[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by MomMom

Wish I didn't have to spread the love more for reppie, I love you Buzzy!

I love you too MM. Thanks.

[MomMom]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

MomMom, will you be my MomMom? I'd like to save your reply and use it sometime. Giving you credit of course. You are brilliant.

You also reminded me that I was a teen once (still am in my mind). I grew up in a small town, and believe me, it wasn't anything like Mayberry, and the kids were nothing like Opie. I'd love to research this to see if it's true, but I think because it's harder to keep under wraps in a small town, the kids may be subjected to more decadent behavior than they are in Las Vegas, Chicago, New York, Washington, or Los Angeles.

Thank you my friend, use it as you will.

I think it's because whatever happens in Las Vegas is so out in the open. Crime, corruption..everything. And it's world news when it does happen, nobody cares about Podunk or Mayberry, but EVERYONE cares about what goes on in Vegas baby! Our city (because it's in the world's spotlight) really is an open book, the good, the bad, and the ugly...

People don't realize that with 33 million tourists a year, some of them come here to do their dirty work and leave...it's always been that way, hasn't it?

Granted, we've got unsavory types who are considered residents as well and that can't be helped.

In fact, taking into account those numbers of people here per year, I should think our crime figures are quite low..considering? And it's not like OUR tourists are confined to the Strip or Downtown Fremont Street. They are EVERYWHERE in the valley.

When I hear friends of mine, from every corner of the country (and in some real "tony" places), complaining about crime in their particular neck of the woods and how close THEY are to being victimized, I really take a step back and I've realized the world is such a different place than it was when we were kids. And that no place on Earth is crime free.

When I first moved here, so long ago, my aunt and uncle never locked their doors at night. They kept the screen door on the patio open all night when the weather was nice, so the house wouldn't get too hot in the evenings.

We wouldn't even consider doing that now..well maybe, the big doggies help out in that department a lot.

Anyhoo, to answer your question? I'll be your Mom x 2 anytime

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

you mean influences like the hooker that doubled as a waitress at the Shamrock truck stop?

Without getting so descriptive she could be recognized, we had one that had teens in high school, had a very public job, dressed fit to kill, liked young guys.

And she was one of many. The population was only 32,000, and half of them must have been involved in gambling, booze, and other indulgences. It's not even necessary to use the word illegal, because everything, including drinking anything stronger than 3% beer was illegal, and all the good things were taxed to death. Tax the good and pretend the bad doesn't exist and what do you think you'll get?

Every year the legislature tried to legalize liquor by the drink. Every year the Baptists and the bootleggers joined forces to defeat the act. Now when I go back for a visit I'm shocked to see liquor departments in drug stores, and "gentleman's" clubs out on the highway.

[ceylona]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

Just as we have a tendancy to speak up when someone insults OURS....

Touche'...I guess, lol. I sincerely apologize for my COMPLETEY FAR OUT AND UNHEARD OF misconceptions and any unintended insulting remark I have made. Sarcasm aside I really meant the apology. That said, I never insulted any of you PERSONALLY and I wish I could say the same of some of you.

[dynimagelv]

jussssssst when you're gettin back in good graces, you gotta slam.... no one insulted you...only your post....:P

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by ceylona

I love this reply! Makes sense and tells it like it is. My kids might not believe it but I was a teen once, and I was raised well with good values. A good kid. But wherever you live there is trouble to be found, if you are looking or if you are not. I occasionally did find some, and I am sure my kids will too.

I don't really worry about the casinos, and they can drink illegally anywhere they can find a way to get it. My concerns are less concrete than that. Its something else. Harder for me to pinpoint myself.

When I think of Vegas as a parent, I am thinking, will my teens stay away from the strip when looking for things to do? Will their friends? Is it unsafe for them there if they do drive around there? What kind of things will they see? What kind of people will they meet? Who will be influencing them and what will be available to them. Does exposure to the goings on of the strip desensitize them to the values I teach in the home. Does the tourist motto of what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas mean tourist young adults might influence/encourage my kids to participate in things those people would not think of doing back home? Maybe this line of thinking is way off. Maybe not. But as an outsider these thoughts exist in my head, and that is why I am here talking to you folks about it. I want to know your opinions, as people who live it, before I decide if my fears are justified.


Right now my basic feelings are: Yes, kids can get into trouble anywhere, but is Vegas worse?

Thanks again for your insight

Now that's a better way to ask your questions. The first question may not have been well thought out and a little naive, but even I like this post. I'll even give you the benefit for being so defensive. I get that way too, so don't want to be a complete hypocrite.

I hope you are getting the answers you're looking for. Keep in mind that most of us who bother to reply realize that there are 1000 people reading this to every 1 poster...maybe more...so most of our answers are directed to all of those Las Vegas bashers out there, not just the OP. So it's not really personal, and I hope you get to know Las Vegas and like it here. Some day you'll probably be one of us locals who are sensitive to the way we are perceived by the rest of the country. None of us ever thought we'd be in this position, even my friend, Forrest Duke, who coined the term TBCOTA way back when. (The Best City Of Them All)

[dynimagelv]

Hang in there Ceylona....you're getting there.....

It's called hazing

[ceylona]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

jussssssst when you're gettin back in good graces, you gotta slam.... no one insulted you...only your post....:P

You're kidding right? Please reread the posts. And you call mine a SLAM? You kill me.

[dynimagelv]

oK...it ain't worth it....

[ceylona]

Originally Posted by dynimagelv

Hang in there Ceylona....you're getting there.....

It's called hazing

Hazing...lol, some things never change from school days. Ya haven't run me off yet...(see I have a thicker skin than you think )

Thanks for your support.