Wondering what fraction of the deaths are at the hands of the police and what fraction are at the hands of gang based criminals that we should be asking the police to arrest regardless of skin color of the cop or the criminal.
3
Crime in Chicago has been tracked by the Chicago Police Department's Bureau of Records since the beginning of the 20th century. The city's overall crime rate, especially the violent crime rate, is substantially higher than the US average. Chicago's homicide rate had surpassed that of Los Angeles by 2010 (16.02 per 100,000), and was more than twice that of New York City (7.0 per 100,000) in the same year. By the end of 2015, Chicago's homicide rate would rise to well over 17.0 per 100,000. Chicago's biggest criminal justice challenges have not changed much over the last 50 years, and statistically reside with homicide,armed robbery, gang violence, and aggravated battery.
Chicago's biggest criminal justice challenges have not changed much over the last 50 years, and statistically reside with homicide,armed robbery, gang violence, and aggravated battery.
Chicago is considered the most gang infested city in the United States, with a population of over 100,000 active members from nearly 60 different factions. Gang warfare and retaliation is common in Chicago. Gangs were responsible for 61% of the homicides in Chicago in 2011. Examples of large Chicago street gangs include the Gangster Disciples, Black Disciples, Vice Lords, Black P. Stones and Latin Kings.
Chicago's biggest criminal justice challenges have not changed much over the last 50 years, and statistically reside with homicide,armed robbery, gang violence, and aggravated battery.
Chicago is considered the most gang infested city in the United States, with a population of over 100,000 active members from nearly 60 different factions. Gang warfare and retaliation is common in Chicago. Gangs were responsible for 61% of the homicides in Chicago in 2011. Examples of large Chicago street gangs include the Gangster Disciples, Black Disciples, Vice Lords, Black P. Stones and Latin Kings.
6
Looks like the Wikipedia article for "Crime in Chicago". :)
It would definitely save lives if poor inner city children could go to private schools. Parents and kids want this, but Big Government and Big Unions won't allow any competition
4
This is America 's shame. Our shame. We must revisit this seemingly intractable problem with more creativity, greater resources. These are human beings caught in a place of disorder and pain. Imagine if these were children of elite, powerful families families. Or these children reminded us of ourselves or our own children. We would not tolerate this level of destruction and pain. Not everyone can be saved but this can be changed for the better.
An often overlooked statistic in Chicago crime is not just murder victims, but number of people shot but survive. Holy Cross now has a level 1 trauma center on the South side, and emergency responders have taken a page out of the US militaries book on how to treat gunshot victims. As a result, survivability has improved dramatically.
True, Chicago has a homicide rate which is depressing compared to other large cities, but the rate of shooting victims is even more disheartening. Non-fatal gunshot victims in Chicago had an overall rate of occurrence of 46.5 per 100,000 from 2006-2012, with a demographic breakdown of 1.62 per 100,000 for whites; 28.72 for Hispanics, and 112.83 for blacks (research from Yale).
I am not convinced that poverty turns people into murderers and attempted murderers. There are far more complex social issues going on in these communities that need to addressed with honest dialogue. The politically correct way, which is to shy away because it happens to involve black people, is a dead end, and we are all seeing what lies at that dead end. Chicago's machine needs to stop ignoring, excusing, marginalizing, and making excuses. Animals who have no respect for human life whatsoever need to be dealt with accordingly, no matter what color they happen to be.
True, Chicago has a homicide rate which is depressing compared to other large cities, but the rate of shooting victims is even more disheartening. Non-fatal gunshot victims in Chicago had an overall rate of occurrence of 46.5 per 100,000 from 2006-2012, with a demographic breakdown of 1.62 per 100,000 for whites; 28.72 for Hispanics, and 112.83 for blacks (research from Yale).
I am not convinced that poverty turns people into murderers and attempted murderers. There are far more complex social issues going on in these communities that need to addressed with honest dialogue. The politically correct way, which is to shy away because it happens to involve black people, is a dead end, and we are all seeing what lies at that dead end. Chicago's machine needs to stop ignoring, excusing, marginalizing, and making excuses. Animals who have no respect for human life whatsoever need to be dealt with accordingly, no matter what color they happen to be.
12
Stop to ask this question. Why is it that violence is so much higher in Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. And, it is Blacks and Hispanics who commit these heinous crimes against their own kind. Most of us do not want to adress the elephant in the room - the obvious answer mostly responsible of this dysfunctionality in these two communities.
When you breed like rats and don't care how you bring up your children and the children see Mom and Dad being absolutely promiscuous, not working, selling dope and doing drugs; when 3 out 4 children are born out of wedlock and have many different fathers how would a child learn and what would he learn - then what else do you expect?
When you breed like rats and don't care how you bring up your children and the children see Mom and Dad being absolutely promiscuous, not working, selling dope and doing drugs; when 3 out 4 children are born out of wedlock and have many different fathers how would a child learn and what would he learn - then what else do you expect?
15
For municipalities that have for three generations now been liberal with their subsidies to poor people, they are forgetting that when they make it easy for teenagers to have babies, by giving them housing, food, and child subsidies, and they keep having them, they are enabling, and even encouraging, far too often, the least intelligent and hardworking to procreate. And then what do their children and grandchildren grow up to do but repeat the pattern?
People who do not have the ability to delay gratification, to work hard at getting an education and a job, can have all the babies they want but are not entitled to be subsidized by people who limit the number of children they beget to the number they can support.
You'd be surprised how many young girls, who'd love their own place, wouldn't have that first kid if they weren't rewarded with an apartment, and a bigger one the more babies they make.
And that is why our streets are worse, more dangerous, than ever. Who's doing the having, the rearing? Not responsible black people, but irresponsible ones.
In the rest of America, undereducated, even uneducable, whites have more babies. And they get guns too.
It's not just dogs and horses that can be "bred."
People who do not have the ability to delay gratification, to work hard at getting an education and a job, can have all the babies they want but are not entitled to be subsidized by people who limit the number of children they beget to the number they can support.
You'd be surprised how many young girls, who'd love their own place, wouldn't have that first kid if they weren't rewarded with an apartment, and a bigger one the more babies they make.
And that is why our streets are worse, more dangerous, than ever. Who's doing the having, the rearing? Not responsible black people, but irresponsible ones.
In the rest of America, undereducated, even uneducable, whites have more babies. And they get guns too.
It's not just dogs and horses that can be "bred."
9
The DNC hasn't forgotten anything. Where do you think "reliably Blue states" come from?
6
They should make guns illegal there. And put up "Gun Free Zone" signs.
6
You're kidding, right? Chicago already has the strictest gun laws in the nation
2
The problems of violence in Chicago has the same roots as the violence in other cities worldwide. The same related issues that drives migrants to flee from their countries; lack of opportunities, work, education, health, freedom of speech, violence, hopes for the future, drives the poor and poor blacks especially to their only outlet, violence.
Worldwide, when those issues are resolved; (but don't hold your breath); violence will diminish to a large degree.
The downside is that governments will not do anything positive to help people of all countries and races, the violence will continue and probably even increase.
So, get used to it.
And so it goes.....
Worldwide, when those issues are resolved; (but don't hold your breath); violence will diminish to a large degree.
The downside is that governments will not do anything positive to help people of all countries and races, the violence will continue and probably even increase.
So, get used to it.
And so it goes.....
1
A complex problem, yes, but there are obvious points through which to attack it in hope of reducing the problem in the short-run and eliminating it in the long-run. Start with drug policy. The gangs are dealing drugs and contesting territory just as Capone-era gangs dealt alcohol. Legalization of drugs offers a handle on getting control of gang violence just as legalization of alcohol (thank you, FDR) permitted us to eliminate violent crime in this industry but not, of course, drunk driving.
6
Or, make murder legal and et tu; no crime has been commited.
1
@Nfafan: I don't think that's a very convincing response to Ivan Light. There's a very clear difference between legalizing something that is intrinsically wrong because it harms another person--murder--and legalizing something that basically involves harming oneself by using a dangerous substance--drugs. Legalizing drugs is a reasonable response to the problem of drug-related violence, whereas legalizing murder is not.
2
One of the main contributors to this problem is Chicago's refusal to hire more cops. Under Daley, and continued by Rahm, officers are moved around the city like chess pieces. As a result, the sound of gunfire is rising throughout the city. I live in what was just confirmed as the police beat with the lowest crime stats in Chicago. These numbers were reported at a community meeting with the top district cop after a young man was shot, mid-afternoon, in a drive-by - two cars full of gangbangers from outside the neighborhood. The following weekend, there were multiple reports of gunfire within the sylvan park across the street from my home. Nobody was found, and CPD believes that the gunfire was again from passing cars. About a year ago, a gang execution occurred, early on a Sunday evening when many people were walking their dogs, in an alley one block from home. Again, both victim and killer were from outside the neighborhood. It's increasingly clear to me and my neighbors that the gangbangers know there is almost no police presence in our neighborhood.
4
Trumps rally in Chicago was cancelled due to Chicago’s history of violent crimes and homicides. Violence can occur in any city. FBI and local enforcement agencies need to watch out for homicidal angry protestors. There is a difference between 1st amendment rights of speech, right of peaceful assembly, and peaceful protest....and the ultimate bad thing that can happen. Try to remember the assassination of President Kennedy, the Rev. Martin Luther King, and Mahatma Gandhi, and the attempted murders of Pope John Paul II, and President Reagan. Yes, some of these angry locos in these political rallies may fire guns to express their political ideologies and anger.
2
it is amazing how some people blame murders in the inner city on everything from bad police to failure of the government to provide education and services to youths living in these communities. However, when children are raised with good moral values and ethics they do not become killers, regardless of their race, economic status or level of education. The only thing we can do once the killing starts is to catch these violent criminals, take away their guns and lock them up. When murderers are incarcerated they don't have the opportunity to kill innocent people.
16
"Few agree on why bloodshed has surged so far this year." I live here. I know why. The late, great Cabrini Green Public Housing Project is to blame.
When I first arrived here, not too long ago actually, the streets around Cabrini's high rise towers (a 2 square mile area bounded by W. Chicago Ave., W. North Ave., W. Division Street, N. Wells St. and N. Larrabee St.) were a free-fire zone. Murderous. You did not go anywhere near it if you valued your hide. To get a sense of what it was like, watch "The Wire". Its setting happens to be West Baltimore, another violent city that I happen to know quite well. But the social milieu and political situations are virtually identical: vicious gangs, drugs, turf battles, drug-fueled mayhem, and dysfunctional city government.
The noxious Daley regime and our inept police force "managed" the problem by sweeping it under the rug. They let the good times roll in Cabrini until it became impossible. Only then were facts faced and a decision taken to tear it down.
I overlook the still-vacant, extremely valuable site on which expensive high-rise condo and office buildings will rise shortly. An ironic quip about how to turn blighted, dangerous neighborhoods around that I heard back in the Sixties ("Urban renewal equals Negro removal") was proved true here, up to a point. The problem wasn't solved, just moved across town. Flushed from Cabrini, gangsta chaos arrived in Lawndale, Englewood, Pullman, Garfield Park. Ground Zero of the explosion.
When I first arrived here, not too long ago actually, the streets around Cabrini's high rise towers (a 2 square mile area bounded by W. Chicago Ave., W. North Ave., W. Division Street, N. Wells St. and N. Larrabee St.) were a free-fire zone. Murderous. You did not go anywhere near it if you valued your hide. To get a sense of what it was like, watch "The Wire". Its setting happens to be West Baltimore, another violent city that I happen to know quite well. But the social milieu and political situations are virtually identical: vicious gangs, drugs, turf battles, drug-fueled mayhem, and dysfunctional city government.
The noxious Daley regime and our inept police force "managed" the problem by sweeping it under the rug. They let the good times roll in Cabrini until it became impossible. Only then were facts faced and a decision taken to tear it down.
I overlook the still-vacant, extremely valuable site on which expensive high-rise condo and office buildings will rise shortly. An ironic quip about how to turn blighted, dangerous neighborhoods around that I heard back in the Sixties ("Urban renewal equals Negro removal") was proved true here, up to a point. The problem wasn't solved, just moved across town. Flushed from Cabrini, gangsta chaos arrived in Lawndale, Englewood, Pullman, Garfield Park. Ground Zero of the explosion.
4
I shudder to think where this trend will lead.
2
hopefully to far larger section 8 subsidies that will enable these inner city residents to move to middle and upper middle class white neighborhoods with good schools, plenty of jobs and low crime. Plus the whites will benefit through greater diversity. Win win for all concerned.
