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Nathan Weber / for msnbc.com
Spencer Leak, director of Leak & Sons Funeral Home on Chicago's South Side, stands outside St. Andrews Temple during the wake of Kenneth Jones, who was killed while allegedly trying to flee an attempted robbery on Saturday, June 9, in the Park Manor neighborhood.
CHICAGO – Business is disturbingly steady for Spencer Leak, Sr.
It’s not that he is unaccustomed to being busy. After all, he is a successful funeral home director with two locations and his family has been in the funeral business for almost 80 years.
It’s just that many of the people arriving for their “homegoing,” as the services often are called, are so young. Leak said he’s been doing upwards of 125 funerals a year for homicide victims, many of them young adults, some just teenagers, who are victims of the recent surge in violence rocking this city.
“These kids don’t expect to live a full life,” said Leak, a former executive director of the Cook County Department of Corrections. “You get about a thousand other kids who come to these funerals. They see how it’s celebrated and they think this is how I’ll be celebrated when I get shot.”
Chicago’s police commissioner has pointed to gang-related conflicts as the driving force behind the recent surge in gun deaths. From the start of this year through June 18, at least 240 people have been killed, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Just last weekend seven people were killed and 35 injured – marking the third weekend in a row with gunfire victims totaling well into the double digits. The weekend before, 46 people were hurt and eight killed across Chicago. The previous weekend, 29 were injured and three were killed in shootings.
More Chicago mayhem: 35 hurt, 7 killed in shootings
Homicides are up about 35 percent over last year at a time when violent crime nationwide is trending down. U.S. violent crime rates fell in 2011 for the fifth straight year, according to Federal Bureau of Investigation data
On June 11, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn (D) signed a new law into effect targeting gangs. The Illinois Street Gang RICO Act strengthens penalties for organized crimes. Also, police announced plans to put officers on overtime during weekends to patrol the city’s most violent neighborhoods.
“It’s a sad indictment on us,” said Leak. “The spike in crime we’re seeing now is not something that’s surprising to me. I’m talking to at least two-to-three mothers a week whose kids were killed in the streets of Chicago, and I’m just one funeral director.”
Nathan Weber / for msnbc.com
Pall bearers take the casket of homicide victim Kenneth Jones, 27, to a hearse after the funeral service at St. Andrews Temple on Chicago's South Side on Monday, June 18, 2012.
Leak believes the solution to reducing the incidence of murder is multifaceted, adding that police are doing all they can. But he cites a lack of religious upbringing among many of today’s young black men as a major factor in the plague of violence.
“We’ve got to start trying to get these kids into some type of church setting,” he said. “We’ve got to preach to kids and try to show them what they’re doing is wrong.”
‘More than just a gang situation’
That message is what Pastor Corey Brooks attempts to convey every day. This spring, he protested Chicago’s violence by perching himself atop a vacant motel across the street from his church on the city’s South Side. For 94 days, he sat in a tent on the roof, hoping to call attention to the problem while raising money to buy and raze the motel, which he has done.
Now, Brooks is walking across the country – from New York to Los Angeles – for his Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) initiative. He wants to build a $15 million community and economic development center in the motel’s place.
Brooks has developed a reputation for undertaking the risks of officiating funerals for suspected gang members, services which have been, on occasion, marred by further violence. He doesn’t believe the violence is simply about gangs.
“It’s more than just a gang situation,” Brooks said from Coatesville, Pa., an hour’s drive west of Philadelphia, where he was walking with about 10 people. “It’s much bigger than that. You have one of the most economically hit areas, in unemployment. You have a bunch of different social ills, no spirituality whatsoever. And violence is the result.”
A young girl's family family mourns as gang-related violence escalates in the Windy City. WMAQ's Natalie Martinez reports.
Brooks said members of his New Beginnings church are taking to the streets in the neighborhood every Friday and Saturday night, from 8 p.m. until 4 a.m. They walk around in groups and Brooks claims there have been no murders on those nights in the Woodlawn section of Chicago since they began the so-called “HOODvasions.”
“We need all hands on deck. We need all of the compassionate people we can get to get their hands on this issue,” said Brooks.
“It’s not just a black issue. This is an American issue.”
Leak agrees, calling on the president, himself a Chicagoan, to address the violence and get involved in the citywide conversation that seeks solutions.
And, he argues for tougher responses to nonviolent juvenile crimes like “stealing a lady’s purse or hubcaps,” Leak illustrated.
“If we don’t get these kids when they’re 7 or 8 years old, we’ll lose them,” he warned. “I used to get them at the jail at 17, and it was too late.”
These days the losses he gets could not be more final.
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Leave a Comment:
WE as a society decided to redefine "family". This is the result we earned. Once we decide that teen parents raising children is nothing more than serious child abuse nothing will change. Just wait 20 years when the Grandparents who nowadays can save some kids, will be from the generations of shooters and therefore there'll be nobody left to raise the children. If you see a Progressive today thank them for destroying the family.
You are a nut case for thinking the way you do. Its ALL the liberals fault, yeah right. Get help.
I don't know if there is any one group of people to blame, but there has been a malfunction in the family dynamic.
Time to regroup.
If you see a Progressive today thank them for destroying the family.
But moral panic won't help lower divorce rates and teen pregnancy in conservative states; education will.
Hey Jeff, reality might help you with your un-educated generalizations.
This article from the Christian Science Monitor.
Keep your head in the sand. The article is about that liberal bastion Chicago, after all. It might be happening in red states but the policies behind it are liberal ones. When we remove personal accountability and the core family dynamic this is the result. In fact, attitudes such as the ones here do nothing but enable the problem.
This is way past the traditional "family values". It has gone to trying to find out who the actual Baby's Daddy is and get him to take responsibility. Left alone the gang becomes the family and everything to live and die for.
This has absolutely nothing to do with politics in a young persons mind...........
Get the guns out of these young peoples hands. Find where the problem is. Center the attention on it and if frisking reduces the problem, then frisk the suspected problem makers. Send the offenders to a class that shows thousands of victims and then try to inspire a new positive attitude toward society and self.
Chicago has some of the toughest gun laws in the nation. We see how that's working, right? And it might not be about politics to the ones fighting and dying but again, the liberal policies that Chicago has embraced are the root cause. We need tougher punishment and less "victim" mentality on the part of the criminals. A criminal is a criminal and should be treated as such. When we coddle them like we do, this is the result.
Uneducated poor people shouldn't be having babies. The result is more uneducated poor kids searching for a way to survive. As a result, they sell drugs, make gangs to defend "their" territory, rob people, and retaliate to show strength.
This will never go away until these people stop their doggy style antics, get educated, find a job, and move the hell out of there.... But no... they will stay lazy, let their kids do their BS and then bury them at age 19. These people are stupid. I'd rather be homeless begging for change then get involved with their stupid @!$%#.
t-shirts and jean shorts at the funeral... says it all right there. No respect for the dead or living.
I believe we have a society within a society that these young blacks value more than the society we live in. They don't pledge allegiance to the flag like we do but only to themselves and the small group they belong to. If somebody volatiles their code of conduct sh-t hits the fan in a very different way than in our society. They feel they don't have to answer to anybody but their small group and innocent outsiders are nothing but a by-product. Casualties are nothing to them as long as it is somebody outside their group and to them an innocent person getting killed means nothing to them. They support themselves by selling drugs etc and protect their territory to the death.
So you want to stop this kind of thing going on? You now have to bring in the National Guard and with the help of local police and go after every known gang member and put them in prison. This is a problem that is way out of control of local authority and it must be stopped now if there is any hope for the future. Sad but I believe this to be true.
It's not Progressive v. Conservative in these inner-city cultures. There is a severe lack of self-respect and parental responsibility. Link welfare payments to responsible living standards. Reduce payments to parents of children with high rates of school absenteeism and/or criminal behavior. Link money to the problem, and you will see parents step up to the plate and act like responsible adults, and not push their little problems off to the taxpayers.
Teen pregnancy is certainly a problem...but remember, the most successful gang in American history was the Mafia, which was based on very strong traditional patriarchal family ties.
Jeff-1570172..........Your thinking is really twisted, although you are 100% right about the lack of family making this problem as bad as it is. This is not a liberal - conservative thing.
Funny that you come to this thread looking for unity and see mostly venom spewing. You expect the youth to be any different?
Facts are facts. The prospects for the future are dim for even the promising students and you want people to be hopeful? We need to come together and create something better. Not bicker about who's political party is better. But that's the fundamental thing here: *WE* need to. We can't hope the government helps us. For all the talk of the 1%, I don't see any major party that cares much for us.
And gun violence? Guns are harder to get at than ever before. Promoting a mindless prohibition isn't going to help. What do you think has brought about some of this mayhem? The mindless war on drugs... These kids see it as a way out and that money fuels gangs. Prohibition only leads to illegal markets and they mostly lead to crime.
Give the youth some reason to move forward by moving forward in your own life. It starts with being a bit more civil. Give it a try.
Actually, it's a matter of poverty and hopelessness. Yes, the family structure is one part of the problem, but it's worsened by poverty and a weak economy/job market - thanks to Republicans, historically. That's a fact.
Uneducated babies having babies, no fathers around, no family life, no religion, it all adds up to a bad situation. Seeing all their idols on tv and in the news having babies without marriage certainly doesn't help.
William, talk about uneducated generalizations, yours was through the roof! This NOTHING to do with states it has to do with a social group, in this case urban ghettoes. The teen and single mother pregnancy rate in those areas is through the roof. As many as 75% of black children in poor urban areas are born to single mothers. That is what is being discussed here not states. Get a grip on your own intelligence before you dare challenge someone elses....
Simple solution really, however these idiots aren't smart enough not to have children.
The black people need leadership period. Not race baiting like Obama, Jackson, Sharpton,etc. Their needs to be a high standard set. First and foremost is education. Not the Arne Duncan throw $500,000 and run type! I am a conservative but what I don't get is the tax code supporting schools. Their needs to be a massive investment in inner city schools period. The National Guard or some other type of enforcement has to ensure these kids a SAFE education. But where is the leadership? Do the Democrats want to keep the blacks uneducated, sure looks like it. Republicans need to lead and help these long suffing people. The Democrats have failed.
I know all you conservative people think that the parents of these kids just sit around on their asses eating steak, chips, McDonalds and bonbons while collecting welfare but a lot of this is caused by people having to work longer and harder for less and not being able to get by on 1 paycheck and having too many daycare raised / latchkey kids.
WE can thank conservatives for thinking that it's ok to cut back public school money so they can put 30-40 kids in classrooms inside schools with a thousand kids so that even more kids get lost in the crowd. You people that are saying they need to stop having babies and get educated need to know it's the other way around, they need to be educated and then they will stop having babies.
To raise a good kid, they need to have someone there to cheer them on, to catch them and give feedback when they are good and bad. The trouble is that the gangs are really good at recruiting, and the community isn't. The guy says they need to get to church, well church people, are people only worthy of your attention/effort/time if they come in though the doors? Otherwise they aren't worth the effort. What are you, collecting trophies?
I'm not much of a church person, but what I do know is that reaching out to people should mean more than just the ones in your congregation.
@practiceman - you comment sounds like an extreme left wing liberal stating something that is not FACT. Look back through our history and it is the government in general that has cause these issues. Look closer and you will see that democrat ideologies are behind more than anything. Look at things like NAFTA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, all democrat ideals that have done nothing but hurt the economy. Bottom line is the we and they crap. This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. We are all supposed to be "Americans" but instead, the PC crap is pushed and we have african americans, irish americans, mexican americans, etc.... you get my point. When we stop worrying about who we offend and become "americans" again, maybe we can kill the discrimination, teach new generations that hate is wrong, bigotry is wrong, political correctness is wrong and learn to live as one nation as our fore fathers intended.
