We couldn’t believe our eyes when we read this today, but someone in Boystown besides us is publicly admitting a connection between the Center on Halsted and the surge in violent crime in the gayborhood, caused by the criminal elements the Center attracts north from the Southside.
This came in the form of a small blurb in Boi Magazine, but it’s something. A start. A break in the denial perpetuated by the Leftists in Boystown.
Boi Magazine is a weekly photo album of club shots, with a few “articles” thrown in amidst advertising for the local bars, restaurants, and circuit parties. Everyone reads it like Page Six in New York, looking to see who was at what event, what outrageous outfits Cyon Flare or Teri Yaki wore this week, which bartenders are getting fat, and what porn stars are going to be guesting as strippers in which clubs this coming week. Sporadically, there are also little funny bits we enjoy, where readers send in answers to questions like “What’s the worst Christmas present you’ve ever received?” or “What’s the most embarrassing thing you’ve ever done?”. It goes without saying queries like this, in Boystown, elicit truths stranger than fiction.
Near the back of the magazine, there’s a feature called “In The Know, On The Go!”, because not all gays have the fabulous-and-witty gene.
After a few paragraphs about the new martinis at the Kit Kat Lounge honoring Glee (“The Gleek”, “The Cheerio”, and others), we were stunned to read this:
“Things are getting tense on Halsted. It seems a number of business owners object to the large numbers of gay youth hanging out after programs at the Center on Halsted conclude. Whilerace (sic) and class issues no doubt figure into the tension, the main problem seems to be that there are no other social outlets available.”
Of course, being a Leftist publication, the author then launches into an apology for the “youth”, saying these “kids” have no where else to go, and that they are just misunderstood.
Last summer, over a dozen gay men were hospitalized, after being violently robbed, by these misunderstood “youth”.
It’s revelatory, though, that Boi Magazine acknowledged a link between the Center on Halsted and the problems ongoing in Boystown. Though they downplayed what the “youth” are doing, this is sincerely the first time we’ve ever seen one of the LGBTQ publications admit a causal link between the Center and anything.
This is because, we’re told, that the last CAPS meeting (the community outreach meetings the police have with residents and business owners once a month) was an absolute screaming match, between business owners, in particular, fed up with the Center’s excuses regarding what their “youth” do in the neighborhood once the Center closes.
The Center, for the last four years or so (since the day it opened), has been claiming they shoulder no responsibility for the surge in crime, because they claim this “youth” behaves itself while at the Center and they have no ability to control their behavior when they leave the Center. This is similar to a woman who lived on our street growing up in the 80s. The woman, a lonely old lady who wanted to feel special, used to feed pigeons, cats, stray dogs, possums, and whatever other stray and wild animals she could. Her whole backyard was one giant food ball for everything that could fly, crawl, waddle, and, most importantly, defecate.
There was you-know-what all over the neighborhood, because the nonstop buffet at old lady Kravitz’s house led to poo-a-thons everywhere in the surrounding vicinity. You feed flocks of pigeons nonstop for months and see just how much guano you can accumulate on windows, roofs, cars, and the increasingly more common scalp.
In the winter time, many home owners were jarred by the sudden and ear-splitting terror of cats mangled in their car engines, since these strays would seek warmth under the hoods after feeding at Kravitz’s house.
And then there were the rats.
Not only cute and cuddly things come running when someone well-meaning, but with little common sense, opens a smorgasborg and invites the world over.
For every good LGBTQ youth who comes to the Center on Halsted for needed help, there are a dozen rats who roll along for the ride. The Center defends itself by focusing only on that one good kid in the pack of muggers and hoodlums, claiming their mission is to give that one youth a safe place to hang out. They completely ignore all of that kid’s “friends”, who ride up from the Southside with him or her, not to attend the Center’s programs, but to use the Center as a base for their criminal activity.
It’s like old lady Kravitz insisting, “But they’re all so hungry. Every day there are more of them that need food, so I feed them. They love me. They come to me because I love them and it’s not right for you to tell me to stop feeding them when they are hungry”.
Ultimately, Kravitz ended up in a nursing home. Magically, once her feeding operation was shut down, all the strays disappeared and the problems with rats and pigeons were relieved. Who knows where any of those things went to eat after the trough was emptied, but it was nice to have the neighborhood back to the way it was before Kravitz went nuts and embarked on her crusade to actively bring these elements onto the street.
We plan on attending the next CAPS meeting and doing a full report on what really goes on at these things, because you only get snippets of the truth in the local LGBTQ papers — and the MSM refuses to cover this story at all. But, we’re frightened this summer’s going to be the year when these “youth” from the Center finally kill someone. Last year, they put one guy in the hospital who came close to dying, after these Southside kids beat him with a baseball bat late at night while robbing him. This year, there are more of these thugs out than ever, and it’s only April.