I can't imagine that it will happen, and I can imagine what would happen.
2
This will keep getting worse until their are more police patrolling more aggressively, making more arrests, putting more criminals in prison for longer sentences. Yet, the entire Democratic Party from top down, in thrall to radicals, is totally opposed to all such measures, condemning hundreds of Black and Hispanic Chicagoans to early violent deaths.
4
Oh, you know, it's the cops' fault. It certainly is not the community. NOT!
9
Police aggressively to reduce violence and be accused of racism and brutality. Police passively which leads to violence and be accused of racism and ignoring criminality. Take you choice. Law enforcement is there to serve and protect, not cure our societal ills of unemployment, broken families, poor education and drug use. This is a political illness, not a flaw in law enforcement.
10
This crime wave is clearly the fault of none other than George W. Bush. Oh. Okay. Well...it is clearly the fault of police brutality. Oh...oops. Ummm...okay, this is clearly the fault of the white, Republican Establishment. Ahhhh...geez, this is getting difficult. This latest wave of crimes is clearly due to slavery, back in the 1800s. This just isn't working, is it? Let's try this again: this latest wave of crime is clearly due to public schools' insensitivity to the oppression, both current and former, of black people. No? Help me here, okay? This problem is due to racism, lack of opportunity, poor educational opportunities and we need to pour more money, MUCH more money earned by the (dwindling number of) taxpayers in and around Chicago to help address the scourge with the help of Obama, Michelle, Loretta Lynch and Valerie Jarrett. There! Nailed it.
9
Global warming demands its share of blame
5
You forgot to blame guns.
Prior to the gun control act of 1968 you could get handguns mailed to you.
So why not this level of crime in the pre-68 days?
Because we didnt have the level of social programs we have today that make it easy to be a criminal bum.
Prior to the gun control act of 1968 you could get handguns mailed to you.
So why not this level of crime in the pre-68 days?
Because we didnt have the level of social programs we have today that make it easy to be a criminal bum.
4
What any organization suffering financially or operationally, and Chicago is weak on both counts, is to have a leader who can speak out. Get out and talk, make yourself known and create an atmosphere where people want to help!
It is true in business or in running a city or country. Some of our best leaders may have been a bit crude, some erudite others a bit on the whacky side. But they can get people together, have people march through snow or jungle and make you feel good you've done it.
No education, no plan, no analysis and no consultants will ever substitute good leadership. Close and lock your office door and get out and meet the people, Mr. Mayor. Most Chicago natives can point out the old Daley house in Bridgeport blindfolded. Few even know what neighborhood you hail from.
Chicagoan? Not yet.
It is true in business or in running a city or country. Some of our best leaders may have been a bit crude, some erudite others a bit on the whacky side. But they can get people together, have people march through snow or jungle and make you feel good you've done it.
No education, no plan, no analysis and no consultants will ever substitute good leadership. Close and lock your office door and get out and meet the people, Mr. Mayor. Most Chicago natives can point out the old Daley house in Bridgeport blindfolded. Few even know what neighborhood you hail from.
Chicagoan? Not yet.
An experiment worth trying is offering rewards for information leading to the capture and conviction of violent offenders and gun traffickers, serious rewards. Just to start the discussion, say $50,000 for gun trafficking, $100,000 for shootings, and $200,000 for murderers. The idea is to offer enough to get over the issues of resentment and lack of cooperation with police, and to offer enough to make everyone vulnerable, even by fellow gang members. Add witness protection and relocation if desired.
1
John, in these communities the common phrase is "Snitches get stiches".
7
This is liberalism at work in America, Chicago is and always has been a democratic run city, corrupt through and through. The people are fools, voting democrat everytime, they don't know why, they sure don't have a reason to. I suggest we use Chicago is teach people why liberalism doesn't work.
12
Funny, thought it was conservatives to blame for this.
That is funny! Chicago has been run by Democrats since the days of Pangea, and you want to blame both GOP voters in Chicago?
3
Why isn't this being emblazoned across the front page in boldtype? Oh, of course, it's only blacks murdering blacks again. Doesn't fit the Liberal outrage agenda if its not a white shooter.. Talk about racism.
11
Oh, so no one knows why this is happening and so they are going to blame it on the weather? That is just crazy!
Bernie Sanders has told you all over and over why it is happening but you don't want to listen. Having tens of thousands of people piled up on top of each other with no jobs, no education, nothing constructive to do and no hope of ever being able to get an education to help them pull themselves out of that situation is what is causing it all.
No, you would rather play politics with these people's lives and keep ignoring or marginalizing Sanders and his message. Keep lying in favor of your corporate stooges so that you can keep the gravy train going and never have to do any REAL journalism while people die from the very same policies that caused the problem in the first place!
I taught in an innercity school, I had to drive through the absolute worst parts of the city and I could not help but notice that there was not a single grocery store but there were dozens of liquor stores and tattoo parlors and pawn shops and payday lenders...ALL icons of a failed state. Was it any wonder that all of my students suffered from developmental delays when there was no access to nutritious foods?
We could not take our students out for recess because the playground was full of broken beer bottles and syringes, no PE, no art, no music, not a single break for teachers the whole day to even go to the bathroom. BUT you want to blame the kids for their poor education?
Bernie Sanders has told you all over and over why it is happening but you don't want to listen. Having tens of thousands of people piled up on top of each other with no jobs, no education, nothing constructive to do and no hope of ever being able to get an education to help them pull themselves out of that situation is what is causing it all.
No, you would rather play politics with these people's lives and keep ignoring or marginalizing Sanders and his message. Keep lying in favor of your corporate stooges so that you can keep the gravy train going and never have to do any REAL journalism while people die from the very same policies that caused the problem in the first place!
I taught in an innercity school, I had to drive through the absolute worst parts of the city and I could not help but notice that there was not a single grocery store but there were dozens of liquor stores and tattoo parlors and pawn shops and payday lenders...ALL icons of a failed state. Was it any wonder that all of my students suffered from developmental delays when there was no access to nutritious foods?
We could not take our students out for recess because the playground was full of broken beer bottles and syringes, no PE, no art, no music, not a single break for teachers the whole day to even go to the bathroom. BUT you want to blame the kids for their poor education?
2
The lack of jobs is due to Crazy Bernie's Democratic ideas of high taxes, excessive regulations, and Obamacare. The schools were destroyed by Crazy Bernie's greedy Union buddies. The bad situation will get even worse with Crazy Bernie's crackpot $15 minimum wage. The mess Chicago's in are due to the ideas Crazy Bernie is championing
4
The most disturbing thing here is how the police are asserting that any increase in violent crime is due to the fact that they are under scrutiny for indiscriminately shooting , searching, harassing and jailing black people and if we would just allow them to continue to control the black population without the restraints of constitutionally protected rights and civil rights, there would be less violence. We are then told that somehow, the hardened, violent criminals that shot this poor kid dropped their fake gun, real drugs and real money and made a run for it because what they accidentally shot an innocent kid or worse, the kid was involved in some nefarious conduct. This is beginning to reek of police manipulation. Do not put it past the Police. They have proven they will shoot innocent black people for absolutely no reason so we should not be at all surprised to find out they would shoot innocent black people to reduce scrutiny and "raise their moral".
1
This is the point ALL Black lives matter- not just the ones ended by police officers. And ALL lives matter. The lives of the innocent- even the lives of the guilty matter.
The citizens of Chicago have to decide whether or not to embolden the police to deal with this problem- and the politicians of Chicago have to decide if the police is professional enough to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Otherwise, maybe the national Guard is not such a bad idea.
The citizens of Chicago have to decide whether or not to embolden the police to deal with this problem- and the politicians of Chicago have to decide if the police is professional enough to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Otherwise, maybe the national Guard is not such a bad idea.
3
national guard implies gloves off. The black community will never stand for this type of racial abuse. Gang violence is far less of a problem within the black community than any that the national guard and police can institute against blacks. Why do whites not understand this simple self-evident fact?
Chicago is the other side of the gun debate. How do you address these situations when guns are so easy to get? Some one gets shot and the family or friends respond and shoot one or more. Self protection is not the answer. Chicago needs to buy back guns and destroy guns turned in or found at a crime. Tell NRA and the poliiticans they have to stay away.
1
Chicago has the strictest gun laws in the nation. Gun control doesn't work
4
But 100 feet outside of Chicago you can get anything you want. Local gun laws don't work when neighboring regions are lawless.
1
It's wonderful to see middle class people from all over the country chime in to say that the problems of Chicago can best be solved by addressing their personal pet issues, from the 'decline of the family' to gun control (for or against) to the drug war. The right complains about Black Lives Matter, but it seems that in this case, for most, black lives only matter as props to sell whatever your particular agenda is.
The Chicago Police Department has its share of issues that need to be addressed, but the communities protesting need to look in a mirror. They're responsible for letting their young men turn to gangs and violence. They're responsible for letting their young women become teen moms (who think they don't deserve better than a gang banger).
8
The only viable way to greatly reduce, or even eliminate, the homicides in Chicago is to persuade the residents to believe that killing is never the answer to their problems.
People need to believe that they alone are responsible for their predicament: not racism, not the failures of the justice system, not inequality. While all those predictors of violence may be true in the philosophical sense, believing in anything but personal responsibility will not help. One needs to believe that "I alone am responsible for my fate". That is the only way out. Do not rely on others to save you. Take responsibility for your own life. Only you can change. The system will not change.
People need to believe that they alone are responsible for their predicament: not racism, not the failures of the justice system, not inequality. While all those predictors of violence may be true in the philosophical sense, believing in anything but personal responsibility will not help. One needs to believe that "I alone am responsible for my fate". That is the only way out. Do not rely on others to save you. Take responsibility for your own life. Only you can change. The system will not change.
7
@Timothy:
"... persuade the residents to believe that killing is never the answer to their problems ...".
Persuade. How? How can anyone persuade them? Unless they can be made to believe that that odd sound they so often hear isn't from a passing bullet but angels dancing on the head of a pin.
In that magnificent play and movie "A Man For All Seasons" cynical world-weary Cardinal Wolsey (Orson Wells) attempts to persuade a privy councillor, the honest and still-idealistic Sir Thomas More (Paul Scofield) about whether anyone dares heed any higher calling in a world as violent and debased as ours:
......................
Cardinal Wolsey: "Are you going to pray for a miracle?
Sir Thomas: There are precedents.
Cardinal Wolsey: All right. Good. Pray, by all means. But in addition to prayer there is effort. My effort. Have I your support, or not?
Sir Thomas: No, Your Grace, I'm not going to help you.
Cardinal Wolsey: Now, explain how you, as a councillor of England, can obstruct these measures for the sake of your own private conscience?
Sir Thomas: I think that when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties they lead their country by a short route to chaos. And we shall have my prayers to fall back on.
Cardinal Wolsey: You'd like that, wouldn't you? To govern the country with prayers?
Sir Thomas: Yes, I should.
Cardinal Wolsey: I'd like to be there when you try."
"... persuade the residents to believe that killing is never the answer to their problems ...".
Persuade. How? How can anyone persuade them? Unless they can be made to believe that that odd sound they so often hear isn't from a passing bullet but angels dancing on the head of a pin.
In that magnificent play and movie "A Man For All Seasons" cynical world-weary Cardinal Wolsey (Orson Wells) attempts to persuade a privy councillor, the honest and still-idealistic Sir Thomas More (Paul Scofield) about whether anyone dares heed any higher calling in a world as violent and debased as ours:
......................
Cardinal Wolsey: "Are you going to pray for a miracle?
Sir Thomas: There are precedents.
Cardinal Wolsey: All right. Good. Pray, by all means. But in addition to prayer there is effort. My effort. Have I your support, or not?
Sir Thomas: No, Your Grace, I'm not going to help you.
Cardinal Wolsey: Now, explain how you, as a councillor of England, can obstruct these measures for the sake of your own private conscience?
Sir Thomas: I think that when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties they lead their country by a short route to chaos. And we shall have my prayers to fall back on.
Cardinal Wolsey: You'd like that, wouldn't you? To govern the country with prayers?
Sir Thomas: Yes, I should.
Cardinal Wolsey: I'd like to be there when you try."
Here in small town eastern Canada, when we see black, we see doctor, we see their best dressed kids, tops in their class, going to university, becoming professionals. Things don't grow well in rocky soil.