It certainly is about the distruction of the family. These children are being raised in fatherless homes most of the time, with mothers either on the welfare dime or struggling to put food on the table (which means they are not home to parent their children) There is no religion in the home and the moral codes are non-existant. If these kids had parents at home doing their job they would not be out on the street at 2:00AM to shoot each other. If my children were out running the streets at those hours I would be out there myself looking to drag them home! Where are these kids parents? No where.
Criticizing
Blaming
Pointing Fingers
Stereotyping
Demeaning
Preaching
..... clearly...that isn't solving the gang problem.
I am sooooo sick of the idiotic "news" on what a candidate ate, or what a pundit thinks about a poll.
Put the spotlight on this national disgrace before the tragedies multiply anymore.
There are 1.4 MILLION people in gangs across America.
This isn't a PARTISAN or CHRISTIAN debate...it is a call for education and reform from LEADERS.
itgranny
You are pretty far off the mark. I live in Detroit and anyone around here can tell you the parents who work are not the ones with problem children. Less than 50% of Detroit's population are literate, that's about 450,000 people in a fifty square mile radius.
You are also wrong about school funding, if parents at home don't care what their children are doing at school it doesn't matter how much money the school receives.
The typical liberal philosophy is money can fix problems, it's simply not true, and by throwing money at problems like this, we only create bigger problems to deal with.
This is a good article. The funeral home director got it right. To quote the greatest rapper of all times named Trip Lee:
"Education can't fix it. More dough just leads to more sin.
Medicine is temporary, government seems so thin.
With all these weighty problems, they ain't shrinking, they're just growing.
Who's adeqaute to save us? How bout He who knew no sin?"
Jesus Christ is the answer.
QED
In the 1930's we had a huge crime wave, Poor folks with nothing to lose. And that's what we have today. Is it so surprising that since the 70's high crime area's have also been the most poverty stricken as good paying manufacturing job have gone overseas some via down south then overseas. In the early 60's minimum wage was the equivalent of 14 bucks an hour today.Today minimum wage is a starvation wage. Drug use,divorce,single parenthood,lack of religion,These are in every community rich or poor but these violent gangs and wild west shootings are for the most part within or can be traced back to these poor community's. Poverty and hopelessness cause crime it always has and always will.
This is not caused by too many guns, it is from too little hope . . . .
@practiceman-
Really? I bet most of these kids' parents voted democrat in the last election. You don't see the kids of republicans out there shooting each other. They tend to be better educated and go on to graduate from high school and either go on to college or out into the job market. Generally they are too busy working to join a gang and get shot by the age of 19.
Why is this the republicans fault? They didn't erode the family. The republicans don't run around with their pants hanging off their azzes. These kids have been taught to be victims and they have been taught to hate "the man", that is a recipe for failure. They have learned that being fearsome works so that's what they do. They can make a lot more money selling drugs or guns because they are prohibited, just like the gangs in Chicago during prohibition.
This is everyone's problem because these kids are hurting innocent people but mostly because they are wasting themselves. I'm sure most of these kids who join gangs are smart and resourceful. Think of the potential going to waste when these kids join a gang instead of civil society.
It's a bigger problem than simply blaming the Republicans, that hasn't been working very well so let's move past the blame and actually start doing something.
What about the gangs that use Jesus Christ as a reason to kill other kids?
Oh, we forgot about that, conveniently.
So, I guess, aw, putting your lot in with the funeral director makes someone just as ignorant.
Amazed and Irritated- you talk like there wasn't such a thing as bad kids/people before welfare. Look at the civilization of the west, look what we did to the native Americans. Do you think that was caused by too much welfare? Geesh! People like you like to stand on your podium looking down on people and instead of giving more to help the situation, you want to remove the strands of hope there are.
You folks that are saying the reason is single mothers are not looking very much at history either. Take a look at the soldiers from 400-500 years ago. When armies were raised of thousands and thousands of men, these men were not home helping their wives raise the kids, they would be gone for years at a time. Same with sailors and fishermen, sales persons Our early politicians (Look at John Adams visit to France) while in politics and their trips.
2 parents makes it easier, but single parents can raise good kids too!
Babies having babies.........Educate!!!Focus on Teen pregnancy. Planned Parenthood. Quit rewarding bad behavior & start promoting BIRTH CONTROL. If you can't feed them don't breed them.....Studies have shown that a 2 parent approach to raising children is the most healthy-what I see is a whole lot of apathy by the parents-they do not care if their children drop out of school, they do not care if their children take drugs, they do not care if their children are in gangs.........If I was a parent in that environment I would do whatever it took to get me & my children the hell OUT OF THAT WAR ZONE........and I swear (hand to God) I would teach them RESPECT-for themselves, for others, for the environment (hood, nature, world) etc.......
This is NOT a political or spiritual issue. This is a societal issue. There is a lack of family support and guidance among young people due to various issues. Culturally, a lot of young people do not or will not take birth control, even when it is provided free. There is a lack of good father figures - I'm not talking about fathers who provide child support with money or clothes - but, father's who provide guidance, support and all the emotional issues that arise with a baby/young children/teens. Some mothers work, but at low wages, so can't afford child care and put food on the table. So, some mothers work two jobs to make ends meet or don't work at all and collect welfare.
Gang culture is prevalent in some music and thought to be cool, when it isn't cool at all. The "Mafia" mentality is all too alive and well. Unfortunately, it's difficult to get out once you're in this culture, as drugs, stealing and other scams support this lifestyle and the gang. Too many young people are getting killed in "retaliation" for some slight or lack of "respect".
If things don't change and soon, the gang culture will prevail and we'll have easy targets for the Taliban or other terrorists. Except that the Taliban or terrorists don't rake in the money that the American gangs do. The gangs are poison, not only to themselves, but to all the gang members and their "wannabes". They're not interested in politics, religious vendettas or improving society. Their only motives are money and being "gangsta'". "Die rich or die trying" appears to be one of the gangsta mottos. Too many young people are dying in the streets, not only in Chicago, but everywhere in America.
I don't know how to fix that mentality or how you even begin to fix it, but I do know what causes it. Church or spirituality is not the answer. It may be the answer for some, but with money as the higher motivational power, the fix has to come from within the family. Strong parental figures, curbing teen pregnancy, good pay for good jobs, good schools, etc. I'm afraid we're a long way off here in fixing these issues.
Ever hear beautiful music at a symphony hall?
Or walk into a gallery of art from the Masters?
Or visit a nature spot in the world that is clear, pristine, and breathtaking?
Or rollerblade through a park?
Or pick tomatoes from your garden
Or meet friends at the beach?
Or swing a tennis racquet?
Or flop in a chair with the latest best seller book?
Well..these gang kids don't do that.... and their narrow world is limited to a constant circle of illiteracy, violence, poverty,and survival.
You can't preach GOD'S LOVE and expect everything to right itself when the streets are a war zone.
According to Spencer Leak...funerals are the ONLY social events in his Chicago neighborhood.
.
.
If PAC MONEY can influence votes...then I KNOW philanthropy and leadership can introduce a world of hope, education, employment, appreciation and motivation.
If your only skill is drugs, stealing and fighting...there is nooooo way that you ever experienced the simple joys I listed above.
.
.
.
These families don't give a rip about politics, or voting...so the posters blaming the (D)'s or the (R)'s are clueless about a solution.
This not about conservatism or liberalism. So please stop with those rants. I lived in these communities and praise God that I am not. The problem is hopelessness and lack of vision. You white folks with your suburban homes and white picket fences no nothing of the struggle in the inner city black community. Life is day to day with no vision for tomorrow. These children feel no love. They feel marginalized and disenfranchised. They feel that no one cares about them. These children attend schools that don't educate but rather babysit. They are surrounded by poverty and lack. Life is about living for the now with no plan for a future. In these neighborhoods, the youth do not get to see successful university educated neighbors. There's a break down of family tradition, morals, ethics and religion.
These problems in the hood can be resolved by all of us, black, white, Hispanics and Asians coming together to make a change. We need to establish centers and institutions that will educate the youth. We need to let them know they are loved and have value in life. We must embrace them and listen to their concerns and then provide action. We need social justice and we need to teach Kingdom of God ethics. We need successful people to go into these neighborhoods and show them they can make it. We need to give them vision and hope. These are my people, no these are our people. We are a community of people that are free, equal, loved and empowered. Let's not forget are brothers and sisters that are struggling and in need. Let's help them realize their potential and worth. Love and the love of God transcends all.
Greg said it! thanks!
Greg,
All these problems you listed can not be fixed by any of us. They can only be fixed by two people, the parents.
Amazed - Practiceman was dead correct, actually. This is what I studied in college (sociology).
Even if these kids did have a good home structure once they get thrown into a public school system that is filled with criminals they become criminals to survive. You put any good kid in this environment and you will watch him get strong or get dead. Unfortunately getting strong means joining a gang and using violence to try and survive.
Let the parents have school vouchers so they can pull their kids out of these bad schools and send them to schools who will help the parents keep the kids moving in a positive direction. Instead of protesting Religious symbols on public grounds, work with the churches to help families and teach kids the a new way.
I don't see this as a political issue, but I do think the policies that have been in place and tried are obviously failures and we need to go back to what we know works. Discipline in the schools, dress codes, family values and faith organizations to show you can be part of a family without joining a gang. Show the kids real hope and love and you might have a chance, pass another meaningless bill that throws a few dollars at the situation and you will fail.
Bobby Jones Bia
These problems can be saved by us all. We can be the father to the fatherless and mothers to the motherless. There's a scripture that says love your neighbor as yourself. This love is an action word that says help your neighbor. Your neighbor by the way is everyone. We need to show them and teach them what life is really about. We must show them that there is a world outside of their neglected and broken community. It will take hard work to change the mindset of someone who grew up in these broken communities but it can be done. We can not forget our brothers and sisters in struggle.
How does this differ from vouchers? It's still throwing money, just in a different direction.
Greg,
Many of us do this on a daily basis, however we are not the "authority" figure in these kids lives. If they live in an environment where the parents have no discipline, guidance, and comfort it simply doesn't matter what we do in 90% of the cases. We may be able to reach 1 in 10 but that is not and has not been making a dent in the problem.
People need to be ready for children when they have them, most people in the inner cities aren't even capable of supporting themselves financially and emotionally, yet kids are still born at alarming rates.
Republicans? Chicago known for being a very republican city practiceman? Obama a Republican president? I don't see this as a political matter since every city has some of these same problems (Most not as bad). I see this as a problem with what we have done to try and solve these issues, even during the great economy of the late 90's America still had gangs and inner city shootings every day. Poverty hits a lot of small towns too, yet it doesn't seem like they start killing each other, they actually work together more to get through the tough times. We need to look at these problems and act in way we haven't already tried.
The conservatives think the answer is to turn their backs on this, the liberals think the answer is to throw money at it but the real answer is that we're going to have to put our hearts into these kids.
Brooks is wrong. It is the gang situation that drives all the other ills such as creating of slums, unemployment and the perpetuation of violence. And yes, it is primarily a black problem but the politically correct mantra is to avoid mention of this sad fact. Not convinced? Just look at the number of black babies born with no father. They're future gangbanging recruits.
Any hope of a remedy involves some kind of law that makes gangs and gang membership a felony. I think also what needs to be recognized is that we have a lost generation where no amount of rehabilitation is possible so we must concentrate on breaking the gangbanging cycle by turning our efforts towards the next generation of children. They somehow must be made to see that the gangbanging lifestyle is for losers that have no future at all except for prison or the cemetery.
Bobby Jones Bia
agreed
LogicRequired
you're right this is not a democrat and/or republican problem. This is a we the people problem.
Vouchers are money the government already spends. The government pays thousands of dollars per student every year, bu the parents you all want to take responsibility have no choice on where their kid goes to shool, they have to go to the school in their district. Vouchers give the money that is ALREADY being spent on that student to the parents so that they can send the child to a better school. The better schools will be given money from parents who send their kids and their money there, while the bad schools lose students and money. Vouchers give inner city parents money so that they can send their kids to better public schools or private schools just like the wealthier people do.
itgranny
good point! Its about love that transcends evils and makes things right. We need to put our hearts into this and this is what missions and love your neighbor is all about
What a bunch of @!$%#ing idiots. It's not the fact that they have nothing to look forward to or the fact that there are no jobs there. It's all because of guns if you are a fanatical liberal or lack of god if you are a fanatical religious conservative.
