[sudo-discuss] my experiences with "crime" in oakland [part 1 of ?]
Chris Bee
hotelcompany at gmail.com
Mon Nov 18 21:25:13 PST 2013
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 at anhonesteffort.org> wrote:
> Just a heads up, this wasn't CC'd to the list which is what I assume you
> intended to do :)
>
> --
> -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
>
> On 11/18/2013 09:14 PM, Chris Bee wrote:
> > 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 8:30 PM, rhodey <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>> wrote:
> >
> > There is a class of discussions I feel comfortable having on a public
> > mailing list and a class of discussions I feel more comfortable
> having
> > in person. While I agree that race and age are relevant factors in
> being
> > the target of crime, the target discussion is not a discussion I'm
> > interested in having or intended to spur.
> >
> > What I'm more interested in exploring is the preventative measures
> that
> > can be taken to decrease crime at the society level and how Sudo Room
> > can lend a hand.
> >
> > --
> > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> >
> > On 11/18/2013 08:17 PM, Sonja Trauss wrote:
> > > no way man! your age/ race / gender is super relevant I think for
> > how at
> > > risk you are for being hassled, and in what way.
> > > I think gender is the most important. Super crazy people and
> females
> > > will rob ladies, but crazy people, females AND healthy, red-blooded
> > > American bullies will rob boys. I would bet $70 that the three
> > times you
> > > were robbed, if I had walked by that corner instead of you, your
> > robbers
> > > would have said "hey girl, can I go w chu"? to me and I would not
> have
> > > been robbed.
> > >
> > > I also think it gets less fun to rob men as they get older.
> > >
> > > David - you're black, do you have any info on the relative safety
> from
> > > mugging of black women and men?
> > > I would expect the same dynamic to play out - it's not that fun to
> rob
> > > women, it's not as cool of a story. What about the relative safety
> of
> > > black and white men? I think white men and women imagine they
> would be
> > > safer in a black neighbourhood if they were black, but I don't
> believe
> > > that. I'm pretty sure the main victims of black criminals are other
> > > black people.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 7:59 PM, rhodey <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>> wrote:
> > >
> > > I am sincerely sorry that I've made you uncomfortable. It was
> my
> > > intention to share an experience that better helped me
> understand
> > > motivations for crime, not an experience with other ethnic
> groups.
> > >
> > > Retrospectively I'd rather not have answered the last question
> > because
> > > it wrongly places focus elsewhere.
> > >
> > > --
> > > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> > >
> > > On 11/18/2013 07:50 PM, David Barthwell wrote:
> > > > To all the people sharing fun stories and uplifting
> > anecdotes about
> > > > encountering black people in Oakland: Let's not forget that
> > there are
> > > > actually some on this list. In fact, I'm one of them!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 7:36 PM, rhodey
> > <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>
> > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>>> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Oh yes, it is worth noting that I'm a white male in his
> > early 20s.
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> > > >
> > > > On 11/18/2013 07:12 PM, Sonja Trauss wrote:
> > > > > this reminds me of a comment I overheard on the bus
> when I
> > > lived in st
> > > > > louis:
> > > > > "I'm getting that government money man, fuck street
> > money, it
> > > > ain't even
> > > > > worth it."
> > > > >
> > > > > ps are you a boy or a girl?
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 6:55 PM, rhodey
> > > <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> >>
> > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>>
> > > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>
> > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>>>> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Receiving and contemplating the perspectives of
> others
> > > is one
> > > > of my
> > > > > favorite ways to burn metaphorical CPU cycles. The
> > level of
> > > > respect I
> > > > > show for differing perspectives is something I
> hope to
> > > never be
> > > > > content with, that is to say I believe it's an
> endless
> > > process
> > > > and I'm
> > > > > still working on it. I have a tendency to keep my
> head
> > > stuck in
> > > > > projects and have realized is that I've been
> > holding out on
> > > > sharing
> > > > > many of my most valued perspectives, more
> > specifically my
> > > > experiences.
> > > > > It is my hope that through sharing experiences we
> > can better
> > > > > understand how to conduct ourselves within Sudo
> > Room and how
> > > > we Sudo
> > > > > Room can better conduct ourselves within our local
> > > community.
> > > > >
> > > > > I arrived in the "bay area" May 1st by way of some
> > > airport in New
> > > > > England, in search of hackers, activists and
> > uncomfortable
> > > > > experiences. After subletting an apartment in the
> > > mission for
> > > > all of a
> > > > > month I moved to West Oakland. Since arriving in
> > Oakland
> > > I've been
> > > > > robbed three times, to me each experience has been
> > > indescribably
> > > > > educational in its own way. However, my first
> > crime related
> > > > experience
> > > > > in Oakland was not a crime at all.
> > > > >
> > > > > There is a corner store within ~6 minutes walking
> > > distance from my
> > > > > apartment by West Oakland BART called Happy Times.
