New Haven Independent

Posted by: Anthony Marenna | November 1, 2008 9:40 PM

Wow, Paul, thank God the three of you are okay. I hope these kids get caught before they hurt someone else or themselves.

Posted by: Dean Moriarity | November 1, 2008 10:52 PM

This must have been truly horrible. No political comments on the City from me tonight. I'm just truly happy that your family came through this safely. You have our thoughts.

Posted by: TrueBlueCT | November 1, 2008 10:57 PM

Thank goodness you and your family are alright.

Long ago, I learned the best way to id someone, on top of age-hair-race, is shirt-shoes.

The shirt is enough for the police to pull someone over, and shoes provide a very positive id. (white Nikes with blue trim, e.g.)

I, too, hope the kids get caught. What are the jail terms for juvies for this type of crime?

Posted by: Ben | November 1, 2008 11:47 PM

Glad you're alright Paul.

Posted by: Rick Hancock | November 2, 2008 12:10 AM

Paul,
Thank God you and your family are safe.
Hope New Haven PD find these guys soon.
Rick

Posted by: Heights | November 2, 2008 1:07 AM

I hope that when these punks are arrested each of them is given a ticket for riding on the sidewalk in addition to all other appropriate charges.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 2, 2008 6:34 AM

"Boys on bikes", "One is tall". And you still won't give a description of the race of these perps! Unbelievable.

Posted by: Esteban | November 2, 2008 7:34 AM

Gosh Paul, it looks like you'll have to run for alderman to clean up your ward. Maybe you should have stayed in Fair Haven.

Posted by: Shellye | November 2, 2008 9:14 AM

Paul, I'm so glad you and your family are ok. In response to fedupwithliberals: Compassion? Do you know what the word means? Unbelievable, I certainly hope you never have to go through this and then have a comment like that thrown at you.

Posted by: Very Distressed | November 2, 2008 10:39 AM

When teenagers pick up guns and go out into neighborhoods and terrorize people, they are no longer kids; they are thugs. One has to wonder what their parents would have said if you were not a peaceful, scared, Jewish man coming from the Synagogue, but rather a more defensive citizen who carry a loaded gun for protection against such incidents? What would people in the community where these punks live say if when they pointed their gun at your wife, you out of fear for your collective lives had pulled a gun and shoot one of them? I can hear the wailing now. You-- most likely-- would have been accused of over-reacting. When young people, who should be riding their bikes peacefully and having fun, behave like marauding thugs and they get hurt, we often hear from some over indulgent adults that they are just kids! Some type of kids! Well clearly, we need to protect ourselves from "kids" like these.

As a society, as a community, we need to find ways to get the message through to these growing numbers of thugs that crime does not pay. Thanksfully, you and your party were not hurt. I hope the police will take this seriously and find the little thugs and teach them a lesson. Everyone should be able to walk safely home from
prayer on a calm Saturday evening without having a gun stuck in their faces. Neither Westville nor any place else is safe any more. This is truly frightening. We give thanks for your, Carole's and Rebekah's safety this day. Clearly, you are not any safer on the Sabbath than at any other time, so please get a can of pepper spray or
Mace; we the innocent citizens need some way to immobilize the thugs so that we have
a better chance of making it to safety when we are attacked! Shalom. May God keep you and your family safe; you are all of great value to the community.

Posted by: John Tulin | November 2, 2008 11:15 AM

Paul - I am very sorry to hear that. I glad you are all OK....

Posted by: Bruce | November 2, 2008 11:17 AM

Glad you're OK. What a terrible experience.

Posted by: Cap | November 2, 2008 11:24 AM

You are lucky your wife, daughters or friends were not killed - these criminals have no regard for human life. But you Paul, have been in the forefront of publishing and pushing the liberal agenda: 1) open borders, IDs for illegals, and "don't ask, don't tell" polices on criminal aliens; 2) false cries of racial profiling and racism in law enforcement; 3) anti-cop propaganda and a host of other criminal-coddling, left-wing policies. You nearly paid the dearest price for that agenda. I'm glad you are okay and did not lose your family - but you almost did, and that was a direct result of the very social and political policies you propagate.

Posted by: unprotected | November 2, 2008 11:26 AM

the kids will get a slap on the wrist, maybe probation. they walk into court, and usually out the same day. there is no consequence for them, that is why the age of the suspects is getting younger and younger. the older guys know this, and use the "acceptance desire" of the younger kids to profit.

Posted by: Gary Doyens | November 2, 2008 11:47 AM

I'm glad you're ok and can certainly understand how the details can get lost in the threat of the moment. When I was in college, working my way through by pulling hours at a National Car Rental agency in the Chicago Loop - I was held up at gunpoint and couldn't remember much either.

