Fearful of Election Day aftermath, a Woodstock community will lock its gates
Updated at 5:15 p.m. to included comments from Calvin Moss, the Woodstock police chief.
Original: This embarrassing item just appeared on The Caucus, a New York Times blog:
In Woodstock, Ga., about 30 miles north of Atlanta, the president of a homeowners’ association sent an e-mail on Sunday informing residents that the entrance gates would be closed 24 hours a day beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday, out of concern over possible civil unrest after the election.
“I feel it is better to take a position of caution to enhance controlled access to the community until we see what (if any) negative repercussions may occur because of the results of the election,” wrote Bill Stanley, the president of the homeowners’ association at the Cottages of Woodstock, a residential community for people 55 and over.
Here you thought zombies weren’t real. On the other hand, it does send an interesting message to the grandkids: “You’re on your own.”
The NYT quotes Stanley as saying that he was ordering enhanced controlled access to the community on the recommendation of the Woodstock police department.
Added: But we just fielded a call from Calvin Moss, the Woodstock police chief, who said that he has had a conversation with Stanley this afternoon — and Stanley denied getting any such information from the Woodstock police force.
“We have no reason to believe that the election and its aftermath will be anything but peaceful,” Moss said. “Certainly we would give no one that kind of information.”
- By Jim Galloway, Political Insider
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349 comments Add your comment
Pandora
November 6th, 2012
10:35 am
The reason why they think it will be a riot is because President Obama will be re-elected. Everybody knows that the racist rednecks that are voting for Romney ONLY because he is white will have a fit because Romney will lose..Praise God that President Obama will be re-elected! OBAMA 2012!!
cwilli
November 6th, 2012
10:38 am
I wanted to speak on this yesterday, if you look for trouble you will find it. I don’t have a clue where this community is located nor do I care. To come out and annouce such a thing is horrible. This is an election who wins wins bottom line. I do say there is an bad element in the air and the wind is not blowing the direction you think it is. So stop looking for trouble. just stupid it also shows your mentality.
Call a spade...
November 6th, 2012
10:44 am
It’s quite telling that the mindset of many on this blog is that minorities will be the violent group. I seem to remember 4 little girls being blown up in Alabama during voter registration drives and man named Medgar Evers being shot to death outside his home. Do any of you remember the students killed in Mississippi? Political violence is uniquely suited for whites because it’s about intimidation and control. Fact is you’re losing your majority so there’s no need for minorities to become violent. Time is on our side.
HOA Member
November 6th, 2012
10:46 am
If I lived in this community, I would be preparing to file suit against this Bill Stanley character.
He has mischaracterized the neighborhood as an area so crime-ridden that the gates must be locked 24 hours a day. This representation can only diminish property values by casting the community in a bad light.
He should pay each homeowner 10% of their current property values as damages.
Shirley
November 6th, 2012
10:50 am
Just send Big Bird everthing will be fine.
Dung Shooken
November 6th, 2012
10:50 am
“Wow. Just how unruly do they expect Georgia republicans to get when Obama is elected?”
You don’t have to worry about Republicans getting unruly, but you DO have to worry about them wrecking this country (and they will) if they lose. They are so full of their ideological black and white kool aid that they WILL NOT tolerate losing without stonewalling, roadblocking, disrupting and completely wrecking the United States economy just to make a point.
Romney himself “warned” what would happen if Obama is re-elected. You want to see who will destroy this middle class? If Obama is re-elected, it will be the Republicans. And they won’t even flinch while doing it. That’s how extremist they are. Mark my words people.
Best Of The Best
November 6th, 2012
10:54 am
When saviour Mitt takes office, guess brother Jesse Jackson will have something to protest. He’s been awfully quiet of late. It would have to have been a white conspiracy to get Romeny elected. How anyone could vote for Obama is beyond me. Guess race does play a part in American politics. More Obama equals more socialistic policies.
Dung Shooken
November 6th, 2012
10:58 am
There’s nothing wrong with “socialistic policies”, as far as I’m concerned there is no more noble thing than for a Government to take care of its people. This isn’t the Soviet Union and communism we’re talking about here, you dorks.
bigdawg88
November 6th, 2012
11:02 am
If you thought that moveon.org ad was serious, you are not intelligent.