2
perhaps is Canada's socialism. If this existed in America blacks would not have to live in the slums they do and crime would be almost non-existent. But white refuse to pay the needed taxes. Their money is obviously more important than black lives!
Having grown up in the US, I am now living 30+ years W. Europe.
I am greatly saddened and even more appalled that these tragic events continue to take place in one of America's great cities.
The lack of a true social-democracy certainly has its stark and violent consequences. Until a fair and just society is available to all, along with first-class education and living-wage job opportunities, the despair and the killings will continue.
Shame on the US for not providing all of its citizenry with the respect and liberty that everyone deserves.
I am greatly saddened and even more appalled that these tragic events continue to take place in one of America's great cities.
The lack of a true social-democracy certainly has its stark and violent consequences. Until a fair and just society is available to all, along with first-class education and living-wage job opportunities, the despair and the killings will continue.
Shame on the US for not providing all of its citizenry with the respect and liberty that everyone deserves.
1
Shame on you for pointing a finger from afar, contributing nothing to help solve a serious problem afflicting a complex society. And in case you havent noticed in 30 years, the USA is not Switzerland.
3
Chicago is the new Detroit.
http://crime.chicagotribune.com/chicago/homicides
http://crime.chicagotribune.com/chicago/homicides
4
Many posters say that more government intervention, especially more money, is needed, and say the violence comes from government neglect.
From the (conservative) Heritage Foundation:
"Since that time [start of 'War on Poverty' in 1964], U.S. taxpayers have spent over $22 trillion on anti-poverty programs (in constant 2012 dollars). Adjusted for inflation, this spending (which does not include Social Security or Medicare) is three times the cost of all military wars in U.S. history since the American Revolution. Despite this mountain of spending, progress against poverty, at least as measured by the government, has been minimal."
"http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2014/09/the-war-on-poverty-afte..."
This report also states that since 1993, the federal government has been spending more on welfare (again, excluding Social Security and Medicare) than on our military EVERY YEAR.
I don't know the solution but it sure isn't another government program.
From the (conservative) Heritage Foundation:
"Since that time [start of 'War on Poverty' in 1964], U.S. taxpayers have spent over $22 trillion on anti-poverty programs (in constant 2012 dollars). Adjusted for inflation, this spending (which does not include Social Security or Medicare) is three times the cost of all military wars in U.S. history since the American Revolution. Despite this mountain of spending, progress against poverty, at least as measured by the government, has been minimal."
"http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2014/09/the-war-on-poverty-afte..."
This report also states that since 1993, the federal government has been spending more on welfare (again, excluding Social Security and Medicare) than on our military EVERY YEAR.
I don't know the solution but it sure isn't another government program.
6
Facts are stubborn things
2
What is unacceptable about senseless violence is what it robs humanity and lives cut short before the individuals realized their full potential.This is a complex problem : The police side of the issue;The community side;The individual responsibility and surrendering to temptations,etc..Here there is a 24 hr trial music station which transmits all sorts of fine Ethiopian music and dance with modern composition but still true to the authentic traditional touch.It also transmits some fine American and Indian Pop songs.1 song it now and then airs is the Duet by Whitney Hewston and Maria Carey " When You Believe ".Both have such Angelic Voice the Song is not just a National Artistic treasure but it is a Treasure to all of Humanity.Whitney is someone who should still be alive continue to be in her prime.Bad influence from so called friends had robbed all of us such irreplaceable talent.WH came from 1 of the finest tradition,i.e The Gospel and Church Choir background and such tradition and the value the Church teachings instill in the young has to b retained not tossed aside.The States ,The Fed G. have to b more and more supportive of the effort to remind the young of the special personalities they should try to emulate ( 4 Ex. Illinois' own Pres O.), making training and education available enough and reject the temptations to even once experiment on drugs.The police resort to deadly force only when they detect a real danger using professional instinct not bias or emotion.TMD.
1
Chicago is truly between a rock and a hard place. On one hand there is the terrible economy that helps to breed "bad stuff." There are the guns that come into the city from places where gun laws are lax in spite of the tough city and state laws (Chicago/Illinois) And then there is the sad fact that Chicago police have let down a LOT! After the noted bad cop instances in Chicago ,the number of arrests etc have dropped big time ! This is adding up to a perfect storm and of course the majority,the good people ,are the ones suffering.
1
great idea to declare state of emergency and have the National Guard come in and patrol the area. need a curfew, followed by a detailed sweep of every house, yard, vehicle, etc. to take guns from criminals. curtail certain freedoms in order to achieve social order.
3
Sure, that always works
1
The problem sure aint the police. Stop and frisk should be implemented to the highest degree. Criminals love to blame the police for everything.
10
When I was young, around 19, I set off for Texas with a car, a few belongings, and very little money, and a willingness to work hard. It was the right decision for me.
While I understand the hesitancy to leave family, friends and community, I hope that the young parents in Chicago will realize that nothing is worth the danger they and their family face by staying.
It is difficult to imagine being in a worse position than those families are in now. My advice is to give your children a future, move away. No place is perfect, but almost any place is a step up from where you are now.
While I understand the hesitancy to leave family, friends and community, I hope that the young parents in Chicago will realize that nothing is worth the danger they and their family face by staying.
It is difficult to imagine being in a worse position than those families are in now. My advice is to give your children a future, move away. No place is perfect, but almost any place is a step up from where you are now.
10
I've read a number of comments blaming the recent exposure of police overreach and outright mayhem as the cause of the increase in crime? They're saying because the police are worried about someone filming them doing their job, they've decided not to do their job? They're saying that the Police cannot be a professional force, trained to deal with the public correctly considering their ability to use deadly force. Is this police "slowdown" deliberate? If so, this work stoppage is wrong and those participating in it should be fired. Of course, poverty, incarceration of most males. discrimination (racial and class), lack of decent educational opportunities, lack of employment opportunities, etc. really have nothing to do with it. It's all about how the police need to use their violence and extra constitutional processes to keep the poor and minority neighborhoods in check.
Obama and the Democrats have declared War on the Police. At Obama's urging, police officers have been gunned down in cold blood at unprecedented rates. Just look at Ferguson MO Officer Darryl Wilson: he nearly was murdered trying to save the Black community from a predator. Instead of thanking him, the left vilified him and destroyed his career
7
Not true Larry. Chill.
2
Chicago (and the nation) have a serious problem. Deep down below the rhetoric and broken promises there is a root problem. Government will never be the answer. In fact government, as it functions now, is a major part of the problem. Of course, to really address the government malfunction we must acknowledge that we, the people, own the government and, as such, are the owners of the government malfunction. We have allowed ourselves to be deceived by unrealistic promises and have not held the elected accountable. Drastic situations required drastic steps. The Church is the real owner of this problem. You see, there is not separation. There is no secular and spiritual. It is all a spiritual problem. Churches need to leave their four walls and take back the streets one person at a time. Pastors need to call the people to action. The Church, empowered by time on their knees, needs to confront the issues of their neighborhoods one door at a time. Churches need to lay down racial separation and doctrine and collectively demonstrate the Love of God. No cookie cutter solutions but God does have a solution for each house/ block/ community. Emanuel can fix the problem but that is not Rahm, it is Jesus. The Police Chief can not fix the problem nor the City Council but the love of God manifested via the Church can. Prayer and prayer lead action can make a difference. It has in communities where people have come together, inclusively, and declared God's Love will prevail.
2
I honestly never paid a great deal of attention to the violence (and corruption) in Chicago until I moved to the area. When you have a scenario where the machine politicians are as dirty as the street criminals, positive outcomes are unlikely. It is hard to believe that a political machine even still exists in American in the year 2016, yet here we are.
The violence is mainly concentrated in the gang infested neighborhoods on the West and South sides. The sociological reasons for why these places have become cesspools of human misery are significant and notable (poverty, hopelessness, etc) but these are also problems which are not likely to be solved by a politician. It's a gang banging cultural phenomenon that has evolved over generations, and it will similarly take several generations to solve. If, and it's a big if, people actually make a serious effort to change things. Throwing money at the problem, making excuses, paying lip service, etc., which comprises Chicago political authority efforts thus far, has not helped. If anything, it has made a bad situation far worse.
I fully realize that honest dialogue about any problems involving African American communities is a tough proposition, but it is a hurdle people are going to have to get over it. One thing is for certain, if we continue to maintain focus on comparatively minor issues like isolated police incidents, the killings will not only continue, but they will get get worse.
The violence is mainly concentrated in the gang infested neighborhoods on the West and South sides. The sociological reasons for why these places have become cesspools of human misery are significant and notable (poverty, hopelessness, etc) but these are also problems which are not likely to be solved by a politician. It's a gang banging cultural phenomenon that has evolved over generations, and it will similarly take several generations to solve. If, and it's a big if, people actually make a serious effort to change things. Throwing money at the problem, making excuses, paying lip service, etc., which comprises Chicago political authority efforts thus far, has not helped. If anything, it has made a bad situation far worse.
I fully realize that honest dialogue about any problems involving African American communities is a tough proposition, but it is a hurdle people are going to have to get over it. One thing is for certain, if we continue to maintain focus on comparatively minor issues like isolated police incidents, the killings will not only continue, but they will get get worse.
8
How about making it a crime to be a gang member ?
7
Why on earth is there no aggressively vocal national group like Black Lives Matter to directly address those young people who commit murder? We have a whole generation of city kids who know only gang life, murders of people they know committed often by people they know and we are losing or most precious resource.
8
This is the result of Obama's deadly War on Police and Obama's War on Jobs. Thanks to uncontrolled regulation, ObamaCare, and high taxes there are no jobs. Obama began his War on Police in his first year, when he declared the Cambridge police "stupid" for daring to ask for ID. Obama can never wash the blood off his hands
9
A few cops are bad apples, so we hamstring all cops and then are shocked, shocked when crime statistics surge. Why would a cop try to capture dangerous murderers when doing so could easily end with him being charged with a crime due to a selectively edited video?
7
I don't get it. And Americans worry about the "threat" posed by ISIS?
90 Americans die each day as a result of gun violence. Chicago is a war zone as are many other big cities in the U.S. of A.
As the cartoon character Pogo once said, "I have seen the enemy and it is us."
Amen . . . and pass the ammo!
90 Americans die each day as a result of gun violence. Chicago is a war zone as are many other big cities in the U.S. of A.
As the cartoon character Pogo once said, "I have seen the enemy and it is us."
Amen . . . and pass the ammo!
3
Yup, that Rahm Emanuel is doing a bang up job. It is inconceivable that the people of that city could put someone so incompetent in that office, and keep him there. He must have learned his inability to govern at the Obama school of so lacking in leadership.
4
It's just not their fault, you know. So solutions can't be found within the community. It's just not fair to look at it any other way. Just not fair at all.
Yes, yes, that's it.
Yes, yes, that's it.
7
One fact mentioned in this article that has been mostly overlooked by commentators is that “violent crime remains below the levels of two decades ago”.
A look at the statistics would seem to confirm this:
Year / # homicides
1974 / 970
1984 / 741
1991 / 928
1992 / 943
1994 / 931
2004 / 453
2014 / 432
The level not only “remains below” but it is significantly below. Fellow commentators blame President Obama, Rahm Emanuel, Al Sharpton, the Chicago PD, the Black Lives Movement etc for the homicide level today.
I wonder, though, if such persons/organizations are deserving of a little bit of praise for the drastic reduction in homicides in Chicago since the early 1990s.
A look at the statistics would seem to confirm this:
Year / # homicides
1974 / 970
1984 / 741
1991 / 928
1992 / 943
1994 / 931
2004 / 453
2014 / 432
The level not only “remains below” but it is significantly below. Fellow commentators blame President Obama, Rahm Emanuel, Al Sharpton, the Chicago PD, the Black Lives Movement etc for the homicide level today.
I wonder, though, if such persons/organizations are deserving of a little bit of praise for the drastic reduction in homicides in Chicago since the early 1990s.
1
Looking at the number of shootings today, it may be that the criminals in 1974 were better shots and the medical care of the wounded was not as good then.
Improvements in the treatment of bullet wounds and other serious injuries are the primary drivers of that downward trend.
4
@Ted - But a lot of the young guys today fire their weapons like they see in the movies, holding them in impressive poses that are totally ineffective for hitting their targets. You won't see this at a firing range, where skilled marksmen use the correct techniques. This would result in a lot more survivable injuries.
605 shootings!!!!!! in 3 months. Where are the massive black lives matter protests? Does any one realize that we have neutered our police and that the most underprivileged are the ones who are suffering?