A month ago, my son and his friend were mugged in Edgewood Park by kid thugs on bikes. Looking at my son's swollen face and forced bravado, I was reminded once again of a time 12 years earlier while traveling on a ferry to Martha's Vineyard, another little boy came up to him and punched him in the chest. The look of bewilderment and surprise, hurt and shock that somebody would do that to him is something I will never forget and that once again, despite his forced bravado, was in evidence now. We called the police after the mugging, and like Paul, my son was unable to recall many useable details. Yellow bike, white t-shirt and so on.

I have no compassion for these kids. They keep decent people from trick or treating in their neighborhoods and make the rest of us fear for our kids and family in our own. The mayor claims he and Yale know who these rotten kids are - it's time to cage the vermon and quit making excuses for endless lawlessness, wilding and violent behavior.

Posted by: Bild Wissenschaftler | November 2, 2008 12:26 PM

Thank goodness Mr. Bass is all right.

Those kids, and their no doubt strung-out single parents, deserve an unspeakably painful and evil fate.

Posted by: Nan | November 2, 2008 1:03 PM

Paul, I'm very happy that you, Carole, and your friend, Rebekah, are unharmed physically although you had to have been at the very least somewhat traumatized. Thanks for you reporting. Your stories help other people remain watchful.

Posted by: Alphonse Credenza | November 2, 2008 1:37 PM

Thank goodness you are unharmed.

Cap, I think you overdo it in linking this attack to some of Paul's closely held beliefs. Paul did not report the race or ethnicity of the predators.

But...why not? That is an identification of some importance and you must have told it to the police. If it had been a Schwinn Model 246 and you noticed it, surely you would have mentioned it...and the cops would have asked!

Posted by: Kris Sainsbury | November 2, 2008 1:50 PM

Paul -- How awful -- How frightening. I'm so thankful no one was hurt. This should not be happening in our City of New Haven.

Stay Safe.
Peace
Kris

Posted by: Ryan | November 2, 2008 2:15 PM

isn't there something we can do about all the muggings in this city? i can't stand the fact that it is unsafe to walk around at night. i become a prisoner in my apartment. this is no way so live. as soon as i get my degree i am out of here to some place safer like manhattan, west los angeles, or europe.

Posted by: Cap | November 2, 2008 2:41 PM

To FedUpWithLiberals: You have to understand the liberal pride - liberals are so taken with their sense of themselves as enlightened, progressive thinkers when it comes to social policy and the criminal class, they will take a knife to the throat or a bullet to their wife's head and still never admit that they were wrong. Aside from Paul Bass's neighborhood (which includes, according to Paul, a judge and lawyers), it is also the case that lefty Yalies, rich liberal lawyers and judges living in East Rock can't even walk their dogs without fear of being assaulted, threatened or even slaughtered on the street. It's like the bleeding heart liberal judge, who prides herself on being "progressive" and understanding and thus gives another break to a convict or probation offender. She doesn't realize how naive she is until she herself is held up on her own street by the same ilk. Liberals think in the abstract and their dreamy abstractions are so divorced from reality that Bass didn't know what hit him. If Bass were to find out tomorrow that the perps were illegal aliens who had previously been arrested but were given sanctuary, he would still pretend to hold to his views. And if the perps were black, Bass will never say it - his PC price won't allow it. So typical.

Posted by: anon | November 2, 2008 2:52 PM

"there is no consequence for them, that is why the age of the suspects is getting younger and younger."

The minimum sentence for any type of armed robbery should be 20 years with no chance of parole, regardless of age of the offender.

The punishments need to match the overall economic cost to society.

Posted by: robn | November 2, 2008 2:58 PM

Officer Joe Avery shared something with me. He said that in a robbery, if you can remember one single thing, remember their shoes. Its a clothing item thats unlikely to be ditched after a robbery.
Sorry about the event Paul. Keep your chin up.

Posted by: Your Tax Dollars at Work | November 2, 2008 4:13 PM

Paul:
We're so happy you and your dear family are OK!

Posted by: robn | November 2, 2008 4:23 PM

FUWL and CAP,

Is there something seriously wrong with you guys???...you're simultaneously blaming liberals for all crime and busting a classic blame the victim mentality. Being liberal is about encouraging liberty, not about encouraging crime. Theres a difference and you guys should try hard to see it. Should I write "shame on you" or are you feeling it on your own?

Posted by: cedarhillresident | November 2, 2008 5:05 PM

Paul big HUGS to you, your wife and friend.
Thank you for sharing it! I was at a gathering the other night where the kids on bikes were brought up. And the fact that more needs to be done.
I really think their needs to be at the least a temporary curfew. Now, at the time your mugging happened it may not of helped but I think some control over out of control kids may help with curving this type of behavior.

