Frank
Hampton,#2Consumer Comment
Sat, November 13, 2004
Hampton City Council is once again being thrust into the spotlight as racists, this time by a few of the student body at one of our finest colleges, Hampton University. Having been born and raised in Hampton for 43 years, some of my closest friends are black, and I would help them out at the drop of a pin. Our current City Manager of whom is black, is crying out racism now due to a majority of the city council and the Mayor himself, wanting to have a finance committee check into the finances of the City Manager's office. The newly elected Mayor and former Hampton Councilman for years, have always shown the black community the utmost respect and consideration throughout his public office participation. The Hampton City Manager is now following the footsteps of our former Mayor, a black woman, of whom had also played the race card stating that she couldn't get some things done while in office due to being a black woman. She is now a Virginia Senator...go figure. Why would we want someone who thinks like she does, representing us as a state Senator? It is a real shame when people have to rear the ugly head of racism once again to get what they want, support from their fellow race. The Hampton City Manager has made major mistakes, costing Hampton taxpayers millions of dollars already. But none of these things are being brought up by the Hampton University students in our council meetings. They only see a person of which is black like them. This in itself is racist, and we need to learn that if we expect racism to go away, we need to stop using it in a negative way. Hampton has about a 50% black population, and this type of behavior is very unprofessional coming from our key business manager. Just a few years back, we had our Hampton Treasurer investigated by a special committee for misusing taxpayer money to pay for sex calls and other personal items. He was white, and he didn't cry out racism. He was investigated because he was an officer of this city, and because he was misusing our money. Should our Mayor and City Council just sit there and do nothing? If there are injustices being committed, they have the obligated duty to Hampton's taxpayers to stop this abuse. Mr. City Manager, if you are a true professional sir and gentleman, and you do not have anything to hide, why would you mind this committee to look you over sir? You are portraying yourself as being desperate about keeping people out of your business, but you need to realize that you are our servant, and you are required to answer to this city's Mayor and City Council for your actions. It is not because you are black, it is because you are not showing good judgement with taxpayer money. Let's all grow up.
Paul
Anaheim,#3Consumer Suggestion
Mon, October 18, 2004
Make no mistake. Hampton may be a very racist area to live in. But, try this one simple experiment. Have a poor white family living among the black folks. One day, let them call for emergency treatment. You will see that the color of their skin won't matter one bit. The ambulance crew will figure they're too poor to pay, and let them die as quickly as they would a black person. On the other hand, let a rich black couple walk into one of the finest establishments in Hampton. Not only will he be served, but white people will go out of their way to help them. That's because there is money to be made. If there was a rich black neighborhood and a poor black one, the rich one would get all the medical and fire assistance. While the poor one would burn to the ground while injured people lay dying. Make no mistake. It's money that makes the difference. Black, white, African, or European. The only color that really matter is green!
John
Dearborn,#4Consumer Comment
Sun, October 17, 2004
I lived in Norfolk for 10 years, I hate that place. I'm white, and gay; and the people there are not very nice, heck, it's the home of Pat Robertson! The Norfolk Police treated me bad when I needed help. I was never arrested or anything either, I'm a law abiding citizen I needed help, I guess being gay means you don't deserve to be helped.
Cheryl
Mewport News,#5Consumer Comment
Tue, October 05, 2004
I am a white female who has been in the Hampton Roads area all of my life. I can't tell you how many times my husband or myself have been passed up for promotion or overtime because a "minority" was picked. The companies said if they didn't pick a minority they could be called "racist". (that in itself is racist since people weren't picked because of experience and seniority, but by the color of their skin.) I know many Police Officers and Firefighters who are honest. I hate to think that something so blatent would go on this close to home. I am not kidding myself to think that it doesn't happen, I just hate to think its so close to my home. If these things truly happened than we need to do something about it. Have you tried going to Channel "10 on your side" with this? They do marvelous things with their in-depth reports. Bring it to light. This is bad enough, but when you include innocent children in the mix thats lower than low. I might not be able to spell so great or speak eloquently about this, but I know whats wrong and it doesn't get any worse than this. The people in Hampton Roads need to speak up very loudly. What can we do to help?
