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Ew...Tacoma...

I've had to pick up and leave more than a few times..gets kinda "tired" after a while..I'm glad he retires soon.

I feel that people really get over-the-line about Tacoma. That was what Tacoma was like 10 years ago- yes gang activity is still bad in the east side and in some parts of Lakewood- but Hilltop is now relatively safe. Tacoma is a changing area as I mentioned in a few other posts. What we need to do is learn that we are a changing community- as well as a growing one- full of diversity. Saying that the city is crap and has drive-bys all the time just makes the matters worse. Tacoma is just like Seattle- every city has its problems, but its what we can do that'll fix those problems. We're old enough! You feel unsafe in your community? Go to a city council meeting and share your feelings- they will listen to us. Being a member of Tacoma's Parks and Rec for the past 3 years, I went to a board meeting when I was 17. Some of the things that I said made them re-consider some things because they got to hear from OUR generation. If we have a problem with somthing- we need to give our voice. Though I feel that America is not totally a democracy but is aiming to be one- we have the right to share our voice. If you have a problem- then do somthing to fix it, because seriously- you really don't think your city is a hell-hole do you? And if so, do you really want it to be?

Seattle has it's share horrors. I read in the newspaper a newspaper that somebody started shooting people for no apparant reason at a restaurant. Then there was the capitol hill murders. A few stories gets people all riled up, and they start to assume the worst.

I would love to go to a meeting, now where did I put my underaged drivers license. Lol. But on a serious note, if I did have the chance, I would go.

And Yeah, Hiltop isn't as bad I guess. But after the observations in my area, gang activity is rising in schools. Take it from me, I have had first hand encounters and seen it. My school, your either with one or your with the other. Can't decide? You get jumped. Decide "wrong" and your alone? Run like hell. It might be nice now, but I predict soon it will get worse. I just hope we can correct it before mass murder breaks out.