horselover wrote on May 21, 2008 5:13 PM:
" If parents taught more values we wouldn't need this. I think it is great as long as it remains a non denominational faith based Christianity. Our children are our future, they need guidance, unfortunately with today's society and advancements in technology as well as stressed-out parents, they need SOMETHING positive in their life. Count me to donate and I don't even live in the area, but have grandchildren there. "
Chante wrote on May 18, 2008 10:55 PM:
" Oh, one more point, as far as scoring drugs outside, or inside for that matter, the idea of these programs is to teach the kids how to resist drugs, and yes, in our imperfect world there will be kids who just don't get it and use the facility for their own selfish habits.
As far as being able to get drugs in LaCrosse, I can tell you that in ANY 12 block radius of anywhere in LaCrosse you will find illegal drugs a plenty, and the availability of them will not go away until the demand for them does, period.Giving kids the power to make choices seems to me to be a pretty good way to go.I just think any program that wants to help our youth should get our blessings. "
Chante wrote on May 18, 2008 10:40 PM:
" Wow, after reading all the posts on this article I am speechless, no wait a minute, Abe, you should be speechless cause whatever all your posts were sposed to say got lost is the bable.
As far as the article, nothing is perfect in this world, and nothing is a fix all. Will you have problems where kids hang out? Sure, bound to happen, thats why phones have a 9 and a 1 on them.
Crossfire is just another way to keep the street corners in your city from looking like the projects in Chicago, or any other city.If you think LaCrosse has a major problem with kids you all need to be educated on inner city youth.One trip through the burrows should give the posters here who have nothing better to do than complain something to think about. "
K A P wrote on May 18, 2008 9:56 PM:
" I was at the event last week and what I saw was a group of very appreciative kids who were thankful someone cares about them and is willing to spend time and help them. It seems whenever somebody stands for something others are always willing to take shots at them. Maybe before people critisize Crossfire they should personally spend time there to make a well informed decision, then post their comments. Lets not critisize an organization wanting to help young people, afterall, they are our future! "
HonestAbe wrote on May 17, 2008 11:31 PM:
" I don't like to argue, just get irritated by self rightous people is all.
I'm not your 'bro'.
We get it, you don't like drinkers, ok, ok ... we don't like you either.
Have a nice glorious heavenly day *shesh* "
5:17 wrote on May 17, 2008 11:17 AM:
" honestabe, I think you just like to argue, all the taxes in the world that bars pay doesn't even scratch the surface of fedral, state and local taxes it takes to undue the damage bars do for their community. Not to mention how to you put a cost on the abuse, neglect, death and family destruction bars and alchol have on people. Weak argument bro not even talking about anymore! Just in closing all you bloggers I understand we are all entitled to our opinions and its been fun talking on this subject, but the stone cold fact is these Trouble Kids aren't just Crossfires kids there all of ours they belong to our community so they belong to our families. "
HonestAbe wrote on May 17, 2008 10:48 AM:
" 5:17, yes ... you must be that dense.
I sure wish I could feel as superior as you. lol
rockforlife88,
The bars pay taxes, that paid for the sidewalk and street, don't even go there. Very bad analogy/argument!
eeek, is that what goes on there ... unconditional love? LOLOL !!
Just keep telling yourself you are that good, and eventually you'll believe it, huh? "
rockforlife88 wrote on May 17, 2008 10:37 AM:
" I just wanted to add this- I think I made it seem like I thought Crossfire wasn't a good place for kids, and that's not what I meant I was referring to hanging out in front of Crossfire. Crossfire is a blessing to this city, and lives are being completely transformed. I wish when I was in high school I would have had a place like Crossfire to go to, where I knew that people there would love me unconditionally...that's rare to find and that's apparent with so many of your responses. There is such a lack of love, and how do you think anything is going to change by that? It won't-in fact, it will probably worsen things in this city. "
rockforlife88 wrote on May 17, 2008 3:51 AM:
" It's so ridiculous that so many of you are wasting your time complaining about the kids standing outside of Crossfire on Friday nights-I agree it isn't the best place for them to be, but I don't hear many people complain about all the drunks in front of every single bar downtown who are much more likely to inflict danger or hassle you.....but so many of you think thats acceptable and take part in it anyways so obviously you are going to complain about those people... "
5:17 wrote on May 17, 2008 3:30 AM:
" "honestabe" I must be dense bro I don't understand a word your saying. Wierd that we are commenting this time of night, I was just chasing some drunk College students off my property just after they woke me up from knocking over 3 of Attorney Phil Addis's tree's. Silly drunk students ya gotta love'em. lol!! "
HonestAbe wrote on May 17, 2008 2:00 AM:
" 5:17, is that what these little kids are doing downtown hanging out causing problems, fighting for something, wow, thanks for informing me, I had no clue!