Steve
Portsmouth,#6Consumer Comment
Thu, August 19, 2004
To all who read this, I lived in Hampton from 1964-2000. I know that racism abounds. I also know that this racism goes both ways. From 1983-2000 I felt like a minority. I am white. I am not racist. One of my best friends was Kenny Wallace. Did you know him Jon? He gave his life as a Hampton City Police Officer. He was one of the most upstanding people I knew. He was black, and he was killed by a black drug dealer. In your responses to Patrick O'Keefe, you state that his station responded to about four calls a week. I find this hard to believe. You reference beach goers with too much sun, this leads me to believe he must have worked in Buckroe. I lived in Buckroe. You and I both know that Buckroe has a very high crime rate. Your responses to Mr. O'Keefe detract from the integrity of your story. I had three other friends on the Hampton Police Force, and none of them had a racist bone in their body. They were all white. My wife is also a Hampton native. She lived in Hampton from 1967-1999. She also taught elementary school from 1991-1999 in Hampton. Her school consisted of a 99% black student body. She was not and is not racist. However, during her career in Hampton she dealt with racism on a regular basis. Her students often told her that they had been told that the white man is the devil, and asked her, "Is she the devil?" So again, the racism in Hampton goes both ways. If your account of the tunnel accident is accurate, wouldn't it have been evident on VDOT's cameras? If so, it would have been all over the local news. I could be wrong, but I would assume that those cameras are connected to some type of recording device. Did you try to obtain those recordings?
Steve
Portsmouth,#7Consumer Comment
Thu, August 19, 2004
To all who read this, I lived in Hampton from 1964-2000. I know that racism abounds. I also know that this racism goes both ways. From 1983-2000 I felt like a minority. I am white. I am not racist. One of my best friends was Kenny Wallace. Did you know him Jon? He gave his life as a Hampton City Police Officer. He was one of the most upstanding people I knew. He was black, and he was killed by a black drug dealer. In your responses to Patrick O'Keefe, you state that his station responded to about four calls a week. I find this hard to believe. You reference beach goers with too much sun, this leads me to believe he must have worked in Buckroe. I lived in Buckroe. You and I both know that Buckroe has a very high crime rate. Your responses to Mr. O'Keefe detract from the integrity of your story. I had three other friends on the Hampton Police Force, and none of them had a racist bone in their body. They were all white. My wife is also a Hampton native. She lived in Hampton from 1967-1999. She also taught elementary school from 1991-1999 in Hampton. Her school consisted of a 99% black student body. She was not and is not racist. However, during her career in Hampton she dealt with racism on a regular basis. Her students often told her that they had been told that the white man is the devil, and asked her, "Is she the devil?" So again, the racism in Hampton goes both ways. If your account of the tunnel accident is accurate, wouldn't it have been evident on VDOT's cameras? If so, it would have been all over the local news. I could be wrong, but I would assume that those cameras are connected to some type of recording device. Did you try to obtain those recordings?
Steve
Portsmouth,#8Consumer Comment
Thu, August 19, 2004
To all who read this, I lived in Hampton from 1964-2000. I know that racism abounds. I also know that this racism goes both ways. From 1983-2000 I felt like a minority. I am white. I am not racist. One of my best friends was Kenny Wallace. Did you know him Jon? He gave his life as a Hampton City Police Officer. He was one of the most upstanding people I knew. He was black, and he was killed by a black drug dealer. In your responses to Patrick O'Keefe, you state that his station responded to about four calls a week. I find this hard to believe. You reference beach goers with too much sun, this leads me to believe he must have worked in Buckroe. I lived in Buckroe. You and I both know that Buckroe has a very high crime rate. Your responses to Mr. O'Keefe detract from the integrity of your story. I had three other friends on the Hampton Police Force, and none of them had a racist bone in their body. They were all white. My wife is also a Hampton native. She lived in Hampton from 1967-1999. She also taught elementary school from 1991-1999 in Hampton. Her school consisted of a 99% black student body. She was not and is not racist. However, during her career in Hampton she dealt with racism on a regular basis. Her students often told her that they had been told that the white man is the devil, and asked her, "Is she the devil?" So again, the racism in Hampton goes both ways. If your account of the tunnel accident is accurate, wouldn't it have been evident on VDOT's cameras? If so, it would have been all over the local news. I could be wrong, but I would assume that those cameras are connected to some type of recording device. Did you try to obtain those recordings?
