceptable. If this means there are more welfare babies, so be it, but that is why I am pro-choice. To me, forcing someone to be temporarily sterile is just as bad as forcing them to have an abortion. But I'm all for people having the choice to be/do either!

I agree with you that abuse of the welfare system is completely inappropriate. I live in a lower income neighborhood because we are putting ourselves thru school and we need cheap rent. I see crowds of these kinds of people every day who never have to go to work but can afford to smoke, drink, and party right next door to me. And yes, it makes me very angry. But I put up with these people because I really hope and believe that they do not make up the majority of those taking assistance from the government. Because I also have a few close friends who use WIC and other governmental aid to help support formerly abused and neglected foster children. See what I mean? "

mdorf wrote on Jul 2, 2008 11:17 AM:

" Cats
You are a joke. You KNOW you were including me in your racist comments, or else you would have started a new paragraph. It is basic writing composition. As far as talking about my intelligence, it was in direct response to you calling me "intellectually deficient". You brought it up, so defending myself is warranted in my opinion. I'm not sure what hole you think I have been digging for myself. Other people have disagreed with me, but with a lot more class. My proposal is not about genocide or keeping any particular people from having children. It is merely a suggestion on a way to keep people from digging a hole they can't get out of. Your comments are worded a whole lot like MODeration's on the seatbelt laws show we aren't really free, so I'm surprised at the stance you've taken. It's OK to protect people from themselves with seatbelts, but not babies? "

iluvchoc wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:47 AM:

" Another example of why I say out of this side of town. It is dangerous! The only reason I go over there is to visit the DMV. When is the state going to wake up and move the DMV to a safe location! That entire area of town is UNSAFE! "

Two Cents wrote on Jul 2, 2008 10:47 AM:

" To Isabelle: If you would have read both of my earlier posts, you would have read That helping others that want to help themselves is perfectly fine. A HAND UP.....not a HAND OUT is the right thing to do. Supporting individuals indefinitely, while they continue to make babies, not work, live in paid housing, is NOT the right thing to do. These helpful ,TEMPORARY benefits should be used when needed, but I, for one, expect everyone to make every aattempt to provide for their own families. I obviously realize there are good people out there struggling to make ends meet, and we should absolutely help them. The ones I have a problem SUPPORTING, are those that choose not to help themseves, become baby making machine and live off of our government and the taxpayers and consider that a way of life....from generation to generation. That needs to stop. "

Geez! wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:53 AM:

" This crime will never be solved. The money that should be spent on policemen, police labs, etc., is going to be spent instead on studies on how to make downtown Bloomington a better place for businesses.

You elected the mayor and council - and this is what you get. Happy? "

isabelle wrote on Jul 2, 2008 8:37 AM:

" Two Cents,

Sure, it is your right NOT to pay to help those less fortunate than you. I hope you're not a follower of "Christ", he would probably be disappointed in you.

If you don't like the way your tax dollars are used, run for political office. "

jipsi wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:10 PM:

" to The Cats:

You're grasping... "

crazyneighbor wrote on Jul 1, 2008 9:39 PM:

" Nothing irritates me more than a family wearing top of the line clothes, every kid in nike shoes, mom with perfectly manicured hair and nails, 10 yr olds with the latest cell phones & ipods and they all pile in a tricked out SUV after mom pays for the groceries with a bleepin link card. AAARRRGHHHH

Sorry, I look tired, my clothes are worn, and I probably smell a little. Been up bustin my rear-end since 7am, but it's ok I'll buy your dinner tonight. AAAAAGGHGGHHHHHGGHHGHGGHHHGHASGHGHAGASGHGHSHS "

The Cats wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:16 PM:

" To JIPSI..."A more intelligent wording"...how can "wording" have any intelligence at all? Your lack of formal schooling is showing. "

The Cats wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:14 PM:

" To Mdorf...my comment:

A lot of racists in this town from the comments here.

Notice the word COMMENTS (plural). Notice the word RACISTS (plural). Notice the lack of the line being addressed specifically to you. Your reading skills are clearly an issue with you and I stand by my comment...feeling guilty? As to your attempt to insult me...try again. I will pass on the IQ challenge as those who talk about how intelligent they are usually aren't. Your original comment deserves scorn and your opinion does not matter to me. In fact, the more you write on this the deeper you dig the hole you are in. Maybe you and JIPSI should get together and discuss the merits of "population control" versus "genocide"...those that have suffered from either don't split hairs on definitions...they are just dead. There were those in Germany who supported Hitlers extermination as he was just rying to rid the country of "bad elements". "

The Cats wrote on Jul 1, 2008 8:03 PM:

" To JIPSI...I comment on this board on the topics I choose to comment on. I do not feel the need to validate what is already known...that this board is a place for all to comment. I do not believe I have ever written "that is your opinion"...it is too obvious for me to comment on. Your splitting hairs on genocide versus population control did give me a laugh. Thanks for your comment (feel better now?) "

Two Cents wrote on Jul 1, 2008 6:20 PM:

" To Isabelle: You indicated that it is a person's right to make babies they can't afford. So do you agree that it is my right NOT to have to pay for the upbringing of their children, or for their food, or their housing expenses? I have no problem with people have as many children as they want to have......as long as they support them. It should anyone eles' obligation to pay for/support the raising of someone else's children. As I mentioned in my earlier post, people fall on hard times, and it is perfectly fine to help out and give them a hand. TEMPORARILY. "

cocoa wrote on Jul 1, 2008 6:09 PM:

