Scott Allan’s World

So I heard on the news this morning that Birmingham is ranked the 6th most dangerous city in the country. The study is based on per-capita rates for homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary and auto theft. Each crime was weighted according to its seriousness. The actual statistics have not been released ( you can pay for them here). In 2006, according to FBI statistics, there were 13.6 violent crimes committed per 1,000 persons and there were 44.5 murders per 100,000 persons.

I’ve only been here a few years, but it does not feel that violent. There must be a huge difference between the violence in the inner-city and the surrounding suburbs. Regardless, this is disgraceful. Forget the ridiculous domed stadium Mayor Langford. You have to make our city safe. Langford has proposed a “1 cent” sales tax increase to fund his precious stadium project. Birmingham would be the first major city in the Southeast to have a double-digit sales tax. I am continually disgusted by politicians selling this as a “penny” tax. You will not be just paying an extra penny on everything you purchase, this is a penny per dollar which is a 1% increase. In Jefferson County, this will increase the sales tax to 10% which is obscene. When I moved here 3 years ago, Jefferson County convinced voters to approve a “penny” increase which moved the tax from 8% to 9%. Wake up people! This must stop! I think I might have to organize a tea party. Who’s in?