Steve
Portsmouth,#9Consumer Comment
Thu, August 19, 2004
To all who read this, I lived in Hampton from 1964-2000. I know that racism abounds. I also know that this racism goes both ways. From 1983-2000 I felt like a minority. I am white. I am not racist. One of my best friends was Kenny Wallace. Did you know him Jon? He gave his life as a Hampton City Police Officer. He was one of the most upstanding people I knew. He was black, and he was killed by a black drug dealer. In your responses to Patrick O'Keefe, you state that his station responded to about four calls a week. I find this hard to believe. You reference beach goers with too much sun, this leads me to believe he must have worked in Buckroe. I lived in Buckroe. You and I both know that Buckroe has a very high crime rate. Your responses to Mr. O'Keefe detract from the integrity of your story. I had three other friends on the Hampton Police Force, and none of them had a racist bone in their body. They were all white. My wife is also a Hampton native. She lived in Hampton from 1967-1999. She also taught elementary school from 1991-1999 in Hampton. Her school consisted of a 99% black student body. She was not and is not racist. However, during her career in Hampton she dealt with racism on a regular basis. Her students often told her that they had been told that the white man is the devil, and asked her, "Is she the devil?" So again, the racism in Hampton goes both ways. If your account of the tunnel accident is accurate, wouldn't it have been evident on VDOT's cameras? If so, it would have been all over the local news. I could be wrong, but I would assume that those cameras are connected to some type of recording device. Did you try to obtain those recordings?
David
Payson,#10Consumer Comment
Wed, October 29, 2003
I lived in NN for 18 yrs and I know there is a lot of racsim there. I was in Va. Beach for summer after I graduated High School and was very partially blocking a driveway. When I saw the Va. Baech Officer I went down there to move my van. He blocked my van so I could not move it until the wrecker he called came. He gave me a ticket and threatened to arrest me if I tried to move my van. He said policy was I had to pay the tow truck even if he didn't tow my vehicle. Being a Deputy Sheriff now I know that as I did then to be Bu*&s#$t. Tell me this isn't a kick back. Having had people I knew to be NN cops they were very open about their dislike for certain races of persons. I was even threatened by one of Va. finest a State Trooper when he road past my bus stop and thought I gave him the finger. I'm not dumb I really waved because it was my goal to be a Va. State Trooper. He came back and threatened to kick my a*s and called me everything but a human. That area is ate up. Not all the cops or fire fighters are bad, its the few idiots they hire that are anal that make them all look bad.
Steven
Va Beach,#11Consumer Comment
Sun, September 21, 2003
Its not just Hampton, its the entire HAMPTON ROADS AREA, if you drive down route 64, you notice, black cops have white people pulled over and white cops have black people pulled over. One night, I dropped my roommate off at a club, ( I DO NOT DRINK) and went back at 2am to pick him up. on the way home my truck ran out of gas ( the gas meter didnt work at the time) 1/2 block from a gas station on 1st Colonial Road, I was immediately approached by an officer, while we were trying to get the truck to the gas station, his exact words were, ( MOVE YOUR F***ING TRUCK),he never asked if anything was wrong. so instead of him giving us 30 seconds to get the truck to the gas station, he made me push the truck up a hill into a parking lot, while my roommate was pushing from behind, apparently the police officer smelled the liquor on my roommate, and arrested him for walking intoxication and my roomate never said 1 word. We are in suit of filing a law suit against the Va Beach Police, for harrassment.