" Honestly, I have wished for a long time that people would have to get a license in order to reproduce. Said license would be given after the couple pass health, psychological and financial tests and scrutiny, as well as education on child rearing. I realize this will probably inflame people, but it has been something I've thought should happen since I was a teenager. Maybe we can't involuntarily sterilize anyone, but I sure wish we could! Too many people (and I don't limit this to low income couples at all - I see PLENTY of middle-income/high-income people that only have children as "accessories" or because they feel that is the next step after marriage) who should never have had children. "

isabelle wrote on Jul 1, 2008 3:10 PM:

" Sorry mdorf, as much as it bothers me to see people with children they can't afford, that's their right. I'd much rather have an overpopulated world than an involuntary sterile one. I empathize with your motivations here...unwanted children are a sad sight to see, and I have seen plenty of cases throughout my life, but if it's that upsetting to you, become a foster parent! You can't take away someone's reproductive rights, for any period of time, just because their life situation is less than desirable. The closest we can get is education, easy access to birth control, and the option to terminate the pregnancy if it's unwanted. Of course it'd be great if no one had sex if they couldn't afford to have a baby, but that's not the world we live in! "

jipsi wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:59 AM:

" to The Cats:
You almost never acknowledge a person as entitled to having an opinion (as YOU are allowed); you'll SAY "that's your opinion" and THEN spew "lowest of low", "intellectually deficient", etc. barbs.
Ummm, TC, who are YOU to decide WHO'S opinion is "intellectually deficient"?
If I were to determine this based on two posts, yours and mdorf's, his/hers would be the MORE INTELLIGENT and CIVILIZED between the two, as you simply are unable to share YOUR opinions without tromping on others' as somehow 'less than yours'.

For example: "YOUR post makes me SICK, you lowlife, so keep your thoughts to yourself and shut up"...
A more INTELLIGENT wording: "You're entitled to your opinion, but your post upsets me so much that I don't care to talk with you on this anymore".

REREAD our posts, thoroughly; you would know neither of US said unconditional force, neither said RACE.
YOU used BOTH words.
If your theory is correct, isn't it YOU with the 'guilty conscience'?
If I said 'flame' would you accuse me of plotting to set the place on FIRE?

Let people talk. It's called an EXCHANGE of ideas. "

mdorf wrote on Jul 1, 2008 11:48 AM:

" Isabelle
How would you like to lose your job and then get pregnant with no means to support the baby? That is not the time to have a baby, although after more thought I would exclude unemployment as it is a temporary situation. Why is this such a terrible thought? I threw the idea out there as a "what if" to begin with. I do think it would be better for the country if it were in place, but I agree it is extreme and would never get enacted. Something does need done, though, or our cities will continue to decay. I appologize to anyone (except the Cats) who was offended by my comments. "

mdorf wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:40 AM:

" your words Cat:
To Mdorf...Hitler was in favor of that idea as were a few other madmen over the last few centuries. Just when I though the posts on these boards had gone as low as they possibly could, you lower the bar even further. A lot of racists in this town from the comments here.

I'm not sure how I thought you were calling me a racist. If you were not implying I was a racist, then look to your writing skills and not my reading comprehension. Do you honestly believe people who can't support themselves should have children? Why would we possibly want to reduce the number of these births? You tell me one person who benefits in this situation. Any time you want to compare IQs I'm ready. Comparing me to Hitler is a masterpiece of intellect. I'm not sure how how restricting births for people living off tax dollars is like trying to exterminate the Jewish faith, but I'm sure it makes perfect sense to you. "

isabelle wrote on Jul 1, 2008 10:04 AM:

" I would love to face losing my job and THEN have the government force me to have a birth control implant! Why not just limit the amount of children a family has based on their income? $30,000, you get one kid. $50,000 you are allowed two children. GEEZ people do you think before you make these kinds of posts? Seriously....forced birth control? But of course abortion is immoral! "

The Cats wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:42 PM:

" To "Mdorf"..after the forced birth control comment do you honestly think I care what your opinion of myself or my letter is? Your original comment sums up just how intellectually deficient you are...and it reinforces that you are certainly not someone who's opinion I value in the slightest. Further, I did not call you a racist...either your reading comprehension skills are not up to that of an 8th grader or you are feeling guilty. "

moon mullins wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:34 PM:

" Perhaps the discussion should begin of whether urban terrorists (street gangs) deserve any constitutional rights. We immortalize criminals such as Jesse James, Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone and Bugsy Siegel. In the future will people do the same for Jeff Fort or Larry Hoover? These discards of society enjoy their lifestyle while we are caught in the crossfire. At the the same time property values stagnate or plummet. When the streets are cleaned, don't forget to pick up the rest of the garbage! "

mdorf4 wrote on Jun 30, 2008 8:01 PM:

" To The Cats:
I consider your comments more racist than mine. I did not specify race in my comments. The city I come from has more white people living off the system than it does African Americans. I also wasn't talking about permanent sterilization, but a temporary form of birth control until they can support the children they bring into the world. "

MISSterious wrote on Jun 30, 2008 12:55 PM:

" Reluctant Transplant: I wholeheartedly agree, except for the overzealous bashing of pot users. Pot is not the problem. The problem is coke, crack, heroin, meth, and whatever else the gangs are pushing at the moment. To go after the pot users is counterproductive. A person can smoke pot and still basically be a good person. Smoking pot doesn't cause a person to go out and break more laws, and it certainly doesn't cause a person to become violent - quite the opposite, in fact. If everyone who smoked pot were put in jail, there'd be a whole new meaning to the phrase "overcrowding in the jails". And you'd be surprised who the "closet smokers" are - could be your boss, some of your colleagues, and friends. "