Sandy
November 6th, 2012
11:05 am
I’ve heard similar paranoia from many other people here in Jasper, Georgia: People in line at the Kroger supermarket; my neighbors in my subdivision; my landscaper’s friend; on reality TV shows. People seem to think that the apocalypse will be broadcast in your neighborhood tonight. Personally, I think the chance of civil unrest is highly unlikely. From the people I’ve spoken with they seem to think that if there’s any unrest it will not be from the Black people of Georgia but from the disgruntled White people afraid of an Obama victory.
cc
November 6th, 2012
11:09 am
“This isn’t the Soviet Union and communism we’re talking about here, you dorks.”
Your schooling, particularly as relates to governments, was woefully inadequate.
Ghost
November 6th, 2012
11:13 am
Welp, that’s the red state hysteria and paranoia for ya. Not surprised, frankly.
Don't Tread
November 6th, 2012
11:15 am
There’s nothing wrong with “socialistic policies”…
…unless you like freedom.
J-Jo
November 6th, 2012
11:21 am
The initial headline was definitely humorous and/or disheartening. But, thank you Mr Galloway, for updating to get some more facts and quotes in there, to give a fuller and more objective picture.
Optomistic Thinking
November 6th, 2012
11:27 am
Hey R, here are 25 reasons you should cast your vote for Obama. Do you have a competing list for Romney?
1. “The Affordable Care Act is saving my daughter’s life.”
Stacey, Arizona
2. “Obama is for the vets. He helped us wind down in Iraq, he’s improved mental health policy with VA benefits.”
Joel, Minnesota
3. “Obama stuck his neck out for us, the auto industry. He wasn’t going to let it just die, and I’m driving in this morning because of that, because of him.”
Brian, Ohio
4. “Osama bin Laden is dead, and General Motors is alive.”
Joe Biden, Delaware
5. “Supreme Court Supreme Court Supreme Court.”
Andrew, California
6. “Arithmetic.”
Bill Clinton, New York
7. “He cares for the 100 percent.”
Shana, Texas
8. “When Obama came into office, he successfully renewed our country’s place in the community of nations, making cooperation in tackling the world’s challenges possible.”
Willis, North Carolina
9. “The actions he has taken with respect to protecting us from terrorism have been very, very solid.”
Colin Powell, Virginia
10. “I was really very grateful to him for standing up for those kids who are having a really rough time out there because of their orientation.”
Jane Lynch, California
11. “For me, President Obama is our best choice because he has a vision of the United States as a place where we are all in this together.”
Bruce Springsteen, New Jersey
12. “He has a real plan for rescuing the economy that passes the ‘math’ test.”
Teresa, Virginia
13. “Having someone in office who understands how powerful our voice can be is very important.”
Jay Z, New York
14. “I am voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden because I can trust them to care for the middle class and restore the American dream.”
Steven, Florida
15. “The first measure he signed into law after becoming president was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act — so a female high school counselor or physical education teacher can fight for equal pay for equal work.”
Connie Britton, California
16. “I believe in the America he wants for my grandchildren.”
Nancy, Michigan
17. “We need four more years of repair, of helping the middle class achieve a sustainable economy.”
James Taylor, North Carolina
18. “I’ve watched him fight for our country, stand by the middle class, the working class, the military, the education of our children, universal health care, women, the environment, and matters of national and domestic security.”
Susan, Virginia
19. “The gifted 12-year-old I taught, whose parents were deported and left her here with her grandmother, will be allowed to stay and finish her education. She’s been in the U.S. since age one.”
Jamie, North Carolina
20. “I want our president to place scientific evidence and risk management above electoral politics.”
Michael Bloomberg, New York
21. “I have four children who are under 26 and able to stay on my health care plan. That’s been huge.”
Amy, Pennsylvania
22. “He’s fighting to defend and better Social Security and Medicare — because millions of Latino seniors rely on them.”