Whatever happens, the Center will claim they never anticipated violence and deaths like this, but we just don’t see how even the most Leftist of Liberals can be blind to the reality we’re facing.
What’s going to be interesting, when the Center “youth” finally do kill someone, is what happens to the Center if the victim’s family is smart enough to bring the Center into a wrongful death suit as a third party defendant, for doing what Kravitz did with those rats and pigeons, and creating an attractive environment for the increase in crime. Is it possible to sue the Center for something like this, if you are a victim of crime in Boystown and your attackers are part of the Center on Halsted Gang? Can a legal argument be made that if not for the Center and its active recruitment of Southsiders into Boystown, you would not have been attacked, or someone would not have lost his life?
Something like that could dry up the Center’s fundraising pretty damn quick. And, without funds for these Southside outreach programs, how would the Center continue to actively bring criminal elements into the neighborhood?
Stay tuned, because more than a few of these questions look to be addressed, if not fully answered, in what’s shaping up to be a high tension summer in Boystown, thanks to the recklessness and determined myopia of the Center on Halsted.
April 24, 2010 at 11:25 am
“Poo-a-thons” LOL.
It’s kinda like the situation in Arizona. It takes someone like that rancher who got murdered (being kind to an illegal immigrant) for people to realize a situation is out of control. Why do we do that? It happens over and over. Nobody knew who Osama Bin Ladin was until 9/11. There always seems to be a bury-your-head-in-the-sand reflex with these things. Maybe that’s an American trait. We want so bad to believe in the good in people and trust too much. At some point it just becomes stupidity.
By the way, did you ever get any good ideas about the video stuff you were asking about? You can get a video security system that’s easy to connect to a TV set for less than $50. You can get them at Wal-Mart here…I don’t know if you have Wal-mart there or not.
April 24, 2010 at 11:29 am
We don’t have Wal-Mart here because the Mayor won’t allow it. The crime riddled unions here will not allow non-Union Wal-Mart in Chicago.
We got a lead on a shop that sells buttonhole cameras here in Chicago. The first day we have free in the afternoon, we are going to go there and talk with the experts about what we want to do, and what they have that can make it happen. With the summer coming, we think there will be a lot of opportunities to make good use of some good spy tech here in Chicago.
April 24, 2010 at 11:44 am
That’ll be great!!! Hillbuzz on spy patrol…a YouTube sensation. I can see it coming.
April 24, 2010 at 1:10 pm
Hill Buzz, you can order from Wal-Mart.com and have get it delivered to your door step!
April 24, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I think there is a visceral reaction in many people who were raised after the 60s that discourages them from acknowledging the existence of evil. Whether it’s a terrorist of bin Laden’s ilk or a more mundane variety like those who are infesting Boyztown, evil is something that has to be eliminated, not negotiated with or “fixed.”
April 24, 2010 at 4:34 pm
I think you are right JF.
They have been coddled, sheltered and spoilt rotten…..
April 24, 2010 at 8:13 pm
LOL, well perhaps, but my leftie friends have had no problem calling me evil.
April 24, 2010 at 11:32 am
I firmly believe that all crime against people is a hate crime so I don’t think there should be stronger punishment for attacking a gay person than for attacking me, but I also am not gay, so I don’t walk around in fear of being attacked. My nephew is gay and the thought of anyone hurting him just because he is gay makes my blood boil.
Keep up the good fight. BTW…I have tried to get Nephew interested in your site.
April 24, 2010 at 4:25 pm
but if they do get attacked for now it is a good excuse to get action.
Actually I agree that there are other groups that perpetrate hate crimes but the leftoids continue to attempt to avoid the name… and it is annoying!!
April 24, 2010 at 11:46 am
“Is it possible to sue the Center for something like this, if you are a victim of crime in Boystown and your attackers are part of the Center on Halsted Gang? Can a legal argument be made that if not for the Center and its active recruitment of Southsiders into Boystown, you would not have been attacked, or someone would not have lost his life?”
Probably not, unless you can show that the Center was aware of crime committed by their members and either encouraged it, enabled it, failed to report it, or something along those lines. Even if the thugs were there because of the Center, it doesn’t necessarily make the Center liable.
April 24, 2010 at 12:32 pm
Well, it’s likely going to depend on the particulars of Illinois’ sovereign immunity and the scope of the various waivers to immunity.
That’s usually how it works. Common law – government agencies, entities were immune, but then through statute and/or judicial decisions, exceptions for certain activities are created. Its not uncommon that there is a monetary cap on liability even in activites where immunity has been waived.
April 24, 2010 at 4:27 pm
the agencies might be immune but what about the people who are going there? There must be a way around such immunity!!