Two Cents wrote on Jun 30, 2008 11:29 AM:

" As far as I'm concerned, public housing and Welfare should be s stepping stone for those in need. Definitely not a permanant way of living. Everyone who is able, needs to take responsibility and take care of him/herself and their family. If there needs to be some type of help or assistance to make ends meet, that is okay. But a person needs to work on supporting their own household It is not MY or any other taxpaying citizens' job to support those who do not want to work and live off the government. If a woman ( and man) cannot support the children she already has, she certainly does not need to have more. Again, I don't want to support them. If an individual cannot use common sense and provide for their own family, then intervention is justified, as far as birth control. I realize people go through hard times, and we as a country need to give a hand up to our fellow man. Not a hand out...a hand up. "

jipsi wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:21 AM:

" (2, cont. from 1)
I am on the fence when it comes to those on government assistance, however, because such a family/individual SHOULD be using assistance ONLY to get back on their feet as tax-paying and responsible citizens, and should not be FORCED into giving up their right to bear children.
Mayhap those who HAVE demonstrated they will NEVER 'get off the dole', however, could be offered, as above, free services, either temporary or permanent.

I DO, at last, believe there should be LIMITS on the number of children a couple can bear, regardless of economic or environmental status: if they remarry, or a child dies/is killed/etc., then perhaps they can be given the allowance of another child...
In China, where this is already practiced (two children only), it has backfired horribly, though, as couples are literally 'throwing away' girl babies in favor of meeting their quota with the precious male child or two...
There ultimately HAS to be a way 'population control' can be discussed AND implemented without tragedy: our planet, and humanity, are at stake if we don't. "

jipsi wrote on Jun 30, 2008 9:21 AM:

" to The Cats:

Labelling mdorf (and his/her remarks) as like "Hitler" is not just an extremely overboard insult, but could be construed as 'racist' on your part!
Hitler's GENOCIDE tactics were a madman's dream of building the 'perfect race', NOT population control.
Further, in the not-too-distant future, population growth WILL need to be addressed, and control will play a huge part. Hopefully this will never be based on any one race over another, but there will need to be 'qualifiers'... I couldn't even begin to guess how difficult this will be.
But I do agree that it will need to be addressed.
Common sense should rule, but in the event this ever be mandated as law, I can see where a homeless person, drug addict, alcoholic, or similarly transient person might be eligible for free sterilzation, for instance; others might opt for free contraceptives.
These are already in place in countries such as India, I believe. (1, cont. to 2) "

The Cats wrote on Jun 28, 2008 9:53 PM:

" To Mdorf...Hitler was in favor of that idea as were a few other madmen over the last few centuries. Just when I though the posts on these boards had gone as low as they possibly could, you lower the bar even further. A lot of racists in this town from the comments here. I loved the one where the poster claims some people just want to be poor and have nothing in life. What simpletons. Hey gun nuts...tell them your answer to this dilemma...arm everyone no matter what their background then we will all be safe. LOL to all. "

normalguy wrote on Jun 28, 2008 8:04 PM:

" pt 2 an example would be when a highway sign says trooper every ten miles on the highway. its meant as a deterrent. but will you ever see a cop posted every half mile on market? no. for one that would be racist and profiling and for two the cop might actually prevent a crime. we dont want to clean up the city, we want to get money for speeding tickets. the driving cashiers and city officials will never be willing to go the extra to stem the tide of gangs and violence and this town will continue to see much more. "

normalguy wrote on Jun 28, 2008 7:49 PM:

" to those who say " they just need a better opportunity in life" wake up. they have the best opportunity anybody living on earth has, and that is to grow up in america. you will not find more chances anywhere else. not to mention the free handouts just waiting for any minorityt willing to step up. college scholarships, jobs the list goes on. the truth is no matter what you throw at them a large segment will never have a desire to move forward. "

mdorf wrote on Jun 28, 2008 3:13 PM:

" I'm sure it is probably a violation of rights, but how about forced birth control (implant for women, I don't know for men) while a person is receiving unemployment or welfare. It wouldn't solve all of our problems, but it would certainly reduce the amount of children brought into a world where they have no reasonable shot at a good future. And Mule, the underage drinkers and pot grower were reported to the police. They didn't have to do anything but go pick them up. I'm sure if the kids next door to you were out of control having a party, and you called the police, you would expect them to show up. "

sumnergrad wrote on Jun 28, 2008 10:45 AM:

" I lived on the West Side Bloomington years ago, before the crime escalated. I actually planned to come back to retire. I loved Bloomington, but now. I would just as soon stay where I am. The crime in Bloomington is bad, at least now, I can live in a safe suburb. The citizens of the westside of Bloomington are good hard working people. They need to ban together to take their community back. The police need your help and they can't do it alone. You know what is going on in your community. Report it to the police and let the idiots know that you want them out. Only you can really change your community. Churches Unite!!!! "

casper wrote on Jun 28, 2008 1:16 AM:

" to '4MAMA' i live out on the west side and i have a pretty high income but when i drive past the government housing projects and see that the cars there are a heck of a lot nicer than my old jeep it angers me in my opinion the section 8 and
housing projects shouldn't have parking lots because if u make enough money to afford the payments or gas on that tricked out escalade with the big rims you should not be getting help from the government what so ever get they need to change the qualifications for section 8 or public housing because it must not be to hard to get in to or maybe im the one that needs to check in to it...... haha "

sparkie wrote on Jun 27, 2008 10:58 AM:

" Freedm Aint Free...Your comment was nicely written. So true....so very true !!! I hope everyone will go back and read it again.

