Comments for Stronger Neighborhoods and a Safe City at http://www.santacruzwire.com , comment 1 to 1 out of 1 comments http://www.santacruzwire.com Sun, 05 Feb 2012 07:15:16 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.santacruzwire.com/index.php/la-vida-local/21-la-vida-local/282-stronger-neighborhoods-and-a-safe-city.html#comment-21 David, you make some excellent points. Since you wrote this article one more man was killed and another wounded, both within a mile of my house. It is really hard to share your positive approach when I feel so much anger. We all contributed to this problem by ignoring it for so long. I can't tell you how many times I've heard people say "it's okay as long as they are only killing each other over there". Well, some of the victims are now white and the action is in our neighborhoods. We've allowed it to grow to a point where it is much harder to control. Positive loitering and early education will certainly help, but we need quick and decisive action to stop this problem now. The bulk of the responsibility is ours. The police are doing a good job, but we must be their eyes and their ears. We have to report any and all suspicious activity in our neighborhoods. We have to become better witnesses, noting vehicle descriptions and license numbers and descriptions of the gang members, and we have to supply this information to the police. The police for their part have to respond quickly or the opportunity is lost. Without violating any one's rights, the police can make it very uncomfortable for the gangs just by virtue of their presence. I am opposed to profiling, but I think we need to accept the fact that, by and large, our gang members are hispanic. That doesn't mean the police should interrogate every Chicano they see, but a group of young, tattooed, Hispanic men cruising neighborhoods should expect to draw their attention. Sorry, but there's too much at stake Our teenaged kids also need to be trained how to react when confronted by gang-bangers asking about their affiliation. Is there a right answer? Does ignoring them work? Teenaged boys are known for their high testosterone levels and will often let themselves be goaded into confrontation. We need gang experts to supply answers and training to our children. What better topics can be covered in school than true survival skills. We are at a turning point in society. What we do now will have a serious impact on what our society will look like tomorrow. Our children should not have to live in fear. - Neal Aronson Sat, 01 May 2010 15:14:29 +0100