I am glad you are safe!

Posted by: Fedupwithlioberals | November 2, 2008 5:28 PM

CAP

Wow! Where did you come from? Could not have found a better summation of this situation if Rush Limbaugh was asked to give it!

BTW, Shellye, don't know where my comment has any hint of non compassion. I was commenting on his non descriptives in summing up the perps. Of course I'm glad Paul and family are okay, but that was not the point of this story.

Posted by: Ned | November 2, 2008 5:33 PM

Dear Mr. Bass,

I'm saddened to hear about assault. I'm glad that none of you were hurt, though the trauma will take time to heal.

Posted by: Westville Mom | November 2, 2008 7:33 PM

So very sorry to hear this. At least no violence. May I remind the community that 2 years ago a man not far from Paul was mugged in his driveway and then locked into the trunk of his own car. My memory of the 80s is that we had a lot of crime in New Haven, but most of what happened in Westville was theft and vandalism---not muggings or attacks. This portends a frightening outcome for the neighborhood. What do our elected representatives have to say these days? We must not accept their low standards of what constitutes "safety."

Posted by: jackie | November 2, 2008 7:38 PM

ugh. sorry to hear that, paul. really glad you're ok.

such ugliness.

Posted by: John Wysolmerski | November 2, 2008 7:59 PM

Paul. Glad you and your family are OK. My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are a great champion for what is good and right in our community. I hope this incident doesn't shake your faith too much. Keep up the great work you do.

Posted by: Westvillian | November 2, 2008 8:22 PM

Yikes, what scares me about this incident is that it happened at 7pm and that a group of 3 people were targeted. I live in Westville too and I like to think it's safe to walk to the post office as long as it's still light outside. I like to think that I can walk down to Bella's for dessert with a friend. I guess I have this false sense (probably stemming from childhood) that as long as we're home before dark or not out alone that we'll be safe. Regardless...I'm glad you're all well, and didn't even lose any money! It was a good day to be Jewish!

Posted by: Drew | November 2, 2008 9:21 PM

Paul and Carole, I am so sorry that you and your friend had this happen to you. I am also sorry that you have such rude, ignorant heartless people leaving mean-spirited comments at a time like this.

Posted by: MORRIS COVE MF | November 2, 2008 10:28 PM

Paul, you & Carole are brave for enduring this, braver for reporting it. Relieved to hear you were not hurt. Sad to hear that this exists, shocked to hear it happened in my old neighborhood! Be well, we hope to see you soon.
- Vanessa & Chris Fasanella

Posted by: Anon | November 3, 2008 1:36 AM

Paul,

I am so sorry to hear that this happened to you. I am glad you, your wife, and your friend are all okay, and I pray every day that this doesn't happen to me. I feel pretty safe up near the downtown Westville area, but I'm sure crime could strike there at any time. Don't worry about what Fedupwithliberals or Cap have to say, as they're likely the same person, and they just post on here to try and get a rise out of "liberals" because it makes them feel warm and fuzzy inside. Why can't we all just drop the labels and treat each other as PEOPLE? These people will get what's coming to them (the evil commenters and the thugs). Karma's a bitch.

Posted by: JMS | November 3, 2008 4:20 AM

Paul,

1. Very glad to hear everyone is OK.

2. Other then lacking a photographic memory you did everything 100% right. Not knowing if the gun was real or fake means you need to act as if it's real.

3. It's don't think it qualifies as racial profiling to come out and say teenaged african american kids on bikes in Westville are probably up to no good. It's just a commen sense observation. Anyone want to scream at me for saying that go right ahead but it doesn't make it a false statement. I call the police every time I see activity like this on my block. We have had several garage break-in's lately and now with your incident I am certain I am not over reacting. The vast majority of incidents are "harmless" bicycle thefts but clearly this is not the limit.

Gone are the days where teenagers ride bikes for innocent fun. I remember wheelie contests and jumping and skiding around as a kid on a bike growing up in New Haven. Now when I see kids on bikes I just assume they are delinquents. And I am probably right 90% of the time. Sad really. The perversion of such an innocent childhood joy.

JMS

Posted by: wow | November 3, 2008 7:39 AM

I still think the muggers needed to be hugged. and told they are loved by the community. The tax payers need to pay more taxes so all the muggers can have a program to go to at night. people should start to invite them into there homes and make popcorn for them and watch a movie at night. better yet, the people in westville should give there houses to the muggers family and they should go move into the hood. please do not look at a muggers shoes, that is profiling. the police are not going to stop a person based on the color of their shoes. oh my god, what is this city coming to. please go out to night and become a victim it is your duty as an American. WOW.