11
Apparently Black Lives matter when they are killed by cops. Silence on black on black murders. Shocking.
7
Seems that the police are correct in their assumption that Chicago is the equivalent of a war zone and this explains their tendency to shoot first at the first indication of resistance. Its about time that the people in the neighborhoods took back their city from the criminal 1% instead of blaming everything on the 'police'. Surely armed with base ball bats and garden implements the overwhelming majority could either beat to death or drive every drug dealer and gang member in the city off their streets, out of their communities.
3
As someone who actually grew up in Austin (one of the featured "hoods" in the article) I can speak to the very real situation that is happening there.
The problem IMO is the redistribution of people from areas with concentrated gang and other criminal activities to widely disparate (working class, middle class), mainly black, neighborhoods throughout the city. This began on a grand scale with the demolition of public housing, primarily on the south side of town. That decision led to an explosion in gang activity over the last 10 years that has had detrimental effect on once liveable neighborhoods across Chicago.
I can pin point the moment in time when my fairly decent neighborhood went from working class with occasional crime to a frightening place with near non-stop violence. In my time, I saw how the decentralization of gang activity led to an increase of turf warfare and the spikes in violence seen today. Unfortunately, only a few speak on how the closing of public housing has led to what's been the effective destruction of working class and middle class black neighborhoods in the city. See the reports from 2010-2015 about the exodus of these citizens as proof.
The problem IMO is the redistribution of people from areas with concentrated gang and other criminal activities to widely disparate (working class, middle class), mainly black, neighborhoods throughout the city. This began on a grand scale with the demolition of public housing, primarily on the south side of town. That decision led to an explosion in gang activity over the last 10 years that has had detrimental effect on once liveable neighborhoods across Chicago.
I can pin point the moment in time when my fairly decent neighborhood went from working class with occasional crime to a frightening place with near non-stop violence. In my time, I saw how the decentralization of gang activity led to an increase of turf warfare and the spikes in violence seen today. Unfortunately, only a few speak on how the closing of public housing has led to what's been the effective destruction of working class and middle class black neighborhoods in the city. See the reports from 2010-2015 about the exodus of these citizens as proof.
22
Great comment that sheds light on the gang expansion in Chicago. It reminds me somewhat of the spread of the Mujaheddin thugs out of Afghanistan after the Russians pulled out.
2
Sad. The people most at risk are the same who most object to the tactics that appear to work. There is a solution to the crime problem. Draconian enforcement of the most minor offenses, and draconian sentences. Get the criminals away from everyone else and keep them away. Unfortunately, that solution creates the problem of tension between police and communities.
The only solution that would be both socially acceptable and effective at reducing crime is for the communities involved to not raise monsters. Other than that it's pick your poison. Police you hate or gangs you create.
The only solution that would be both socially acceptable and effective at reducing crime is for the communities involved to not raise monsters. Other than that it's pick your poison. Police you hate or gangs you create.
9
Draconian enforcement of most minor offenses and draconian sentences does not work. We've created more criminals by that process than any other we can devise. The prisons, where we incarcerate more of our citizens than any other western country, are full of people sent there for minor offenses (often minor drug offences) were they are radicalized and taught what they need to know to be better criminals. They come out of prisons as a felon that insures they can't find work and must turn to crime again. As for "draconian" sentences that has never worked. It just churns out resentment and fury. Often times justified.
The average cost of prison time per inmate is in the $50,000 a year range. This goes up with the addition of costs for policing, city jails, country jails and the whole "industry" leading up to prison. This newspaper has an article showing a cost of around $168,000 per year per inmate in the city's jails. If we could apply that cost to education, training, and a job for the ex-inmate, and I mean a real job with a decent wage, we might actually see progress and improvement.
We need to revamp our entire approach to crime and punishment.
The average cost of prison time per inmate is in the $50,000 a year range. This goes up with the addition of costs for policing, city jails, country jails and the whole "industry" leading up to prison. This newspaper has an article showing a cost of around $168,000 per year per inmate in the city's jails. If we could apply that cost to education, training, and a job for the ex-inmate, and I mean a real job with a decent wage, we might actually see progress and improvement.
We need to revamp our entire approach to crime and punishment.
Never underestimate the power of incentive and disincentive to modify behavior. Make the punishment tough enough and people won't be doing the things no longer worth doing. I don't support incarcerating more people, but do strongly support making punishments severe enough to prevent people from engaging in antisocial behavior. For the incorrigible, the penitentiary is exactly where they belong, for as long as possible, for the benefit of society.
4
The Masters of the Universe decided it would be best for us to have cheaper goods in exchange for jobs. So, all the brothers jobs went who knows where. No jobs. No peace. These guys have to have a job and a future not cheap stuff.
6
There are no jobs because of excessive regulation, ObamaCare, and high taxes. The few jobs that are left will leave once the $15/hour minimum wage nonsense is enacted. Big Government and Union greed strike again!
7
The jobs have been fleeing the country for the past 40 years. There is no way for American workers to live on $9 per day.
3
And at 15/hr there are no jobs
1
Tania, that's a cop-out. If I follow your logic, then I as a white person should not have any responsibility for slavery because I never owned any slaves.
3
I saw a documentary on the Chicago public school system, and a principal at one school went to knock on doors after the first day of school to find out why so many of her students didn't show up. A mother of one of the no-shows said that her son just didn't want to go to school, so what can she do? What?!! What kind of an answer is that? Since when is school an option? Why aren't parents held more accountable? Why aren't communities doing more to address kids opting out of school and into gangs?
12
Rahm said Chik-fil-A values were not Chicago values.... Agreed.
4
Ah yes, the army of "liberal" NY Times readers weigh in and their collective findings are essentially that black folks are inherently evil, black people don't care about "black on black" crime and BLM/Sharpton/Jackson/Obama (really any black person who they have vague awareness of) are liar liar liars because sociopathic (black) gang members are killing their fellow citizens and "the blacks" supposedly refuse to call them out according to these sophisticated readers. So, same old same old. And yet these same readers wonder why Trump has so much popular support?
With how often this ridiculous reaction happens, I should not be so disheartened.
Alas...
With how often this ridiculous reaction happens, I should not be so disheartened.
Alas...
Mischaracterizing and caricaturing the opposition's arguments, and then characterizing them as "ridiculous", adds nothing to this discussion.
5
Liberalism is not a suicide pact. At least, it didn't use to be...
3
The Great Migration brought hundreds of thousands of poor blacks from the South to Chicago where many found work in its steel and meatpacking industries. Low skilled stuff to be sure - but a source of economic opportunity and a foundation for strong families; now - all gone. The result is an aimless community mired in self destruction.
Lots of deep problems on the South Side and in Chicago's Black Belt. But any solution that doesn't include jobs is bound to fail. Make America great again - bring back our jobs taken by Japan and China; vote for Donald Trump.
Lots of deep problems on the South Side and in Chicago's Black Belt. But any solution that doesn't include jobs is bound to fail. Make America great again - bring back our jobs taken by Japan and China; vote for Donald Trump.
3
Right, what do you think, Trump is going to force large corporations that outsourced to just sacrifice their increased profit for the good of America? They'll laugh at him.
2
After reading some of the comments on here no wonder this country is a mess. To actually advocate that the national guard police the streets is insane. Hitler did the same which led to a police state and we all know what happened from there. The blame lies with the lack of family structure and education/job training. Quit blaming everything or everyone else. If you want to give up your rights and freedoms go to China!
1
The measure of how long this is allowed to continue, as is the Flint water contamination debacle is the true measure of our society. It really doesn't matter how much money penthouses in Chelsea, NYC are selling for, when such appalling events are repeatedly taking place in Chicago, or anywhere else, stateside. If you have a necrotic cancer on your foot, it doesn't help it very much to get an expensive haircut. WHEN will we learn?
This reminds me very much of India, where I have spent many months each year, for 25 years. If people are still pooping on the roads, with majorly contaminated water and air you can often see, it doesn't matter if the IT industry is booming...it is still not a "First World" country. Soon, we may have to say the same of the USA, but in the context of violence and urban blight.
This reminds me very much of India, where I have spent many months each year, for 25 years. If people are still pooping on the roads, with majorly contaminated water and air you can often see, it doesn't matter if the IT industry is booming...it is still not a "First World" country. Soon, we may have to say the same of the USA, but in the context of violence and urban blight.
8
I'm a middle school teacher in the inner city. My kids will casually come in & announce an uncle or a cousin has been shot--or they themselves, as happened to gentle, sweet E. shot in the head (thank God the bullet grazed him).
In assemblies, if you ask, "How many of you know someone who has been shot &killed?" the entire school body raises their hand. Can you imagine that happening anywhere else? Readers: Do your kids know even a single student who knows someone who has been shot &killed--& left untreated?
How can we expect our students to develop normally if they are daily living with trauma, past trauma? And while racism is a huge problem, I also think it's a form of racism to act as though it's acceptable for black children to grow up in the midst of not only a war zone but within very broken families & poor role models. To not entrust black adults in the inner city to be agents of their own change, infantilizing them, victimizing them, & overall making rich people in power the source of change, to only focus on narratives that present poor blacks as victims of whites, to ignore the voices of inner city citizens & their own proposals for healing if it doesn't fit the narrative. (And needless to say, to make middle class teachers scapegoats.)
My students are forgotten & betrayed by the state & media. Police brutality cannot happen; but neither can this wholesale slaughter of children's lives & future. Where is President Obama's voice? National voices?
In assemblies, if you ask, "How many of you know someone who has been shot &killed?" the entire school body raises their hand. Can you imagine that happening anywhere else? Readers: Do your kids know even a single student who knows someone who has been shot &killed--& left untreated?
How can we expect our students to develop normally if they are daily living with trauma, past trauma? And while racism is a huge problem, I also think it's a form of racism to act as though it's acceptable for black children to grow up in the midst of not only a war zone but within very broken families & poor role models. To not entrust black adults in the inner city to be agents of their own change, infantilizing them, victimizing them, & overall making rich people in power the source of change, to only focus on narratives that present poor blacks as victims of whites, to ignore the voices of inner city citizens & their own proposals for healing if it doesn't fit the narrative. (And needless to say, to make middle class teachers scapegoats.)
My students are forgotten & betrayed by the state & media. Police brutality cannot happen; but neither can this wholesale slaughter of children's lives & future. Where is President Obama's voice? National voices?
19
"My students are forgotten & betrayed by the state & media"
more importantly many are forgotten and betrayed by their so called parents who may only be teenagers and many of these children are illegitimate. These are issues that can be fixed. If teenagers did not children and illegitimacy were greatly reduced the problems in the inner cities would be greatly reduced. But where are black "leaders" here? Why do they not even mention, never mind attempt to tackle , these problems?
more importantly many are forgotten and betrayed by their so called parents who may only be teenagers and many of these children are illegitimate. These are issues that can be fixed. If teenagers did not children and illegitimacy were greatly reduced the problems in the inner cities would be greatly reduced. But where are black "leaders" here? Why do they not even mention, never mind attempt to tackle , these problems?
7
As a teacher i would think you would see that these kids are forgotten and betrayed by the adults in their communities long before Obama and "National Voices"
3
Thank you for your honest words and for standing by your students. Where we live in SE Michigan, students use their free time on computers to look up friends and relatives who are imprisoned, and schools report more than 90% turn over in many classes year to year. Civilized society cannot survive in these conditions. Meanwhile, the American President travels the world scolding other countries about human rights!
1
Hey Hey! NRA! How many kids did you kill today?
4
Liberals spark up a doob and wonder how it came to this. Drug War? Gang Turf? This has nothing to do with me, where's my roach?
This is the NRA's fault because - Reasons. Nope nothing to do with me...
This is the NRA's fault because - Reasons. Nope nothing to do with me...
3
New York is now seeing an increase in violence as well.
4
And that's your spin, the Police of course are the true underlying problem, not the deplorable degradation of the inner city family and a culture of crudity and misogyny and incarceration and violence. Until the causes are admitted and addressed, the carnage will continue. Deplorable waste of human potential and an unfixable warping of young minds. Shame on all community leaders who don't speak to the horrors, call the barbarism what it is, refuse to be mired in excuses.
5
Give the problem to The Donald..!!
He promised to make America great again.
The impossible will take time but the US has internal problems of drugs and guns, a bad combination.
Police can only react after a violent incident.
With harder drugs and more less gun control it can only lead to a worsening situation.