April 24, 2010 at 5:49 pm
Well, the individuals who commit the crimes have no immunity, if that’s what you’re asking. They have no money either so suing them doesn’t really accomplish anything.
April 24, 2010 at 7:23 pm
What about “maintaining a public nuisance”, if the perpetrators can be shown to have hung around the center on a regular basis?
The operators of the center would not necessarily have to have known that their “patrons” were planning to commit crimes – but if they have received complaints about providing a base (unknowingly or not) for criminals, and had done nothing to alleviate the situation, then they could possibly be held to account for that.
At the very least, a lawsuit against them would cost them time, aggravation and money – and could lead to some sort of negotiated settlement that would keep the bulk of the criminal element out.
(Of course, you could always try to find someone to go all Charles Bronson on them.)
April 24, 2010 at 11:46 am
We are having our own type of problem with “bored youth and nowhere to go” in Kansas City too….
http://www.kmbc.com/news/23141556/detail.html
April 24, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Ms. Independent, I was just going to mention that.
It’s been going on in Kansas City for years, but ignored by the press and the City and the Police until the “youth” showed up at the Country Club Plaza and committed such fun acts as throwing a girl dressed up for Prom into a fountain, stealing people’s food and throwing it into fountains and downright threatening and even beating people who were in the area to eat out or do some shopping.
April 24, 2010 at 12:05 pm
I hope it all goes well and you prevail and no one dies. You either. Please stay safe.
So this article may be a crack in the dam of denial? I hope so. Why do so many people in this world put their personal safety and well-being on the alter of pc sacrifice? It is like we as a society have forgotten that our health and welfare is our responsibility first and foremost and we should not be ashamed of our desire to live and to do it crime-free. The first step to protecting yourself is to throw off wish and see what is, then to act.
Where do you find time?
Political campaigners, educators and bloggers, earning your wages, men-about-town, activists and now spyguys and crime fighters? wow. Is itlots of rest, healthy living and clear consciences, or white hot to the core passion with gallons of coffee?
Be careful out there.
April 24, 2010 at 12:44 pm
Maybe Senator Lindsey Graham can come out there and help with the problem. You know, maybe sweep the gangstas back into their closet of the South Side?
Has anyone reported this latest development?
The Radio Patriot
April 21, 2010
ALIPAC calls for Sen. Lindsey Graham to come out of closet
http://radiopatriot.wordpress.com/2010/04/21/alipac-calls-for-sen-lindsey-graham-to-come-out-of-closet/
April 24, 2010 at 12:45 pm
More on that….
“US Senator Graham asked to Admit His Homosexuality at Tea Party Event”
April 24, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Oh yes, a big Hat Tip to Uppity Woman Blog on that.
My God they are eating their own
http://uppitywoman08.wordpress.com/2010/04/23/my-god-they-are-eating-their-own/
April 24, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Misunderstood, eh?
Was Officer Krupke available for comment?
April 24, 2010 at 1:18 pm
Nope.
Cuz….they were down on their knees…
no one wants a fella with a social
disease.
hehehehe.
April 24, 2010 at 12:46 pm
How about the guy who beat two women with a bat. WTF?
April 24, 2010 at 1:08 pm
This Halsted Center Plaque is the epitome of the whole new “Obama DemoCRAPic Party.”
Start actions to cut the Center’s funding now.
Take action (posters?) to alert visitors and residents of the steep spike in the violent crime there.
Sorry, not a leg to stand on legally for trying to sue the Halsted Center for their malfeasance and incompetence.
Oh, and that Boi article wants to make out like they’re “GAY” youth causing the problem…… What a deliberate lie form them – in my opinion!
April 24, 2010 at 1:36 pm
Well, it’s a start, isn’t it. Sometimes it takes too long for all the pieces to form a plain enough picture for the necessary folks to figure it out, but it has to start somewhere. It would be nice if the residents of Boystown would seriously increase their value their own safety and lives. They need to figure out that falling into lockstep with libs (who are forever yelling about how they are the only ones who really love/respect the gay community) has only reduced safety for them.
April 24, 2010 at 2:23 pm
Admittedly, I was only half paying attention to the WGN 9PM news one evening last week when they had a feature story on the crime problem in Boystown, siting that groups of young men who frequented the Center might be connected to the after-hours muggings. The story’s focus was a particular victim of one of the vicious crimes. It also seems to me that a number of gay young men visiting the area have already turned up dead, such as in the Lake; tho these may not be connected.
April 24, 2010 at 9:22 pm
Here’s a link to the video for a recent story on WGN. They mention the Chicago Center on Halsted and that the crime rate is up but do not mention The Center as a source of the problems — but as some kind advocate for the neighborhood — where incidents should be reported. Where is investigative journalism when you need it? Where is another Pam Zeckman?
http://www.wgntv.com/entertainment/viral/wgntv-experts-say-gay-bashings-up-in-chicago-apr15,0,82850.story
April 24, 2010 at 3:28 pm
If I remember correctly, wasn’t the term “youths” also used for Muslims torching cars in France that one summer? The French Gov’t responded by saying these “youths” are unemployed and feel disenfranchised from society, and as a result, the govt would increase welfare payments to these “youths.”