As far as all the West-side/East-side town debate...I leave on the East-side and we have trouble here all the time. The West-side is older, homes are older, cheaper to live there, but the fact is, CRIME IS ALL OVER BLOOMINGTON and Normal too, not just the West-Side of Bloomington. I would like to mention, that the recent trial of a convicted rapist in town...covered an area of Bloomington where the rapes were committed, called EAST-SIDE of Bloomington. The individual that was found guilty of committing these crimes, actually patrolled the East-side a lot. "

4mama wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:36 PM:

" I think it is pretty funny how people think living on welfare is easy. I have never been on it, but it isn't much money at all. Neither is taking a part-time job or three of them (some companies do this so the employees can't have benefits) where you work hard just to make barely more than you would have gotten on welfare. The good news is that if you do work hard you will definitely move up, and more integrity means you move up faster. The money will eventually be there. These thugs that are playing with people's lives and they just try to go about their daily business definitely need to be caught and put in prison. Some innocent person is going to be killed some day and then it's going to be a different story. "

Reluctant_Transplant wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:18 PM:

" 2) The way I see it the ethnic diversity haters can yell all they want about getting "those people" out of "our town", however, why can't the view be that we have new neighbors who have the ability to improve our area. Perhaps some of our new neighbors might enjoy being introduced to farming and working on a farm. If our new neighbors are used to living in crampt multi-family units some might enjoy being out in the country, planting corn, harvesting wheat and hay, and just being outside breathing non-toxic air. This is just one example. We need to see the potential instead of the problem. "

Reluctant_Transplant wrote on Jun 26, 2008 7:17 PM:

" 1) What needs to happen is to get the thugs off the street. ALL thugs, not just gang members. Crime happens everywhere. If the crime on Market Street is gang related then it occurred because the majority of gang members have a lifestyle connected with illegal drugs. We have to continue arresting for illegal drug activity because gangs are involved in trafficking, using, and selling. So for the parents of those white teenagers living over on the East Side smoking pot, and maybe you parents smoke it too, you have yourselves to thank for allowing the continuation of illegal drug activity to occur in Bloomington/Normal and quite possibly for the crime on Market Street if it turns out to be gang related. Thank you for making the West Side a place you can look down upon because you helped create. "

cocoa wrote on Jun 26, 2008 4:04 PM:

" Gov't oppressed Mule - I guess it depends what you idea of a "true" criminal is. Underage drinking and growing marijuana are against the law, same as murder, rape, burglary, driving over the speed limit, driving without seat belts, etc etc. If you don't like the law, work with your Congressman to get it changed. Don't beat up on the police; their job is to enforce the law that is already written. Maybe your job is to underwrite insurance policies. Maybe I don't agree with what your job is, but that's your job. Get it? "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:50 PM:

" TO MISSterious

I just started reading the comments and came across yours that states "It's good in theory, but you're forgetting that they've had the option of education this entire time. Why didn't they take the opportunity? Because they don't want to. You can't change people that don't want to change." I couldn't agree more. I find the problem is the fact that we don't flunk these kids out of school anymore. Our education system is a joke. A HS diploma doesn't mean anything anymore.If these kids were simply kicked out of school for bad behavior and the work force started recognizing the value of people with a HS diploma then it might give these kids a reason to pay attention in school, stop "misbehaving", and actually make something of themselves. "

Gov't oppressed Mule wrote on Jun 26, 2008 2:46 PM:

" Anyone else find it ironic that this is the second shooting in a week (with the stabbing death last month) yet the police are so incompetent they can't find a TRUE criminal but they have time to bust up underage drinking parties and arrest a guy for growing marijuanna? Where have our priorities gone? "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 26, 2008 1:05 PM:

" To:MISSterious...exactly! Thats my whole point of breaking the cycle of what the last generation did. That defeats the whole point if you are still out there commiting crimes. And thats exactly why parents need to be involved so these kids don't think its "cool" to be gangster or whatever! Its not excusable by any means but its really sad if you think about this kids and how they were raised, no parents, bounced from home to home, no real authority figure to look up to so they find gangs as their family pretty much..."breaking the cycle" or however you want to call it would be coming from a background like that and overcoming it instead of thinking your only way of life is to be in a gang.... "

MISSterious wrote on Jun 26, 2008 12:13 PM:

" BloomingtonGirl: I see where you're coming from, I do. However, there are some people that just don't care to be upstanding citizens. Some think it's bad a$$ to be a criminal. Something does have to be done, but what? As for the "cycle" you are talking about, I understand what you are saying there as well, however it IS possible to break the cycle without breaking the law. For instance, when I was growing up my step-dad beat the crap out of me and my brothers. But we didn't become abusive adults. In fact, my brother is now a loving step-father, who'd never lay a hand on those kids. There can be a cycle, but that cycle doesn't grant immunity to people who CHOOSE to continue the cycle. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:54 AM:

" To Two Cents: I agree, sometimes no matter what you try you will meet those people that just do not care, and like you said deserve to be in prison off our streets. Maybe when people starting understanding that babies do NOT equal paychecks things will change.... "