Once the toothpaste is out of the tube you cannot put it back in..!!
STAN CHUN
Wellington
New Zealand.
29 March, 2016.
He promised to make America great again.
The impossible will take time but the US has internal problems of drugs and guns, a bad combination.
Police can only react after a violent incident.
With harder drugs and more less gun control it can only lead to a worsening situation.
Once the toothpaste is out of the tube you cannot put it back in..!!
STAN CHUN
Wellington
New Zealand.
29 March, 2016.
2
Let's see, so one third of the population lives in a state of siege from its members who have decided that human life has no value. The other third is living there with a huge number of its members lacking legal immigrant status to be in the USA and is therefore vulnerable to its indigenous cartel and drug gangs. And the remaining third puts out propaganda to dispel the actual and perceived threats of the other two thirds so their precious property values remain intact.
9
I feel the need to point out that it is in no way hypocritical to expect higher standards of behavior from the police than you would a street criminal. To me it looks like departments across the country have decided that if they can't have unchecked authority, they simply won't do their jobs at all.
8
Really? The police have stopped working? COuld it be, instead, that the thugs and gang members in the inner cities (mostly black by the way) are no longer afraid of the police? That this deterent has been eliminated? How would you expect savages to act if deterrence and fear were eliminated?
8
Heartbreaking. And hopeless. Two things that would help:
Across America, good cops have to stop standing-up for bad cops. Let's jail the bad ones, and start respecting the remainder.
Serious birth control. At puberty, offer women a ten-year implantable birth control device. Ten years later, pay them $10,000 (or even more), if it's still in place. Let's break the cycle of 16-year old moms. Do that, and lots of other things should fall into place.
Across America, good cops have to stop standing-up for bad cops. Let's jail the bad ones, and start respecting the remainder.
Serious birth control. At puberty, offer women a ten-year implantable birth control device. Ten years later, pay them $10,000 (or even more), if it's still in place. Let's break the cycle of 16-year old moms. Do that, and lots of other things should fall into place.
5
But inner city teens are paid $10,000 or more per year by Big Government to have babies and stay unemployed
2
The United States needs a national educational standard for ALL police officers of a minimum of an Associates Degree in Sociology and Psychology that must be obtained at an accredited on-site university and/or college. No on-line classes permitted.
These future officers need to sit in classes with professors and take notes and listen and read and write papers and become personally involved in classroom discussions so that by the time they apply for the police academy they are mentally and emotionally ready to take the next step toward becoming a public servant who is there to protect and to serve the American public in a truly enlightened and professional manner.
This crucial step toward modernizing American policing in communities, I believe, would go a very long way toward healing the anger and resentments that have been justifiably brewing for far too long.
These future officers need to sit in classes with professors and take notes and listen and read and write papers and become personally involved in classroom discussions so that by the time they apply for the police academy they are mentally and emotionally ready to take the next step toward becoming a public servant who is there to protect and to serve the American public in a truly enlightened and professional manner.
This crucial step toward modernizing American policing in communities, I believe, would go a very long way toward healing the anger and resentments that have been justifiably brewing for far too long.
2
I think criminal justice administration is the preferred academic major. Sociology is fine if they plan to be clerk at Best Buy, but it is not helpful to law enforcement. I had sociology as a Gen-Ed in undergrad and it was a huge waste of time and taught by a professor who was a complete flake and had never had a life outside of academia.
This also completely ignores the larger issue here, which is not the police.
This also completely ignores the larger issue here, which is not the police.
5
And then send them into a violent hellhole where they will get blamed for all the social ills of that community. Soon even the best of them will become jaded, cynical and dispirited when they see the futility of their job.
6
Police need to be peace makers, mediators able to de-escalate situations. Our better trained psychologists.
Where drugs were once the currency in the jobless communities, guns are the power for the powerless. (guns flow freely here over the border states). Someone out there really wants Chicago to fail for I don't believe the impoverished are seeking these guns ..such bad publicity for an awesome city (and innocent lives lost)
1
I feel the need to point out that it is in no way hypocritical to expect higher standards of behavior from the police than you would a street criminal. To me it looks like butthurt departments across the country have decided that if they can't have unchecked authority, they simply won't do their jobs at all.
3
The Chicago Police Department is a lackadaisical, unmotivated police force. Its tactics are dated and ineffective. I've lived in other major cities with crime problems, including New York in the 70's and Detroit in the 80's, the CPD rushes from one emergency call to another. When Mayor Daley introduced community-based polcing in the 90's , not a single officer signed up for it, instead it had to be rammed down the police force's throats.
And this is known, a friend at work who hangs out with a group of FBI special agents who live in the city have said that the CPD is "the laziest police force they ever knew." This coming from a lot of former cops.
And this is known, a friend at work who hangs out with a group of FBI special agents who live in the city have said that the CPD is "the laziest police force they ever knew." This coming from a lot of former cops.
9
Even compared to DC? That's pretty bad.
2
how about trying two parent families? things seem bad enough to offer such a crazy idea.
24
Surely you know that having brown skin does not make a person more violent.
So it must be the circumstances of their lives. Do you not see the vestiges of slavery at play? And subtle (and not so subtle) racism in the present day? Regardless, these are our people, our fellow citizens. These children are our children.
Be the person who gathers us to tell us how to help.
So it must be the circumstances of their lives. Do you not see the vestiges of slavery at play? And subtle (and not so subtle) racism in the present day? Regardless, these are our people, our fellow citizens. These children are our children.
Be the person who gathers us to tell us how to help.
1
True but throughout the world and throughout history people have been enslaved, oppressed, purged, expelled from their homelands and lived in poverty - all races, in all corners and not all are violent and dysfunctional generation after generation.
The Jews are a primary example of systematic oppression and abuse historically and today and yet they succeed time and time again in whatever society they find refuge. Why?
We have immigrants locally from Bangladesh. They come legally with little material resources, live in the poorest cities, go to the most failing schools in the state and they are peaceful and productive and will no doubt integrate and thrive. Why?
The Jews are a primary example of systematic oppression and abuse historically and today and yet they succeed time and time again in whatever society they find refuge. Why?
We have immigrants locally from Bangladesh. They come legally with little material resources, live in the poorest cities, go to the most failing schools in the state and they are peaceful and productive and will no doubt integrate and thrive. Why?
5
Stop and frisk, or high murder rate? Which will it be? Whether we like it or not, the former works (period).
22
I hope that articles like this make it clear that in the national focus on shootings by police, we are tragically overlooking a much more serious and destructive problem. Police are not the problem: young men with nothing to do and nowhere to go and nothing meaningful in their lives are a very very serious problem for all of us, and all the more so, unfortunately, in inner city black neighborhoods. The most devastating and destructive racism in the world is what you see here in Chicago, where black men are killing each other, and black men are killing black women and children. "Black Lives Matter" is a statement that these young black men do not understand, because for them black lives clearly have little value. INstead of spitting on and screaming at white police officers and burning down businesses in the name of "Black LIves Matter", black men need to look around their neighborhoods and see the Black Lives which Matter all around them. Black LIves do not matter to black men who routinely kill black men, women, and children.
20
Of course young Blacks have nowhere to go: ObamaCare, high taxes, and crushing regulations have destroyed jobs. they few jobs that are left will be destroyed by the $15/hour minimum wage nonsense
3
Could this be the reason for the disparity between NY and Chicago?
"CRIME, BUT ENOUGH PUNISHMENT?
Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy often complains that people arrested for possession of illegal guns don't stay locked up for long.
McCarthy, who spent most of his career on New York City's police force, notes that former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was sentenced to 20 months in prison after he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an illegal gun. By contrast, he says the sentences meted out in Chicago courtrooms are typically no more than six months.
An analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times bolsters McCarthy's argument that courts in Cook County, where Chicago is located, aren't nearly as tough on illegal gun possession as they might be. For example, the mandatory minimum prison sentence for illegal gun possession in New York is 3½ years, but such a conviction in Cook County carries a minimum sentence of a year in prison and judges stick to that minimum term most of the time, the paper found.
Two years ago, several black Illinois lawmakers blocked a bill backed by McCarthy and Emanuel that would have imposed stiffer prison sentences on those convicted of illegal gun possession. The lawmakers viewed it as a recipe to lock up more blacks and Latinos.
"CRIME, BUT ENOUGH PUNISHMENT?
Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy often complains that people arrested for possession of illegal guns don't stay locked up for long.
McCarthy, who spent most of his career on New York City's police force, notes that former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was sentenced to 20 months in prison after he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an illegal gun. By contrast, he says the sentences meted out in Chicago courtrooms are typically no more than six months.
An analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times bolsters McCarthy's argument that courts in Cook County, where Chicago is located, aren't nearly as tough on illegal gun possession as they might be. For example, the mandatory minimum prison sentence for illegal gun possession in New York is 3½ years, but such a conviction in Cook County carries a minimum sentence of a year in prison and judges stick to that minimum term most of the time, the paper found.
Two years ago, several black Illinois lawmakers blocked a bill backed by McCarthy and Emanuel that would have imposed stiffer prison sentences on those convicted of illegal gun possession. The lawmakers viewed it as a recipe to lock up more blacks and Latinos.
12
Chicago deserately needs the cooperation of communities & municipalities in SE Michigan and Indiana, where most of these firearms are purchased owing to these regions' more relaxed laws and high density of gun shops.
Being tougher or weaker on criminal possession of firearms (latter being the present not one thanks to the NRA) has proven to be of little effect in the recent past.
The blight of gun violence is bigger than Chicago, and so substantively addressing within Chicago this true terrorism is going to require reform that transcends the city limits.
Being tougher or weaker on criminal possession of firearms (latter being the present not one thanks to the NRA) has proven to be of little effect in the recent past.
The blight of gun violence is bigger than Chicago, and so substantively addressing within Chicago this true terrorism is going to require reform that transcends the city limits.
If there is ever a problem that can't be ignored right now on the local level is the youth in Chicago. And the reputation of crime and gun violence that the city can't find any light towards a solution. All we can hope for is good organizations and real legislation to help educate the Chicago poor and youth in these neighborhoods.
What is amazing is the degree to which both Hilary and Trump have so far completely avoided a rational discussion of the breakdown of the Black community.
The statistics are devastating, from drug use to incarceration rates to births out of wedlock to the harm and cost to the rest of society. A complete dissolution of a subset of society, many would argue enabled and fostered by and certainly paralleling the growth of the programs of the Great Society.
Our approach to minorities has lead to mass dysfunction, as this article shows. It's not about policing.
We need to reinvent the Great Society, so that it works. And the key is jobs for young men. With a WPA type of effort, we could reach virtual full employment and turn the lives of so many people around.
It's a complex issue, but it's time politicians stopped pretending it is not a problem
The statistics are devastating, from drug use to incarceration rates to births out of wedlock to the harm and cost to the rest of society. A complete dissolution of a subset of society, many would argue enabled and fostered by and certainly paralleling the growth of the programs of the Great Society.
Our approach to minorities has lead to mass dysfunction, as this article shows. It's not about policing.
We need to reinvent the Great Society, so that it works. And the key is jobs for young men. With a WPA type of effort, we could reach virtual full employment and turn the lives of so many people around.
It's a complex issue, but it's time politicians stopped pretending it is not a problem
6
Are you suggesting the Great Society failed? So double down with the "New Greater Great Society." It has been tried and retried and retried and retried.
When the Great Society was announced back in the sixties I predicted the outcome. I was in eight grade and saw clearly the consequences: Increased out of wedlock births, dissolution of the family as a unit, skyrocketing school dropout rates, massive increase in crime, drugs, jail, murder, etc, etc. etc. Every thing the government has tried to "improve" the Great Society has only been increased failure.
When the Great Society was announced back in the sixties I predicted the outcome. I was in eight grade and saw clearly the consequences: Increased out of wedlock births, dissolution of the family as a unit, skyrocketing school dropout rates, massive increase in crime, drugs, jail, murder, etc, etc. etc. Every thing the government has tried to "improve" the Great Society has only been increased failure.
4
'And the key is jobs for young men.'
Yes and millions of illegal immigrants come here and find them.
Yes and millions of illegal immigrants come here and find them.
4
I wish native daughter Hillary Clinton would become mayor of Chicago. She couldn't do worse than Rahm Emanuel.
Chicago is a great city. I love its people and culture, especially the Art Institute. It's sad to hear that there is a "flood of crime" there.
Chicago is a great city. I love its people and culture, especially the Art Institute. It's sad to hear that there is a "flood of crime" there.