I'm pretty sure it's because they are dirt @!$%#ing poor and nobody seems to care, except just enough to tell them it is all their own fault or that only jebus can help.
The absolute funniest (saddest) thing I hear being said is that money will only make it worse. That is a bunch of bull@!$%# coming from cheapskates that don't want to pay their damn taxes. Lack of money is the problem so, money is likely the cure, not throwing more people in prison and definitely not indoctrinating more fools into the way of the sky fairies.
By more money, I do not mean more welfare, I mean more jobs. People need to be able to stand on their own two feet but they can't do it without a damn job. Real jobs that make a living wage, not minimum wage. I know alot of people will get on there moral soapbox and talk about how there are plenty of McDonalds in the ghetto so there are jobs and that they just think they are too good to flip burgers. Well, that may seem fine from an ideological viewpoint but, you have to look at things from a practical standpoint in the shoes of these kids.
If you are faced with the choice between going to work at McDs 30-40 hours a week for 200$ a week or making that same amount standing on the corner drinking beer with your buddies in a day or two? Well, it is easy to sit up on some high horse and say that you would be flipping burgers with a smile but, in reality most of us would be on the corner.
Since private business will not invest in the area that leaves it to the taxpayer. One way or the other we(Americans) are all in this together. We are going to be spending money, no matter what. So, why not spend it in a way that doesn't just throw more people in prison?
I have to wonder about the morals of an individual who would be more happy seeing his tax dollars go to keeping someone in prison than putting them to work building new bridges and sewers that will generate the money that would finally draw in the private investors and make the area more selfsufficent in the long run.
I love all these stereotypes by the posters on here. Cliché families, single parents, teen pregnancy, welfare, no religious morals and no jobs, you guys must live in an interesting world that plays out in your mind.
Do you really think there is a cookie cutter explanation, or one that even begins to categorize things into a neat little box for you to comprehend and interpret? These things we call 'gangs' have existed since humans founded civilization, it didn't happen overnight.
itgranny..republicans are cutting back our education dollars? Come to California, a one party liberal paradise, and make that statement. Our gvt. in Cali is cutting back education everywhere they can, including academic subjects such as science, and we are 48th in education in a nation of 50 states. This is a shame because we are not a poor state. We are however, an over regulated state and that's where our tax dollars are going. It's not only republicans cutting back on education. Democrats have a few priorities that don't include education first.
William Bentley
Have we given the law of Jubilee a try? Or the 7 year sabbatical law a try? Or the Kingdom that Jesus taught about? Or the way the church acted in the book of Acts? Or have we done the things that the prophets shouted about like, social justice, equality for all, caring for the poor? There are biblical practices that will work. The Kingdom of God will transform this broken and fallen world community. Unfortunately we reject these teachings and we are more concerned about ourselves and not our neighbors. You don't have to be religious like I am to do or accept these principles.
Logic
All vouchers will do is turn good schools into bad schools. Unless a good/private school has the ability to take only good students it will fail, and since the government will be involved they will have to take all students, good and bad. If you take little Johnny gangbanger and put him in a private school, do you think his behavior will change, or will he just be a disruption to the students who want to learn. The difference between a good school and a bad school are the students.
In my opinion the fault lies with the goverment. They have taken the parental reigns away from the actual parents and they have told our children that the parents have no control. The schools(at least here) are more concerned about money than education. Just an example- we have 1 high school here, the school is about to lose their acreditation, and they are more concerned about teacher's raises and building a new school than education. Just in our district 26% of students understand grade level science, reading and math are at 56%, and to them this is acceptable. The graduation rate is just over 50%. There was an article in our paper that even if our children graduate, they are still having to take remedial classes just to go to college. They let our children go across the street from the school and smoke, while watching. My daughter is one of those troubled teens. I have tried for years to get the schools to help. To get my daughter tested, to teach her respect, and the pitfalls of gangs, teen pregnancy, and no education. When I ask for help from school, social services, the police, I get the same answer-pass the buck. It is someone else's problem. And now that my daughter is 16 there isn't much help. The police and social services can do nothing, I can do nothing. Our hands have been tied by people who think we should coddle and spoil our children, with little to no discipline. Just try spanking your children, social services will come in and investigate the parent. If the child has lied, no consequences. If the child has a temper tantrum and runs away, no consequences. If a child gets pregnant, that's okay, the grandparents will take care of the baby. But, if a child steals a car, wrecks it, or vandalizes, it is the parents responsibility to pay for it. And then there are the cell phones- 10 year olds do not need a cell.
As long as the children are in control, we as parents cannot do our job.
Yes we have given those a try. Gangs, violence, murder, rape, they all still existed, have existed, and will exist for as long as we do.
How do we cure human nature?
I still think this is an educational promblem, where are the likes of Microsoft and Apple and the government helping? Can they not be writing educational software? How about a public private coop? Moderizaton of the class room where the undereducated, for whom a lot of them probably have not been on a computer at all. How about offering teachers incentive based pay for high risk kids? I hear nothing coming from the President or Emanual. What the hell are they doing?
One of the problems here IMO is the mentality. If these kids really believe that they won't live past a certain age, and that when they do pass they'll be celebrated, what do they have to live for? It's hard to change such a twisted mentality, but there has to be ways that kids can be taught from childhood that they're not worthless, and they can have a promising future if they stay out of the streets. I know it's easier said than done, especially when all that is around them is poverty and violence. Something needs to be done not just in Chicago but in every violent urban area.
All vouchers will do is turn good schools into bad schools. Yes, let's keep the status quo since it is so successful.
Unless a good/private school has the ability to take only good students it will fail, Private schools take students who can PAY the TUTITION. They don't give test and only alow good kids. It just so happens successful parents usaully have good kids. But parents who want the best for their children and can not afford a better school still have good kids, it is the enivorment they are thrown into that turns them bad.
and since the government will be involved they will have to take all students, good and bad. The government is involved now.
If you take little Johnny gangbanger and put him in a private school, do you think his behavior will change, or will he just be a disruption to the students who want to learn. I don't know of a lot of 5 year old gangbangers. I know kids join younger and younger, but if these kids start on the right track with good students, good teachers, and a GOOD SCHOOL, they will have a better chance. If you just do vouchers for High School you may have a point but I'm talking about doing it from the very beginning. If the kid becomes disuptive kick him out, that's what good schools do. It is this piss poor schools who just passs them off to the next class that are making things worse.
The difference between a good school and a bad school are the students. To a degree this is true, but a lot of so called bad students turn it around when given then same opportunities as the rich kids. It sounds to me like you're ok with just writing this kids off as long as you don't have to expose your children to an inner city kid?
geo..our politicians are making CUTS in education, that's what the hell they are doing.
I agree that these things have always existed, but there is a level at which they have existed and I think Chicago is exceeding normal levels. Also the last time I checked nothing from the bible, or any of it's teachings were allowed in public school and haven't been allowed in decades so saying it's been tried isn't exactly true. I'm not saying we try to convert kids or teach religion, but there are biblical teachings and standards that could be taught and made everyday practice that I think would help.
That is it in a nutshell! The typical conservative ideology: I got mine, @!$%# you!
The last Progressive I liked was Theodore Roosevelt.
There is too much trash in the gene pool and this is the way to sort it out, a bit.
Somebody, above, made a very interesting statement about the next generation(s) children. Who will raise them after all these gang banger idiots are gone?? Should be interesting.
But, until that time, keep on weeding out the rotten genes from the gene pool of abundant garbage.
what utter BS, people marrying in their teens has been the norm for most of human history, its the conservative zealots looking for anything to blame other than their policies of greed and worship of money that have destroyed this country.
the thing that is destroying this country is the hopelessness caused by jobs and opportunities being lost because the hreediest just like to throw our jobs overseas to make more money for themselves, then convince complete idiots that its the fault of those that got laid off
the thing that is destroying this country and families in this country is the absolute necessity to work multiple part-time jobs with no insurance and have both parents working (if the kids have that luxury) simply to pay the rent and put food on the table
what is destroying this country is the attitude of "I've got mine and refuse to share, you are just going to have to starve" or "why aren't you paying 20% of your income in taxes when you can't even feed your kids, its so unfair that you want that billionaire to pay 20%"
medical "plans" by the right that include paying more to billionaire private insurance executiives and their already proven death panels
itgranny: Yes single mothers can raise good children, but it is MUCH, MUCH harder for them to do so.Single parent households fall into extreeme poverty at a much higher rate than two parent homes. When single parents do succeed it is often because there is extended family support. Every parent needs back up sometimes, financially, emotionally and spiritually.
Poverty is often at the root of these problems, but many of these people "sign up for it on purpose" by having babies out of wedlock, but dropping out of school, by running around and partying when they should be hitting the books or parenting their children. There are opportunities to get out of the poverty cycle even in the urban ghettos. But you have to seek them out and apply yourself. Problem is that the ghetto culture dosen't value those efforts.
Most of you people have no clue, can't even fathom the atmosphere of hopelessness in these inner city, impoverished communities. Having taught in an inner city school, I've gotten to know a lot of these young people. What you take for granted growing up away from mayhem, most of these kids can't even dream about. Parents are often working two jobs, raising latchkey kids, trying to survive.
It's pretty easy to recruit a child into a support group that promises a better life, that gives them an opportunity to make some money, albeit illegally (no, not at a bank, in the street!) There are family connections, but everybody is struggling trying to find a way.
And let's be honest, no one will hire these kids. White employers look at them and immediately think thug, just like they did with Trayvon Martin. This discrimination will follow even those who manage to graduate high school, college, and graduate school.
I went to school outside of Chicago, in a northern suburb. The difference is as stark as noon and midnight. But don't believe for one minute that all white children are angels. They are into all the same things--drugs, crime, sex.... The difference is that they don't get caught, aren't profiled, and can afford abortions.
Making education compelling is a big key. In Chicago, classrooms are ridiculously crowded. Inner city schools are in horrible shape & kids actually go to school in trailers. These days, it's fashionable to fire teachers and reduce their benefits! Because, teachers, after all, caused the 2008 Financial Crisis. LOL!
I am a teacher- I work with secondary educated youth every day. It comes down to this: parents motivating/harassing kids or a kid finding motivation courtesy of some other outside help. It goes back to the dissolution of family. In some cases, the parents work hard and the kids have to work hard as well while also dealing with school. I feel bad for them, because I only wish I could spare more money to help them out. There are also kids, however, with one parent missing, and instead of seeing the one parent working their butt off and using that as motivation, they use it as an excuse. What I have seen is government doesn't do squat- can't toss money at people and say you're doing something. I'd much rather see them spend the money on mentors for these kids. Otherwise the cycle will continue. That said, corporations need to step up- stop just giving money and start giving people. Encourage employees to volunteer with youth, maybe even provide incentive. The lack of parental figures does these kids in, and while socioeconomic issues come into play, it comes down to not having a two-parent household. Urban schools have many talented teachers working their asses off, the kids need to just give even a little back, and success will come. I tell the kids all the time. "I can teach you. I can't learn you. You must choose to learn in order to succeed. You must put time into success"
Greg, I agree with much of what you are saying, but it all starts with the Family. These children are being raised to believe they are of no value to anyone. Where do such feelings come from? They start with the family. By being treated with respect and love. To come to understand that if they don't want to be a part of the statistics they need to make the effort to learn in school, and work their way out of where they are. It takes parental involvement in their childrens day to day life. To be there at their schools. To be there when they are at home. To be responsible for the actions of their children.
We complain about the cartels bringing drugs into our country. To end the cartels we need to stop the Need for them. We need to raise our children to NOT need the drugs that are on the streets. To realize that they will not achieve their goals if they are stoned half the time.