Two Cents wrote on Jun 26, 2008 11:34 AM:

" Unfortunately, there are those individuals tht would rather live a criminal life no matter what kind of help you offer them, regardless of their background. Those are the kind that need to be in prizon for repeat offenses, because they don't learn from experience. For those with a poor upbringing in a repeat cycle of bad parenting and no opportunity, it may be a different situation. Everyone should be allowed the opportunity to succeed. If a person continues to go back to bad behavior and illegal acts, it is their choice. If a person is taught life skills and right from wrong, and takes a hand up......they deserve help and kudos for rising above their negative environment. There will always be those that simply want a handout without any effort to make a better life for themselves. But on the bright side, there are also success stories of teens that can learn from their mistakes. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:11 AM:

" And forcing people from one neighborhood to another doesnt solve any problems, it just relocates the problem. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 26, 2008 10:10 AM:

" You can't go to school to learn how to be a good parent! Everybody needs to re-read my post about educating these people. I was not refering to sending these people to college. What we've done in the past has not worked, what we are doing now doesnt work. I'm not going to sit here and pretend I have all the answers because I sure don't but I know enough to understand something has GOT to change. It starts in the home. Like I said before you teach what you learned and each generation is just going to keep getting worse and worse if people don't realize they have to break the cycle so change can happen. How? Who knows! But all I do know is it starts in the home. More than the media, friends, music ect...kids will believe what their parents taught them before anything else.... "

MISSterious wrote on Jun 26, 2008 9:47 AM:

" "Reaching out" and "Educating" the low-life's that keep the criminal element alive in certain neighborhoods is just not the answer. It's good in theory, but you're forgetting that they've had the option of education this entire time. Why didn't they take the opportunity? Because they don't want to. You can't change people that don't want to change. Boo-hoo, they grew up in a poor home and poor neighborhood. So have thousands of others, but they still manage to obey the law and act as contributing and productive members of society. Discipline absolutely needs to come from the home, and it needs to be consistent from day ONE. Criminals do what they do because they've been getting away with it ever since they were little kids. Parent's cannot control their kids' every action, but it's their responsibility to do what needs to be done to ensure their kids don't turn into criminals who turn entire neighborhood into "gang zones". Not only should the criminals be caught and punished, but so do the parents who didn't do their job. "

normalguy wrote on Jun 26, 2008 6:46 AM:

" if we want to pretend that education is the answer, you next need to ask yourself why are these people refusing to get an education and how can we force them to. in out most liberal citeis, detroit , chicago, baltimore the drop out rates are as high as 75%. what will you do make them go to school? And who wants to be the teacher? "

Two Cents wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:27 PM:

" To Isabelle: I agree that stopping the problem before it starts is a good idea. However, people have to want to change, grow, do the right thing, and take personal responsibility for themselves. It absolutely begins at home, and perhaps a good place to start, might be for all the celebs and well known individuals with $$ and clout to help the poor and uneducated folks here in the in the U.S. It is wonderful to assist other countries with their problems, but we surely have major problems of our own. "

isabelle wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:44 PM:

" "We need to force the trouble makers out of good neighborhoods away from innocent law abiding citizens." ?

And therefore but BILLIONS into our prison systems, instead of finding a way to stop the problem before it starts? "

isabelle wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:42 PM:

" I'm not sure why I was censored, I guess I'll re-phrase everything...

HugeMidget, sorry for over-reacting. This issue is sensitive to me because I live on the West side and have seen violence right in my neighborhood lately. "

crazyneighbor wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:26 PM:

" You can't educate someone who doesn't care and has no desire to change. "

thecommonman wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:22 PM:

" We have been throwing billions and billions at the underlying problems we see in our society. Billions into education. Billions into welfare. So far over the past 40 nothing has changed. If anything, it has gotten much worse. You who think more education is the answer, get your heads out of the clouds. We need to force the trouble makers out of good neighborhoods away from innocent law abiding citizens. And the comparison to what was done to Native Americans? Not even close to the same issue. N.A.'s were innocent people. Those who are ruining what was once good parts of Bloomington/Normal are criminals and should be run out of this once peaceful town. May sound harsh, but they respect no one and deserve no respect. "

isabelle wrote on Jun 25, 2008 2:37 PM:

" And I agree with BloomingtonGirl. Education is the key. Unfortunately, that's easier said than done. "

HugeMidget wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:57 PM:

" Every single person that responded to my earlier comments seriously need to lighten up. Everytime there is an incident on the West side someone has a comment very similar to what I wrote earlier. Do you all actually think that someones solution is to bulldoze an entire side of a city....seriously?

I appologize for everyone who took the comment seriously...lighten up and realize that 1/2 the poeple who post comments like that is just to get a rise out of you, like I did....Way to go Bloomington, obvious was written on the ceiling and you looked up! "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:29 PM:

" We need to educate people to break the cycle of their next generation. People teach only what they learned. These kids are being raised by parents (if even raised by their parents) and they teach what their parents tought them to do and how to live and so forth down the line. These people are growing up thinking this is their only way of life, they have brothers, uncles, cousins, fathers ect...that live like this so these kids don't even see it as wrong! We as a society have made things like this and we reep what we sow. "

isabelle wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:04 PM:

" Finger-pointing really doesn't do much to help with this issue. It doesn't matter whose fault it is that there is crime in b-n (or in the world). What matters is how we should work toward eliminating the crime. HINT: Eliminating (or bulldozing) people/neighborhoods is a bad solution, try again. "

thecommonman wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:24 PM:

" This is all a direct result of President Johnson's "Great Society". 250 or so added social programs at a cost of billions and billions. Not one single percent of improvement in over 40 years. Keep handing them cash and give them no incentive to work and improve their lives and here's what you get. "

Freedm Aint Free wrote on Jun 25, 2008 12:07 PM:

" Reading all of the harsher comments about bulldozing entire communities, relocating low-income residents (basically to the wilderness), etc. I can see very easily how our nation is capable of repeating mistakes made in our American history. The comments remind me of the attitudes that forced American Indians onto over-crowded reservations. Is this where our nation is headed as we (desire to) herd people around for our own convenience and creature comforts?

