Richmond, CA trying to stop the violence
On our local radio and TV stations today there is much concern that the youth in Richmond, CA are killing each other and some of the killings are revenge killings. Many in the community have lost a loved one through violence. The local community and non-profits are going to set up a Tent city in local parks to try to draw the youth to speak to leaders and camp out in the park in an attempt to stop the violence. Some in the local community say that the kids hang around corners with nothing to do. They propose using the community resources to help with this problem like more programs of out reach, keeping Recreation Dept. facilities open longer for the youth to have a place to go and let off some steam and get some exercise and structure in their lives.
All these are good things. It takes me back to my youth in the 1950's where the same problem existed in the Boston area and my local neighborhood and probably most cities in the country. But back then we didn't have the killings. Oh there were the fights between groups of different neighborhoods. There was the picking on the weakest and picking on those of different cultures than there own and picking on people of color. But there weren't many killings. Some yes, but only a few.
The reason was that guns were not available and as prolific as they are now. Kids of my youth would fight mano a mano. No guns, just fists. The worst it ever got was using chains and blocks of wood to use as a club. I have been listening to the latest discussions about the Republican candidates for President visiting the NRA (National Rifle Association) like former NY Mayor Rudy G. He was in favor of gun controls when he was Mayor, as he wanted to reduce crime. Now he says he can see that we have the right to bear arms and he supports the Constitution.
Well I'm sorry. If a government takes the responsibility seriously to protect and defend the population as Bush has done to suspend some of our rights under the Constitution because he says he is trying to keep us safe from terrorists, then doesn't it make sense to use the same argument to save the lives of innocent people by taking away or suspending their right to bear arms. And besides, these individuals are most likely violating the law by having illegal weapons. Doesn't a government have the right and the duty to protect the society using the same reasoning it uses during this "War on Terror" by seizing Weapons of Individual Destruction for all in hopes of preventing a few murders? I think it does and if you follow the logic, you will see it does too.
We need to wake up as a society and consider the Constitution as applied to the 21st Century. The right to bear arms should be conditional in a society. When a society isn't watching or parenting its youth in a proper manner then that society deserves to loose some of its rights. Heck, anyone can be wiretapped now. That's right those law-abiding citizens, as well as those suspected of no good are treated the same, aren't they. It's time for a ban on guns! People should be allowed rifles for hunting, but guns should be banned! They should have a period of time where anyone can turn in their guns and get some dollar amount for doing it. We should change the laws and increase enforcement. There I've said it!
Labels: banned, Constitution, government, guns, Richmond CA, right to bear arms
posted by Charles Amico at 7:24 PM
4 Comments:
Hi Charles,
How do we stop the violence? Though initially it may seem unrelated, I think the first step is Campaign Finance Reform. Our country is currently not our own, therefore when it comes to solving key problems affecting our society - healthcare, education, viable employment, a living wage, equal treatment under the law, etc., we are held hostage by powerful interest. Powerful interest, that would see our entire school system decline, that would burden us with un-affordable healthcare, a bloated military budget etc. Though Richmond may be the latest symptom it is not the disease. The disease is systemic and national. On the one hand, if our leaders are seen to use violence, time after time, to solve their international disputes, how would this not translate, 'trickle down' to society at large? And in communities of color which are generally very much under-served, would not this example land firmly within the minds of the young (consciously or sub-consciously)? Secondly, our government cuts sports programs, cuts after-school programs, cuts music and art programs, cuts tutoring programs and wholly disavows trade schools, all programs, that would engage and empower these very same youth. What else is left? We need a fundamental change, that sees our paradigm valuing people over profits. Only then will the symptoms of violence in Oakland, Richmond, Denver, New Orleans, Fresno, St Louis, Detroit, Compton, Atlanta, Cleveland, Washington D.C. etc., ever give way to calm and begin to heal. These solutions are intermediate and long term solutions to be sure.
Thanks.
Luther's Story
This is a powerful testimony. I'm a resident and now an advocate for bringing back the unity pride and peace back in richmond.
It's seems as though the police don't want to hear my story. But on Nov 8, 2007. I was walking to the richmond bart station. I was on my way to work leaving out around 10:30pm.
I live on the soutside of richmond (ohio) a young guy approached me and I was looking at a 44. He demanded $20.00 dollars. He even searched me. I could'nt believe this guy was going to take my life. I said twice that prayer was needed. He then let me go as god was being thanked and praised. I told the youngster "God bless you"
I made it but the pizza man and the red onion man did'nt. I'm doing my part in the struggle to stop the violence. My story should be in the newspapers. God prevailed in this situation. People in richmond please do your part in this.
Love Luther
Boochie, yours is a powerful story and I am so grateful God answered your prayer that scary day or you wouldn't be here to tell it. It is a community tragedy.
Do you have some ideas or thoughts about what tyo do about the problem. Certainly more ploice would help. But it wouldn't eliminate the problem as the ploice can't be everywhere 24/7/ What could you add? Do you think guns should be removed from the community? After school prograns can't help at 10:30pm.
Thanks again Boochie.
Everyone one of the above metioned solution needs to take place not just one..! Yes we need gun control, we need more police, we need more after school programs, we need more sports programs etc, etc. as has been metioned. But to really take back this community it is going to take every body. Each and every citizen needs to be responsible to report crime, to participate in neighborhood watch programs. To make sure young people aren't just hanging around the streets with nothing to do. Yes parents, neighbors and friends all need to work together for change. We also need to change the court system. Why are so many young black men in prison??? For drugs, robbery etc. These crimes need to be treated not punished. These kids need have to option to go into the military not just jail and come out a hardend criminal. We need to put this kids in exchange programs to countries where people are really poor and learn how to help others and along with it help themselves. If we could change there lives and teach them that they have value to society and are wanted and needed. We need Doctors,lawyers,nurses,buisness men, carpenters, electrictions. We need to let them know they are wanted and have hope. Just letting them figure it out on there own with no guidence except to see some other kid be sucessful by hurting or robbing someone else is a disgrace to our society. We as a community and a country need to focus our energies on this issue and not turn our heads. Every Idea must be examined every one from the president on down needs to focus on this issue from every aspect. Let no stone go unturned. These children are our future. We need to love them and raise them as a precious resource that is being thrown away and left to rot in prison. Instead of war we need to be making peace in our own country. I admonish those famous actors who have turned there backs to the great need we have right here in this country this should be the focus of every politican as well as every citizen to pick up our staff and walk. I challenge each and everyone who reads this to save a child. Make at least one child in this community YOUR responiblity. Educate them love them teach them mentor them. I don't care what color you are take up a child and change our world.
Carrie
Hayward, Ca
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