A certain cure for violence is an end to generous Federal Section 8 and food stamp programs for a 30 mile radius around the warzone. Police should take control of the area by clearing all militants from the area.
I personally guarantee you that when the government stops empowering and glorifying this lifestyle of death and crime (with free food, housing and more), people will come to their senses. They will say, hey, I need an apartment. I better get up early, work, and pay that rent. I better find a husband real soon so we can share the rent payment. This is what nonviolent families do. But many people thrive on and take pride in the deepest dregs of social dysfunction.
I personally guarantee you that when the government stops empowering and glorifying this lifestyle of death and crime (with free food, housing and more), people will come to their senses. They will say, hey, I need an apartment. I better get up early, work, and pay that rent. I better find a husband real soon so we can share the rent payment. This is what nonviolent families do. But many people thrive on and take pride in the deepest dregs of social dysfunction.
17
so if the gang members move to the suburbs this crime will end? Or will it, more likely, just spread?
3
This is the end result when you have Democrats running the show. People expect to be taken care of from cradle to grave. Generations of people living on welfare where is the incentive to work and better yourself knowing that the government is going to take care of you? So the vicious cycle continues with no end in sight.
9
Blacks kill blacks day in, day out. BLM considers it racist to say that all lives matter. The number of blacks wrongly killed by racist white police officers is an infinitesimal fraction of black deaths, but is seemingly the only thing (along with gun control) that liberals will discuss. Anyone who feels differently is racist.
Sorry, but I have a life to lead, as far from this madness as possible. There is much to recommend gated communities, whether they are actual or merely metaphorical.
Sorry, but I have a life to lead, as far from this madness as possible. There is much to recommend gated communities, whether they are actual or merely metaphorical.
28
To the NYT and democratic party: so those restrictive Chicago gun laws and liberal ideas - like a massive importation of illegals taking jobs away from the poor/working class blacks has done wonders for the inner cities of the US, haven't they?
What's even more incredible is how even after suffering from the lunatic illegal immigration policies of the democratic party the blacks ARE STILL VOTING FOR THEM - - just astounding.
But then the liberals say the illegals are "good" for the US, and that its the ready supply of guns that is the problem - even though Chicago has had some of the most restrictive gun laws in the US for years.
Perhaps one day the politically correct nonsense will end, the US will have a real news media again, someone will say out loud that there is a fundamental problem in the black communities where violence is an acceptable first response to conflict, and that absentee fatherism is not a desirable pathway for black men, but who knows when that will actually happen.
Then again, its kind of tough for those black men to get jobs to support their families when illegal aliens are stealing them, illegals who were imported en masse by the national democratic party to buy their votes in exchange for looking the other way and not deporting them. But then whoever openly states that would be speaking the truth - something which has not been the goal of the news media for years.
What's even more incredible is how even after suffering from the lunatic illegal immigration policies of the democratic party the blacks ARE STILL VOTING FOR THEM - - just astounding.
But then the liberals say the illegals are "good" for the US, and that its the ready supply of guns that is the problem - even though Chicago has had some of the most restrictive gun laws in the US for years.
Perhaps one day the politically correct nonsense will end, the US will have a real news media again, someone will say out loud that there is a fundamental problem in the black communities where violence is an acceptable first response to conflict, and that absentee fatherism is not a desirable pathway for black men, but who knows when that will actually happen.
Then again, its kind of tough for those black men to get jobs to support their families when illegal aliens are stealing them, illegals who were imported en masse by the national democratic party to buy their votes in exchange for looking the other way and not deporting them. But then whoever openly states that would be speaking the truth - something which has not been the goal of the news media for years.
17
One of the major changes in policy that caused the spike in murders is right in the article, but Ms. Davey failed to highlight it - or even convert it to a percentage to allow the reader to visualize the "delta" or magnitude of the change. That is the number of "pat down stops" YTD in 2016 vs. same period last year. Last year CPD recorded 157,346 vs only 20,908 this year! That is a drop of EIGHTY SEVEN Percent! Huge! What was the increase of murders in the same time frame? 84 percent? Mmmmmm! The other side of this is why didn't Article scrutinize the ACLU's questions about minority "targeting"? For the last year of FBI murder statistics - 2013, blacks murdered people at a rate 800% higher than white people so the statistical likelihood of a black person committing say - murder, is 800% higher than a white person. If the prevailing narrative is against this then consider who suffers from cutting back on the "pat down stops" - poor, black people in bad neighborhoods!!
10
As a lifetime Chicagoan, I'm stumped. The only big difference I see from last year are the stop-and-frisk stats... 150,000 last year to 30,000 this year? It's clear that the cops are backing off, and it's having an impact.
But, even with more policing, the fact is that this senseless waste of life is going to continue on and on until these 10-15 neighborhoods on the south and west sides stop resembling broken down war zones. It's a nightmare. Every corner is either deserted and lifeless or stocked with liquor stores, checks cashed joints, and fast food. Young men standing around.
It seems that the only answer here - given the size of the problem - is to focus on bringing some life and vitality, one street at a time. You've got to make a concerted attack on this in concentrated areas. It'll require public and private investment.
Close down the liquor stores and checks cashed places on Madison, or on 79th, or on Roosevelt, and replace them with grocery stores, social clubs, restaurants, etc. Give people tax breaks for getting involved. Just try something bold, because the "City That Works" is increasingly not working (and the county, and the state).
It's easy to see why those that can afford to leave, in many cases, are.
But, even with more policing, the fact is that this senseless waste of life is going to continue on and on until these 10-15 neighborhoods on the south and west sides stop resembling broken down war zones. It's a nightmare. Every corner is either deserted and lifeless or stocked with liquor stores, checks cashed joints, and fast food. Young men standing around.
It seems that the only answer here - given the size of the problem - is to focus on bringing some life and vitality, one street at a time. You've got to make a concerted attack on this in concentrated areas. It'll require public and private investment.
Close down the liquor stores and checks cashed places on Madison, or on 79th, or on Roosevelt, and replace them with grocery stores, social clubs, restaurants, etc. Give people tax breaks for getting involved. Just try something bold, because the "City That Works" is increasingly not working (and the county, and the state).
It's easy to see why those that can afford to leave, in many cases, are.
1
As a Chicago native and a close friend of Chicago's mayor, President Obama would seem like a likely intermediary to put forth a possible solution to stop this senseless black-on black murder epidemic.
Let's hope the President steps up to the plate.
Let's hope the President steps up to the plate.
No, the police don't know all of the troublemakers. There are too many with fractured leaders. Many more of them than law enforcenent. There are too many firearms legal and illegal that are easy to obtain. I don't see anyone addressing the root causes.
I dare most people who have commented here to spend just a few hours in one of the neighborhoods where most of the violence takes place whether the lack of resources, despair and fear are rampant whether you might become so indifferent and so cynical that you too would wield firearms and it was merely the survival of the fittest? After 40 years in these areas there is little investment and few jobs. If some of the current crop of political candidates continue to speak in extreme terms whether it is next week, next or next year, class warfare is likely to break out even greater than now. Everyone wants tax breaks for business to return higher dividends to share holders but this is part of the result that no one was willing to consider. It is an embarrassment and amoral to not invest in these neighborhoods to help transform them. And lets you think I am a bleeding heart liberal talking out of my hat I worked in and drove through these communities from 2010 through 2012. It's dangerous and depressing out there. Give these people genuine hope and resources. When the economy improves for everyone, violent crime will diminish as well.
I dare most people who have commented here to spend just a few hours in one of the neighborhoods where most of the violence takes place whether the lack of resources, despair and fear are rampant whether you might become so indifferent and so cynical that you too would wield firearms and it was merely the survival of the fittest? After 40 years in these areas there is little investment and few jobs. If some of the current crop of political candidates continue to speak in extreme terms whether it is next week, next or next year, class warfare is likely to break out even greater than now. Everyone wants tax breaks for business to return higher dividends to share holders but this is part of the result that no one was willing to consider. It is an embarrassment and amoral to not invest in these neighborhoods to help transform them. And lets you think I am a bleeding heart liberal talking out of my hat I worked in and drove through these communities from 2010 through 2012. It's dangerous and depressing out there. Give these people genuine hope and resources. When the economy improves for everyone, violent crime will diminish as well.
1
Welcome to the results of a city controlled by Democrats for some half century. Detroit anyone?
19
In some ways, the causes of violence are what they always have been. Young people trapped in cycles of poverty and hopelessness; neighborhoods plagued by family instability because fathers are gone or incarcerated and single mothers are having a terrible time coping; high school drop-out rates, lack of job skills and lack of access to any job; food deserts in which mothers have to travel too far to feed their families; kids who do not see themselves living long (because they have seen too much early and violent death) and/or have no hope of a better life (see all the previous factors). Guns are the weapon of choice and certainly more deadly than knives or fists (who dies in a drive-by knifing?).
I came to Chicago from the east coast more than 40 years ago. I love this city, but change is certainly needed for it is only a great place to live and a beautiful city for those of us not mired in poverty. Better police-community relationships will help, but the violence continues to ebb and flow. We must work on the schools in poor neighborhoods; improve job training, access to jobs, and think about after-school programs both to help working parents and to offer kids additional experiences both for fun and to enhance learning. Policing, even good policing done very well, can do only so much.
I came to Chicago from the east coast more than 40 years ago. I love this city, but change is certainly needed for it is only a great place to live and a beautiful city for those of us not mired in poverty. Better police-community relationships will help, but the violence continues to ebb and flow. We must work on the schools in poor neighborhoods; improve job training, access to jobs, and think about after-school programs both to help working parents and to offer kids additional experiences both for fun and to enhance learning. Policing, even good policing done very well, can do only so much.
9
Bad government from the federal top all the way down to state and local politics is failing our big cities. It isn't Republican or Democrat, it's just plain stupidity and arrogance of our elected officials. And every election cycle the poorer classes in this nation are being herded like sheep to vote for more of the same people to perpetuate more of the same failed policies. Legalize drugs, give everyone a free gun and let God sort it out- I'm so tired of reading about this stuff it makes my blood boil.
2
The NRA needs to ask itself whether it's running a sustainable business.
1
The first five "top recommendations", to a comment, all rave about this level of black-on-black crime, and frequently they pepper their diatribes, and anger with the question: Where are all the Revs and marches against crime there?
They are working. They are marching, having neighborhood marches, having neighborhood meetings, trying to stop the violence. It's insulting, and ignorant, to not understand the anguish of the families and community, and one need only look at the photograph, putting up 5.000 dollars -- which may be like a million to NYer's to get perspective here -- to catch the killer.
When was the last time those commenters put up 5,000 dollars to stop crime in their neighborhood.
The problem is the t.v. you watch only shows the black monster, and never what they're doing after, because you see.....that just doesn't get people watching, or clicking.
Because, you see, they know just what you want to see, and believe, and what you don't. And if it bleeds, well, it leads, as they say.
They are working. They are marching, having neighborhood marches, having neighborhood meetings, trying to stop the violence. It's insulting, and ignorant, to not understand the anguish of the families and community, and one need only look at the photograph, putting up 5.000 dollars -- which may be like a million to NYer's to get perspective here -- to catch the killer.
When was the last time those commenters put up 5,000 dollars to stop crime in their neighborhood.
The problem is the t.v. you watch only shows the black monster, and never what they're doing after, because you see.....that just doesn't get people watching, or clicking.
Because, you see, they know just what you want to see, and believe, and what you don't. And if it bleeds, well, it leads, as they say.
5
Actually (living in another big city) & observing young women and girls carting around babies and toddler with no husband or support in sight I can't help but wonder why soooo many? I can see one 'mistake' but three or four is a pattern and society pays a heavy toll. Where a family life and family values comes from, I am not sure but growing up in a community with multiple stable households with two parents and a manageable number of children could be a start. Marching after 100's of 'babies' are coming of age in a world filled with guns and gangs seems quite reactionary. Why not have a family values March to prevent this devastating cycle. Other countries have ways to limit this cycle but I would be hanged if I mentioned them - especially commenting on the NYTimes. (Btw I don't watch the news and watch little TV - I live on the streets, take subways and buses and report what I see in front of my eyes). My mother grew up in NYC Projects & that was where I spent my summers. So one could say I am an 'insider.'
4
Let's get real here. The problem is not Chicago it's the south side of Chicago. Most murders occur there and it's not a race issue, it's just facts. Kids are easily misguided and who could blame them. If they had an option of a free college education or maybe, as in other countries, have a mandatory draft. This will teach discipline and give structure to these kids.