Posted by: Deuce | November 3, 2008 8:16 AM

I'm glad you came out of it okay Paul, but just once I'd love to read a story about a New Haven victim pulling out a gun and blowing away criminal punks. There are too many victims in New Haven. Fighting back is long overdue.

Posted by: bikefoley56 | November 3, 2008 8:21 AM

Put a prison barge in the sound

Posted by: Alderman Greg Morehead | November 3, 2008 8:51 AM

Paul,

Thank God, you and your family are OK. It could've been worse, hopefully the NHPD will catch those cowards!!

Posted by: David Streever | November 3, 2008 8:57 AM

I'm really glad you're OK Paul. Sorry this happened to you.

Why WOULD he mention the race? He gave NO other identifying descriptions. He isn't encouraging us to "go find them": he told the police I'm sure, but I don't think he's trying to engage your keystone cops slapstick acts in finding the criminals.

Be well, Paul.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 3, 2008 8:57 AM

Where is Bernie Goetz when you need him?

Posted by: Francine | November 3, 2008 9:07 AM

I am glad that you, your wife and friend are all okay. This is disturbing news especially after also reading about the anti-gay taunts made to two men after they left the House of Chao restuarant and walked to Philips Street. Perhaps more walking police patrols in Westville Village and through Harrison Street would help.

Posted by: Joe | November 3, 2008 9:34 AM

what will a president obama do to help the wayward black youth in every city in america?

Posted by: DAFeder | November 3, 2008 10:00 AM

So glad to hear you, your family, and Rebekah are OK, Paul.

Is it safer (from a purely personal, physical standpoint) to have some money to give to these little thugs? Something I wonder on a lot of Saturdays.

Of course, I imagine what the thugs would really like is to find someone carrying a gun. If you're not walking around like Travis Bickle, it's "hey -- free gun!"

Of course, it is possible we live in a world where the good guys always draw faster, shoot straighter, and never hit a bystander. I mean, if your brain can connect Cap's list of liberals' sins re: immigration and police corruption to street crime, maybe you kind of live in a fantasy world already.

Shavu'a tov -- have a good week,

David

Posted by: Drop the Hammer | November 3, 2008 10:00 AM

Hey Paul,
I'm glad to see you and your family are OK. Now its time to man up, fight back and stop being a victim.
These punks know exactly who to mug. They can spot the types who don't believe in carrying guns. This is why Yale students get hit all the time. Cowardice doesn't work.

Posted by: Carole | November 3, 2008 10:58 AM

Drop the Hammer:

These punks know exactly who to mug. They can spot the types who don't believe in carrying guns.

They couldn't spot the types who don't believe in carrying money on the Sabbath. Perhaps someone dropped a hammer on your head, causing you to miss the fact that this was an unsuccessful mugging.

As for cowardice, your decision to blame innocent crime victims while hiding behind anonymity certainly fits the bill.

Posted by: Drew P. | November 3, 2008 11:08 AM

in what way would carrying a gun prevent this? If a mugger has a gun pointed at you do you think he'll just let you pull yours out, take the safety off (i'm assuming it's on if you have the gun on you) and shoot him? or do you just plan to hope he doesn't find it on you and then you can shoot him in the back as he's running away? That's a bit more than an eye for an eye i'd say. Unless you're walking around Westville pointing your gun at every person you see before they can theoretically pull one on you, it's more likely that the gun will end up in the hands of the mugger along with your wallet than be used to prevent a crime.

As for the issue of race, I agree with Caps and FUWL (seriously you two... get a room) that it shouldn't be a bad thing to say the race of the perpetrators. However, Streever is entirely correct in saying that it's not like he described them in the article and omitted the race. Descriptions and police sketches are for news articles... this was more of a story of someone's personal experience.

Posted by: Drop The Hammer aka Pete | November 3, 2008 11:23 AM

I don't blame innocent crime victims. However I do blame people who perpetuate criminal behavior by excusing it by blaming society, racism, poor education etc.. Paul Bass has built an entire career on doing just that.
While I'm glad he and his family were not hurt, I can't help but say:
"You reap what your sow!"

Posted by: Carole | November 3, 2008 12:14 PM

Drop the Hammer AKA Pete:

Opposing "racism, poor education etc." is not the same as "excusing" criminal behavior. Can you cite even one concrete, actual example of Paul doing the latter?

And if saying "you reap what you sow" is not blaming the victim, what exactly is it?

Posted by: Drop the hammer | November 3, 2008 12:17 PM

in what way would carrying a gun prevent this?