It's so disappointing to see, in this day and time, people so hateful and wishing for the destruction of families' homes & entire neighborhoods, strictly due to narrow-minded stereotypes. Please educate yourselves people. The kind of education that won't be taught in a book. But by actively getting to know your neighbors. "

G. Swardson wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:59 AM:

" Kate Chopin - What's with this "Let's reach out to them" attitude, I live by the law so should they....I get so sick of hearing that! "

Milk was a bad choice wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:45 AM:

" As of right now this article has over 40 posts yet one about 4 different crimes where people are attacked and beaten up has only over 10 posts. Could it be that people only come and comment and bash the west side of Bloomington only. Even though crime happens in other parts or town? I think so. Get a life instead of just waiting for a story about the west side to pop up and make the usual comments. "

crazyneighbor wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:05 AM:

" Go Tigers: Thank you!!

Kate Chopin: You can't reach out to the trouble makers. It's their way of life and it has no place here. They run the streets all day and night with no thoughts for other other people or the community as a whole. I see them everyday as I'm coming and going to work. They probably haven't filled out a job application in the last 6 months, and even if you offered them $17 an hour to do something they wouldn't take it cuz they'd have to get up in the morning. Why should they!! Our gov't/society allows and funds this way of life while the working man shells out more for taxes and programs to help those who don't want help. They just want the police to leave them alone while they are causing trouble. I'm sick of it, time to take it all back!!! "

Two Cents wrote on Jun 25, 2008 11:01 AM:

" It is such a shame that living in a nice city like B/N has come to this.....both eastside and westside. The losers and gangbangers need to be taken in hand by our police force and get this situation under control. I agree that more law enfocement should make their presence known on a regular basis in these area. We need to be tough, relentless and run these trash out of town....or into prizon if they are breaking the law. B/N has always been a good town to raise kids and have a fairly relaxed lifestyle. Don't get me wrong.....every city has it troubles and crime from time to time. But the rate that crime is growing is unacceptable and needs to be stopped. All of us.....BOTH eastside and westside need to come together to find a solution to the deterioration of OUR city. The westside may be older and perhaps not as financially "affluent" as individuals that live on the eastside, but the majority are hardworking, family-loving, peaceful, lawabiding citizens. East is no better than west.....it is just demographics. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:34 AM:

" To: menegerie6. VERY WELL SAID....Couldnt agree more! "

isabelle wrote on Jun 25, 2008 10:34 AM:

" normalguy: "and its 'affordable housing" that leads to these problems so hopefully our housing market continues to skyrocket."

hmmm...and then we'll have lots of homeless people, which surely will really help the crime and poverty problem. "

WestSideGirl wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:53 AM:

" I live on the west side, which is apparent by my blog name. I also own a gun for home protection-that was purchased many years ago when I lived in a much smaller town in another part of the state. Is there a problem with crime on the west side? Yes. But it's on the east side too. The sewers run under the whole city. A section of town does not need to be torn down-revitalized, yes. And I think the city does need a greater police presence, better coverage, more officers with overlapping areas of coverage and shifts. With the influx of our former northern neighbors, the decline in the economy and the other growing pains this city is undergoing, I wonder about the wisdom of the 'uptown normal' and other basically visual improvements that the city seems to be willing to spend big bucks on, when I feel that money would be better spent improving the infrastructure (roads, water/sewer pipes, etc), and paying the salaries of additional civil servants to support and protect the burgeoning population. "

SoTrue wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:48 AM:

" used to live right near there - everytime I would drive down Market to Lee and see the 'Cultural District' sign, I would laugh real hard. "

MISSterious wrote on Jun 25, 2008 9:42 AM:

" Ktlin: the car was evidence in a crime, so that have to take it as evidence. The owner will probably get it back as soon as investigators are done with it. "

ktlin wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:53 AM:

" I am a little concerned about the car being taken as evidence. Unless they were somehow involved in the situation besides just driving down the street. Imagine first being shot at and then they take your car. That might be worse than the original shot. Hopefully they won't keep it long. "

menegerie6 wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:51 AM:

" I knew I would see dozens of comments on an article about "west side" violence, from voices we do not hear a word from when there is "east side" violence. Selective commenting? Heads in the sand? Fingers in your east side ears saying "la la la! If it's bad news on the east side then I can't hear you!!" Come on you guys, really? How arrogant can you be?

There is depravity everywhere; evil, small minded, violent people are everywhere--even living in massive beige homes that aren't worth the dirt they're built on.