11
You can no longer draft illiterates and hand them a gun. You would also have a major attitude problem,"You telling me to do what?"
5
"If they had an option of a free college education"
They had a free K-12 education and probably dropped out of school. What makes you think free college will make a difference?
Liberals and Libertarians pushed to eliminate the draft and it's not coming back except perhaps in a world war.
They had a free K-12 education and probably dropped out of school. What makes you think free college will make a difference?
Liberals and Libertarians pushed to eliminate the draft and it's not coming back except perhaps in a world war.
8
Let's get even more real. The problem is not Chicago or the south side of Chicago.
If American decision-makers were not so infatuated with their country and its bizarre culture, they might ask themselves why the overall murder rate of the US is still around 10 times higher than that of, say, Britain or Denmark.
As the NRA says: 'it's not guns that kill people, it's people who kill people.' One might add: 'It's Americans who kill people.'
If American decision-makers were not so infatuated with their country and its bizarre culture, they might ask themselves why the overall murder rate of the US is still around 10 times higher than that of, say, Britain or Denmark.
As the NRA says: 'it's not guns that kill people, it's people who kill people.' One might add: 'It's Americans who kill people.'
1
I don't know what to say before moving to Montreal I lived on Chicago's South Side for 10 years. I think the world of Chicago and her people. This past weekend Montreal experienced its first homicide of 2016.
Montreal has problems with drugs and crime and street gangs. One quarter of Montreal 's population is a visible minority and Black is the largest visible minority 10% out of 31% visible minority.
Chicago has 2.7 million people and Montreal only 1.7 million but Montreal had its first homicide the last weekend in March not the first day of the New Year.
My old neighbourhood off Woodlawn has about 26,000 people and 84 homicides since 2006. I am a Canadian so it is for Americans to ask the question. Why?
Montreal has problems with drugs and crime and street gangs. One quarter of Montreal 's population is a visible minority and Black is the largest visible minority 10% out of 31% visible minority.
Chicago has 2.7 million people and Montreal only 1.7 million but Montreal had its first homicide the last weekend in March not the first day of the New Year.
My old neighbourhood off Woodlawn has about 26,000 people and 84 homicides since 2006. I am a Canadian so it is for Americans to ask the question. Why?
8
Well, Moe, as much as I appreciate your naive cliche Canadian condescension and your "we have some black people too and they don't shoot people" argument, the fact is that Montreal didn't experience a surge in black migration in the hundreds of thousands in a matter of a decade or two, and thus didn't have its own structural racism brought to bear, with thousands and thousands of previous residents (whites) deserting those neighborhoods, didn't then have cowardly politicians try to consolidate the new residents by tearing down those neighborhoods and building up high rise ghetto complexes and neglecting the others, which festered crime and began to starve neighborhoods of the remaining legitimate businesses and vitality they had left.
Montreal's "visible minorities" are mostly an immigrant population; many of Chicago's are migrants, escaping persecution elsewhere. They clearly haven't found much of a better life.
Chicago was a vast land of opportunity which drew millions from all walks of life. It was a city that was destroyed by fire and rebuilt and then experienced radical demographic change, all within the span of 70-80 years. It hasn't handled it all that well. That's why.
Montreal's "visible minorities" are mostly an immigrant population; many of Chicago's are migrants, escaping persecution elsewhere. They clearly haven't found much of a better life.
Chicago was a vast land of opportunity which drew millions from all walks of life. It was a city that was destroyed by fire and rebuilt and then experienced radical demographic change, all within the span of 70-80 years. It hasn't handled it all that well. That's why.
3
Close the rec centers, cut the music, cut the gym, cut the wood shop, cut the home ec, forget the recess, hold down the wages, cultivate exploitative housing , siphoned off the best for the charter schools, dumb it down, herd it, glorify it, package it, sing about it, deify those who defied it, disregard it, hate it, and now a police force and society that cannot protect it from itself and exploitation in the vacuum that we created. The American culture reality check.
14
Why should people have to be bribed and catered to to not kill their fellow human beings? Millions around the world with far less and little hope for more are peaceful and productive all on their own.
14
From time to time we are bound to see surges. That's to be expected with all random variables. I think we are reading too much into this. However I notice that like in Europe certain populations have a very hard time integrating and are kept in poverty by their cultural codes. In Europe, those minorities benefit from the assistance of social organizations but still the crime rate is the highest in the nation. It is very difficult to change that. In the US we spend more money on prisons - that's another solution that doesn't work because a criminal in prison is soon replaced by a new one in the streets. If young people would spend less time inventing applications or games that are useless and instead try to solve that problem with their bright minds we could have a solution to this in our lifetime, but it's hard to count on young people to think of anything else than their career or the house they want to buy. Selfishness - may be that's the real issue.
5
Bill - Seriously? you are pointing the blame finger at "young people"?
How about the generations before them that have failed to solve America's greatest challenge.
How about the generations before them that have failed to solve America's greatest challenge.
2
From the article and photos that accompany it, the inference is that the murders are largely black-on-black crime in economically depressed neighborhoods. Murder is always tragic, but poor folks killing other poor folks is particularly sad.
4
Martial law should be declared and the National Guard should go through all homes in the ghetto and confiscate the guns.
But I am not anti gun, for I strongly support those who advocate delegates be armed at the Republican Convention. Yes I do.
But I am not anti gun, for I strongly support those who advocate delegates be armed at the Republican Convention. Yes I do.
4
It's the undeclaring of marshal law I worry about, and if it will happen.
Confiscate the guns and then A. The street price of a gun will skyrocket causing more guns to be brought in from other locations and more profit for those who do! And B. In the interim, more people will be killed by knives, hammers, baseball bats, rail spikes, black jacks, brass knuckles, moving cars, etc.
2
We Americans need to wake up and realize what we are is Americans and stop all this hatred towards each other it is not accomplishing anything but more death and destruction. We need to really come together and start fixing this country right because all are arguing and fighting among each other is letting America crumble and can anyone of us Americans tell our future generations that we helped build a better nation because the way they will see it is we did nothing for them at all. Come on America please wake up the world is watching us.
3
Love starts with following the core Biblical tenets of loving our neighbors like ourselves. Won't come from secularists.
1
Like nearly all our major problems in this country, this issue could easily be solved, but isn't for lack of political will.
Here is one solution: Whenever homicide rates hit a certain number in a certain census strip, send in the national guard to stand on each corner, 24 hours, for three month increments. If they have to stay for 5 years, so be it. Eventually order emerges from chaos and the culture changes.
Here's another solution: if you commit a crime with a gun you go to jail for 20 years with no parole, period.
Eventually America will have to choose between order and whatever it is an absurd organization like the ACLU represents, or maybe it already has. Just ask the ~500 teenagers murdered annually in Chicago.
Here is one solution: Whenever homicide rates hit a certain number in a certain census strip, send in the national guard to stand on each corner, 24 hours, for three month increments. If they have to stay for 5 years, so be it. Eventually order emerges from chaos and the culture changes.
Here's another solution: if you commit a crime with a gun you go to jail for 20 years with no parole, period.
Eventually America will have to choose between order and whatever it is an absurd organization like the ACLU represents, or maybe it already has. Just ask the ~500 teenagers murdered annually in Chicago.
12
The police pretty much know who the gang members are. They could just arrest them all, take them to jail, and not let them out. After that happened, few would want to join a gang.
Simple, straightforward, and totally illegal and unconstitutional.
Simple, straightforward, and totally illegal and unconstitutional.
8
And what is illegal or unconstitutional about a law enforcement swarm, whether it be the national guard or local police, or severe sentencing guidelines?
Nothing.
Therefore, it seems your argument is illogical and borne out of some sort of mental conflation of strict law enforcement and civil rights violations.
Nothing.
Therefore, it seems your argument is illogical and borne out of some sort of mental conflation of strict law enforcement and civil rights violations.
2
[[Here is one solution: Whenever homicide rates hit a certain number in a certain census strip, send in the national guard to stand on each corner, 24 hours, for three month increments.]]
I'm sure that's not how the National Guard is meant to function, as an occupying army on the streets of an American city.
Who gets stopped at the checkpoint on each corner? The black kid in the saggy pants? Who's doing the stopping? The white kid in the cammo gear carrying an M-16?
Stop with the hysterics.
You have neighborhoods that embrace gangs and drugs. You have disproportionate numbers of children being born into fatherless homes. You have households where education is not stressed.
I talk to grown children of immigrants and - WITHOUT FAIL - the mantra is "It wasn't a question of IF you were going to college, it was a question of WHICH college you would go to."
Pressure, expectations, rules, and, if you failed to meet those things, consequences.
Compare that to whatever is going on in the homes of gangsters in Chicago or Brooklyn or L.A. or wherever.
When I was a kid, I didn't need the National Guard patrolling my street. If anything, I would have needed the National Guard to protect me from my parents if I dared to mouth off.
It just wasn't an option, talking back, running the streets. NOT. AN. OPTION.
Parents were parents and they had us kids locked down pretty tight from day one.
National Guard? No, sir.
Be a parent.
I'm sure that's not how the National Guard is meant to function, as an occupying army on the streets of an American city.
Who gets stopped at the checkpoint on each corner? The black kid in the saggy pants? Who's doing the stopping? The white kid in the cammo gear carrying an M-16?
Stop with the hysterics.
You have neighborhoods that embrace gangs and drugs. You have disproportionate numbers of children being born into fatherless homes. You have households where education is not stressed.
I talk to grown children of immigrants and - WITHOUT FAIL - the mantra is "It wasn't a question of IF you were going to college, it was a question of WHICH college you would go to."
Pressure, expectations, rules, and, if you failed to meet those things, consequences.
Compare that to whatever is going on in the homes of gangsters in Chicago or Brooklyn or L.A. or wherever.
When I was a kid, I didn't need the National Guard patrolling my street. If anything, I would have needed the National Guard to protect me from my parents if I dared to mouth off.
It just wasn't an option, talking back, running the streets. NOT. AN. OPTION.
Parents were parents and they had us kids locked down pretty tight from day one.
National Guard? No, sir.
Be a parent.
20
Democrat rule for decades. Tough gun laws.
What has gone wrong?
What has gone wrong?
24
Based on the comments so far, the solution is for police to start killing more often, for police to stop everyone whether they are a suspect or not, for blacks to stop whining about the police killing people, for blacks to stop whining about having to be stopped all the time for no reason. Add to that having Al Sharpton set up permanent residence and lead parades with the black lives matters protestors. Mix in a little stop getting your girls pregnant, stop dealing drugs, dress nicer, speak correctly and then you can get a job (which doesn't exist)
Yeah - I'm sure that will work. I'm surprised finding Jesus hasn't popped up yet.
Yeah - I'm sure that will work. I'm surprised finding Jesus hasn't popped up yet.
9
Your cynicism is palpable. If self improvement doesn't help, and all the problems of the crime ridden black neighborhoods are externally caused how do you explain the stunning Success of Asians in the US? Many arrived here very poor and with lite or no knowledge of English yet within a generation or 2 they are firmly ensconced in the middle class - or higher!!! Look at the CAL STATE university system which theoretically abolished racial quotas for admissions a few years ago! Within a couple years admissions for Asians jumped to 40% of the total student body yet Asians only represented 12% of the background population of California. Copy the work ethics, values, diligence, respect for the law shown by most Asians.
9
I have to admit that I do not understand the Against Gun Violence video. I do not understand a boy saying don't shoot black folks. Does he mean, if you have to kill, kill whites? I doubt it, but do you really have to say "black lives matter" to blacks? Don't kill your own kind? Is that what we have to teach people not to do?
11
Yes. It is. I'm assuming you're asking a rhetorical question, but this issue of black-on-black violence and the toll it's taking on black communities, cannot be understated. And it seems that no amount of policing is going to address it in any sustainable, deep way. I don't expect law enforcement to fix social problems anyhow. This is just terribly upsetting.
7
Yes. It is. I'm assuming you're asking a rhetorical question, but this issue of black-on-black violence and the toll it's taking on black communities, cannot be understated. And it seems that no amount of policing is going to address it in any sustainable, deep way. I don't expect law enforcement to fix social problems anyhow.
This is just terribly upsetting and I haven't a clue what an answer would look like but it must come from within the respective communities--and more specifically from community members--to affect lasting change.
This is just terribly upsetting and I haven't a clue what an answer would look like but it must come from within the respective communities--and more specifically from community members--to affect lasting change.