You say "Ok, no problem , let me get my wallet" you slowly reach into your coat and quickly pull out your hand gun and put 2 rounds in the center of mass.
This works because you will have undergone training in order to obtain a license to carry a firearm. These punks have no such training which is why they hit everything else but what they are aiming for, kids, cars, houses, etc.

As long as these punks know you will excuse their behavior they will continue to prey upon you. That's all you are: Prey.

Posted by: Drop the Hammer | November 3, 2008 12:30 PM

Carole,
We all oppose racism, poor education and all the negatives that affect kids and families in the urban areas. Where we disagree is using these things to excuse bad behavior. Paul Bass has a history of writing articles that do just that. I have much respect for him as a writer and journalist I just disagree with his treatment of law enforcement.

Posted by: CAP | November 3, 2008 12:36 PM

Carol - Paul IS on record as supporting sanctuary policies which keep criminals in our midst. He IS on board with the PC crowd, the very loons that unfairly and stupidly smeared Yale's police chief as racist just because the Chief sent an email warning to the Yale community to beware of a gang of black kids on bikes terrorizing and robbing people. Police officials and the press are now too afraid to even metnion the race of perps for fear of this false cry of racism. These liberal fools have made New Haven a dangerous place. So sad, New Haven was such a great place and now it is a cesspool of crime, corruption and noxious race politics. White flight is on the rise, the tax base is shrinking, property taxes are soaring and the city is in dire debt. Just like every other big city run by liberal democrats. A mess.

Posted by: CAP | November 3, 2008 12:40 PM

Paul - Just in case you get lost in the political debate here, as much I detest your politics, I am SO GLAD you and your wife and friend are okay. It is shocking that you came out of a place of worship, a place of peace and goodwill and then faced such barbarism. Thank God you all survived it. Now keep your eyes open will ya?

Posted by: Doug&Christine | November 3, 2008 12:48 PM

So glad you're unharmed, Paul. Don't worry about the details. You did the right thing and stayed calm enough to avoid an escalation.

And hey, "Drop the Hammer Pete," how about dropping the B.S. for a minute. That's a ridiculous, moronic, hurtful thing you posted. You should be ashamed of yourself. Maybe it was all the good karma generated by the Bass family that protected them Saturday.

Posted by: Tessa Marquis | November 3, 2008 12:59 PM

Silly people: making this political and racial.

These things happen and now it has to be dealt with. This is reality, sorry to say.

Brave people: Paul and Carole and Rebekah for not panicking.

Posted by: FacChek | November 3, 2008 1:23 PM

Paul and family:

You apparently handled this robbery attempt well and defused the the situation without inflaming the kids further. Good job and hope you recover from this mental trauma soon.

However, the facts on the ground are partially displayed on your own web site of recent crime log statics as follows:

sort by: incident type id | incident description | incident count

1 - MURDER (4)
8 - ATTEMPTED SUICIDE (1)
10 - SUDDEN DEATH/BODIES FOUND (8)
11 - SUDDEN DEATH- APPARENT O.D. (1)
18 - ROBBERY- COMM.-FIREARM (1)
19 - ROBBERY- COMM.- OTHER WEAPON (1)
23 - ROBBERY- RES.- NO WEAPON (2)
24 - ROBBERY- STREET- FIREARM (22)
25 - ROBBERY- STREET- OTHER WEAP (3)
26 - ROBBERY- STREET- NO WEAPON (28)
27 - ROBBERY- ATTEMPT- FIREARM (5)
28 - ROBBERY- ATTEMPT- OTH. WEAP (1)
29 - ROBBERY- ATTEMPT- NO WEAPON (9)
32 - ASSAULT WITH A FIREARM (13)
33 - ASSAULT W/DANGEROUS WEAPON (21)
34 - BURGLARY- RES.-FORCIBLE (25)
35 - BURGLARY- RES.-NON-FORCIBLE (19)
36 - BURGLARY- APT.-FORCIBLE (18)
37 - BURGLARY- APT.-NON-FORCIBLE (11)
39 - BURGLARY- HOTEL-NON-FORCIBLE (1)
40 - BURGLARY- COMM.-FORCIBLE (9)
41 - BURGLARY- COMM.-NON-FORCIBLE (3)
43 - BURGLARY- SCHOOL-NON-FORC (1)
44 - BURGLARY- OTHER- FORCIBLE (8)
45 - BURGLARY- OTHER-NON-FORC (6)
47 - BURGLARY- NOTHING TAKEN (8)
48 - BURGLARY ATTEMPT (6)

You, and all of us, all over the city must be more vigilant and less believing that this only happens in the poor neighborhoods of Dwight, Dixwell, Hill and Newhallville.