John
Hampton,#12REBUTTAL Individual responds
Mon, June 30, 2003
Let me respond to this pack of lies and exaggerations from a man that I never worked with. He worked at a station that maybe at best got 4 calls a week. The types of calls he responded to were getting spotty from the tree or a beach goer that had to much sun. Lets set the record straight, this idiot was married to Karen O'Keeffe. Patrick why don't you tell us about her problems? Like I thought you are a coward also and you can't tell the truth. "John Jop for all his claims of truth and knowledge was fired from his position as an employee of the Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue. Not because he was holier than thou, but because he tended to exaggerate the facts as he believed they really were." Patrick A. OKeefe, answer me one question. How many of the calls in question did you respond to with us? Just like I thought ZERO, just like your IQ. "If anyone can believe all the half truth's that this man is portraying with his deceitfulness, I feel totally sorry for the readers and believers of his deceptions. Lets face the facts this is a man who was fired because he wanted to bribe a councilman into believing his stories." Patrick A. OKeefe, Please tell us who the councilman was that I bribed, again you are batting a ZERO. "Yes, I assume John Jop felt that he had been done wrong and that he was the angel out to save the world. But, John Jop through all has exaggerated claims, fails to point out that he only wants to seek revenge on his ex-employer and the City of Hampton for not handling his discontent to soothe his alter ego. Jop was found to be a revengeful and spiteful person towards others only to make himself look and feel good for his own hurt feelings." Patrick A. OKeefe, again answer me how many of these calls you respond to with us? Again ZERO. Why hasn't Joe Stevens ever responded? In fact your name in no where on the site. "Unfortunately, Jop fails to point out that the claims and situations that Jop so plainly expounds as first hand knowledge, was systematically looked into and addressed by the department. Yes, as in any profession there are ego's and yes some are out right fools who do put both feet in their mouths from time to time. But, the expressed bigotry and the outright refusal to treat any person or people based solely on race is totally fictitious." Patrick A. OKeefe, Again I ask you how many calls you responded on with us and the answer is ZERO. I am an eye witness to Joe Stevens delaying and withholding care to minorities that has caused deaths and serious injuries. And you say the city did a professional job of investigating these claims. How do you base that statement? Because I know the city made a mockery out of my claims. How do I know I was there and saw first hand? Patrick A. OKeefe were you at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel accident? Again the answer is no. You are supposed to be a professional and if you are answer the following question because your corrupted investigators refuse to answer them. 1. Why were 2 priority one patients left on scene for a documented 40 minutes? 2. Why was medic 9 canceled on this call? 3. Why was the helicopter canceled on this call? 4. What was one man still alive begging for his life left trapped in a vehicle for 25 minutes, while the rescue truck was staged on the South Island for a documented 25 minutes? 5. Why did Joe Stevens refuse to help me on this call and why did the city cover this fact up? 6. Who canceled all the equipment and help I radioed for, do you know? I know, it was Joe Stevens. 7. Why was he not held liable and accountable and made to answer these questions? There are other questions that need to be answered that are too numerous, can you answer them? How do you think the families of these 2 boys feel? Would you like it if it were your kids? They died for on reason and one reason only, they were both black. How do I know this, because Joe Stevens told me so. The words came directly from his mouth as he laughed about it all the way back to station 1. Were you there, again, NO! "Every person who has dealt with emergency cases and situations knows that to relieve the stress of uncertainty form time to time has made statements that are certainly off color. These statements are not made as statements of fact but, are only statements of exacerbation to relieve the tension of the moment. These statements are surely not geared toward anyone or any individual as Jop exclaims. Only the person who wishes to make another look and sound bad takes any statements out of context and spins a tall tail of condemnation of doom and gloom. Jop it seems has gone beyond reality and spins tall tails of bigotry and hatred that I know are certainly not openly tolerated. By the way, when and if bigotry is expressed, the situation does get addressed." Patrick A. OKeefe, I don't know you but you seem to be as big a disgrace to our profession as Joe Stevens is. To make these statements that's its all write to insult minorities to blow of stress is a total disgrace to my profession and should never be tolerated. Its very sad that the rest of your disgraceful department