We need to stop blaming this political group or that religious organization for our problems. But take responsibility for our own actions. That starts at home.
You know all the conservatives going on and on about the family may have a point......
Maybe... They, just need to start looking at America as one big family, and then we can start compromising and finally getting some @!$%# done!
@Ophoto...
Yes that was the very first thing I noticed too.. Jeans, tee shirts... no respect either way.
Well Mr. Livinginthewoods, since I'm a conservative and preaching for vouchers so the inner city kids and their parents can try to escape the poor schools you'll have to explain to me why you think this is a conservative Ideology. Vouchers, values, and stricterstandards in schools all seem to be conservative stances when it comes to education so I must be confused. Last time I checked Liberals block vouchers because it messes with their education monopoly, and hurts the teachers unions which they are beholden to. Any kind of religious expression is banned, (liberal idea) it's almost impossible to fire a bad teacher (thank you liberal unions), and money goes to mainly administrative expenses not teachers, books, and students. I'm not trying to make this a ideology argument but felt the need to defend your obvious and baseless bias.
time for ECONOMIC JUSTICE jacka$$es! you get a group of people crowded into a small region with no jobs, money, or hope for a future, what the F do you THINK will hapen?
go ahead and blame them cause they're black or poor.. its all THEIR fault, and not some part of a systeminc larger problem in ths country that keeps disadvantaged people RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE and never lets them get a chance of getting ahead (i know i know conservatives, just get a job, go to a private school, go ahead and disregard that there ARE no jobs or good schools where they live, then say "hey they should move then!" as though they could ever afford to, or have any clue about a different way of life in the hampdens like yours), then blame them for the way it is.
bury your head in the and, and go back to your air conditioned home in the burbs.. visit church on sunday and feel good about yourself.
We do look at America as our family. In my family there are no hand outs to those who make bad choices. we will help you to help yourself but we don't care for you unless you care for yourself. Many other rules we tend to live by which makes us so mean, greedy, and what's that other one.... oh yea, successful.
Tell me this genius, what percentage of these kids voted for McCain compared to Obama? Who is running their school districts, and city? Oh that's right it's you kind hearted liberals, everywhere you go spreading the poverty, and now that you have the white house you are trying to make it country wide.
I am very biased, I freely admit that but, I am sure not the only one!
How about, we improve the public schools where the peole live instead of giving them vouchers to some private indoctrination center?
Of course, I doubt that you and I would ever agree on this subject. If I had my way, there would be no such thing as a private school.
Illogic, I am done wasting my time arguing with a brick wall. Have fun with your head in the sand...or whatever dark warm place you have it buried!
Why is it people have a hard time accepting responsibility? My family grew up poor and we struggled. The most important thing I learned is what my parents taught me.
I will never forget, my dad told me we were poor because of the choices that he and my mom made. They had me when they were both 19. Neither had a career or any real goals in life. They both worked hard to raise us and sent us to public schools. However the mindset of many people back then was you need to work and plan for a good life. Not whine and complain that our problems are the fault of others.
@livinginthewoods
If you had your way, there would be no such thing as a private school? Whoa big fella, that sounds real dangerous. And how would you do this? Please tell me that the government (gasp!) would not put an end to private, legal, education. You know, the government, the one that has done such a stellar job of running things (into the ground) so far? Sounds a bit un-American to me.
BTW, review the crap that is being taught in the public schools these days, brought to you by your friendly neighborhood teachers unions. Indoctrination? Try looking at the curriculum in public schools and the continued "dumbing down" of American kids. There's your indoctrination center. Also, you can throw as much money at public schools as you want, but as long as it continues to end up being squandered nothing is gonna change. People use vouchers because the public schools suck now, and they want their kids to have a chance now, not when the government and the unions decide to "fix" things.
Simple really, and very much none of your business when all is said and done.
Jeff Post 1 wrote; "WE as a society decided to redefine "family". This is the result we earned. Once we decide that teen parents raising children is nothing more than serious child abuse nothing will change. Just wait 20 years when the Grandparents who nowadays can save some kids, will be from the generations of shooters and therefore there'll be nobody left to raise the children. If you see a Progressive today thank them for destroying the family."
B.S. Jeff. Society has 'redefined' family in the US and elsewhere many times through the years. Letting homosexual couples marry and adopt isn't destruction. Its validation and support of the marriage institution. Loving support of each other, as well as children (if any), is the key. Many heterosexual couples don't provide a loving and supportive environment for their children. Its an individual thing, not gender.
Teens having, and trying to raise children, is going to happen especially in areas/states where human biology and repreduction isn't being taught. Its just another area where lack of education is a problem. The problem isn't progressives-its Bible Thumpers- but not all of them.
'Generations of shooters?' Gee, people have been using firearms since the inception of the USA and there are lots of people, as usual, to raise the children. So much for the accuracy of any of your 'points'.
You're as uncomfortable with homosexual (male and female) couples marrying just as a previous generation was toward 'mixed race' couples. The same busted and bogus 'arguments' are being raised. There is an aspect of things which does have some validity-but the results would have to apply to heterosexual couples-even those beyond child bearing years.
That you're uncomfortable with homosexuals marrying is irrelevant and immaterial. Flat stating that would get you 'points' for being honest. Raising the B.S. flag gets you laughed at and your 'arguments' shredded.
Its destruction plain and simple. Pretend all you wish that changing the fundamental basis of western society to please the 3% homosexual population was good for all of us, but it wasn't. Pretend all you wish that children born in a paternity situation and not in an intact family get an equal shot at life as well. Pretend that catering to the lowest among us and changing society to fit their needs benefits all, but it doesn't. While there have always been gangs there haven't always been drive by shootings. There haven't always been 17 year old mothers raising 3 kids on the publics dime. Pretend screwing those among us who live life right by taxing the hell out of us is fair, but its not even close to being fair. I really don't know a lot about the subject of families though as I have only been a Guardian Ad Litem and divorce attorney for 29+ years. As far as the need to teach sex education in schools? Stupid idea. There is more information and birth control available now than ever before, especially compared to the 60's when we had to ask drunks to buy us condoms and yet more people get pregnant. As far as homosexuals marrying? If society wants to pass laws allowing it that's fine. I enjoyed my next door neighbors wedding and I like babysitting their kids. Boo hoo your libel didn't work. Typical Progressive though, resort to hate speech and run away. C ya. Wouldn't want to be ya.
@itgranny - I don't have a podium and I do know what it is like to be without money. I was laid off for almost 2 years and when I did finally get a job, it was for way less than I was making prior to the lay-off. Main thing, I didn't go out and rob places, jack up innocent people or kill anyone. I learned morals and values when I was growing up and I stuck by them. These kids don't have any of that. Their values are what the get from a twisted gana mentality. and @ greg, don't assume that "white folk" don't know poverty. There are plenty all over the country. The problem in the schools is the teachers have no authority to disciplin the kids. There are no ramifications for bad behavior or lines to cross. I went to a racially mixed school and had to tolerate the ingorant jerks who constantly disrupted class. The ones that want to learn can't because of the other who come in with a chip on their shoulder. But, on no, don't hurt little Johnny's precisous little ego with disciplin, let's just let him think it is perfectly ok to be like that and then guess what, you have another dead teen because they where not shown the limits and punished for bad acts. BTW: I served in the USAF and was away from my family several times for long durations. Neither of my kids is in jail, has multiple kids out of wedlock or is out beating up innocent people, selling drugs or robbing places. They are part of the productive middle class that will be preyed upon by those who feel that they should have the same thing but will not work to attain it.
BTW: to say those kids can't see beyond tomorrow is the very reason they will fail. When they are shown there is something better and adults stay with that. there is a very good chance the can success. I've seen it, I worked with inner city kids in Charlotte and surrounding areas. Instead of condemning them, be part of the solution and go help, volunteer. Oh wait, that is to much for some people to do. They would rather type their noncense on blogs.
This is not true. People (liberals if you like) are opposed to them for a variety of reasons, one of which is that it will mean the historically bad schools faring progressively worse and being underfunded as the money is shifted to private institutions where the goal is $'s, not education.
Rob80-
Load of crap. Teachers unions fight like hell against vouchers, and it is not because money being "shifted" to private schools or any other "noble" goal other than they lose control of the education process. Next talking point please.
I'm sorry, where did I mention teachers unions specifically? Oh, right, I didn't, I merely said people (liberals if you like).
Of course there are some people out to look after themselves, and I am not 100% supportive of everything unions do. However, the teachers I know became teachers because they really do believe education is important for kids and they want what they truly think is best for them. Your comment is nothing but obfuscation and an attempt to divide it into and us vs them situation. It's doing none of us any good. If you don't believe people don't want vouchers for the reason I stated (and there are others) then that is YOUR problem. They do. Me included.
Livinginthewoods
I think its more like "I figured out how to get mine, now its up to you to figure out how to get yours, and if you cant figure it out, who's fault is that".
Maybe if they had respect for themselves, they would respect others. R - E - S - P - E - C - T, hell, there was even a song about it, and it was done by a fantastic black woman Aretha Franklin.
Stop trying to be the bad ass...... there's always going to be someone thats a bigger bad ass.
That's not a gun metaphor, is it??
@WilliamOfRites
Sorry to disappoint you. NO. I never mentioned anything like that, but you and your small mind ASSumed such.
I think Will was trying to be funny. Chill.
Agree XDm9. It is a lack of respect. No self respect, no respect for others. Look at the picture of the pall bearers. Who would even go into a church dressed like that ? Who would attend a funeral dressed like that ? Who would serve as a pall bearer dressed like that ? There are churches all over the country you can go to on Sunday and see people who are dressed for the beach, or looking like they are going to mow the lawn or paint the shed. They go to school looking rough. I'm talking about adults too ! not just young people. Guy earlier in the post talked about wait till the survivors of this gun totin street kids are the grandparents. What do you expect they will be teaching the young folks then. SO in the rural south I know folks who are arming themselves to the teeth and owning property next to each other or on communes. Fortifying for the day when these people want to come get their stuff. No doubt our massive welfare system is the only thing keeping a lid on trouble. When the gubmint finally cannot pay for all of it, the trouble will start in earnest.
That liberal "leadership" by the Dems and the strictest gun control laws in the US are sure working out well for the residents of Chicago! I guess if you reduce the expectations of the youth so that they "don't expect to live a full life" that you've created an environment acceptable to subjects of the state vs citizens. Is this the Obama model for the future of the USA? Not for me! The community organizer from Chicago has different goals for America than those from the parts of the country where violent crime has been and is trending down. ONE AND DONE ------------ ANYBODY BUT OBAMA 2012------------Remember the people of Chicago picked Rahm Emmanual (Obama's # 2) for their new mayor just last year and things are only getting worse there. Homicides up 35% in a year. Not the right direction for the country!
Number one reason for these problems is no birth control, producing dependent babies and children amongst the people who can afford them the least. Free birth control and abortions for every one!
time for ECONOMIC JUSTICE jacka$$es! you get a group of people crowded into a small region with no jobs, money, or hope for a future, what the F do you THINK will hapen?
go ahead and blame them cause they're black or poor.. its all THEIR fault, and not some part of a systemic larger problem in ths country that keeps disadvantaged people RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE and never lets them get a chance of getting ahead (i know i know conservatives, just get a job, go to a private school, go ahead and disregard that there ARE no jobs or good schools where they live, then say "hey they should move then!" as though they could ever afford to, or have any clue about a different way of life in the hampdens like yours), then blame them for the way it is.
bury your head in the sand, and go back to your air conditioned home in the burbs.. visit church on sunday and feel good about yourself.
Maybe if they did not have to exist, and live in a Country where their the MOST despised group of people in it, things would be different! After 500 years of Slavery, Discrimination, Oppression, Jim Crow, Segregation, Poor Housing, Poor Schools, Burnings, Beatings, Lynchings, Prejudice, Hatred, all due to WHITE SUPREMACY, and INSTITUTIONALIZED RACISM things would also be different. Black Men in America have to slip through the cracks and make it.....