Oh yea and the affluent East Rock too.

Posted by: Doug | November 3, 2008 1:26 PM

CAP, a lot of Italians in New Haven are immigrants, too. Are all Italians criminals? Unless you count only their immigration status, there's not a lot of data to prove that undocumented people in New Haven are responsible for any more crime than folks who were born in the U.S.

Posted by: Bill | November 3, 2008 1:35 PM

These boys should be given tickets, they were riding on the sidewalk.

Posted by: David Streever | November 3, 2008 1:39 PM

Drop The Hammer is a REAL MAN! Don't tease him! He might shoot you! I love that scenario,
"Sure let me get my wallet, oh my, what's this, a hand gun! OK, let me drop the safety, and start shooting you! Funny how it fit so well in my pocket!"

Maybe you should stick to playing "Quick Draw"

Posted by: Carole | November 3, 2008 1:59 PM

CAP and Drop the Hammer,

I asked you for " one concrete, actual example" of Paul "making excuses" for criminal behavior. You came up with zero facts -- just more rhetoric, name-calling, and baseless assertions.

Facts are a powerful weapon. I suggest you get some training in how to recognize and use them. You don't even need a permit.

Posted by: Connecticut Bob | November 3, 2008 2:20 PM

Wow Paul, I'm very glad you and your loved ones came through this unscathed. What a scary thing! Stay safe.

Posted by: James | November 3, 2008 2:57 PM

Glad you're OK, Paul.

Streever et al., not that it's relevant but FYI, many guns don't have a safety in the traditional sense. But I am a gun owner who occasionally carries concealed and have to agree that Hammer's scenario is pretty ridiculous. You're watching far too much TV, buddy. You don't have to be a good shot to hit somebody 2 feet away from you and unless that person is distracted you're simply no going to draw fast enough. All you are doing is vastly increasing your own chances of getting shot AND having your gun taken for use in more crimes. Hammer strikes me as the kind of person who carries hoping that he will be mugged.

Posted by: DAFeder | November 3, 2008 2:59 PM

Was anyone else disappointed in the last Indiana Jones movie? Clearly, if I want to see a great action adventure I should just follow DROP THE HAMMER around town. As soon as he says "Are you lookin' at me?", hit the deck.

Seriously, Paul takes a lot of crap here about being anti-cop, but I have never heard a police officer, in public or in private, suggest a gunfight as a solution to being mugged. Who is anti-cop here?

Finally, CAP: if you really think that "Liberals think in the abstract and their dreamy abstractions are...divorced from reality," you should ask about how Rebekah spends her days. Hey, Rebekah!

David

Posted by: Tim Kane | November 3, 2008 4:51 PM

Paul, Carole, Rebekah: So glad you're OK. You handled yourselves beautifully in a difficult situation.

Posted by: Derek Slap | November 3, 2008 5:25 PM

Paul & Carole,

I am so sorry to hear about what happened to you, Carol, and your friends. Thank god everyone is okay. Your abiding faith in New Haven has strenghtened the community and inspired so many. It is heartening to see that faith remains strong.

Posted by: YourNeighbor | November 3, 2008 5:40 PM

Paul, so sorry you & your family had to go through this. I wouldn't wish such a thing on anyone. I hope they catch these thugs and punish them severely so they can't do it again. I, too, live in Westville and it's a shame this happens.

I must say, I do not agree with your politics and I believe whole-heartedly that what you advocate makes events like this a common occurrence in NH. Let's look at this as a wake-up call that handouts create dis-incentives for people to become productive working members of society. People need to sink or swim based on what? Their own merit. Let's stop this problem at its source - stop creating this sense of entitlement that leads directly to this kind of behavior. Let's also hope that your views on criminal rights don't come back to haunt you on this too.

Paul, I feel for you more than you can know, so don't take this as heartless, but I really hope that this event serves a greater purpose in showing you personally that what sometimes seems like aid for a people is just hurting them in the long run.

Posted by: THREEFIFTHS | November 3, 2008 6:24 PM

Just because you carry a handgun does not mean that you are safe.Most of the time when you are held up,The robbers have the drop on you,Now when they search you ,Now they have your gun and your wallet and then they may hurt you more because of the gun you have.Also what if both of these kids had guns and paul did have a gun,would it had been wise to get in a shoot out and have one of your family members hit by a bullet? Any police officer will tell you that when you are held up with a gun you follow all orders,Paul did the right thing and that is why he and his family are
here today.

Posted by: JMS | November 3, 2008 7:00 PM

I agree 100% with David Streever that starting a gunfight in the close company of your beloved family is probably the stupidest idea I have ever heard vomited onto the pages of this forum. Hammer Time! How about diffusing the situation like Paul managed to do without getting himself or his family shot?