feels the same way you do. Its a sickness and I hope you get help for it. I was very disgusted with your sick departments attitude and hatefulness for the minorities that you serve. "If the readers really believes that an emergency responder and then an emergency room physician would be so bigoted as to deliberately kill a child based solely on his race needs to look deep down inside and question what is real and what is not in this story." Patrick A. OKeefe, again were you on the call in question and do you have first hand knowledge of the same, again the answer is a big fat NO. I was there and I know what Lt. Bobby Curtin told me. He refused to come on calls in our district and refused my request to respond on this call. Bobby once told me, "what are you crazy your district is full of NIGGERS and I will not help them. Who cares if they die." When I saw the injuries this child had I got on the radio and called for the helicopter. Bobby got on the radio and told me to take the child to Hampton General hospital. Anyone could have seen these life threatening injuries and known this child needed to go to Norfolk burn center. I also requested that engine one meet us and that was refused to, why? When we got to the hospital the doctor stated that this child needs to go to Norfolk burn center. I asked if he could get IV's started and stabilize him and he said, "NO." I asked for him to call the helicopter and he stated, "We do not transport NIGGERS via the helicopter, it costs to much. You guys are free you drive him." Well, the rest is history he died. Did you know that Hampton General fired the doctor? Did you also know that nothing happened to Bobby Curtin, Why? Patrick A. OKeefe, tell America what happened to Bobby Curtin? This is a very sick man and he was allowed to retire with only 15 years on the department, Why? Why was he not prosecuted for stealing when he got caught red handed in Norfolk, Why? "Because the department wouldn't bow down and be run according to John Jop's laws and wishes. John Jop wants to openly humiliate the department and the City of Hampton to make John Jop look and feel good." Patrick A. OKeefe, Your City is a disgrace and I will not stop till all America knows what dangers lurk there. It makes me happy when people write me and change their vacation plans and you lose the money. It also makes me happy when a student sees my site and goes to a different college and stays away from your bigoted sick city. "Jop if you realize it or not, you down grade my home town, then you humiliate those that have given their lives for the sake of saving others. Now, your only goal is to satisfy your own self serving ego by spreading exaggerated lies and half truths." Patrick A. OKeefe, I will continue to warn people about your sick city. Its my duty that I swore to the citizens that I served honorably. My duty is to the public not your sick twisted department. The truth will come out and I will bring it out. "By the way, I have two children who are half white and half Korean, I also have a grandson who is one third white, one third korean and one third black. Now call me a bigot. Get over yourself Jop." Patrick A. OKeefe, What does this prove? Who really cares about your family. What about the numerous families that your sick twisted department has destroyed forever. Those are the people my allegiance is with, not you. What about Joe Stevens? This is the sickest and most twisted human being I have ever met. I feel sad for people like you that stick up for sick people like him. As long as his name is associated with your department, it will be the most bigoted department on this planet. Patrick A. OKeefe, Why don't you get with Joe Stevens and ask him to answer my questions as I have numerous. Your sick officials covered the facts over because they are very well aware that they are ultimately responsible for his actions. Joe has a lot of power and its sad for the families and friends of those he killed. Joe has so much knowledge of wrong doing by almost every public official in Hampton. Patrick A. OKeefe, Can you please tell us about the time that Joe Stevens and Eddie Sullivan got caught red handed by Chief Gregg Cade forging training documents and were both fired. What happened? How come the termination's didn't hold up? Patrick A. OKeefe, Can you please tell us about Captain Steve Hensley? That's right your wife was involved in his problems. What happened to Steve? He was fired to, but that was over turned to. He got caught stealing money from the fire department budget with Kristi Patrick, he also assaulted Kristi and a police officer and was also drunk when he got in a wreck in a city vehicle. Patrick A. OKeefe, tell us Battalion Chief John Lawson and his drunkenness at the EEOC conference and his sexual escapades with Mrs. Johnson? Thats right your department is very honorable because all this stuff is glossed over by your corrupted officials. Until you can tell the truth, I would keep my mouth shut!!!!!! Professional Paramedic, John Jop.........USA
Patrick A. O
Hampton,#13UPDATE Employee
Sat, June 28, 2003
