Originally Posted by mythaeus
I was going to put this as a reply to another thread, but I thought it worths a thread of its own.
In reference to Philly:
Not to pick on just schmol and all due respect to all of you here, but what's with the Philly disses? I bet more than half of those who hate Philly have NEVER even lived here. And those who live here and want to move out, I highly encourage it...there are much better housing options outside. If you don't love where you live, pick up and go.
In any case, I went to apply for my LTCF 6 weeks ago, my application was 90% complete except for one of my proofs of residence was missing. Since I have waiting in line and she had already processed the initial part of the application, Detective Caldwell was VERY pleasant about it and come back with the 2nd proof later that day and she will make me next in line. I came back 1/2 hour later and she lined me up right away. I had a pleasant interview. The questions on the application were straight-forward, cannot be misunderstood, and at no point did I feel that she was trying to trip me up. She even jumped the answer, "Self Defense," after she asked me "Why do I need a license" even though I have already prepared a brief list of reasons. I got my LTCF yesterday - 6 weeks to the day! I am curious if anyone on the forum who live in Philly who was denied LTCF who was truthfully answered all of the questions.
I've been to 30 countries and hundreds of cities, but I love Philly. Among many reasons to list: culture, bars, parks, museums, restaurants. If I stay in this country for the rest of my life, I will live in Philly and nowhere else. While I understand that you've heard stories, especially those related to gun laws and restrictions in Philly, politics, idiotic stuff going on in the city, do you usually hear good stories on the news or on message boards?
I've always been an upright law-abiding citizen and 95% of the 1.5M people in Philly are too. Here are a couple more stories about law enforcement and me in Philly throughout my years here:
1. When I was in college, I met an LEO with an unmarked car in front of 7-11. I ended up talking to him because I knew his friend, a uniformed LEO that I chat with on occasions. After a few minutes of chatting, he asked me if I wanted to see something cool. He flipped a switch inside his car (an old 80's car that rigged up for LE purposes that looks just like a good old civilian car) and all kinds of police lights started flashing...pretty neat. We ended up talking about how it was customized etc.
2. Three years ago, I got pulled over for running a stop sign in a school zone. I attempted to stop, but it was too late. The LEO heard my tires screeching and stopped me. He let me go because I tried to stop and it was an honest mistake.
3. A few months after that, my car was broken into, I called 911, but eventually flagged a marked car down. The LEO was very helpful and called CSI in to process finger prints.
4. Last year, I got pulled over for running a "yellow" light a few months ago. The LEO gave me a ticket because I was speeding and running the light, but he was very nice and told me to go to court to get the points dropped. He went through the whole details (since I didn't know anything about it), including appeal process if I can't get the points dropped the first time.
5. A few days ago, some CSI's were doing stuff right outside my house. I came out and immediately one of the officers volunteered that they are doing some crime scene re-processing for court purposes for a case that occurred about 1.5 years ago (I didn't have to ask, and I guess they didn't want me to be alarmed). I spent a bit of time chatting with both of them and both had some crazy stories to share. I told them my wife and I are applying for LTCF; one of them said "Great! We need more of you out there to level the playing field". I told him it was much better than throwing rocks, then he replied "or being buried." I thought to myself...or see him again in a professional environment. Afterwards, I invited them into the house (one of the 2 CSI's were here checking it out when it was in the process of being built). Both of them gave my wife and I their personal numbers and asked us to call them anytime we need anything. They invited us to their office one of these days to check out the facility. I'll definitely take them up on it.
The bottom line is that I live in Philly for 13 years and most of my experiences have been overwhelmingly positive (as are all my friends and neighbors) in all aspects of life, down to obtaining my LTCF. I don't know if you follow other threads about other LEO's in other counties, especially the recent ones, 1 by Damage Control and the other 2 by Aran about his experience at Wal-Mart and the local LEO's, but that sure as heck worse that what I have read about Philly.
Regards,
Al
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