We Knew It Was Coming...

But we're still proud. In reference to yesterday's Tazer entry:

The City of Richmond has opted to create its own blogspot for the Office Of Violence Prevention business.

Seems a few folks haven't taken kindly to that. I think this may stem from the fact that creating a blog for discussion about the office DOESN'T TAKE AWAY FROM THE FACT THAT PEOPLE ARE PISSED BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU'RE PROPOSING TO DO WITH THE OFFICE.

While the Tazer loves being flattered, that probably wasn't the best move seeing as;

1. People are pissed with what you're proposing to do with the office, and;
2. YOU STILL HAVEN'T MADE A DENT IN THE PROBLEM

Honestly, I think at this point the powers that be may not be able to do anything right in the eyes of the people since everything has gone so far down hill...

Dear Powers That Be,

We're pissed...feel our fury.

Love Always,
The City of Richmond Residents

O-B-Boy!

Good Thursday Tazer Friends!

I have to say, the Tazer feels pretty good about things this morning, as we've inspired those we thought could not be inspired to actually perform a function:

Some of the power brokers at city hall have gotten together and created their VERY OWN BLOGSPOT for discussion on the City of Richmond Office of Violence Prevention! (we're so proud...It's like havin' a little baby...)

Unlike some who can't take a verbal lashing (which is well deserved), we don't hate here. The link to the city's new blog is http://cityofrichmondviolenceprevention.blogspot.com/

The Tazer encourages everyone to go have a look see and comment as you see fit. We'll keep an eye on it as well and give you updates as they are warranted.

Also, The Tazer received an email this morning in regard to comments about this past Tuesday's Council meeting. For those interested, The Tazer would love to have multiple opinions and analysis on the meeting if folks would like to post...The way The Tazer saw it, Sal Vaca (who is a good guy with a good concept) seemed to be made to jump through more hoops having to explain his position than is usual when dealing with the council...must mean he had a GREAT IDEA :)

And So They Met...

and met...and met...and met...

The City Council that is. Last night's meeting was, for the most part, uneventful from a violence prevention standpoint, but comedy was still on the bill:

Is it me, or does Irma Anderson have a bit of a challenge keeping everyone on task? You're all on the Council, so you'll have a chance to speak, but you don't have to do it over each other.

And all that grandstanding and such...do you really even care about some of these issues? Better question: Will you come day after election?

I suppose politics will be politics, but I guess I could handle it better if there wasn't so much work to be done to fix the city...sadly enough, another meeting went by without any solutions.

Your comments are welcome...let's keep working towards those solutions.

Yet Another Day...

With a sad report...Tazer friend Corky Booze reported that two more young people were shot overnight, south side of Richmond....UPDATE: The two young people who were shot have been upgraded and are expected to make it.

I'm not sure at what level this has or has not made the news, but it is unfortunate nonetheless.

The Tazer had an opportunity to speak with the cousin of the young man who was killed Sunday night. This is a good woman with a small business all the way in Santa Rosa, who is simply trying to get answers as to the details of her cousins' death.

I have to tell you, I felt myself fill with rage and anger as I listened to this woman tell me what happend and how little she's been able to get done. Luckily, I believe that the many friends of the Tazer will be able to help her out. BTW, this young man was coming downstairs with an Easter dinner plate when he was shot. The young lady who was with him was hit in the leg, just off of a vital bone.

I think one statement out of the whole conversation will stick with me more than any other: She mentioned that another family member had spoke with the young man not too long before he was killed, and mentioned that he should think about taking out insurance on himself because he was living in Richmond.

I hope all of you in power who read the Tazer and don't have enough sand to respond read this over and over again...comments like these are a direct result of your inability to be effective. Congrats.

Tragedy Strikes Us Again...

Good Monday Tazer friends...

Violence struck us again last night and another young person is claimed on the streets of Richmond for no good reason: http://www.contracostatimes.com/mld/cctimes/14361611.htm

I do not believe this is a slot for creative commentary, but more for prayer and reflection as we ask for a solution to the violence.

Your comments are welcome.

The Tazer Weekend Roundup

Good SundayTazer Followers!

Great weekend for the Tazer...

Tazer insiders have discovered that both support for the boycott of City Council activity and the Tazer runs deep within the city! Thank you to all of those who have pledged their support and various levels.

Below is a note/update from Tazer contributor Mike Ali:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TO THE RICHMOND TRUTH TAZER AND COMMUNITY, GREETINGS!

The Violence Prevention Movement THANKS YOU!
The Boycott Sanctions against the Mayor's Office and Richmond City Council is working!

Until the real Violence Prevention Movement
is brought to the bargaining table as equal partners and stakeholders to help contain and reduce the violence and killings, the City of Richmond will never have peace on the streets!

The City Government of Richmond is failing in the "War On Violence". And they know it!

Until they bring Movement into the real process of letting us formulate and implement policies that will contain and reduce the violence of the killing fields of Richmond, the Movement will continue to boycott the City of Richmond, the Mayor and City Council!

The greater Iron Triangle has rallied to support the BOYCOTT! We thank them and all of the Community for your support.

This Tuesday, April 17th the Richmond City Council will meet again,

BOYCOTT ! BOYCOTT !

The killing and violence must STOP and stop NOW

The Violence Prevention Movement has answers to contain and reduce the killing and violence that the youth and young adults are doing!

Mike Ali,
Committee of Families for The Safety of Our Children
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Thank you Mike. It is also the Tazers' understanding that hard copies of the Tazer are being distributed by some very good folks to our brothers and sisters in the Iron Triangle, as many do not have access to computers. The Tazer is considering a weekly newsletter to assist in getting the word out, so your thoughts are welcome!