> > To me
> > > it is
> > > > usually
> > > > > a liquor store, but this day I felt like working
> > through the
> > > > night so
> > > > > I bought 2 large redbull energy drinks. Walking
> home
> > > holding the
> > > > > redbull as best I could in one hand I passed two
> > > African-American
> > > > > youths, one female, one male and both no older
> > than 17. We
> > > > passed each
> > > > > other and at this time I was about 20" from home
> > then from
> > > > behind me I
> > > > > heard "hey man, can I get a redbull?".
> > > > >
> > > > > I turned around to face the two of them with a bit
> > of a
> > > guilty
> > > > smile
> > > > > on my face, after all who the fuck really needs
> > 32oz of
> > > redbull?
> > > > > Caffeine, other energy drinks, productivity and I
> all
> > > get along
> > > > > swimmingly, all the better if I can help someone
> > else get
> > > > things done.
> > > > > "Sure" I said, followed by "make good use of it"
> in an
> > > attempt
> > > > to make
> > > > > the situation more casual. I walked up and handed
> > him the
> > > > redbull, his
> > > > > face lit up, he went nuts.
> > > > >
> > > > > **and I quote** "Oh man! Asking is so much better
> than
> > > stealing!"
> > > > >
> > > > > The smile stayed on his face as he continued
> > celebrating,
> > > > exclaiming
> > > > > all possible iterations of the above statement as I
> > > stood their
> > > > > dumbfounded. This continued for minutes until we
> > parted
> > > ways,
> > > > up the
> > > > > stairs and into the house I could still hear him
> > talking
> > > with his
> > > > > friend.
> > > > >
> > > > > This was certainly not the first time he'd been
> > told of this
> > > > > sentiment, but after ~17 years of living it was the
> > > first time
> > > > he had
> > > > > ever believed it. There are at least 3 other
> > experiences I
> > > > would like
> > > > > to share in time, but for now I'll leave it at
> this.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > sudo-discuss mailing list
> > > > > sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>
> > > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>>
> > > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>
> > > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>>>
> > > > > http://lists.sudoroom.org/listinfo/sudo-discuss
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > sudo-discuss mailing list
> > > > sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>>
> > > > http://lists.sudoroom.org/listinfo/sudo-discuss
> > > >
> > > >
> > > _______________________________________________
> > > sudo-discuss mailing list
> > > sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>
> > > http://lists.sudoroom.org/listinfo/sudo-discuss
> > >
> > >
> > _______________________________________________
> > sudo-discuss mailing list
> > sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org <mailto:
> sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>
> > http://lists.sudoroom.org/listinfo/sudo-discuss
> >
> >
>
On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 9:18 PM, rhodey <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org> wrote:
> Just a heads up, this wasn't CC'd to the list which is what I assume you
> intended to do :)
>
> --
> -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
>
> On 11/18/2013 09:14 PM, Chris Bee wrote:
> > 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 8:30 PM, rhodey <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>> wrote:
> >
> > There is a class of discussions I feel comfortable having on a public
> > mailing list and a class of discussions I feel more comfortable
> having
> > in person. While I agree that race and age are relevant factors in
> being
> > the target of crime, the target discussion is not a discussion I'm
> > interested in having or intended to spur.
> >
> > What I'm more interested in exploring is the preventative measures
> that
> > can be taken to decrease crime at the society level and how Sudo Room
> > can lend a hand.
> >
> > --
> > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> >
> > On 11/18/2013 08:17 PM, Sonja Trauss wrote:
> > > no way man! your age/ race / gender is super relevant I think for
> > how at
> > > risk you are for being hassled, and in what way.
> > > I think gender is the most important. Super crazy people and
> females
> > > will rob ladies, but crazy people, females AND healthy, red-blooded
> > > American bullies will rob boys. I would bet $70 that the three
> > times you
> > > were robbed, if I had walked by that corner instead of you, your
> > robbers
> > > would have said "hey girl, can I go w chu"? to me and I would not
> have
> > > been robbed.
> > >
> > > I also think it gets less fun to rob men as they get older.
> > >
> > > David - you're black, do you have any info on the relative safety
> from
> > > mugging of black women and men?
> > > I would expect the same dynamic to play out - it's not that fun to
> rob
> > > women, it's not as cool of a story. What about the relative safety
> of
> > > black and white men? I think white men and women imagine they
> would be
> > > safer in a black neighbourhood if they were black, but I don't
> believe
> > > that. I'm pretty sure the main victims of black criminals are other
> > > black people.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 7:59 PM, rhodey <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>> wrote:
> > >
> > > I am sincerely sorry that I've made you uncomfortable. It was
> my
> > > intention to share an experience that better helped me
> understand
> > > motivations for crime, not an experience with other ethnic
> groups.
> > >
> > > Retrospectively I'd rather not have answered the last question
> > because
> > > it wrongly places focus elsewhere.