And for the record this is the first time I have openly agreed with David Streever who believes every problem/crisis/disease in the universe can be resolved with a little blue Park compact folding bicycle multi-tool.

(humor)

Love 'ya David.

JMS

Posted by: Jean Claude | November 3, 2008 7:54 PM

Glad to hear everyone's okay.
If you really need to disarm an attacker, there's no time to reach for your concealed weapon. There's a nifty little trick in which you bring both hands quickly to the gun...
The left hand grabs the slide on the gun and the right hand, in a fist, knocks the wrist of the arm holding the gun. The force to the wrist causes the hand to open, and the hand holding the slide retrieves the gun. If the attacker has the opportunity to pull the trigger, the gun is already away from your head, and the skin of your hand (now tangled up in the slide) keeps the gun from being fired again.
Without getting into legal trouble (IP addresses are hard to cover up), I can assure you this works in practice, with minimal harm to attacker or potential victim, other than some minor scarring on the left hand.
Positive side? You end up with a shiny little "throw-away" for use at a later date. Sure, it's all sorts of Jean-Claude Van Damme (sp?), but c'mon, that guy's cool.
Folks like Drop The Hammer should spend some time on the streets and away from the range!

Posted by: Mr. Stephen Peter Ross | November 3, 2008 8:45 PM

Attempts at politicizing this incident sound labored. "I'm glad you're ok, but...['I told you so']" seems to imply "I'm glad you're ok so you're around to manipulate."

Indecent.

Posted by: Lance | November 3, 2008 9:25 PM

Glad you and your wife are safe Paul. You'll be a lot less safe under Obama. I'd move if I were you.

Posted by: JMS | November 3, 2008 10:20 PM

Lance,

"You'll be a lot less safe under Obama"

I would be curious to find out if this was actually true. (I doubt it is.) Maybe Paul could provide us crime statistics for New Haven under (for example) Clinton vs. Bush. Eight years of one political game plan vs. eight years of another. That might serve as a good indicator as to whether your comment have a leg to stand on... or not.

Paul? Anyone? Got a link to those kinds of annual crime stats in New Haven?

JMS

Posted by: Doug | November 3, 2008 10:57 PM

It's always disappointing to see how some people (YourNeighbor) seem to think the solution to street crime is for people not to be born into poverty... as if eliminating public assistance programs all together will start society back at zero, with no poverty in sight. Ridiculous.

Better yet, if you have a real solution for the problems of poverty and street violence TODAY, let's hear it.

Entitlements, such as food stamps, do NOT make people more likely to rob others. They feed the hungry. Other programs help single mothers get to work (cleaning your house maybe?) by providing low-cost childcare. It's things like drug addiction, desperation, lack of education, a lack of respect for human life, laziness, and sometimes it's just plain evil, that drive people to rob others. It's not entitlement policies. It's kind of silly and out of touch to think otherwise.

And Lance, you simply appear to be afraid of black people. You can grow out of that, and I hope you do so. Good luck.

Paul & Carole, you've opened yourself up here to your readers in a remarkable fashion. I'm hoping it's not making this weekend's events harder to digest. Be well.

Posted by: Been There | November 4, 2008 12:59 AM

Paul, I'm sorry to hear about your mugging. Good for you for sharing it - it can feel humiliating to be a crime victim but hopefully the support you get here will help you to heal. Friday night (Halloween) I was thinking that it was the anniversary of my own first mugging in Westville many years ago when I was the ripe age of 10. Like many areas of New Haven, Westville's streets look safe but are close to rough neighborhoods. With the economy going downhill it seems crime in New Haven is getting worse and we'll probably be hearing more stories like this.

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 4, 2008 5:51 AM

JMS

"You'll be a lot less safe under Obama"

"I would be curious to find out if this was actually true."

One need only look at Chicago. Did not seem to improve much as a "Community Organizer".

Posted by: Deuce | November 4, 2008 8:01 AM

"With the economy going downhill it seems crime in New Haven is getting worse"

The economy has nothing to do with these types of crimes. Do you really think these muggers play the stock market or were screwed with a sub-prime mortgage?

Posted by: JMS | November 4, 2008 9:27 AM

(I can't believe I didn't think of this before)

Paul... why not attend services with Slugger Sandman and have him walk you home? No one messes with Slugger Sandman.

JMS

PS. Oh and Deuce... the economy and spending cuts to social services have a direct effect on crime rates. I have observed this cycle in New Haven for decades. D'uh.

Posted by: Deuce | November 4, 2008 9:48 AM

C'mon JMS, stop making excuses for this type of criminal behavior. There are plenty of people who don't receive social services and they're not out mugging people. These are punks we're talking about, mugging people for (most likely) drug money. You think they're going to sign up for social services in the first place?