John Jop for all his claims of truth and knowledge was fired from his position as an employee of the Hampton Division of Fire & Rescue. Not because he was holier than thou, but because he tended to exaggerate the facts as he believed they really were. If anyone can believe all the half truth's that this man is portraying with his deceitfulness, I feel totally sorry for the readers and believers of his deceptions. Lets face the facts this is a man who was fired because he wanted to bribe a councilman into believing his stories. Yes, I assume John Jop felt that he had been done wrong and that he was the angel out to save the world. But, John Jop through all has exaggerated claims, fails to point out that he only wants to seek revenge on his ex-employer and the City of Hampton for not handling his discontent to soothe his alter ego. Jop was found to be a revengeful and spiteful person towards others only to make himself look and feel good for his own hurt feelings. Unfortunately, Jop fails to point out that the claims and situations that Jop so plainly expounds as first hand knowledge, was systematically looked into and addressed by the department. Yes, as in any profession there are ego's and yes some are out right fools who do put both feet in their mouths from time to time. But, the expressed bigotry and the outright refusal to treat any person or people based solely on race is totally fictitious. Every person who has dealt with emergency cases and situations knows that to relieve the stress of uncertainty form time to time has made statements that are certainly off color. These statements are not made as statements of fact but, are only statements of exacerbation to relieve the tension of the moment. These statements are surely not geared toward anyone or any individual as Jop exclaims. Only the person who wishes to make another look and sound bad takes any statements out of context and spins a tall tail of condemnation of doom and gloom. Jop it seems has gone beyond reality and spins tall tails of bigotry and hatred that I know are certainly not openly tolerated. By the way, when and if bigotry is expressed, the situation does get addressed. If the readers really believes that an emergency responder and then an emergency room physician would be so bigoted as to deliberately kill a child based solely on his race needs to look deep down inside and question what is real and what is not in this story. The fact is this, John Jop is a man who has had his sensitivity and feelings stepped on. Jop has failed to realize that a supervisor is not going to have any employee grovel at Jop's feet and be publicly humiliated so Jop's ego can be satisfied. Because the department wouldn't bow down and be run according to John Jop's laws and wishes. John Jop wants to openly humiliate the department and the City of Hampton to make John Jop look and feel good. John Jop has turned into the true disgrace and the true bigot described within the tall tails described in his stories by failing to get over his own hurt feelings Jop if you realize it or not, you down grade my home town, then you humiliate those that have given their lives for the sake of saving others. Now, your only goal is to satisfy your own self serving ego by spreading exaggerated lies and half truths. Jop, Grow Up and get on with your life, your bitterness isn't appreciated. By the way, I have two children who are half white and half Korean, I also have a grandson who is one third white, one third korean and one third black. Now call me a bigot. Get over yourself Jop. Fire Lieutenant, Retired
Howard
Ingleside,#14Consumer Suggestion
Sun, January 19, 2003
Just want to clarify one point here. If anyone has 85% of their body with second and third degree burns no matter what color, that person has less than 1% chance of survival. When there is that much damage the likelyhood that the whole respiratory system has been also damaged is very high. Add this to any preexisting condition such as Asthma, Heart Problems etc. The chance of survival goes to zero. If the person had 85% first degree burns that is another topic all together. If the child lived more than 3 days that was lucky. Yes, a helicopter was warrentied and should have been used. Yes, the child should have been stablized, and treated properly regardless of color. I am not justifing what the Doctors did or did not do: the sad fact is the boy would have died even with the best of care. I hope the proper authorities do find out the true story and that corrective action is taken.
Michael
Newport News,#15Consumer Comment
Sat, January 18, 2003
I had numerous problems with a neighbor, and when I would call the Hampton Police Department, I got nothing but grief. I have filed my own "ripoff" report detailing just one incident, which happened before we were attacked by our neighbors. Even then, the police would not press charges or arrest them, made my wife and I file the charges. When we tried, the magistrate tried to talk us out of filing the charges, probably because we were interrupting his basketball game on TV. We filed the charges, but it took some doing, as the magistrate was grudgingly helpfull. It was apparent he was not happy at being disturbed. We moved from Hampton, and I recommend all citizens leave that worthless city.
