Mobbin’ Through The Hood! #Hustlenomics101

American University near Embassy Row in DC.

Finding myself in a completely different locale is awe inspiring to say the least, but that new dwelling place of all places being the capitol of the most powerful nation in the world is even more profound. I’ve been coasting through this somewhat of a tri-state area learning more and more about what, how, and who makes this maze tick. I have to say, I’ve learned a great deal. One thing for sure, it’s all a set up.

Taking a drive, walk, or mass transit through the DMV area you find many authoritive figures such as the Metropolitan Police, the Supreme Court police, the Secret Service, the Park Police, the National Zoo police, the US Mint Police, the Capitol Police, FBI, the Marshal’s service, INS, Federal Protective Service, State Department Police, Metro Transit Police, Bureau of Engraving and Printing Police, Pentagon Police Department (which may or may not have authority in DC), George Washington University Police, Metro transit police, Housing Police, Amtrak Police, Naval District Washington Police, Treasury Police, GSA Police, Postal Police, Defense Protective Service, Veteran’s Administration Police, Military Police, Federal Protective Service, National Institutes of Health Police, Library of Congress Police, Smithsonian Zoological Police, and the Armed Forces Retirement Home Police. Think we’re governed enough by police in this small region? Lets not forget one more infiltrating police noone sees until it’s too late, the cameras snapping pictures constantly of people doing thirty five(35) on a busy highway marked at maximums of thirty(30) miles per hour. Yes, 30 mile an hour postings on major highways like New York Avenue North East. For those whom are unfamiliar with such a practice, normally driving a mere forty-five mph on a major boulevard is comfortable and not a reason to be pulled over and issued a ticket. No, by all means don’t get complacent while driving thinking about dinner at home on the way from work, or your girls getting together for a cocktail at a local drinking hole, because suddenly you see a glaring flash and days later you find a ticket in the mail where you have been caught by the eyes on the poles and issued a citation.

A small reminder from the DMV area to you. Smooches.

This city is a great city by many means, from the vibrant culture, concerts, shopping, history, site seeing, Embassy Row, and the like, but I was once told that you must pay to play in the city we call Washington DC. Up to ten(10) percent sales tax, twelve(12) percent commercial parking, fourteen and a Half(14.5) percent for hotel and motel rooms and then you calculate property tax, estate tax, and other such confusing jargon. This said we have to wonder why we are taxed so much and they just keep coming for more. I see why there are so many homeless people, hell the system just can’t stand to see you with a couple extra dollars to spend. A hustler has to always have his/her head on swivel paying attention to the constant withdrawal of his/her funds going to benefit other causes that dont suit them directly.

We have to learn our turf before we can make power moves cause these moves may cost us in the long run if we don’t know how the surrounding government operates. Let alone the governments but the cost of living in each part of town. In the DC Metro area you find locations like Pentagon City which offers a slew of amenities at a hefty cost. Then you find spots like Georgetown whom did not want to be metro accessible because of the possible riff raff that public transportation brings. This area is also quite expensive and boasts high-end retail the likes of nearby Chevy Chase and Los Angeles’ Rodeo Drive. There is an artsy part of town called Adams Morgan across the Duke Ellington Memorial Bridge near the legendary Rock Creek Park sporting little dive bars like Madam’s Organ, Millie and Als, and other similar drinkeries. Adams Morgan is steep in price as are the others and is popular for nightlife and shopping. There are a few spots like Adams Morgan where one can find a cheap drink, I guess a little reward to all the other exorbitant expenses the common citizen is plagued with. As a person that benefits from the hustling nature being aware of these subtlties is important as knowing your terrain is important to any soldier, or businessman. Just as any major city or even the small ones its all about who you know in DC and getting out and chopping it up is how you meet a great deal of em.

No offense to my West Coast compadres, but I find the people here a bit friendlier so sparking up a conversation is not like a dental procedure but more welcome. People are more apt to giving a little information to make your transition a bit easier and if someone can sense you need aid they will come to your rescue rather than watch you struggle and keep moving. I speak from experience in these matters and thank the everyday people of the DMV for there much needed hospitality. I’ve been lost for hours and my navigational system was even lost.

DC is not built for the driving tourist. I guess that’s why the cabs stay moving. I swear the 7/11 guys are trained to say they are new because everyone I ask how to get back to the I-395 or the 50 tell me “I’m new brother” and throw their hands in the air. Getting lost is a great way to learn a new city and I’ve been able to explore a vast majority of the surrounding areas. I have much to see and oodles more to learn so I will keep observing and reporting. Until next time.

Warrick Buffett!