Posted by: JMS | November 4, 2008 10:43 AM

Deuce,

I'm not making excuses for anyone. And I'm not talking about bleeding heart welfare/hand-out social services you bonehead... I'm talking about massive budget cuts that effect schools... education... youth services and programming... etc. Assuming for the moment that the parents of these delinquents are not going to bother to teach them right from wrong then somebody has too. I laugh every time I hear your typical arm chair accusations about the roots of crime.

Blowhard. Step out from behind your PC into the real world and take a look around at the reality of life in New Haven (or any urban city) over the years. Crime mirrors the economic trends. Always has... always will.

JMS

Posted by: Deuce | November 4, 2008 11:33 AM

JMS, I am a part of the real world as I've worked with the public for many years. The more I worked with the public, the more conservative I became. You're still excusing criminal behavior. Somebody has to teach them right from wrong? Okay, I'll leave that up to the police. You laugh everytime I talk about crime? Will you be laughing if the victim is yourself?

You tell me to step away from my computer, yet you resort to name calling from...A COMPUTER!

Posted by: JMS | November 4, 2008 1:50 PM

Josh Silverman
35 Elmwood Road
New Haven, CT.

I just love PC bravado.

Look me up any time.

Posted by: Deuce | November 4, 2008 2:55 PM

JMS, what am I supposed to do with your name and address?

Are you inviting me over for coffee?

Posted by: Fedupwithliberals | November 4, 2008 3:25 PM

JMS

Slugger Sandman?

Better idea. Paul, take the pistol packin' Rabbis with you!!

Posted by: JMS | November 4, 2008 3:57 PM

Deuce,

I don't drink coffee. Caffine dehydrates me which is not good for my marathon training. I was thinking more of a friendly sparring match. I have a make shift boxing gymn set-up on my garage with at least two pairs of gloves. We can settle our differences like gentlemen. Slugger sandman and/or Paul can officiate.

Somehow I doubt you'll show up.

JMS

Posted by: Josh Smith | November 4, 2008 4:55 PM

JMS,

Don't feed the trolls. :) There are quite a few of them on this site, unfortunately. I've been posting less lately rather than dealing with their hateful attitudes.

Posted by: Deuce | November 5, 2008 8:06 AM

JMS, you prefer violence over dialogue? Threats over the internet? That's quite unbecoming of a liberal. What would Steve Kalb think?

Posted by: JMS | November 5, 2008 9:19 AM

Deuce,

Oh? We were having a dialogue? I thought you were just spouting random stupid stuff and I was mocking you. Let me know when the dialogue part starts. And boxing isn't violence... it's the sweet science. Don't you know anything? Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWBUl7oT9sA

JMS

Posted by: Deuce | November 5, 2008 10:46 AM

JMS, you're a Python fan too! Then I guess you'd have to agree that this isn't an argument, it's a contradiction :)

I just read the entire thread again and I don't see how my comments are that much different than yours:

"Now when I see kids on bikes I just assume they are delinquents"

All I said was basically: poverty is no excuse. Sorry J, but being poor does not give anyone the right to wave a gun in someone else's face. I express that, and you reply with name calling and insults.

I wasn't expecting the Spanish Inquisition.

Posted by: JMS | November 5, 2008 11:50 AM

NO ONE EXPECTS THE SPANISH INQUISITION!!!!

JMS

Posted by: Jennifer McFadden | November 6, 2008 5:32 PM

Hi,
I'm glad to hear that you and your wife are ok--I'm sure that it was quite traumatizing. Thinking of you both. Must be particularly troubling given your longstanding place in the community.
Best,
Jennifer

Posted by: CHAPELITE | November 7, 2008 1:51 PM

Thank you JMS and Duece! Your documented banter put a smile on my face today! Everyone has lost their minds!!

Posted by: upstanding citizen | November 10, 2008 7:54 PM

Hey! Years ago I used to buy my crack cocaine right on that little street from white people. I myself am white and would walk up and down Alden st. crouching in the bushes by the Orthodox Church, the Catholic Church and Library smoking my crap!
A totally sketchy white addict criminal in your neighborhood conducting business with other white coke/crack/dope heads right there. Crazy!

Thankfully I never directly mugged anyone or caused anyone trouble.

I eventually got fed up with myself (rather than "liberals") and got some clean time and recovery and have tried to make amends to the area in different ways.... I'm sorry this has happened to you and your family.

Times are very very tough. Greed is prevalent from a poor adolescent hoodlum, to a normal white dude like me, to the President of the United States and his Owners.