I don't trust musicians that sit during their set,,, sign of being as lame as some who needs viagra "
HonestAbe wrote on May 17, 2008 1:58 AM:
" 5:17 "due your homework"
lmao lol lmao !!!!!1
Good argument ... uh, ya lol
I think you misplaced your homework "
HonestAbe wrote on May 17, 2008 1:55 AM:
" LMAO, can you spot the self serving lamers that attend? lol!
They sure don't take criticism well, but can sure dole it out, huh? "
HonestAbe wrote on May 17, 2008 1:53 AM:
" ""creating storys""
more like stating facts
they can do wrong because they can ask for forgiveness, period.
I knew a couple kids that used to live there and brag about what they get away with (drugs/drink).
Parents drop them off and say 'have fun' .......... and they do! "
5:17 wrote on May 16, 2008 11:30 PM:
" $29.5 million dollar expansion in less than 15 years of an already $60 million dollar Jail that is what is going on in our city, seems to me the worlds programs aren't working so hot. La Crosses population hasn't even grown 15% IN THE PAST 10 YEARS YET OUR JAIL POPULATION HAS ALMOST DOUBLED IN THE MENS JAIL AND ALMOST TRIPLED IN THE FEMALES. We got real problems due your homework people our world is falling a part our city is falling a part. Sorry if some of us want to go down fighting, we will fight for what is right for the youth which represent the future of our city. Thats how we show a generation we care about them. They have no voice they have no voting power we need to be their advocates. We owe them that much, they are feeling the pains of our mistakes. "
david wrote on May 16, 2008 7:37 PM:
" Crossfire WORKS ! Northwestern University study did the most expensive and extensive secular study on Drug and alcohol recovery programs. Faith based programs have a 72-85% cure rate the best secular non faithbased programs cost THOUSANDS of dollars and have a cure rate of 4-7%. So if their is any illegal activity happening in your weekend ally drives call 911 . "
5:17 wrote on May 16, 2008 3:52 PM:
" WOW So lets talk about humor La Crosse Wi, most famous for its # of bars on one street really something to pride yourselves in. Not more than 1 block away from Crossfire 2,000 + college age boys and girls get wasted on an average of 4 nights a week. Lets pole the police, hospitals, river rescue teams, college professors etc.. etc.. what cost downtown has on our city!! 1 million dollars is what it cost in tax payer dollars for every one kid we can keep from living a life of crime. I know for a fact Crossfire saved this community at least that much by impacting me. I was in and out of prison before meeting Crossfire staff 9 years later I'm out and doing more for this city than most. "
seriously now wrote on May 16, 2008 3:40 PM:
" Hillbilly wrote on May 16, 2008 12:03 PM:
" At risk of what? Being lured into this new-age *christianity* sounds like going from the frying pan right into the fire. Indoctrinating youth into self-righteous, narrow-minded belief systems (BS) doesn't seem like much of a public service to me. And what kind of property tax situation do they have? "
Hey billy-boy: Where are your suggested solutions?