April 24, 2010 at 3:59 pm
n Kansas City “youths” has become a euphemism for underage Black gang members and their wannabe followers at the predominantly black high schools.
If anyone brings up the fact that 700 to 1000 black kids descended upon the KC Plaza, they are racist!!
April 24, 2010 at 5:18 pm
Memphis also had to be honest about problems with black “youth” because it happened so publically. The Memphis Zoo is open for free to TN residents after 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays. The week before Easter, the Memphis public schools were on spring break and the Tuesday was gorgeous. Well, they had flash mobs @ the zoo ~around 25,000~ and had to call police. After the zoo closed, there were shots fired in the park that surrounds the zoo. My girls had wanted to go that day. I am sooo glad that we didn’t. They’ve changed policy @ the zoo. No more free days during March; anyone under 18 must be with an adult; and only 5 kids per adult.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2010/mar/30/crowds-converge-memphis-zoo/?partner=RSS
April 24, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Here in California black “youths” beat and stomped a city worker in Vallejo. And just last week two black “youths” punched a young asian man then punched his father who died a few days ago. A few months ago, in Richmond, a white girl was raped by black and latino youths. It’s everywhere. And it’s going to get worse.
April 24, 2010 at 5:31 pm
sorry about the depressing post…..arm yourselves and fight back. If you are gay join the Pink Pistols!!
April 24, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Problem is, Crazy Horse, you can’t have a pistol in Chicago.
April 24, 2010 at 7:33 pm
It’s Chicago. And as of yet, the people of Chicago are not allowed by their wise and benevolent government to own handguns and protect their lives with them.
April 25, 2010 at 8:18 am
Really….I had no idea. They tried that in S.F but the NRA fought back and won ( something about that pesky constitution).
I have a .32 beretta,a.380 Walther a WWI Colt 45 and a very large can of pepper spray. Don’t mess with this mountain girl!!
April 24, 2010 at 7:45 pm
hillbuzz guys
don’t they have nuisance laws in Chicago, running of an indecent house–I know we had those laws out in the suburbs too many police calls to the same place-that was it. If this is being directed or targeted against one group of citizens-hate laws? Is there a lawyer in your group of friends? Seems like the more they get away with the bolder they are becoming.
You guys are so smart-could you concoct something to spray on them-like eau de skunk, or something messy and sticky and pink like bubble gum and they would stick to whatever they touch-a couple of hours would be good.
My favorite lunatic Kevin Klein as the pirate king-if you could learn these moves that would scare them.
April 24, 2010 at 8:32 pm
O/T BUT TIME SENSITIVE:
SUNDAY (TOMORROW)
1PM
ISRAL CONSULATE
RALLY TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST OBAMA’S POLICIES TOWARD ISRAEL
FOR MORE INFO:
http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/137133
http://atlasshrugs2000.typepad.com/atlas_shrugs/
April 25, 2010 at 11:07 am
its about time the jews got into attack mode..how will nobama and his goons handle this one?
how much coverage will LSM give this?
April 24, 2010 at 9:44 pm
Off topic… but man is this a good one!!
April 25, 2010 at 2:26 am
I wish you all a healthy, safe, and crime-free summer.
April 25, 2010 at 7:38 am
It won’t be long; I’m about to post over to “experts” at Free Republic about personal safety devices and methods, to get their input.
I have a son who closes his restaurant five nights a week, often alone, and I am mortified each night he doesn’t call me on the drive home. I’m terrifed that he’ll be on the wrong end of an armed robbery, given this economy. He is prohibited (franchise rules) from carrying a firearm, even one legally registered.
I will let you boyz know what I find out, either by posting here, or via email.
It’s a dangerous world out there.
April 25, 2010 at 9:30 am
I’m putting this here because there’s no Open Thread yet and I’m so horrified I can’t wait.
April 25, 2010 at 10:47 am
So shocking! This video needs to go viral! The Lame Stream Media will not replay this I am sure.
April 25, 2010 at 10:26 pm
My heart aches for the Polish people, a people so often betrayed. It must be horrible to have to share a border with Russia.
April 26, 2010 at 2:34 pm
O.O! So, basically, almost everything I’d thought I knew about that incident was wrong. And the gunshots!
I must remember to pray for Poland. . .
April 25, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I have wondered about if the people who visit the center at Halsted are gay. Is it intended for gay people, or can anyone visit there? Also do local boystown Brendons visit there?