Cristina Saralegui, Florida
23. “Thanks to the President’s efforts to keep student loan rates low, I can expect to save nearly $1000 as I work to repay my student loans. And I don’t have too many of those, thanks to the Federal Pell Grant program.”
Sam, Minnesota
24. “It’s been wonderful to have President Obama as a champion for access to health care for all women in this country.”
Cecile Richards, New York
25. “Re-electing Barack Obama would lead to a stronger economic recovery than would be the case were Mitt Romney to win on November 6th.”
Jared Bernstein, Washington, D.C.
Adam and Eve
November 6th, 2012
11:31 am
HAHAHA-hey all of you Republican “Christians” please remember that Mitt Romney believes the Garden of Eden is in Missouri! HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! In America! HAHAHAHAHAHA
Sparta_Bubba
November 6th, 2012
11:37 am
Who wanted to take a swing at the President? GOP?
J Martin
November 6th, 2012
11:39 am
Somebody listens to WAAY too much talk radio…
Predictive Text
November 6th, 2012
11:46 am
GA election forecast: cloudy with a chance of retard.
Mormon Principles
November 6th, 2012
11:49 am
As a Mormon, I am voting for Romney.
He is the one true believer in Superjesus, and I can’t wait to get married to all of my female ninth grade students after he makes it legal.
cc
November 6th, 2012
11:52 am
“GA election forecast: cloudy with a chance of retard.”
As proven by the sky today and the posts of the Obama supporting retards . . .
Miss J
November 6th, 2012
11:52 am
Wow….it’s a sad day for democracy when folks feel they have to be on “Lock Down” due to someone getting elected President.
What are we teaching our kids… don’t comprise – don’t try to work out differences with others….have an US against THEM mentality.
Lincoln, Washington, hell even Ron Regan are all rolling over in their graves…..WHEN ARE WE GOING TO WAKE UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
STOP THE MADNESS………..
Sparta_Bubba
November 6th, 2012
12:00 pm
Well said Miss J. You have to understand that no one has ever willingly given up control and that is what the Repubs perceive is happening. This is the “Me” generation who was taught “it’s whatever you want.”
Sparta_Bubba
November 6th, 2012
12:03 pm
So if ole Shmitt wins do you think he will try to legalize polygymy and make his ancestors legit? And will they be baptising the dead in the White House?
cc
November 6th, 2012
12:15 pm
“What are we teaching our kids… don’t comprise – don’t try to work out differences with others”
Some folks seem to have a difficult time doing that when they are fighting for their very life. Ask some of the victims of past experiences with the compromise and working out differences (RIOTS).
TH FROM MC
November 6th, 2012
12:21 pm
Romney will win and we will take back our country. Bring it on liberals – I am locked and loaded.
all2jesus
November 6th, 2012
12:21 pm
The only someone that you should fear and that’s the judgement of God. Regardless of who wins, God is in control and will always be in control. My trust is not in a man or women, but the one who died for me.
ASHCAN!!!!!
November 6th, 2012
12:30 pm
I’m reading a lot of these blog responses and wondering why people automaticly think its the obama voters(losing) who will be out raged???? and not romney voters( losing). Sounds like finger pointing at just blacks to me.
K Swiss
November 6th, 2012
12:42 pm
Republican ( and RACIST) SCARE TACTIC……….These guys are IDIOTS!!
WHO – EXACTLY – will be coming to a GATED SENIOR LIVING SUBDIVISION TO RIOT!!
Keeping the concept of Southerners are STUPID INBREDS – ALIVE AND WELL…I pity the residents
Camden74
November 6th, 2012
12:44 pm
Maybe they believe there will be a Rosewood or Tulsa type situation, but in REVERSE!
A Liberal in ATL
November 6th, 2012
12:46 pm
If there are riots in Woodstock, I’m sure it’s what God intended.
all4jesus
November 6th, 2012
12:50 pm
I agree with all2jesus.
I put all my trust in the holy lord.
Whatever life throws at me I will be ok because mf my trust in babby jesus.