I know most of us just like our opportunities to whine and complain, and I guess that's what these boards are for. But real solutions are needed for real problems, and if you're not out there helping your community improve--your WHOLE community--then you might ask yourself if you're part of the problem. "

ONLY IN AMERICA wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:44 AM:

" Welcome to the jungle- "

GoTigers! wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:15 AM:

" I think the west side and this whole community has deteriorated due to the influx from Chicago. This is everyday behavior for them. They come down here and brag about how their from 'the city' and they, at every opportunity, will tell you they are from Chicago....like we are suppose to be impressed by that. Their down here because they obviously can't 'hang' or make it in the 'city' so they come down here and ruin our community. The geniuses who welcomed these folks into our town should have to live in the neighborhoods they inhabit. "

John Q. Public, esq. wrote on Jun 25, 2008 8:11 AM:

" I have a potential solution: Take a couple of the BPD officers out of their cushy cars and put them on the street in that part of town. Not only will that show a presence but it will save some tax $$$ currently being wasted on cops cruising around. After the last several months, the BPD could use some good PR to rebuild their image. It's time we start holding the BPD responsible for their shortcomings and the transgressions of their officers. "

oldlady wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:48 AM:

" I drove past this scene...with my Grandson's in car seats in the back...they had never seen anything like this. I will NEVER drive down that way again. Can't go to Walmart or Farm and Fleet through town anymore. Something needs to be done. I've lived here all my life and it's a shame to see our town turn into the Geto. Animals it seems. At 3:45 people should be at work. "

Bloomington Girl wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:40 AM:

" Could you imagine if they printed a story in Chicago every time a bullet hit a car, or there was shots fired? "

normalguy wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:14 AM:

" to those posting on this topic simply read the crimes that the paper just published that occured over the weekend and those are jusrt the ones they couldnt ignore. wake up people and matt1209 you guys are the ones who allowed things to get this far and are merely report fillers after the fact. "

charliehustle wrote on Jun 25, 2008 7:04 AM:

" To kate chopin: What are you going to do Kate, reach out and hand them your purse as they rob you!? There's no reaching out to people who don't want help. "

3838 wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:47 AM:

" and you govenor wants to close prisons. and obamo wants to appreciate their diversity and work to include them. how about a little personal accoutability in the world. "

thecommonman wrote on Jun 25, 2008 6:32 AM:

" I have lived on west side for 48 years and it's getting progressively worse every year. Bulldoze the west side? No, I say bulldoze the west central part of Bloomington. Main Street to White Oak Road, Washington Street to Market. And if anyone in city government gets the bright idea to build more government housing, build it about 5 miles out of town in the middle of nowhere. Give them free bus rides into town to shop and work. Not saying all who live in government housing are bad people but there is a high enough percentage who do live there and who live in the west central part of Bloomington to give them all a bad rep. Make landlords accountable too. Change eviction laws to make it easier to evict the trouble makers. "

cats55ire wrote on Jun 25, 2008 3:00 AM:

" to jipsi--excellent comment!!!
to kate chopin--I'm not going to "reach out" to anyone who's firing a gun!!!! The only thing I'll be reaching for is my cell phone to call the cops!
There are many citizens in B/N who do not want this type of activity taking place here and you can be sure residents/law encforcement will continue to keep these shooters off the streets! "

jipsi wrote on Jun 25, 2008 1:11 AM:

" to kate chopin: ummm, since WHEN did CRIME become recognized as a "cultural change" that law-abiding citizens are supposed to embrace (or "move" out)??
You've got your priorities out of whack, kc... crime is crime, and to be despised and prevented at all acceptable costs, whatever the "culture" that brings it to town.
If a group or segment of population flaunts a life of crime as their "culture", then some serious DECULTURING needs to happen (or MOVE OUT). "

pseudo-intellectual wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:52 PM:

" What bothers me is that this activity is taking place increasingly in broad daylight, in the middle of the afternoon in this case. This suggests the police are losing their deterrent effect. Where there is decreasing respect and fear of the police, we are all less safe. "

Mattitude1209 wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:08 PM:

" Thanks to everyone who has written in. As a police officer in training here in B-Normal, I would agree that we do have a solid police force. I think it's important for us to stay focused on the "community policing" philosophy that our police departments are committed to. We cannot respond to calls for service or assistance without the cooperation and partnership with the community. We must all work together and depend on each other to accomplish our goals, including crime prevention and providing a safe living environment for our youth to grow up in and our citizens to live in. Let's all keep that in mind with this particular incident and especially work to reach out to all persons in our community, regardless of race, gender, religion, age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, etc. Thanks everyone and be safe! :-) As one individual mentioned, remember that we are only a call away! "

cats55ire wrote on Jun 24, 2008 11:00 PM:

" to Loyal Reader . . . WELL SAID!!!!! "

talent wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:32 PM:

" I agree with reddog88 "

Loyal Reader wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:11 PM:

" Folks.... I hate to tell ya, but we live in Bloomington IL, maybe on one side of the tracks or the other. But we are all going to be faced with the change that the city is going thru. We have to keep the pride that brought us to this town, or keeps us here. We need to rise above the others that want to destroy it. And help our ngbrs. We have a strong police force that is only one call away. Keep them informed of the going on's of your nghborhood. That is why we pay taxes! Slowly we can take back "our" town back east and west !!!!! God Bless ! "

cocoa wrote on Jun 24, 2008 10:02 PM:

" crazyneighbor ~ Absolutely, removing some of the "eyesore" houses on the west side would be nice! I just get offended by the people who seem to always want to blame crime on the west side. If some of the blighted neighborhoods and/or individual houses were razed or remodeled, it would be a huge boon for the rest of us living over here. The neighborhoods are so beautiful here - mature trees, different style homes, nice yards, unique landscaping... It's a shame some are so eager to paint all of us west siders with the same brush as the gangbangers. "

protohooman wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:34 PM:

" just a logical progression of the revitalization of downtown. "

crazyneighbor wrote on Jun 24, 2008 9:12 PM:

" Easy: No they're not evil-gangbangers. The Pantagraph throws paper, not hot lead. They sell classified adds, not crack. And they solicit opinions, not hot one night stands on market st. However, this blogging thing is kind of addictive, maybe they are evil!!!!