Even through all of the EVIL they have had to endure, their achievements, and contributions to America are astounding. So, BEFORE you Cowards say I'm BLAMING WHITETY, go google "the effects of white supremacy on Black people" BEFORE you blame the victims of it.
Guess what! We were poor growing up... But had both parents and we had rules!
We had to do chores, we had GOD even though we weren't in church every Sunday.
We were taught right from wrong and there were consequences for bad behavior!
STOP ALL THE AID TO THESE YOUNG MOTHERS.. THEY DON'T WANT THE KIDS ANYHOW.... THEY JUST WANT TO MONEY!! Vasectomies for the guys knocking the girls up!!
The cycle HAS to change!!
OUR politicians are idiots!! NOT one has the kahunies to legislate and end to all the hand outs!
The handouts have kept the lower classes enslaved and they don't even know it!!
THE NUCLEAR FAMILY WITH GOD AND VALUES AT THE CENTER IS THE ONLY WAY
TO SOLVE THIS ISSUE!!!
The problem is multi-faceted, but the funeral directors see it up front and close. And like he said, nobody expects to live long, so when they shoot somebody, it was meant to be bec. they were going to die anyway. Any black mother with a black child should move them out of the ghetto....movel them to Iowa or Nebraska....even Africa. Because these kids in the ghetto won't live a long life. Even you send them to college, they bring that "ghetto" mentality and attract other "ghetto" type kids who don't care about life.
I'm not a mom, but I damn sure would move out of my environment, even overseas if necessary.
I have to agree with rosewine. I was very poor growing. Sometimes the only thing on our dinner table was fried dough. But, my parents taught me always do the right thing, the hardest decision to make is the right decision to make, go to school, get educated and maintain a strict work ethic. Now, I am the mother of two college educated adults that are positive contributors to society...the advice my parents gave ME trickled down through the generations. As is the advice these kids are getting from their parents. I see the baby in the corner of this picture and I think "Little one, what is in your future?" and it breaks my heart.
articles like these are hard to comment about. some how these kid's parents have failed them. some how society has failed them. somehow the country has failed them, but most importantly, these kids have failed themselves. i say this because ever since the United States began as a country, the poor, uneducated, widows/orphans, broken families have always been part of these United States. sure, programs have been established to help, but it seems the more governmental and state programs there are to help, the more we see these same kids around with no concern other than what they can see, feel, friends and some type of commaraderie to take charge of their life and get out of the mire they stay in. sure, we are all to blame, but the largest blame goes to the kids and young people who decide to remain where they are for their short, hopeless and wasted life.
@sparklystar, That's beautiful, but you did not have to deal with RACISM, and WHITE SUPREMACY your whole life, and being told your a minority, inferrior, and face the hatred on a daily basis. If you had, I think you may see things differant.
believerof // mackman
The chips on your shoulders are showing and they must be very heavy. And you continue the BLAME OTHERS song and dance for what you don't want to face. I surmise neither of you have ever heard of PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY and ACCOUNTABILITY for your own actions or in-actions.
There are millions of people in this country who did NOT grow up with a silver spoon in their mouth. Yet, they took advantage of what WAS offered and worked to improve their PERSONAL situation.
What do you want people to do if YOU don't want to do anything for yourself?
mackman..you bring up race? If you want to make race an issue, then you should also bring up the advantages that my children never had regarding Affirmative Action and preference for college admittance (including the lowering of academic standards and special assitance to meet those lower standards), government jobs, financial aid (not loans that needed to be paid back). Again, parental guidance and advice plays a big part in the success of ANY child. I repeat this most important advice "the hardest decision to make is the right decision to make". No matter what your race is, you follow that advice and you will be successful.
And, I am a woman in a generation of women who were not supposed to succeed outside of the home. I had that descrimination to face.
believer of/ mackman
You do need to lose those chips on your shoulder. I faced racism and hatred my whole life, but I refuse to let myself become like that. Not everyone is a racist. You need to take a long hard look in the mirror and realize that YOU are responsible for how you react to those situations. White people are not to blame. Blacks are even more racist then whites are! No other culture glorifies violence, drugs, promiscuous living, and hatred then black culture. We walk around crying "Whitey trying to keep a brotha down"---please. People who act like that are nothing but a joke. Get an education, ignore what people say, stop being a drain on society, stop making everything a "black issue", stop thinking life owes you something.
i dont have to teach my kids to be "proud to be black" because they are so much more then just "black".
I can't believe some of you are blaming whitey. Whitey did not go in there and shoot up the ghetto. Bottom line is that you don't give a f*ck about your kids, or else you would raise them right and do what you have to do to get them out of the hood. It's personal responsibility and something that most do not want any part of.
Step up, be men and women, and most of all be responsible parents.
Only way out of poverty is education and I can say from experience that innner city kids don't really give a shi@ about school. I taught for 2 crappy years in at a middle school in an urban school and it sucked. Was called every name in the book by 6th and 8th graders. We offer free public education to all of our citizens(and even those that are not citizens). You can use that to go to college/tech school and get out of poverty. ONly way those that lived in the ghetto got themselves out...Jews, Irish, Italians and all those others that came to the country with nothing and made sure that their children would get a good education.
This is so very true.. I worked for major racetrack once in concessions and several of my fellow employees would only work for a short time because they did not want to make too much money so they could keep getting their welfare checks. They even would brag about it to me and each other. They could have made more than they were making with the welfare checks and on top of that had the ability to move up yet they choose not to. Thats the biggest problem with socialism is it does not work and has not ever worked .. society does not advance with socialism because people are lazy and greedy. Free riders are everywhere and if you give them an inch they expect a mile. I worked my butt off to pay for college and get myself an education so i didnt have to work at the race track anymore.. what did they do??? Nothing several are still working there (off and on) doing the same thing.... also being poor is not even close to being related to a lack of morals and never has been.
Liberal policies and social welfare programs have failed miserably. Instead of being a safety net to tide families over until their economic condition improves, many people make welfare a career choice. Same thing with housing projects. They were not intended for people to occupy them for 30, 40, 50 years. They were meant as a stepping stone, not a permanent residence until the tenants die, then the apartment is "left" to the other family members on the lease. Welfare, food stamps, and other types of government assistance can assist famillies in paying the bills. What cannot be purchased is the desire to improve your lot in life, drive, determination, or a work ethic.
I think its about time we start sending drones over Chicago and the other top cities in the nation. We have to stop the drugs, violence and gang wars at once, and this will be a good start in that direction. Use them on the borders as well.
I kind of agree with You, royalstaro5. but really DRONES? those are used for people who have the artillery to bring down a fighter jet and such. That's kind of an expensive way toe take out gang members isn't it?
How about arming the citizens. That would be the best start, and then stiffer penalties for the guilty.
Illinois needs a conceal carry law for it's law abiding citizens.
EPA already wants to fly drones over Farmer Joe's place to monitor cow farts...
...the priority of the US govt. is skewed...
Calling Bull on ComradeChaos.....
EPA does not, or has any plans to use drones on Farmer Joe. That's a insane blog post that got picked up by Fox and repeated by everyone since.
Total BS.
EPA was saying it was regular planes.
I live in a rural area and I don't know who they belong to but, there are always little planes with what looks like cameras under the wings flying around in big circle patterns. They are not drones just small 2-4 people planes. I aways assumed they were looking for pot fields, but who knows?
All I know is I don't like it!
time for ECONOMIC JUSTICE jacka$$es! you get a group of people crowded into a small region with no jobs, money, or hope for a future, what the F do you THINK will hapen?
go ahead and blame them cause they're black or poor.. its all THEIR fault, and not some part of a systemic larger problem in ths country that keeps disadvantaged people RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE and never lets them get a chance of getting ahead (i know i know conservatives, just get a job, go to a private school, go ahead and disregard that there ARE no jobs or good schools where they live, then say "hey they should move then!" as though they could ever afford to, or have any clue about a different way of life in the hampdens like yours), then blame them for the way it is.
bury your head in the sand, and go back to your air conditioned home in the burbs.. visit church on sunday and feel good about yourself.
@livinginthewoods could it be ATF, DEA or law enforcement because it is a fact they employ the planes.
Yeah, that is what I always figured they were. Talk about wasting tax dollars. Damn rural cops know that the meth heads will shoot their asses so they go after the peaceful old hippies farming pot, instead of the nazi @!$%#heads cooking meth. Brilliant!
John, I believe guns are the problem. And, do not say guns do not kill people, people do, yes, you are right and it is the people who hold the guns.
Regarding the drones. After they have cleaned up Chicago, Detroit of all the poor people, is your neighborhood nearby. When there is no one else to go after who will they go after.
Royal - It is mindlessly stupid bluster like yours that has brought the political process in this country to a screeching halt. Sure, it sounds all badass and tough and that it may be. But the level of stupidity in your comments is stunning. I am not excusing the culture that exists within these neighborhoods that breeds and fosters such behavior. Having said that, these are CHILDREN we are talking about! Children with no role models, no successful businesses, maybe there is a school nearby...but NOBODY GETS OUT! The answer to the question is not easy, and certainly not moronic like the one you suggest. We need to figure out how to give these kids hope...hope that it is possible to get out of the horrible situation so many of them find themselves in...hope that they can get an education, etc... We know that they don't have to live the way they are living, but they don't.
i guess the obvious question here is why is it Chaciago? are they "special guns" that once you pick them up cause you to turn into a thug gang member? Cause i sure dont want to turn into a thug gang member.. how do i find out if my guns are infected with this??
The drones are already in action. So are wiretaps/tailing and other black ops. Trust me.
The problem with sending drones to spy on private citizens is just that. I don't want this huge government to have more control over my life, or to spy on me from the sky. If we say yes for a reason such as the one listed above, it will be easier for the gov to use them for other purposes.Thats a real slippery slope. I'm sure the gov would expand its definition of when, where, how long, who they watch to whatever suits them.
BelieverOf - Thank-you, couldn't have said it any better myself.
The problem is the lack of opportunity, period. It's been going on for generations.
Those that have the power choose where those opportunities go. Black folks, especially in america, have never had the same opportunities as non blacks.
Only today can black folks get a fair shake, BUT, you have to be non-threatening and compliant. You also have to be smart. They don't respect you otherwise.
Being non-threatening is impossible. They are threatened before you even open your mouth. They fear the black man that is intelligent. They fear a black man with power. They fear black men period.
Humans are competitive by nature. Being compliant means stand in line and wait your turn. Or, take whats given to you and appreciate it. How can one be compliant and be competitive? It's impossible.
Understand, I am a black man, I make a very good wage. But I get treated like a piece of sh!t every single day by my boss who HATES the fact that he pays me that much. He's always tried to make me feel like I'm so friggin lucky to work for him or even have a job.
I'm one of the lucky ones. I figured out how to be non-threatening-ish. Never really compliant, but quiet. Thats what worked for me. And now that I've proven myself, over and over again, I no longer have to be quiet.
But, in reality, I still loose if Im not quiet. They always end up getting rid of you when you call them out. But I still succeed, especially when I make a move.
But it wasn't always that way.
When the opportunities are shared equally, only then will problems like this begin to fade.
Jesse and Al were in NYC protesting the pat-downs there, which like it or not, has brought crime way down. Why are they not in Chicago? Simple. There is no money in it for them, and they would have to face the uneasy truth that everything ain't whitey's fault. This is a prime example of money-grubbing publicity seekers who don't truly give a hoot about anything BUT money and warped fame. Get y'alls butts to Chicago and try to come up with solutions! It will take that, because like it or not these ghetto thugs are doing more to re-enforce every negative stereotype than the Klan could do with a billion dollar grant.
