So I have been having problems with the renters that moved in next door. The last 3 months have been a living hell. I have an ongoing complaint with the slumlord that owns the property and the city is taking him to court for derelict vehicles next week (which I anonymously complained about, but I am sure I am being blamed for). He is also pissed that I called the police on him last week for using my yard and drive as a place to turn around. The white cop that came was useless. Took my name and birthdate but went over and listened to them and then left (without telling me what was going on). I had to stop the cop to find out that there was nothing he could/would do.
Let me back up by saying this as background:
a) I am white. Punk neighbor is black and just moved to my street from the ghetto where his behavior is not only tolerated but apparently encouraged.
b) I am not predjudice against any race, only stupid people. Two of my closest friends that I would give my life for are black.
c) My neighborhood borders the ghetto and is in danger of becoming ghettofied. (meaning this is a nearly all black neighborhood that has been quiet until these renters moved in)
d) I have nothing against renters, I have rented this house for over 9 years. My original feud is with his slumlord.
Tonight, as I am pulling down the street to my home, a car comes up from the opposite direction, then backs up into oncoming traffic..meaning me (this is a narrow street) and into the driveway next door. Of course, I look to see who/what the problem is. It is the troublesome punk neighbor. I say nothing. I dont flip him off, I dont say a word.
I pull into my driveway and start to get out. He starts mouthing off at me not to look at him. Understand, there is a mere 30 feet tops between our houses, our drives/yards separated only by a narrow strip of grass and a walnut tree. I try to ignore him, but he continues to make advances and threats. Finally, in as calm a voice as I couldm I asked him to stay on his side and leave me be and there wont be a problem. He continues yelling at me not to stare at his yard or him. I told him it is kind of hard not to look at a yard that is right next door. I asked that maybe he should have his landlord put up a fence then I couldn't see him. He continues mouthing and I try to get things out of the car. I ignore him, but now he is coming across the yard. Very quickly. I know what is coming, he has done this once before. What I dont know, is how far he will take it. Whether it is more intimidation and mouth or real physcial violence.
I take a defensive stance, knowing I dont stand a chance against him (even assuming he is not armed). He had me pinned up against the car and was in my face. I basically was reduced to pleading, How fu$king humiliating. He was trying to intimidate and he succeeded. I told him he can hit me if he wants, I dont stand a chance in hand to hand combat and he knows it. He backed off at that point. He told me to call the cops again and see what happens. I told him I wont be calling the police anymore because they are apparently quite useless.
I managed to get inside without further incident (other than to move my car into my detached garage). I was shaking and yes, I called the police, but only to document the incident. I told the officer that I dont own a weapon and in that circumstance a weapon would have been useless anyway. That the law is only to protect the rights of the criminal.
While this 20 year veteran was empathetic, he agreed that their hands were tied. That without witnesses or proof of his trespassing or threats, there was nothing they could do.
I called my landlord this evening and left him a message. I told him that I would pay the $600 for a 8 ft high stockade fence but that he would have to install it. I cant afford to move until I finishe school next July. I pay $290 a month rent for a 2BR house with a garage.... average rent for a one BR apartment in this area starts at $600/mo, so I figure that its cheaper to erect a fence that the punk would have to go around to get to me than for me to pay to move, pay first and last month rent, a deposit, a moving van, and double rent.
Damn, I wanted to spend that $600 on a big screen tv.
Thanks, I needed to vent. Yes, I am scared shitless. Now I am going to go drink myself into oblivion.
Snakes ()