Cocoa: No cookie cutter houses for me either, but don't you think fixing or removing some of the eye-sores could help with property value? "

cats55ire wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:55 PM:

" Any moron who's shooting a gun (especially if the gun is not registered) should be found . . . it doesn't matter where he/she lives!!!!
The cops are trying to "clean up" B/N and if they don't find shooters like the one in this article, things will just get worse!!!!!
Just because B/N is getting bigger, doesn't mean it has to become a "loser" community!!!!! "

easy wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:32 PM:

" This website that you folks are posting on and reading originates on the west side. The shots were fired about a hundred yards away from where the people that moniter this site are sitting right now. Are they evil gangbangers? "

cocoa wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:09 PM:

" I typed too fast - that should have read, "I SAY" not "I SAW". Sorry. "

cocoa wrote on Jun 24, 2008 8:09 PM:

" I saw bulldoze the east side and rebuild with houses that actually have character instead of all just being Bloomington Beige siding and wall-to-wall beige carpet and walls inside. Why spend $300-400k on a house that looks exactly like the one two doors down? "

kate chopin wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:53 PM:

" amen reddog!
i dont live on the weat side, but i agree.
if you cant accept the fact that this town is growing, which causes cultural changes, then move.
if you cant move, stop complaing and work towards a change.
did anyone ever think to reach out to these people? "

crazyneighbor wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:46 PM:

" I'm all for selective bulldozing. I live on the west side and the residents of the area who actively participate in and care about the community can tell you what houses need to go. I'm all for destruction. The police seem powerless and out gunned by the masses and the need to be politically correct. Fire up the bull-dozers and let the boys in blue tackle and tazer em' while they're runnin to the east-side. Yes...my weapons are registered. "

concerned blm citizen wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:27 PM:

" why dehumanize the west side? it is both disturbing and sad that people even mention a certain side of town being done away with. we're all people here, act like it. "

normalguy wrote on Jun 24, 2008 7:05 PM:

" to all the west siders who cant read, dont respond to posts. huge midget clearly states bulldoze the west side and a segment of that population. then they wouldnt be able to move east. as for the person who said "didnt that happen close to the east". well i guess that still makes it west. and its 'affordable housing" that leads to these problems so hopefully our housing market continues to skyrocket. "

noogie wrote on Jun 24, 2008 6:13 PM:

" Don't any of you read? HugeMidget said the gangbangers should be bulldozed as well. Then they wouldn't be moving anywhere. Come on people, read. "

cocoa wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:59 PM:

" HugeMidget - Yeah, that'll do it. Penalize all the decent people living on one whole side of town just to spite a few bad apples. "

MRS. wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:56 PM:

" But then they would come to the east side HugeMidget.They aren't going anywhere unless the city makes it very uncomfortable and the chances of that are slim to none. "

Constitution Wanker wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:55 PM:

" Yeah bulldoze the west side.... that'll show them! Until those same gangbangers move to the EAST SIDE! "

sumtimesiwonder wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:50 PM:

" and what would happen if "they" bulldosed the west side of town. then all the people that live in that area would just come to the east side of town. did we forget about the lady who was stabbed by her bf? didnt she live over on arcadia?? the shooting that involved the Walls brothers? Didnt that happen pretty close to the EAST??? people are so quick to say " o lets just get rid of "THEM ALL" " before you even think. if you get rid of them where they gone go??? and where ever they do go they will just make life unplesent for the people that live in that area. "O lets just lock em all up". so I can spend my hard earned tax dollars paying to house and feed them?? No thanks, because regardless if you realize it or not we do pay for the people that are already in jail lol. What we need to be sayin is how can we help these people learn to live better lives and be more productive with there time. what happened to people wishing for world piece instead of wishing people would just go away????!!!!!! "

isabelle wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:46 PM:

" Hey HugeMidget, I take offense to that. I live on the west side and I have never broken the law. Well okay, I've gotten a couple of speeding tickets ;). But no guns in this home! "

carrie887 wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:37 PM:

" Think of how many shots that are heard in bloomington/normal and not reported..... "

doc wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:33 PM:

" Psudeo-intellectual: All the guns are un-registered. No firearms are registered in Illinois, only us poor law abiding citizens are registered. "

reddog88 wrote on Jun 24, 2008 5:13 PM:

" Been on the west side for 15 years with no problems. Lets bulldoze the east side and make housing affordable. "

pseudo-intellectual wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:50 PM:

" I bet the cops love checking out these reports of shots fired on the west side of Bloomington. It'd be interesting to know how many unregistered fire arms are being held by residents in that area (some admittedly for their own protection). I hope the probe leads to something... "

HugeMidget wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:42 PM:

" Of course this happens on the WEST side of Bloomington. They should bulldoze the whole trouble making WEST SIDE and all of their gang bangers! "

noogie wrote on Jun 24, 2008 4:33 PM:

" Shots fired in west Bloomington? No, you're kidding me. "

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