When satan tries to make me look bad at work I just trust the holy scriptures and take confort knowing thatmy aslvation is in heaven and that those minions who seek to defeminate me will be punished in the end.
Such a Proud Heritage
November 6th, 2012
12:56 pm
The Voting Rights Act of 1965] is a landmark piece of national legislation that outlawed discriminatory voting practices that had been responsible for the widespread disenfranchisement of African Americans.
Echoing the language of the 15th Amendment, the Act prohibits states from imposing any “voting qualification or prerequisite to voting, or standard, practice, or procedure … to deny or abridge the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color.
This law is only 47 years old. Many people voting today remember when it passed.
With this kind of recent history I wonder who should actually be paranoid?
That’s right, whitey. It’s you.
So lock yourself up in your trailer with all your guns & ammo.
If you were disturbed by the first four years you haven’t seen anything yet.
We got your jobs and your schools, and now we’re coming for your guns.
Sucks to be you, cracker.
Seriously
November 6th, 2012
1:02 pm
Hey R, here are 25 reasons you should cast your vote for Obama. Do you have a competing list for Romney?
1. “The Affordable Care Act is saving my daughter’s life.” Stacey, Arizona NO IT’S NOT IT IS SAVING YOU FROM HAVING TO USE YOUR OWN MONEY TO SAVE YOUR CHILD
2. “Obama is for the vets. He helped us wind down in Iraq, he’s improved mental health policy with VA benefits.” Joel, Minnesota OBAMA HAS TO TAKE CARE OF THE MENTAL PEOPLE, THOSE ARE HIS VOTERS
3. “Obama stuck his neck out for us, the auto industry. He wasn’t going to let it just die, and I’m driving in this morning because of that, because of him.” Brian, Ohio HAVE YOU SEEN DETRIOT LATELY, WHAT IS THE UNEMPLOYEEMENT RATE OF MICHIGAN?
4. “Osama bin Laden is dead, and General Motors is alive.” Joe Biden, Delaware THE WORLD IS BETTER OFF WITHOUT OBL, OF COURSE THEY ARE NOT AS WELL OFF AS THE UNIONS OF GM
5. “Supreme Court Supreme Court Supreme Court.” Andrew, California PLEASE DON’T LET AND CONSERVATIVES ON THE COURT DIE IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
6. “Arithmetic.” Bill Clinton, New York I AM SURE THERE WILL BE SOME FUNNY MATH COUNTING VOTES IN OHIO TONIGHT
7. “He cares for the 100 percent.” Shana, Texas HE CARES ABOUT TAKING AWAY FROM 50% AND GIVING TO THE OTHER 50%
8. “When Obama came into office, he successfully renewed our country’s place in the community of nations, making cooperation in tackling the world’s challenges possible.” Willis, North Carolina THAT NOBLE PEACE PRIZE SURE WAS GREAT, LOOK AT ALL THE PEACE
9. “The actions he has taken with respect to protecting us from terrorism have been very, very solid.”
Colin Powell, Virginia I THINK THEY ALL STOPPED ATTACKING BECAUSE OBAMA HAS APOLOGIZED TO EVERYBODY BECAUSE WE ARE SUCH BAD PEOPLE
10. “I was really very grateful to him for standing up for those kids who are having a really rough time out there because of their orientation.” Jane Lynch, California PARENTS THIS IS YOUR JOB YOU LAZY NO GOOD SPERM AND EGG DONORS
11. “For me, President Obama is our best choice because he has a vision of the United States as a place where we are all in this together.” Bruce Springsteen, New Jersey BRUCE, YOU STILL TAKE ALL THOSE DRUGS?
12. “He has a real plan for rescuing the economy that passes the ‘math’ test.” Teresa, Virginia OBAMA MATH $2T IN $T5 OUT, YEP THAT WORKS
13. “Having someone in office who understands how powerful our voice can be is very important.”
Jay Z, New York AS LONG AS HE HAS A TELEPROMTER HIS VOICE IS POWERFUL
14. “I am voting for Barack Obama and Joe Biden because I can trust them to care for the middle class and restore the American dream.” Steven, Florida WE HAVE A MIDDLE CLASS?