Michael
Newport News,#16Consumer Comment
Sat, January 18, 2003
I had numerous problems with a neighbor, and when I would call the Hampton Police Department, I got nothing but grief. I have filed my own "ripoff" report detailing just one incident, which happened before we were attacked by our neighbors. Even then, the police would not press charges or arrest them, made my wife and I file the charges. When we tried, the magistrate tried to talk us out of filing the charges, probably because we were interrupting his basketball game on TV. We filed the charges, but it took some doing, as the magistrate was grudgingly helpfull. It was apparent he was not happy at being disturbed. We moved from Hampton, and I recommend all citizens leave that worthless city.
Michael
Newport News,#17Consumer Comment
Sat, January 18, 2003
I had numerous problems with a neighbor, and when I would call the Hampton Police Department, I got nothing but grief. I have filed my own "ripoff" report detailing just one incident, which happened before we were attacked by our neighbors. Even then, the police would not press charges or arrest them, made my wife and I file the charges. When we tried, the magistrate tried to talk us out of filing the charges, probably because we were interrupting his basketball game on TV. We filed the charges, but it took some doing, as the magistrate was grudgingly helpfull. It was apparent he was not happy at being disturbed. We moved from Hampton, and I recommend all citizens leave that worthless city.
Michael
Newport News,#18Consumer Comment
Sat, January 18, 2003
I had numerous problems with a neighbor, and when I would call the Hampton Police Department, I got nothing but grief. I have filed my own "ripoff" report detailing just one incident, which happened before we were attacked by our neighbors. Even then, the police would not press charges or arrest them, made my wife and I file the charges. When we tried, the magistrate tried to talk us out of filing the charges, probably because we were interrupting his basketball game on TV. We filed the charges, but it took some doing, as the magistrate was grudgingly helpfull. It was apparent he was not happy at being disturbed. We moved from Hampton, and I recommend all citizens leave that worthless city.
Rebecca
Richmond,#19Consumer Comment
Wed, January 08, 2003
I grew up in Hampton. It is the most racist city in America. The Fire and Police Departments are nothing but wild gangs of good ole boys. They very rarely hire outside family. Hampton will never change until and outsider comes in and investigates. I wish you well and I support your efforts. One who was born there.
Gilbert
Jacksonville,#20Consumer Comment
Sat, November 30, 2002
I used to live in the Hampton Roads Area,If you don't think racism doesnt thrive in that area, Then you are sadly mistaken. A few years ago I was stopped by the Hampton Police, Of course I wasnt in the right, had expired inspection sticker. But that is not the complaint. The complaint is that the officer felt it was her duty to label myself as a drug dealer; maybe it was the old car I was driving or maybe the uncashed 800.00 payroll check; or may be it was the silk shirt and tie that I had on for my second job. Anyway, she called her goon squad and they threw me into a squad car with no seat belt on, just by chance it was raining, and this officer came up with grand idea to speed up and then stop so I can hit me head on the plastic partition at least 6-7 times. But what gets me is that I fought for this country for 10 yrs and my father did 20 yrs. Is this what is meant by my country loves me? Yeah Right, you won't catch me raising my right hand again...
Michael
Louisville,#21Consumer Comment
Sat, September 28, 2002
If Jop were making up these allegations why would he waste time and resources to file complaints and lawsuits? It is human nature to persue higher authorities for justice when you have been scammed. Jop is, and always will be a HERO for what he has done. I truly respect Jop for having the fortitude and courage to seek justice(if there is such a word) in his situation. For those who remain in positions of power and continue to allow minorities to suffer injustices and disparities, the day will come when you will experience those same injustices as you meet the devil that you worship and serve through your hate.