I hear you flap-jawing about how bad it is, but you offer NOTHING as an alternative? Please contribute something positive or put a cork in it. "
cantbelieveit wrote on May 16, 2008 3:33 PM:
" To ad4mj9381- Try instead of watching for them to do wrong actually stepping outside of your safe haven and giving them a kind lesson of self-respect and respecting others. These kids aren't going to change with people just watching through their windows. Until you actually are part of the solution you probably have no place to say anything about the things they are doing. Take a second to think about what you were doing at 15 to 20 years old. unless you were perfect. "
mk wrote on May 16, 2008 3:05 PM:
" If Mother Theresa was alive and was on the verge of visiting La Crosse there still would be people in here casting a negative light on the event. "
ad4mj9381 wrote on May 16, 2008 2:35 PM:
" my point is they are only there because of these events, when there is nothing going on ther are no problems, at leaast have someone outside supervising them, if you dont believe drive through the alley on a night where they have something going on..... then you can tell me im wrong "
spenc wrote on May 16, 2008 2:15 PM:
" The allegation that Crossfire is somehow guilty by association and responsible for crimes within its neighborhood is pretty sketchy. It's be like blaming school teachers for a crime their students committed, but only if it was near the school building, as though the teachers were responsible for the morality of their students. The crime is a cold hard reality of our modern society, which by the way Crossfire is helping to change. Anyone who listens to the he testimonies of kids rescued from an abusive, drug and crime filled life, has to ask where Lacrosse would be today, had it not been for the efforts of those involved in years past. It's a pretty safe bet those kids wouldn't still be doing petty crimes. And the $800k donated by tax paying citizens, never has our government given such a great return on investment. "
Nunya wrote on May 16, 2008 2:09 PM:
" I am so exited to see crossfire is up and running. The values that are instilled from this organization are positive and encouraging. Regardless of the religious background of crossfire, you have to understand that morals are taught. Being founded on Christianity it is based on positive values! If you disagree, you have not studied the Christianity religion enough, or at all. No one there is forcing this belief on anyone. It is simply giving youth a place of refuge and guidance. This is a great opportunity for youth to find a place and get positive direction in their life. Keep up the good work Crossfire! "
Hillbilly wrote on May 16, 2008 12:03 PM:
" At risk of what? Being lured into this new-age *christianity* sounds like going from the frying pan right into the fire. Indoctrinating youth into self-righteous, narrow-minded belief systems (BS) doesn't seem like much of a public service to me. And what kind of property tax situation do they have? "
ad4mj9381 wrote on May 16, 2008 11:53 AM:
" well david i hate to burst your bubble, but i live right there and i have watched them be destructive over and over again "
Darwin wrote on May 16, 2008 11:52 AM:
" Great outside Crossfire during the day, while the kids are in school; but at night? "
CJ wrote on May 16, 2008 11:49 AM:
" $800,000+ for a place to hang out.......wow and we have people in the area that can't afford the basics at times this is amazing. "
rfield wrote on May 16, 2008 11:18 AM:
" I've never been into Crossfire - but I worked downtown and have seen all the kids outside. Never once have they hassled me, done anything to my car or stolen my bike. This is an organization trying to help the kids out, giving them an option. This is a good thing.
"
willie wrote on May 16, 2008 10:55 AM:
" The renovation won't stay new for long, once the taggers get to it. "
david wrote on May 16, 2008 10:18 AM:
" Crossfire truely a great place that changes lives. Sad to see a few creating storys to cast a negative light on such a great place. Look at yesterdays Tribune story on Graffiti and the police said "its not the kids" These hurting kids belong to our community, glad you are willing not not just sweep them under the rug. My check is in the mail to help! "
Adam wrote on May 16, 2008 10:16 AM:
" What a great story. That's awesome that area businesses would step up and donate their time and resources for a project like this.
The people at Crossfire are trying hard to help those young kids. I really admire that. "
ad4mj9381 wrote on May 16, 2008 9:39 AM:
" yeah way to go... every time they have an event i ahve to sit and guard my car and make sure they dont cut my lock and steal my bike! fantastic place to have around!!! "
cantbelieveit wrote on May 16, 2008 9:11 AM:
" Way to go Crossfire. Just so everyone understands- Crossfire is inside. They are not responsible for what people do in the alley and in the park and at the mall and at the metrodome. The kids they work with are kids that go to school with your kids and neices and grandsons. The whole point is to give them an option of somewhere to go and get away from the other stuff. Its the kids inside that nobody seems to notice as their lives are changing for the better. Crossfire- I support what you are doing- someone has to "
Just Sayin' wrote on May 16, 2008 8:38 AM:
" Our "at-risk" foster kid spent a lot of time at Crossfire and it was a great place for meeting people who provide alcohol and drugs to teens. The leaders make absolutely no attempt to control what happens outside the building and in the alley. The kids are encouraged to think the downtown business owners and police are "persecuting" them because they're Christian when, in fact, they don't like them because they scare customers away and create havoc. "
Darwin wrote on May 16, 2008 8:13 AM:
" Faithfully stand outside and chain smoke? Faithfully hassle passersby?
Kids, we want you to have something to do - just don't be little jerks about it. "
Jaxx wrote on May 16, 2008 5:57 AM:
" I am so glad that there is something for kids to do in La Crosse that doesn't involve alcohol. But when the article says "faith-based," exactly what type of faith is it? "
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