It’s probably of no consequence to most Black Milwaukeeans.
Still, a Germantown referendum calling for a tax increase to support the hiring of four new police officers foretells a cultural shift that will undoubtedly have local ramifications.
The referendum notice addresses a ‘shortage’ of officers to address ever-increasing calls for ‘low-level’ crimes.
But suppose you read between the lines, or talk to residents. In that case, the ‘real’ rationale behind the referendum is an increase in crime, specifically related to drugs and retail thefts.
As you assess the referendum, consider that the Germantown population has not grown significantly and, in fact, has been capped by legislative decree to maintain a small community-urban/rural-paradigm. What is different is the flood of Neckbone ‘visitors’ to the area.
Moreover, the ‘stress’ on policing is a relatively recent phenomenon that coincides with the introduction of retail favored by Black Milwaukeeans, including the nearest and only movie chain. Marcus Theater —there are no movie theaters in central city Milwaukee, even though Black Milwaukeeans disproportionately make up their audience.
I frequented that theater but was taken aback to notice it is the only movie outlet with armed sheriff’s deputies patrolling inside.
Looking at their stoic faces, I wouldn’t be surprised if they searched our popcorn for guns and our overpriced hot dogs for drugs.
Also, a court-ordered bus line from Milwaukee to Germantown was created to allow easy access to suburban jobs (since discontinued). It opened the door for a steady flow of Black folks to the suburb.
To be more specific, hundreds of Black Milwaukeeans bypass several of the chain stores (including the Brown Deer location, which witnessed a shooting recently) to spend their dollars (or steal the goods) from the Germantown Walmart.
A not-so-disingenuous—albeit humorous—story describes a Neckbone standing at a bus stop along Appleton Avenue with a large-screen television in tow.
I mentioned recently that retail thievery has increased so much at Walmart that unarmed guards have been added, and men’s underwear has been put under lock and key.
Yes, that’s correct, UNDERWEAR!…Seriously!
I guess the young thugs who wear their pants under their butt cheeks have to display clear drawers to attract their prey … Bless their souls.
Because of its location, a Fleet Farm store situated at County Line Q and Appleton Avenue, was easy prey for gangstas stealing ammunition to carry out their urban terrorism.
I was reading the Germantown newspaper, which publicized a flood of new crimes last week, most being retail thief and drug trafficking.
I would guess at least half were committed by ‘skin folks’ (that Black folks for those of you not familiar with Black culture) who don’t live in the suburb, whose Black population has increased dynamically in the last five years. Most immigrants moved to the suburbs to get jobs and escape crime.
But it’s creeping in and ‘up’ as it relates to their taxes-which have gone up-to fight it.
This is not a new phenomenon and is not restricted to Washington County.
But it is the latest example of a paradigm that has exceeded our boundaries, which will result in a cultural shift, but renewed—and maybe substantiated—prejudices.
To be honest, I’m sick and tired of making excuses for the conduct of those who subscribe to the ‘Culture of Poverty.’ I’m ticked with trying to explain that the subculture doesn’t represent the whole, our majority.
I get a break because of my appearance—either wearing a Vietnam veteran’s hat in the suburbs or allowing my gray hair to flow in the wind—which disrupts my Flo.
I learned years ago that veterans have a ‘get out of jail free card’ because we served. Gray means—at least to White folk—that you have earned a level of respect. We survived.
My sons, however, are still followed at many outlying stores because they ‘fit the description (profile)’ of the Neckbones who create the chaos.
I taught them not to speed, tokeep their license plates up to date, and not to play loud rap music when driving through theburbs.
But that only sometimes works.
And rightly or wrongly, they have been taught to give respect only when it is given. That could lead to WWIII with a racist cop.
Whether you accept it or not, we will all end up paying for the new taxes in some manner, shape or form.
Race relations will suffer. Prejudices will be substantiated.
All of us will be suspects until proven innocent. The ‘Black card’ will be taxed.
Suppose any of that’s essential to you. In that case, we canexpect a ‘backlash’ that will fuelhostile relationships that even Biden can’t resolve. If it doesn’t matter to you, assume it’s business as usual.
But don’t make the mistake of assuming you can leave the sanctity of the ‘hood’ without the ‘Big Bad Germantown Police Wolf’ potentially taking a bite out of you ‘as-the-world-turns.’ Hotep.
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