Sadie
Pasadena,#22Consumer Comment
Sun, September 22, 2002
I am a white girl who lives in California with friends of all races. Incidences such as these happen here too; Police, government, businesses, etc. It happens everywhere. Why should we believe it doesn't happen in Virginia? I researched my family tree and found that my ancestors had a plantation and slaves in Virgina. When the slaves were freed most families stayed where they were, so of course there is a large population of African Americans back east. I agree that just because a city employee happens to be the same race as the victims in these stories, doesn't mean that racism isn't currently existent. Haven't you heard of Affirmative Action? Making companies hire applicants who were under qualified to meet a race quota? I am sure that law looks good for someone somewhere in bureaucracy. (Thankfully the law was overturned this year.) Personally I think the person who is most qualified for the job should be hired. Based on the information above "Stevens" was not a qualified EMT. The requirement is to provide care to the hurt. Not provide care ONLY IF YOU FEEL LIKE IT. I have a friend who is an EMT in LA County. If he didn't meet the requirements of his job description, he would be FIRED. Jop was doing his job, I applaud that. We all bleed the same color blood. If it were you or yours in need, wouldn't you want someone to help you? As far as I know most people think of EMT's and Firefighters as "neutral". Doesn't matter what or where, they are to help not judge. I am grateful they exist. Let's turn this around for a minute shall we? What if you lost a limb and were bleeding to death and the EMT whispered into his/her radio and said, "It's a Caucasian and left you there to die? It can work both ways.
April
Waldorf,#23Consumer Suggestion
Thu, August 01, 2002
Unbelievable. Someone actually wants us to believe that because there are African Americans in office that this does not happen. They lived there since 1991, I might add. My family has lived there for generations, so YES this has always happened and will always happen, having an African American in office here and there doesn't stop rascism and discrimination upon them. They are there for show, plain and simple. The government allows minorities to set on seats in office so that they don't upset the minorities. It's a sad fact, but very true. These people discrminate against ANY and ALL minorities, the hispanic, the African Americans, the American Indians, Gays, Lesbians, basically anyone who is NOT White. I could tell you stories that I know of personally that would make your head spin, I have even seen pictures of these things taking place. It's like when I was in school (a few years ago), we had an African American principle, and 2 African American Vice principles, but that doesn't stop segradation. It in some way will always continue, exspecially in parts of the US that has always been the most prone to these kind of attacks. My point is, just stop and look at the BIG picture, things are always what they seem.
James
Hampton,#24Consumer Comment
Wed, July 31, 2002
I have been a citizen of Hampton, VA. since 1991. I would like to put into context the outrageous claims that have been made against the City of Hampton officials. I think it would also be beneficial to give you the demographic make up of Hampton City Officials. The Mayor of Hampton is a black female who previously was a City Councilwoman. There is one other white female who also sits on City Council. There are also 2 black gentlemen who have sat on City council for a number of years. Only 3 of the 7 city council members are white males. The City manager is a black male. The Sheriff of Hampton, ever since I have been here, is also a black male. Over 50% of the Deputy Sheriff's in Hampton are black. Half of the members of the Hampton City school Board are black males. The Superintendant of Schools in Hampton is a black male. According to the last census over 50% of the population in Hampton are black citizens. Many of the city employees that I have come in contact with are black people. This includes Police officers and firefighters. I have seen no evidence of what this guy is claiming. I think he is just a disgruntled employee. Why else do you think no other empolyees have come forward. His story sounds a little fishy to me.
April
Waldorf,#25Consumer Suggestion
Sat, June 29, 2002
I have alot of family from Hampton, VA and in Hampton, VA. I can honestly say, I know these alligations to be true. The Hampton police, fire, and rescue have been and unfortunately probally will always be rascist red-necks. They speak very publicly about their so called beliefs. It insulting that their are still so many that haven't woke-up and realized the world is growing up and they should too. Eevn with all that you've done, you may still need to go high-up in the US Government. Hampton officals will probally never help. I am so very sorry that your family was put through their rascist aggressions. Maybe they'll fall on their heads and come back to the 21st century and not the 20th. Good Luck!!