Jesse and Al care about Jesse and Al. That's where the caring stops. They are a couple of self-promoting racialists (not racists), whose primary goal is to find controversy that will get them TV coverage. They are lower than whale dung. They are not willing or capable of helping the Chicago situation, and know they would probably get their butts shot up if they did in fact show up, because even the punks in Chicago know what a couple of clowns they are. Chicago is headed toward being just another city that people would be wise to avoid, and if they were in another country, the State Department would have issued a Travel Advisory by now. If Chicagoans are willing to tolerate this malarkey, and do nothing more than wring their hands, they are doomed to become another Detroit.
Why don't you get your butt to Chicago . Its always someone who is not doing anything who wants to find fault with what others are doing and the only people who buy into negative sterotypes are people who already buy into them. Anyone with any smarts understands that this is gang-related , not color related. There are plenty of gang members in every size , skin color, religious affiliation and otherwise to go around. If this story was centered around a white gang group, color would never be an issue. Have you purchased your ticket to Chicago yet?
AMEN Brother!!!!!!
"There are plenty of gang members in every size , skin color, religious affiliation and otherwise to go around."
Uh no, clarice, there aren't. I live in NJ, with some of the most dangerous cities in the country, and I can tell you that there aren't whole lot of Asian, Indian, Caucasian etc. etc. etc. gangs running around those cities, robbing, assaulting and killing people. They are ALL black and hispanic gangs.
I'm afraid you speak the truth.
More and more gangs are recruiting people from all different races. And the whites have always had some deadly gangs. Russian Mafia, Italian Mafia, etc granted you dont here about them very much they have moved onto Cyber Crime.
Then there are the neo nazi's, Aryan Brotherhood that you occasionally hear about but they aren't as powerful or active as they used to be it seems like.
Yusuf - no one said criminals don't come in all shapes, sizes and colors. But THIS article is about Chicago violence in black communities. Remember?
And once again, the gangs destroying our cities are NOT the russian or italian mafia, the neo nazis or anyone else but black and to a lesser extent, hispanic, gangs.
As an over the road driver, I have made many deliveries to Chicago. At one Home Depot,I had to lay the bills of lading in teh trailer,back up to the dock door. When the dock crew was finished unlooading, one of the crew beat on the back of the trailer ,from the inside to let me know the crew was finished. My bol's were laying in the trailer near the tail of the trailer. I never saw anybody at that facility as they had orders NOT to open any door after a certain time.
Well grilledcheesesandwich, why don't you come down here to Atlanta and experience first hand the Asian gang problem?
time for ECONOMIC JUSTICE jacka$$es! you get a group of people crowded into a small region with no jobs, money, or hope for a future, what the F do you THINK will hapen?
go ahead and blame them cause they're black or poor.. its all THEIR fault, and not some part of a systemic larger problem in ths country that keeps disadvantaged people RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE and never lets them get a chance of getting ahead (i know i know conservatives, just get a job, go to a private school, go ahead and disregard that there ARE no jobs or good schools where they live, then say "hey they should move then!" as though they could ever afford to, or have any clue about a different way of life in the hampdens like yours), then blame them for the way it is.
bury your head in the sand, and go back to your air conditioned home in the burbs.. visit church on sunday and feel good about yourself.
Mike, I was going to say the same thing about Denver.
One can take the gangbanger out of the jungle (Chicago), but one cannot take the jungle (Chicago) out of the gangbanger.
@grilledcheesesandwich- The reason that maybe you don't see the gangs of other race's is more than likely coming from the slanted news broadcast on a nightly basis. Trust and believe, and this is coming from someone who knows first hand, there are more than your fair share of gangs of different races. So to sit there and either lie or ignore the truth is astonishing to say the least. Please stop being ignorant just for the sake of being ignorant.
Any gang banger, regardless of color, is too dumb to realize killing of their own is useless. Name one other race, not nationality, who kill each other like the folks in Chicago .
Generation after generation has failed. The more we try to lift them up the worse it becomes. I am not sure what the answer is. You have one failed generation raising another and what jobs they had or were able to do the immigrants have taken cause they do not have to pay taxes and they want to work. It sure breeds some shady politicians as well.
Well enough I have to work tomorrow. Another long hot day and bills are due.
"These kids do not expect to live a full life"? Whose fault is that sir?
Stray dogs after a hurricane act better. Nobody is at fault except the parents and those that CHOOSE this lifestyle.
Oppty is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work!
It's really interesting that you bring up the stray dog reference. In many ways, gangs are no more than stray dogs. Both of these groups have pack-like tendancies and are just looking to survive. The dogs band together for protection and survival. In many ways, a gang is no different. These kids and young adults are looking for nothing more than the love and acceptance that they are missing (or never had) at home. Unfortunately because of the breakdown of the family unit, these people are looking in all the wrong places for the things they are yearning for in their lives. Is this an economic failure, probably not as much as one would think. There are gangs and violence in affluent areas just as in inner cities. It's really not a religious/spiritual situation, either, as the funeral director in the article states. Would it help? It might become a temporary replacement for a few hours out of the week, but I'm not convinced that would be enough to keep these kids straight.
What choice in lifestyle are you referring to? The lack of education? The lack of work? The desire for acceptance? The need to be loved and cared for? It's funny how an "atta boy" can go such a long way. It really doesn't matter where it comes from, either. When it come from a parent, it enforces the blood family. When it comes from a peer or lieutenant in a gang, it increases the pack.
@TJM1969 Right on!
An atta boy would go so much farther than gun control and hand wringing.
DELETED
Redefine the family to anything any sexual minority wants; take away the right to keep and bear arms; teach kids how to use condoms instead of how to do calculus; removeall personal responsibility and distribute the wealth so we all get "our fair share".....basically, dismantle America and substitute Socialist Utopia....and you get Obama's Chicago.
I knew it wouldn't be long until someone played the "Obama is at fault" card.
What the heck is a "sexual minority"??
Why is it always 'instead of' with people who are against teaching sex ed? Sex ed must be taught along with calculus and science and PE and every other subject.
Yes, Moto. None of this exsisted prior to Obama. PS: Much of Europe is "socialist", yet most of our "American-style" inner-city violence does not happen there. Maybe because their conservatives are true fiscal conservatives, and not far-flung wackos pushing to tote guns in schools, bars, government buildings, and any other nook and cranny that LaPierre and his mindless minions can think of.
So, in the end, it's the "give the sixth grader his/her 2nd Amendment right to carry a firearm" mentality that created this inner-city bravado.
Just Bull-Crapping. No political party is responsible for a parent's lack of self-respect and adult responsibility.
It's not so much teaching sex ed, but the way it is taught. How about teaching these kids that becoming a baby momma is going to ruin their lives? Instead of telling them, here's a condom, have fun, try teaching a little self-respect and restraint.
These kids should be taught that being called baby momma or baby daddy is more offensive and degrading than the n word.
Teaching self respect or restraint equates with teaching morals, and our schools don't want to be responsible for that.
time for ECONOMIC JUSTICE jacka$$es! you get a group of people crowded into a small region with no jobs, money, or hope for a future, what the F do you THINK will hapen?
go ahead and blame them cause they're black or poor.. its all THEIR fault, and not some part of a systemic larger problem in ths country that keeps disadvantaged people RIGHT WHERE THEY ARE and never lets them get a chance of getting ahead (i know i know conservatives, just get a job, go to a private school, go ahead and disregard that there ARE no jobs or good schools where they live, then say "hey they should move then!" as though they could ever afford to, or have any clue about a different way of life in the hampdens like yours), then blame them for the way it is.
bury your head in the sand, and go back to your air conditioned home in the burbs.. visit church on sunday and feel good about yourself.
What do you mean take away the rights to bear arms? Chicago and Illinois in particular is the last holdout in keeping arms from the LAW ABIDING CITIZEN! Don't take away my gun just because the Government can't enforce the laws or refuse to make laws with enough bite to keep the guns away from criminals. The police catch these gang thugs and the Government (courts) keeps putting them back on the streets so they can kill each other. Until the parents grow up and decide they are in charge instead of their kids then the kids are going to continue to die. If the parents do not want to take control of their children, who do you blame? Most of these kids are form single parent homes and the parent does not work. They are on welfare and other stipens. Why are the parent taking to the streets on Friday and Saturday night to protect the kids? Why don't they have their kid at home where they can control them? By the time most of these kids are finallly given life sentences in jail they are not fit to even live in a cage. Look at the jails in LA,Chicago and other big cities. Some of the people are not human beings. They are animals. Maybe if thier mother had of controlled them when they were 5 they would have lived to do something with their lives.
It is society's fault for not giving these folks more federal money so that they do not have to steal and kill.
Your handle says it all.
When you don't have any answers humanists throw money at problems.
The more money the government throws at them, the more stealing and killing they will do. I don't see that helping.
Gang members have already decided to solve that problem on their own. They already feel entitled by society. All they are doing when they stick that gun in your face is cutting out the government middle man. Efficiency in the marketplace, as it were.
Build a large fence around these areas and pour in a ton of guns and ammo. Problem solved.
Actually, more money used in the correct way may help. Remember when FDR passed the New Deal and put people back to work? If the government is going to end up supporting these kids and young adults anyway - either through social programs or additional law enforcement expenses, why not make that money count? Create jobs for the youth. It gets them busy and off the streets for at least part of the time, it can teach them work skills and it puts money in their pocket. Right now you have a group of people with nothing to do and no way to get money to cover even the basic necessities, partly because of lifestyle but also because of a serious lack of job availability in the area. No surprise there's fighting and criminal activities.
JK, turn it into a game show and it's next season's hit on FOX!
If they legalized weed, it would take away the profiteering and put them all in a mellow mood.
(tongue in cheek)
Actually, I'm with Monkey. Restart the WPA and CCC. Put our returning vets to work managing the teams like we did before. Worked then, and would work now.
But sadly, it seems the Pubs are trying their best to Hoover the economy again.
Flying Spaghetti Monster help us. (or substitute your favorite mythological figure)
Sane Central,
Hail Brother Pastafarian!
Yea, they already get welfare, foodstamps, housing subsidy, more free food, utility allowance, medical and on and on and on. Most cities have free parks, some with pools. Most community groupssponsor free trips to circuses, beaches and a lot of people volunteer a lot to the city kids. I donate about 150 hours a year to the city kids myself. How many do you volunteer to them? Do you pay any taxes? You must not as you want more than the 14 trillion dollars the Government is now spending. Do you want full time baby sitters to follow the kids around and have 20 daily activities set up so the poor little darlings don't get bored? I grew up in the country and I did not have parks and pools. We never went on vacation and never went to the circus. But my mom and dad kicked my but when I needed it and taught me right from wrong. I never was in a gang and never went to jail. I was never bored. We made up things to do. No Cell phone, no XBox, no video games. Kids now think they are entitled. And you are showing them the way.
You are right , it's societys fault meaning the white people . If all the white people were gone from the United States, it would be the land of milk & honey. Everyone would be a brotha or a sista. Not a cross word anywhere. It would be paridise. Well, paridise without money. If it wasn't for all the Crackers money, the Government would shut down in a few days. Yall NEED all of us paying in or you wouldn't be getting that handout check every month. Think about it my Brutha, I get up & go to work everyday so I can feed my childens & your childens too. 90% of you leeches couldn't even pay your housing, electric bills or groceries without my white ass paying all the bills.
It would be Africa, Kevin. I believe Nothing new here is being sarcastic. At least, I hope so.
I lived in Manhatten for ten years....let's start hearing about the violence in Queens, Brooklyn and Harlem....which is every bit as bad as what is happening in Chicago's black neighborhoods. Many of the blacks in Chicago have parents who have failed their children....users of drugs and alcohol....no respect for authority of any kind...running to Church is not the answer....Christ wouldd confront the criminal and stop them. The police can't succeed until the neighborhood people stop maintaining a code of silence. Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton...where's the outrage over black violence.
....isn't Chicago Jesse J's home turf...
...yet he is silent
...the people the black society allow to speak for them is baffling...