15. “The first measure he signed into law after becoming president was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act — so a female high school counselor or physical education teacher can fight for equal pay for equal work.” Connie Britton, California SO GLAD THAT WAS HIS FIRST ACT, REALLY THERE WASN’T MUCH ELSE GOING ON THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN SLIGHTLY MORE IMPORTANT
16. “I believe in the America he wants for my grandchildren.” Nancy, Michigano ONLY IF YOUR GRANDCHILDREN ARE 65 YEARS OLD WILL THERE BE AN AMERICA LEFT FOR THEM
17. “We need four more years of repair, of helping the middle class achieve a sustainable economy.”
James Taylor, North Carolina IT WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE IF THE FIRST 4 YEARS SHOWED US SOMETHING
18. “I’ve watched him fight for our country, stand by the middle class, the working class, the military, the education of our children, universal health care, women, the environment, and matters of national and domestic security.” Susan, Virginia HE IS GREAT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THINK OF THE 14M AMERICANS THAT ARE NOT DRIVING TO WORK NOW AND PUTTING THAT NASTY STUFF IN THE AIR
19. “The gifted 12-year-old I taught, whose parents were deported and left her here with her grandmother, will be allowed to stay and finish her education. She’s been in the U.S. since age one.”
Jamie, North Carolina BUT SHE WILL LEAVE WHEN SHE GRADUATES AND GO BACK HOME BECAUSE THERE ARE NO JOBS HERE
20. “I want our president to place scientific evidence and risk management above electoral politics.”
Michael Bloomberg, New York LOL
21. “I have four children who are under 26 and able to stay on my health care plan. That’s been huge.” Amy, Pennsylvania OF COURSE IT IS, THEY CANNOT GET A JOB AND PAY FOR THEMSELF.
22. “He’s fighting to defend and better Social Security and Medicare — because millions of Latino seniors rely on them.” Cristina Saralegui, Florida EVEN THE ILLEGAL ONES
23. “Thanks to the President’s efforts to keep student loan rates low, I can expect to save nearly $1000 as I work to repay my student loans. And I don’t have too many of those, thanks to the Federal Pell Grant program.” Sam, Minnesota SAM IS LUCKY, BECAUSE MOST KIDS THAT HAVE LOANS WILL NOT PAY THEM BACK BECAUSE THE ONLY JOB THEY CAN GET WILL NOT AFFORD THEM TO PAY IT BACK. OF COURSE YOU ARE AN IDIOT TAKING OUT $120,000 IN LOANS TO BECOME A SCHOOL TEACHER
24. “It’s been wonderful to have President Obama as a champion for access to health care for all women in this country.” Cecile Richards, New York I HEARD THAT THERE WERE A LOT OF MEN ONLY HOSPITALS
25. “Re-electing Barack Obama would lead to a stronger economic recovery than would be the case were Mitt Romney to win on November 6th.” Jared Bernstein, Washington, D.C. BASED ON THE LAST 4 YEARS?
James
November 6th, 2012
1:07 pm
If Obama loses you can bank on there being trouble in the bad lands – it’s not rocket science!
Dung Shooken
November 6th, 2012
1:17 pm
Seriously: Heck and shucks, Jed, you done writ a whole buncha clever stuff! You must know what yer talkin’ about!
It’s too bad I’m not running for President because I wouldn’t pander to or put up with any of you redneck morons, I’d shove socialist programs so far down your chicken throats that you’d have to unzip your fly to get it out of your mind! Dumb ignorant hillbilly clowns.
Alex Hamilton
November 6th, 2012
1:28 pm
The great feature about this government that we founding fathers dreamed up was the orderly transfer of power. Anyone who does not believe in the orderly transfer of power…
Kennedy
November 6th, 2012
1:30 pm
I am sick and tired of being called a racist because I am NOT voting for Obama. Herman Cain was my first choice for republican candidate and he is 100% black!! So, make up another name to call me, but racist is not one of them!