> > >
> > > --
> > > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> > >
> > > On 11/18/2013 07:50 PM, David Barthwell wrote:
> > > > To all the people sharing fun stories and uplifting
> > anecdotes about
> > > > encountering black people in Oakland: Let's not forget that
> > there are
> > > > actually some on this list. In fact, I'm one of them!
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 7:36 PM, rhodey
> > <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>
> > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>>> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Oh yes, it is worth noting that I'm a white male in his
> > early 20s.
> > > >
> > > > --
> > > > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> > > >
> > > > On 11/18/2013 07:12 PM, Sonja Trauss wrote:
> > > > > this reminds me of a comment I overheard on the bus
> when I
> > > lived in st
> > > > > louis:
> > > > > "I'm getting that government money man, fuck street
> > money, it
> > > > ain't even
> > > > > worth it."
> > > > >
> > > > > ps are you a boy or a girl?
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > > On Mon, Nov 18, 2013 at 6:55 PM, rhodey
> > > <rhodey at anhonesteffort.org <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> >>
> > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>>
> > > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>
> > > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>
> > > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org
> > <mailto:rhodey at anhonesteffort.org>>>>> wrote:
> > > > >
> > > > > Receiving and contemplating the perspectives of
> others
> > > is one
> > > > of my
> > > > > favorite ways to burn metaphorical CPU cycles. The
> > level of
> > > > respect I
> > > > > show for differing perspectives is something I
> hope to
> > > never be
> > > > > content with, that is to say I believe it's an
> endless
> > > process
> > > > and I'm
> > > > > still working on it. I have a tendency to keep my
> head
> > > stuck in
> > > > > projects and have realized is that I've been
> > holding out on
> > > > sharing
> > > > > many of my most valued perspectives, more
> > specifically my
> > > > experiences.
> > > > > It is my hope that through sharing experiences we
> > can better
> > > > > understand how to conduct ourselves within Sudo
> > Room and how
> > > > we Sudo
> > > > > Room can better conduct ourselves within our local
> > > community.
> > > > >
> > > > > I arrived in the "bay area" May 1st by way of some
> > > airport in New
> > > > > England, in search of hackers, activists and
> > uncomfortable
> > > > > experiences. After subletting an apartment in the
> > > mission for
> > > > all of a
> > > > > month I moved to West Oakland. Since arriving in
> > Oakland
> > > I've been
> > > > > robbed three times, to me each experience has been
> > > indescribably
> > > > > educational in its own way. However, my first
> > crime related
> > > > experience
> > > > > in Oakland was not a crime at all.
> > > > >
> > > > > There is a corner store within ~6 minutes walking
> > > distance from my
> > > > > apartment by West Oakland BART called Happy Times.
> > To me
> > > it is
> > > > usually
> > > > > a liquor store, but this day I felt like working
> > through the
> > > > night so
> > > > > I bought 2 large redbull energy drinks. Walking
> home
> > > holding the
> > > > > redbull as best I could in one hand I passed two
> > > African-American
> > > > > youths, one female, one male and both no older
> > than 17. We
> > > > passed each
> > > > > other and at this time I was about 20" from home
> > then from
> > > > behind me I
> > > > > heard "hey man, can I get a redbull?".
> > > > >
> > > > > I turned around to face the two of them with a bit
> > of a
> > > guilty
> > > > smile
> > > > > on my face, after all who the fuck really needs
> > 32oz of
> > > redbull?
> > > > > Caffeine, other energy drinks, productivity and I
> all
> > > get along
> > > > > swimmingly, all the better if I can help someone
> > else get
> > > > things done.
> > > > > "Sure" I said, followed by "make good use of it"
> in an
> > > attempt
> > > > to make
> > > > > the situation more casual. I walked up and handed
> > him the
> > > > redbull, his
> > > > > face lit up, he went nuts.
> > > > >
> > > > > **and I quote** "Oh man! Asking is so much better
> than
> > > stealing!"
> > > > >
> > > > > The smile stayed on his face as he continued
> > celebrating,
> > > > exclaiming
> > > > > all possible iterations of the above statement as I
> > > stood their
> > > > > dumbfounded. This continued for minutes until we
> > parted
> > > ways,
> > > > up the
> > > > > stairs and into the house I could still hear him
> > talking
> > > with his
> > > > > friend.
> > > > >
> > > > > This was certainly not the first time he'd been
> > told of this
> > > > > sentiment, but after ~17 years of living it was the
> > > first time
> > > > he had
> > > > > ever believed it. There are at least 3 other
> > experiences I
> > > > would like
> > > > > to share in time, but for now I'll leave it at
> this.
> > > > >
> > > > > --
> > > > > -- rhodey ˙ ͜ʟ˙
> > > > > _______________________________________________
> > > > > sudo-discuss mailing list
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> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
> > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org>>>
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> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
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> > > <mailto:sudo-discuss at lists.sudoroom.org
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> > > > >
> > > > >
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