Still no solutions to Chicago’s crime problem — at least none that elected officials are willing to agree on…
As the murder rate in Chicago continues to rise, police and elected officials are still trying to figure out what to do to solve this problem. So far this year more than 300 people have been murdered–most of the victims have been young black men. Some say the black community, which is most directly affected, needs to solve its own problems and simply stop killing. Apparently that’s easier said than done. Others believe that the answer is jobs. Either way, the one thing I know for sure is that we are living in a state of emergency and drastic times call for drastic measures.
Police Supt. Jody Weis has been harshly criticized for his “secret” meeting with gang members, where he threatened to take their stuff if the killings don’t stop…As far as I’m concerned he should have done worse! At the same time however, I don’t care if you threatened to emasculate these guys. If they don’t have jobs, trades or some kind of meaningful opportunity to replace their gang activity with this vicious cycle will continue.
The problem also lies at the feet of Chicago Political leadership. In my opinion, the all seem to be either clueless or just don’t really give a damn. Why can’t Mayor Daley and the city council see that what’s needed are more jobs and better quality education? Sure, it’s a long term solution. You can’t just “arrest” away this problem. There are not enough jails on the planet to house wrong doers at this level. They need jobs and opportunity. They need to be able to support their families just like anyone else. My friend Mark Allen says continuously, “you can’t solve and economic problem with military solutions,” but for some reason, that simple solution is not getting through to the powers that be. They just aren’t seeing the “forrest” for the “trees.” I guess that means that until they do, our children will continue to die on the streets. Oh well.