"When you ain't got nothing, you got nothing to lose." - Like a Rolling Stone - Bob Dylan
"Freedom's just another word for nuthin' left to lose, and nuthin' ain't worth nuthin' but it's free." Janis Joplin
When you've got nothing and know that's all you'll ever have, life has little value.
Interesting. Only if you put a price tag on life. There are plenty of folks in this world living full and happy lives without the trappings of wealth. Bottom line is that these inner-city cultures want big money now, without earning it, fairly. Kinda' the McD's drive-through instant gratification thing.
@JK: well said. This is what you get when you have a culture that defines itself by rejecting the following: education, ambition, and success. This is what happens when your identity means you're not supposed to get a job, or even want a job. When you're betraying your culture by wanting to make something of yourself instead of waiting for it to be handed to you, it does not end well for anyone.
Yeah, unfortunately JK, it's not quite that simple an explanation. While it is certainly easy, and perhaps correct, to blame the culture, that does not explain what to do with the young kids. They find themselves trapped in this world through no fault of their own. Think about what it must be like living in these neighborhoods. Some have schools, some do not. Where are their role models? Fathers are generally not present and/or involved. There are very few, if any, successful business. Again, it does not excuse the culture, but these kids have no chance.
Joh and Jan. These kids aren't listening to Dylan or Joplin. They are listening to songs about shooting and getting as much p#ssy as possible while in the back of your Bentley with a grill matching the gold plating on the car. With all the reality shows..it's all about instant gratification. Look at the shows that have women punching each other out. That sells the show. Doesn't matter how they got on TV, it's just that "You" are. You have arrived. If violence got you there, then it worked. Like the article said, these kids see their life that they know they won't see thirty. So do what you can NOW. Sell drugs, get laid, rob the old lady upstairs. How many white rock stars shoot each other vs black ones. It's a culture of violence. Live fast, die young and leave a good corpse. Gangs are ruining many cities. There is no money because the gangs scared away the people that spend money. Your left with each other to shoot and rob.
Robert - no argument. Everything you say is correct. How do we fix it? Long term, the culture needs to be changed, of course. But short term, what do we do for the kids that a re in the middle of it right now? That's what the funeral director is talking about. There is absolutely no chance for these kids. Again, I am not excusing the culture. It is repulsive and needs to be changed. But, right now, how are we supposed to get through to these kids to tell them (and have them believe) that they have options?
Our whole society thinks about money.Not exactly deep thinkers. The church has a good message.
A lot of these kids need father figures in theyre lives,mabe people need to step up and look out for theyre neighbors kids.The thug lifestyle and single moms sure isnt working.
But if you parents and family use excuses to keep you down, you begin to believe it. If they give you hope and dreams, they you will believe that as well.
ron17571
The way some of these people talk about throwing more money, I guess the governemnt needs to hire new daddy's for these poor kids. The ones they have are broken! Guess they could be there after school and then stay until they go to bed. Then take them to basketball practice, outings on weekends, on and on. Heck, the government provides handicap people round the clock care to keep them independent in homes. Maybe the same would be good for these kids who, you think, can't think for themselves.
Sure there are, and I would count myself in that. However, that doesn't change the fact that the overriding message that we are all pummeled with every day is that money is everything. Bright, shiny toys are being pushed at us at every turn, it's all about keeping up with the Jones's. Just watch how many people brag about how many $'s they've got, or how they grew up poor but are now rich. It's many, many people's objective in life to be as rich and accumulate as much wealth as possible.
You might have a point with the instant gratification thing too but, again, that is something that is being pushed on us consistently.
All this has become ingrained in our culture. You'll see rich people with the same sense of entitlement too. I remember seeing an advert for a show where a girl turning 16 was given a brand new (expensive) car and she went bats**t crazy at her parents because it wasn't the right color (or something) and they'd embarrassed her in front of all her friends. The same base behaviors, just exhibited in a different manner.
Why was that young man wearing denim capris @ a funeral? I want answers.
The fact that you need an answer illustrates your inability to draw a proper conclusion. I know exactly why he was, and don't think I should tell you.
The dead don't care how the person carrying him is dressed.
Ted Kennedy says Cuber: He was likely wearing denim capris because they were the only "nice" pants he owns.
What difference does it make how the young man is dressed? He came to mourn his friend. What matters is what's in his heart and that he showed up. Do you remember that it's wrong to judge a book by its cover? If you didn't have the 'proper' clothing to wear to your friend's funeral, would you stay home?
Judge not, lest ye be judged.
This is the kinda of nonsense that gives us Progressives a bad name. Please, face the facts. The shorts-wearing guy spent all of his money on guns and ammo.
Now that generalization is funny, you got me to laugh.
When I die I want people to wear Hawaiian Shirts, and drink cocktails...Hell shorts? Sure why the F* not? I don't care, I'll be dead.
Most likely they didn't dress up for them when they were alive, why would they now? Respect for the dead? They participating in the funeral. There's your respect. Saying Amen sounds the same in Jeans or Khakis.
He wasn't there to mourn his friends death. He wanted to see who was getting capped next.
Maybe the capri pants kid stole were the only clothes after the store was cleaned out by an earlier robbery.
@peridot. If these kids don't know what proper attire is for a funeral, do you think they'd know what to wear to a job interview? Don't tell me "freedom of expression", "he's mourning his friend". Sorry, but these gangbangers and most of the kids today, along with a lot of adults, don't know how to dress appropriately for occasions such as funerals, court, or job interviews. Not that quite a few would even want a job.
Where is the "community organizer"? Where are Jesse and Al? Aren't they preachers?
Where is the outrage? Oh, that's right! Everything ain't whitey's fault as the Skipper said!
Glad my place is in the Gold Coast!
Jello heads!
They'll be coming your way soon enough. And you won't be able to stop it. Jesse and Al sure aren't interested in stopping it. The cops aren't interested in stopping it. The politicians aren't interested in stopping it. How, exactly, are you going to stop it?
Al and Jessie have no interest in stopping black on black crime. It doesn't fit their agenda, they won't even discuss it.
I don't understand that a city with some of the toughest gun laws on the books, has such a gun problem. Apparently, gun laws are not the answer.
Better watch out! Scary brown people are coming for you!
While I am no big fan of the "preachers", they have discussed black on black violence.
Quit spewing generic bs drivel.
Chicago and Detroit are ripe for reality shows about how life is in those citys. Mabe someone there should do this and make some money and help out neighborhoods.
More and more guys are waking up and seeing things for what they are. There is hope.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HsSQtxrw7uU
"No spirituality whatsoever."
Every American is responsible for the kind of society we have. A Godless society demands a tyrant to punish the many self serving sociopaths it nurtures. Freedom can only exist with a Christian people, other- wise corruption runs wild.
Only God Almighty through faith in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit can change the hearts of people.
Jesus Christ is the answer, always.
Dreaming while conscious it not recommended.
I'd like to think that it's possible for human beings to regulate themselves without appealing to fairy-tales, but you may be right Herald, you may be right. A society without strong social institutions (be they religious or otherwise) is ultimately destined for collapse. Unrestrained hyper-liberalism is unsustainable; they always come to an abrupt, unceremonious end...viva la revolucion!
You do realize that if Jesus suddenly showed up on the streets of Chicago he would be gunned down for his sandals, don't you?
That, might be the dumbest thing I have ever read here..
CPO, only is they have the Nike swoosh on them.
Because you are either Christian or godless? Another wonderful example of intolerance and the "with us or against us" attitude of some Christians. There ARE other faiths out there that are equally valid Herald, and you don't have to be Christian to be spiritual.
@Harold9 BS
So Herald. If someone is an atheist, and doesn't believe in your particular invisible imaginary friend, then they are a sociopath?
Yeah... People like you scare me.
How about... If you are a grown adult who still has imaginary friends, then you need to check yourself in to the nearest psych ward. Just curious... does it sit on one of your shoulders and talk in your ear?
Not even one of my childhood friends had an imaginary friend. If one had, we would have avoided him like the plague. If you hang out with crazy people, bad things are bound to happen to you.
Sigh... religions have done more bad than good. Good excuse for killing, hating, and dividing people, because "my god is better than your god". Idiots.
Herald9 has hit on the answer. That answer isn't necessarily Jesus, but it is religion. Because like it or not, religion has been the primary vehicle for passing ethics and morality from generation to generation throughout history. When the secularists decided to scrub religion from our culture, they were also unwittingly removing that mechanism. Eight of the ten commandments are the glue that allows people to live together in relative peace. With nothing to take it's place, you see the inverted value system that those inner city youths have created for themselves. People who work are "suckers", and black people who succeed are "Uncle Toms", and a black man who raises his kids is a "fool", and dropping out of school is "cool". And the environment becomes survival of the fittest, with the weak preyed on by the strong. And life is cheap. to turn the situation around, you have to re-infuse those values...
Fed-up -
Religion has also been the justification for death and mis-treatment of millions of people
I take it back. There was this one kid in the neighborhood. He was always nervous and twitchy, especially when his dad was around. He had to call his dad "sir". He also had lots of bruises all the time. Went to church every weekend and some weekdays. We kind of avoided him.
Doesn't matter what religion most religions attempt to teach morals and to treat your fellow human being with dignity and respect its whether we as humans live up to that message.
Brian look at most "religious wars" and you will see a pure political and economical reason behind it. Religion has been used by many to start wars but that is very rarely the real reason.
There are atheists who are also responsible for the deaths of millions yet you dont see people blaming atheism because that is as stupid as blaming religion. Religion is being used as a scapegoat. There is black sheep in any organization.
They need to learn how to have a conscious . What ever works. Know what regret is and that there is more to life then gang banging. Teach them right from wrong. Forget it you all are right it is hopeless...
Mr. Leak looks like death. A fitting profession for sure.
Mitch McConnell has that very same look: mortician.
To me, Mitch just looks breathtakingly ugly...that turkey neck of his, I have no idea how he shaves.
Mitch "Touche Turtle" McConnell? I hate it when he leaves wet spots all over.
I guess my uncle on my mothers side ran a funeral home/furniture store. That's how it used to work in those days. What will it be ma'am, kitchen table, or a casket? We got package deals.
Things you don't typically hear in these homes........When is dad getting home from work so we can play catch? When are we going to have family reading hour today? Can I help with the dishes and laundry? I enjoyed school today. Its so nice to have mom and dad at home with me and my siblings. I feel so safe and loved. What can I do to make my community better today.
Heck, I never even heard those things in my home......
What fairy tale are you living?
Ditto, Sharkey!
I didn't hear those exact things. but I did hear others..
"Why's your father washing dishes? You should be doing that!"
"Clean up your room."
"Weed the garden."
I did play catch with my Dad.
I'm trying to raise my kids the same way. It's not a fairy tale. It just takes time and attention.
No TV or computers in the bedroom, regular family dinner. It can be done. It may cost you more in the short run, but the long term benefits will more than make up for it.
I didn't hear most of those things in my two-parent home, but I turned out ok.
Its not a fairy tale at all, its my daily life. I played catch with my daughters last night. One helped me with the laundry while my other daughter helped my wife with the dishes after dinner. We have a sit down family meal together and talk to each other every night. Each evening we read without computers or TV for about an hour. We make it a point to volunteer at the local food bank or Restore once a month. Its only for a few hours on a Saturday morning, but at least we do it. I'm not saying that every family should do what we do, but it sure makes our family closer. I pray with my daughters before bed every night and we all say "I love you" to each other. If I'm doing it wrong, then someone tell me now. So far, I have two daughters on the honor roll and a peaceful loving family. None of us have been arrested or committed a criminal act. You don't need money to have a nice home life, just parents that care.
CIO, I'm sincerely happy that is your reality as it seems to suit you well (sincere, not sarcastic). I suspect the point you were originally trying to make is the importance of family involvement and it's lack in the discussed areas of Chicago. Instead, what actually came across was that if a parent doesn't follow your laundry list each and every day then they are a bad parent.