Cavalier75
November 6th, 2012
1:40 pm
Can’t we use the Black Panthers to help protect us, wait they are protecting the polls from people not voting for Obama. Keep my gates open, I need target practice.
Ricker
November 6th, 2012
1:46 pm
I’m sure that all of Southwest Atlanta is chomping at the bit to get their hands on those Guy Lombardo tapes and chenille pillows. Come Wednesday, everyone in Bankhead is going to be strutting around in velcro shoes.
Seriously
November 6th, 2012
1:47 pm
Dung – I believe that you might be the ignorant one. I have a MBA and a job, you? I don’t watch MSNBC thinking that everything they say is the truth. I also have my guns and Bible and I did not vote for Obama.
Vote Red
November 6th, 2012
1:50 pm
I’m sure if Romney takes it there will be those that think it’s time for crime!
Marie
November 6th, 2012
1:55 pm
So are the “gate shutters” planning on rioting in their own subdivision? To date, the only people I had ever seen running around in the streets with guns threatening post election violence were the tea partiers. Is their fear that progressives will take lessons from them and start fuming, spitting, gun wielding and chanting “We need to take our country back! By force if necessary!?”
Seriously
November 6th, 2012
2:10 pm
Marie – please sure the photos of the tea parties running around in the streets with their guns. Lots of photos of people looting in their streets in LA and New Orleans but I don’t think they were tea party people.
Cam
November 6th, 2012
2:48 pm
Marie – please sure the photos of the tea parties running around in the streets with their guns:
http://www.sodahead.com/united-states/attention-liberalsprogressivesdemocrats-what-is-it-you-dont-like-about-the-tea-party/question-2793451/?page=8
Marie
November 6th, 2012
2:57 pm
Seriously – Here is better than a photo. Here is a video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BB9IXTcEh10&feature=related
Or do your own Google search on “Guns + photos + Tea Party Rallies”…silly hats, Scooter chairs, violent messaging on signs and guns. And before you think that I am anti-gun, I am not. I am actually a gun owner. I purchased and learned how to use them in reaction to all of the hatred coming from the right. And my post said nothing about looting. I was talking about post election threats of violence from people who did not like the outcome of the election.Even after Bush was given the 2000 election you did not see progressives in the streets threatening violent overthrow of the government and at rallies carrrying guns. For the past 4 years republicans have been saying “We need to take back our country!” From whom?! It is my country too! But just to show you that I am willing to learn something from the “other side”, if Romney wins, I will be sure to write all of my congressmen and heartily encourage them to show the new president the exact same co-operation, courtesy and respect that the republicans have given President Obama these past 4 years. How is that for fair.
Seriously
November 6th, 2012
3:25 pm
That video was nuts. I can’t believe I never saw that video of “the only people I had ever seen running around in the streets with guns threatening post election violence were the tea partiers.” Seriously those people were acting just crazy. Except of course there was nobody running around the streets and the 3 people they showed with guns were doing it according to the law and the police in the video looked really worried about the people running around the streets with their guns. Hatred from the right? Really? That is laughable. I sure hope you write your congressmen because that is a great right we have, or at least until Obama takes it away. Bush was given the election in 2000, curious if you will feel the same tonight when Romney gets more votes but Obama wins the election.
Patriot
November 6th, 2012
3:39 pm
Marie & Seriously:
You both make good points, but I really think you should consider this video, as it represents a genuine Murican cultural artifact, as well as illustrating your important conerns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Wroj0FLvzs
Marie
November 6th, 2012
4:02 pm
Seriously – If like in 2000, the Supreme Court gives the election to either candidate, like they did Bush, yes, I will be incredibly upset. The electoral college is a not a joke, it is a criminal action to disenfranchise the American people. It should be popular vote, period. And yes, hatred from the right. I am a gay American, and I am so incredibly sick and tired of people on the right stating that gay people caused the hurricanes, and that gay people should be put in fenced compounds, and that gay people caused the crash of hetero marriage (how exactly do we cause straight people to divorce?) and the death penalty should be re-instated for being gay. So yes, I have guns to protect myself from the crazies on the right. And how exactly is Obama taking away the right to write your congressman.