These news stories are alarming. See
(e:paul)'s journal for background.
People in the burbs can take these stories however they want and I don't concern myself with whether they want to come to the city or not based on their perceptions of them. The Buffalo News reports the facts and we will all interpret them differently based on our own experiences and how our views have been shaped by them. I think that most often I feel safe but it really depends on where I am. Out of the three instances of attacks (2 from
(e:paul)'s journal and 1 from
(e:gardenmama)'s) I have found myself in those same locations at similar times on foot. Sometimes I have large amounts of cash like $200 and people of lower income levels typically do more with cash than plastic for many different reasons. Many people even pay their rent with cash they turn into money orders.
(e:janelle), I get your concern, and I would assume your statistics correct, but to just assume that these attacks are somehow based on a criminal background of the victim and that you should just assume that bad things only happen to bad people based on statistics is sort of dangerous. I have seen numerous cases of gangs of threatening youth who have little respect for themselves or others do quite horrible things to innocent victims. These crimes can happen anywhere. You are also probably aware that most of these crimes are not reported for a huge number of reasons but mainly out of fear, both fear of reprisal and fear of a failed judicious system. If you know the judicial system is unable to protect you and that by going to the police you can be identified and later can be found it is an extremely hard thing to do. The violence we read about in the police blotter is only a fraction of what is really occurring out there on the streets.
There should be some amount of fear in us that we could one day be victimized for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. I do not think it should consume us but it is reasonable to take some precautions. For me, the most appropriate precaution I take is to trust my instincts as they are most often correct.
One other thing is that Buffalo, in my opinion, does have racial tensions. They are a source of violence within themselves. Race riots occurred here not so long ago. There is anger and distrust still and it takes a very long time for it to heal. Because Buffalo is so divided still racially, you can draw attention to yourself by your race alone and become a target because of it. I suppose that can be true anywhere but again because Buffalo is very segregated, I think it makes it even more likely for this type of violence to occur here. People do not know where to place their anger and anger is often responded to in violence. This type of anger results in hate crimes including crimes against a person's sexuality.
When I went to buy my first pair of snowboots (that I never wear even in the deepest of snow because I keep tripping! I am better walking on snow with waterproof sneakers.) I was told that Kamik were really good one. But I ended up buying some random brand at Dick's sporting goods. They are pretty good but they feel like a ton of rocks and I am not good at walking with ankle weights in the snow!
Those first one look a lot like good ol' duck boots from LL Bean. They are honestly the only boots I've ever had. I've had mine for years. And I'm pretty sure LLBean has a lifetime guarantee. Dunno about Cabela's. A word of advice though- they're waterproof and good for keeping you dry if you are walking through snow, but they're not lined or anything, and are thus not particularly warm if you are going to be standing IN snow for a long time. But there is a thinsulate lined one that is super toasty. But for just running around town if it's slushy... I like 'em. They're also pretty old school new english preppy, which I admit I also like.