We have a different lifestyle but it suits us. Instead of catch, we built a climbing wall for our daughters birthday last weekend and it has turned into an excellent hideout during our water gun fights. Instead of everyone reading for an hour, we generally play multi-player computer games. Sometimes, we even run the kids outside to have time to discuss our day uninterrupted. We are active in our spiritual community, and the entire family actively plans events and rituals for the Sabbats. Our kids are happy, polite and well respected by their teachers. There is no one size definition for a "good family".
MonkeyMo....I agree with your post 100%. I apologize for making it sound like my way or the highway. I would hope that every family could find their own way of having family time. Family time can consist of anything from video games to concerts. As long as the child is experiencing time with a parental figure in a positive environment. My point is that it requires time and attention to impart love and caring. BTW, congratulations on getting a few minutes of quiet time with you spouse, sometimes that seems to be the hardest part.
Monkeymo, and AFL-CIO. Thanks for your posts, you seem to have it together. It is a pleasure to know there are a few that are trying their best in raising the kids. You are, and will be greatly rewarded for your efforts.
AFL-CIO, what if dad is in jail and the son visits him in jail??? Is this not quality family time?
Family reunions at the "Gated Community"?
Our culture has been trained to look down at those poorer than ourselves and scrutinize them more closely for such infractions on the slave work ethic. That way we aren't looking higher up the ladder to see who is defecating on us. It's a nice trick that works well for the owners and their minions.
They should join the armed forces that way they can die for the people who defecating on them for the financial terrorists. We always have money for weapons of war. So if we can not spend it on America we can spend it on invading other country's?
What could we have done if that War money was spent on the Nation instead of fighting the Jews problems?
Doesn't the Mayor of Chicago have dual citizenship, Israel/Usa. (During the 1991 Gulf War, Emanuel volunteered with the Israel Defense Forces) Funny was he ever in the US military, so where does his allegiance lie with the terrorist state of Israel or the USA?
Pretty much a done deal; if nothing else has been established we now know that Jesse and Al are the epitome of the words "False Prophets." What lunatics, and the media keeps feeding their publicity habits. Send 'em to Chicago. Oh, thats right......you can't make chicken salad out of chicken sh*t! They might have to actually show some ability up there..........Jesse has been trying to ride MLK's coat tails forever (with no substance) and Al is just a publicity seeker.
Who looks to them as prophets?
Where is Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, they say nothing as long as it is black on black crime.
One suspects that you are other than black, Woody.
Well these neighborhoods sure dont have white folks living there,right?
Maybe. Unless they are so scared they stay away. I live in a multi-cultural neighborhood. We do not kill each other. We are all just trying to live our lives. But we do not blame anyone else for any misfortunes that we may have to face.
In the ghetto most whites are either living there due to financial reasons or because they are drug addicts. And that's just the truth, sorry but reality............
A LACK of religion is causing this @!$%#? I think not. Religion PROMOTES this sort of tribalism/us vs. them nonsense.
The most violent people I see are also the most devout. Count on it.
that's just another excuse for the people in these communities not wanting to take responsible for their own actions.
if everything is the fault of someone else then what you do can always be rationalized no matter how insane the idea
That is absolutely ridiculous. How many preists , nuns, ministers, rabbi's, etc. do you see going around killing other people?
Yep, that's it! I know that every Sunday when the churches turn out at 12, I lock the doors and windows and hit my safety room so all those crazed churchgoers don't maim, mutilate or kill me.
The bible belt doesn't acknowledge priest, nuns, ministers as other christians.
How many wars have been fought in the name of Religion? Go to the prisons and check out how many inmates 'have' Religion..all of them... Religion is no answer ..
Its not religion or atheism that is the problem. A religious person and a Atheist person can have Good Morals and do good works. Religion is being used as a scape goat there are plenty of atheists that have done horrid things and plenty of "religious" people who do horrid things.
Some people in prison have been reformed by religion whether or not its a fairy tale the truth is religion reformed them.
So if in anger I killed someone is my religion to blame or myself? Myself of course stop using religion as a scapegoat. There are black sheep in any organization and religion.
Sounds like your afraid of the truth,get involved with your local church,you well never meet a more friendly group of people.
<snort!> Ron, going back to church and "getting involved" is why I'm Pagan now. They sure are friendly I'll give you that - as long as you can donate a decent amount of money each month, know your place if you're female and never ask for actual assistance of any kind. After one church after another like this (not to mention uncounted hateful acts when my childhood church split, etc.) it was an easy decision to walk away. A lot of it never added up for me anyway.
No respect for life and others, only thinking of your next fix is the problem. Drugs people, gangs, kids that have no direction, no parents basically they are left to fin for themselves. Welfare breeding programs produce an endless supply of potential gang bangers.
In a sense welfare is the problem. Those on welfare receive so little that men (and women) feel like they still have to hustle to get more. If there wasn't welfare, wouldn't the problem be even worse?
I believe that the problem is multidimensional and the solutions must be also. Although no one here has a complete solution, let's come together to pool ideas. So far just here alone we have education, family values, parenting, church, politics, condoms, respect, jobs, racism... The pastor in the story may/ may not have the solution, but if he's the one out there trying to do something, perhaps he's the one to try to help. Sharpton et. al. aren't the only ones with what it takes to get things done. Whether you're white black or whatever. this is the fabric of the future.
While I'm not a Christian I do have respect for the pastor. He's actually willing to TRY to make a difference and doing something. I thnk his idea for a youth center is an excellent one, but I also would suggest that in addition to his walk he solicit local businesses for donations and apply for government grants to help get it up and running. If the youth have no place to go, what else would you expect them to be doing?
Folks,
This is absolutely a black issue.
If we want to correct these we need to start with an honest look at the root issues.
There's unemployment, poverty and many other hardships in thousands of spots around our country and not of them is remotely close to the incidents of homicide in the black inner city communities.
Jaso you're right. Trying to be politically correct is diverting from the root cause.
I agreed with much of what the reverend said...until he got to it not being a black problem. It is.
By that I think he means that America as a whole should care. It's not just something that should solely be left up to the black community to handle.
Last time I checked being a US citizen isnt based on race? Blacks are Americans just as much as anyone else is. It affects us all.
Yes but they are the ones that single themselves out from the rest of the population. African American. When was the last time that you visited the Homeland? Maybe I ought to describe myself as a Pink American? Uncolored American? How bout we are all just Americans? I think that it makes them feel more special .
If you talked to the polish or german immigrants they identified them selves as polish and germans and they brought there culture over with them. Its not just black.
Look up the German and Polish Ghetto's in Wisconsin.
I agree with the fact that it has to do with family, but people tend to blame the destruction of the family on outside forces rather than the people who are responsible for the family: the father and the mother. Education does have the power to counteract crime in our cities but that education isn't the responsibility of the public school system, the ultimate responsibility is on the parents (which are either lacking or don't know better themselves). Only part the local gov. can play is to tighten up on crime, and educate communities how hold criminals and offenders responsible.
We have a problem in the Black community that many are unwilling to acknowledge. At it's base, much of the blame can be placed at the breakdown of the family unit. This leads to a lack of supervision for the children and the poor education that results. Perpetrating the cycle.
Then along comes the federal government handing out checks to support this system.
Throw in a few pandering politicos offering ever more handouts, and we end up with generation upon generation of hopelessness and crime.
yes.
your first paragraph is right on the money
Yes you are correct and I hate to see this happening, it seems to be getting worse not better, the handout mentallity is alarming and tearing down the people.
just,
We want to help them, but the way the federal government has been doing it for generations has perpetrated this problem.
Hell, the feds won't even acknowledge this is a Black issue. With out acknowledging the problem it's typically impossible to address it.
yes sir since the advent of the politically correct mentality it has not allowed to actually try and help this situation and you are right to address it is impossible as I see it. Their idea of throwing money at them is perpetuating this.
The hand out mentality has certainly taken hold in these communities. I once (as a christian service) babysat 3 children for 4 days while their grandmother took a trip (their mother was in jail). When my husband left for work, as he does everyday, the 6 year old was completely confused as to why he wasn't at home. It took me almost all day to make her understand that he had to work to make money (her grandmother lives off of dissability and welfare for the children). She literally had no concept of working for a living. It made me so sad for her future. How many of these gangbangers have the same world view?
Rather than build a community center, how about a manufacturing plant. A job is better than a basketball court. When you have generation after generation of poverty and discrimination, you lose all hope and motivation. If congress would pass some of the jobs bills they are sitting on (not the trickle down tax cuts) we could get started digging ourselves out of this hole. But sadly, the Pubs are going Scorched Earth to try to get back in power. But anyway, It's going to take several generations to overcome the damage done to black Americans. That is, if we can ever do away with discrimination and racism. (yeah I know, good luck with that)
How is he gonna afford a manufacturing plant? That also requires bussiness liscenses and a product to manufacturer. 100's of millions of dollars instead of the 15 million dollars for his ideal community he wanted to build in place of the motel.
Its how the middle eastern rulers stay in power................keep your population illiterate and they won't question your authority keeping you in power. Blame the west, or in our case those that work for a living, for the reason they are poor and that only the dictator/government can help them.
Being illiterate is part of the problem especially when a spiritual leader tries to lead you down a path that is not founded in the religion you supposedly practice.
But if China invaded the US and your family died in an air strike im sure you would blame China too. People don't take well to there loved ones being called "collateral Damage"
Yusuf Jiang
It doesn't have to be a massive plant. Maybe a better word would be Operation.
$15mil could get a 30 person operation going (depending on equipment required).
I'm sure they could think up something to manufacture, that is not a problem. Get the locals involved in the decision. Ask them for ideas.
I also don't think a license would be tough to acquire, just understand the zoning rules and choose your product/processes accordingly.
Show good progress and solicit investors.
Since the "job creators" aren't creating jobs, we have to pool resources and create our own.
I remember having to drive thru Cabrini (on West Division) just to get to the Kennedy ramp after leaving my place on the Gold Coast.
It was a gang land! Every corner, light, building doorway had these hoodlums.
The only reason Jesse and Al aren't in Chicago now is they can't blame this on whitey! And the only way they make their money and get their attention is blaming whitey!
Jello heads
No one can change ghettos and violence. It's out of control at this point. Just protect your own and eventually they will kill each other off.
while on the surface that might sound like a solid solution.
the taxpayers... many on this thread... pay not matter what.
This past weekend, 35+ were shot with only a handful of deaths.
Who you think is footing the bill for the health care of the injured?
As taxpayers, we are always going to be paying for someone else. Decrease the population of the thugs, gang bangers and drug dealers. We as a country are really screwed up. I think we will be a third world country before long.
You're right-on Jennifer. 3rd world status is coming to America. What a shame.
I wouldn't worry too much, it's been like this since the 50's.
Who is gonna decide who is a thug, gang banger, drug dealer? You gonna build Concentration camps and stick all of Chicago in there?
Yes you can tell who are the guys from the city when your in the military they cant shoot worth a dam.
I recommend getting out of big citys.As our country comes apart the city well be killing fields as people take what they want with no regard to others.Just imagine these folks with no handouts.
I dont remember hearing about these kind of problems in white neighborhoods,i wonder if there are mexicans killing each other somewhere.Mabe its all gang related.Every kid i see dressed like a gang member,it just says loser to me.
ron17571. You are not alone in your evaluation of the appearance of those dressed as a gang member. No way will these people ever get a job looking like that, even the white kids who dress like that are up the creek, jobwise.
No handouts may in fact be beneficial it may take a couple decades but i think it would force the communities to band together to survive and help each other out. If you look at most immigrant communities that is what they do they help each other out.
The most disturbing thing about reading this story today is that it's Juneteenth! The day the slaves in Texas were freed in 1865. This is supposed to be a day of celebration for African-Americans. But to the kids who go around killing each other, especially recently in Chicago, a great American city, there is nothing to celebrate. Let's try not to forget the significance of the day anyway. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juneteenth
When I was in Houston, no whitey could safely drive through the celebration area. The people celebrating couldn't even tell us was the hell Juneteenth was, except for getting drunk and disorderly.