Yes. It is. I'm assuming you're asking a rhetorical question, but this issue of black-on-black violence and the toll it's taking on black communities, cannot be understated. And it seems that no amount of policing is going to address it in any sustainable, deep way. I don't expect law enforcement to fix social problems anyhow.
This is just terribly upsetting and I haven't a clue what an answer would look like but it must come from within the respective communities--and more specifically from community members, the bangers the bystanders, those simply trying to live, everybody--to affect lasting change.
This is just terribly upsetting and I haven't a clue what an answer would look like but it must come from within the respective communities--and more specifically from community members, the bangers the bystanders, those simply trying to live, everybody--to affect lasting change.
The 'community' should just hang its head in shame.
If there's any left at this point.
If there's any left at this point.
26
More studies must be funded and conducted as to what degree the violence in the community is caused by centuries of trauma from slavery and Jim Crow laws. Let's also hope that the community taking pride that one of their own, President Obama and the First Lady, accomplished such achievement on domestic and global scene inspires everyone and points out - with pride - that there are better ways. Let's pray.
2
The anti-police political climate has emboldened the vast criminal underclass of Chicago. Police estimates of the number of active gang members in Chicago range as high as 150,000. When this many criminally inclined people in a single city believe that the police's hands are tied, of course the violent crime rate will shoot up.
16
Stop and frisk, bring in the national guard, put a curfew on, and pay the snitches. Who cares what color these kid's are? As a mom and grandma of teens, better safe than sorry.
10
The guard is not a police force. After overseas deployments will justifiably be very quick to shoot first, because that is why they are alive.
Three shot bursts of 223, collateral damage anyone?
Three shot bursts of 223, collateral damage anyone?
1
President Obama,
Call on all interested US citizens to gather in Chicago during the month of July to march, to collect guns, to hold prayer services, to build playgrounds and rec centers. Ask the rich to contribute. You and your family come too. Is there anything more important you have to do?
Call on all interested US citizens to gather in Chicago during the month of July to march, to collect guns, to hold prayer services, to build playgrounds and rec centers. Ask the rich to contribute. You and your family come too. Is there anything more important you have to do?
3
Collect guns in Chicago? As crazy as it is who would give one up?
1
The anti-police political climate has emboldened the vast criminal underclass of Chicago. Police estimates of the number of active gang members in Chicago range as high as 150,000. When this many criminally inclined people in a single city believe that the police's hands are tied, of course the violent crime rate will shoot up.
34
Born in Chicago, 1939. It's never been any other way: police brutality and corruption, segregation, Democratic party sleaze. The utterly arrogant Rahm Emmanuel is running true to form
16
Can your family move somewhere else to continue your wife’s physician residency ?
3
In the 1960s this would have been labeled a consequence of living in a ghetto. The word seems to have disappeared, but it's an apt description. Few jobs, failing schools, and kids who grow up following the example of adults in the neighborhood, more involved with learning street survival skills than marketable skills. I don't mean to reintroduce the term in a racial sense, but ghetto does describe the conditions, no better than they were 50 years ago.
6
Wait! How can this be? With the strict gun control laws in Chicago, surely violent crime must be unheard of. Doesn't Chicago have the most strict gun control laws in the whole country?
27
I know these people...my people. I have never stepped foot on Chicago soil, but I know them. They are the same as my family, my students, and my neighbors.
What do you get when you have a young male population whose entire world view is centered only on a 50-mile radius? A population with no real vision, poor education, poverty, a broken family structure, and a boat-load of guns? You get Chicago...and many other places....
The police are not the answer. They help, and they are necessary, but they will never solve this problem. Until these young people value their lives, until they have a vision and a true hope for something more, an attainable path to achievement, a relationship and accountability to GOD. This will not change. If I don't value my life, how can I value yours?
Repeatedly show people that they don't matter, and they will start to believe it.
What do you get when you have a young male population whose entire world view is centered only on a 50-mile radius? A population with no real vision, poor education, poverty, a broken family structure, and a boat-load of guns? You get Chicago...and many other places....
The police are not the answer. They help, and they are necessary, but they will never solve this problem. Until these young people value their lives, until they have a vision and a true hope for something more, an attainable path to achievement, a relationship and accountability to GOD. This will not change. If I don't value my life, how can I value yours?
Repeatedly show people that they don't matter, and they will start to believe it.
9
Really good points.
2
Ultimately, it is the rise of the welfare state that made having as many children as you were irresponsible to have, to go ahead and have them, whether female or male. My husband saw this start over 40 years ago early in his teaching career in a white community. The idea that any female can handle a half dozen children without a man in the house is a myth, not just in the black community but in the white as well. The family structure is very important, and what has been happening the last 40 years is not working out for children, society at large, or the financial costs of imprisonment. It is becoming more and more destructive, as the those on the front lines, mainly teachers and police take a lot of the blame, which is misplaced. That doesn't mean that there haven't been a number of mentally ill, and unarmored black, white, etc. killed by police that shouldn't have. That is a separate issue that each city must address within its departments. Then, you add the culture of bling that Hollywood puts out where anger, constant nudity and sexual innuendo, dissing, foul language, insecurity, killing, etc. happens every second on television, video games, the movies, and music videos. What do you expect is going to happen? Boys without fathers, and girls are going to want to dress like this, and have sex with boys with guns and fancy clothes. But life is real and death ends these lives, it is not like in the movies, it is over for so many young people.
31
But once you have started a welfare system, you can't stop. Large numbers of people have become dependent on payments from the government, and could not live without them. Absent a war or a violent revolution, these payments must continue, or there would be an intolerable die-off.
7
You actually could as birth control has been around for 50 years for females and much longer for males. Just have a law that states in 1 year, no more, it is over. Free health clinics for children in schools, free breakfasts and lunches and a packed lunch for supper sent home with the children for after school. We give females a pass because they are female, but they really are smart enough to move in another direction with giving birth, when they are too young, too ignorant to raise children, and can't afford it. The females for the most part aren't out doing all the killing, so they could evolve rather quickly, but few politicians want to let go of the addiction they have for dysfunction and dollars, rather than change!
4
When I was a boy in NYC my father a paranoid schizophrenic would have to go into Pilgrim State Hospital for lengths of time. We were on welfare or as we called it, relief. It wasn't very generous and we were subject to surprise inspections at any time from 8Am to 9PM.
The inspectors went through clothes closets. I found out later that they were looking for evidence of a man living there. If there was you would lose your benefits. That the man was not the husband or the father was irrelevant. If he was there he was expected to be able to bring money in. That was one of the reasons for the man-less home.
The inspectors went through clothes closets. I found out later that they were looking for evidence of a man living there. If there was you would lose your benefits. That the man was not the husband or the father was irrelevant. If he was there he was expected to be able to bring money in. That was one of the reasons for the man-less home.
4
this is NOT a socio-economic problem....it's a family problem. parents have to be responsible for their creations. there's a horrible cycle of out of control kids giving birth to more out of control kids and so on and so forth...birth control is the only way.
27
You nailed it! I don't know who you are but this is the most observant point made in this whole reader comment section. I would offer to pay $1000.00 to each person male or female who voluntarily submits to surgical sterilization. If they come back in the future with a 4 year degree and a job, I'd pay for reversals or in-vitro if they really wanted to have a family at that point. Parenting is a hard job for those who intentionally become parents, it is nearly impossible for those who accidentally become parents before they have the maturity and resources to carry out the job successfully. Birth control is the answer.
13
This reminds me of programs that were popular in the 1930's, you may have heard of them. But perhaps not.
2
Kay Hymowitz in this very newspaper revealed that the kids are not unwanted. Birth control is initially used and then set aside to have babies
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/08/how-single-motherhood-hu...
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/02/08/how-single-motherhood-hu...
1
I remember hearing on the radio (NPR?) that this rise in violence is the perverse effect of successfully nabbing the gang leaders. When the leaders were gone, the gangs fractured into more rival groups, resulting in more violence.
2
People always want to convince me that Chicago is a wonderful place to live, work, eat and play. You will note that the Democratic Party has ran the city for decades as a social experiment, of course. It pains me to report that the social experiment is a total and abject failure. And, the reality of it all is that Obama is at the center of it all: catastrophic affirmative action, criminal laws which literally encourage mischief by gangs which politicians ignore, massive subsidies to public service unions in attempts to bribe them. Jeepers, I could go on and on but I won't. The shining light on the hill has turned into a black hole of avarice, crime and misguided Democratic do-gooders. Where am I wrong?
25
"Crash", "Do The Right Thing", "Clockers", the song "Planet E". There is a cultural disconnect and few people want to talk about it or admit it. Sheriff Roundtree of Georgia said so about a fight orchestrated by a parent to help her daughter fight over a boy. Some young man ended up dead from a stab wound. I'm at work as of the writing of this message walking a network switch through consecutive firmware updates. Each time that I apply one, I come here to read this article. I came to this country from the Caribbean and had to adjust to life in the central Bronx at the tail mid-to-tail-end of the crack era. A Puerto Rican kid taught me to curse and a few things about fighting, but I mostly steered clear of deep trouble. I shoplifted hair gel and a cap, but a security guard caught me and warned me to stop. My teachers the similarly and many of them helped me because they saw that I was receptive, and not to be forsaken. Mr. Athanasidy, Mr. Giusto, Ms. Lippe, Ms. Orge, Mr. Steinhart, Mr. Loche, Mr. Scherle, on and on people saw to it that I got to the point of working 18 hour days and spending my weekend ridding my carbon race bikes. Don't blame whites, don't blame cops, don't blame your neighborhood, don't blame music. What you need to do is not worry about what other people think because you choose to speak proper English, or wear a belt with pants that fit you properly. Not a day goes by when a Black or Latino person does not deride how I dress or carry myself. I don't care.
29
My family is from Chicago and I remember growing up overhearing my uncle, who was a homicide detective back in the 90's when homicides were even more common than now, talking about how hard it was to see this happen to the city he loved. It frustrates me to see these men in blue being demonized because of the actions of a few officers who should have never been issued a shield. This demonization has led to distrust between the locals and police. And when there is no trust between these two parties, nothing will change. The situation may even deteriorate even more so. The police and communities need to work together to solve these problems. Chicago needs to come together as a city, so that it's citizens have a chance to live life without fear of being shot either by a gang member or the police.
11
"Violence Surges in Chicago Even as Policing Debate Rages On"
Shouldn't the headline read:
"Violence Surges in Chicago Because Policing Debate Rages On" ?
Shouldn't the headline read:
"Violence Surges in Chicago Because Policing Debate Rages On" ?
12
Reading these comments, I don't see anything about changing the gun laws. Has everyone given up? Apparently in Chicago, it's Newtown every day.
Changing the gun laws only affects those who obey the gun laws. That's the problem. We will never collect all the guns that are loose in this country which will leave only the criminals armed. Will murderous thugs fall in line if we change the gun laws?
18
Commit a crime or belong to a gang and the entire family is removed from any public subsidy - housing, welfare, food stamps. Watch how fast things calm down.
18
I moved recently from NYC to Chicago. I live in a neighborhood called Woodlawn, just adjacent to the University of Chicago campus. The saying goes here, "You know it's spring in Woodlawn because it rains blood." How I dread the spring and summer months coming......
7
You should have done your research before you moved here.
5
Are you insane? MOVE.
Chicago has plenty of decent neighborhoods, as well as plenty of suburbs.
Whatever it costs -- find the money, borrow it, put it on a credit card -- but MOVE. Don't wait. Find a new place to live TODAY.
Chicago has plenty of decent neighborhoods, as well as plenty of suburbs.
Whatever it costs -- find the money, borrow it, put it on a credit card -- but MOVE. Don't wait. Find a new place to live TODAY.
3
This is the endgame of ironically the Chicago School of Economics. free trade, lower taxes and eviscerating our poor communities in order to enrich a few.. believe me , now its becoming so dire that the problem is coming home to roost.. Capitalist greed has caused this on a macro level and racism.
2
Please stop with this nonsense. Poor, non-black communities are not engaging in this kind of unparalleled, unbelievable grotesquery.
29
What an amazing distortion of all known economic theory. Congratulations fine sir!
7
There seems to be a disconnect between the college educated, middle class activists that promote the BLM "agenda" and the poor people living in the cites. Poor women and children desperately need police protection, not self-righteous preaching from on high.
27
This is just one family’s experience: we moved here for my wife’s physician residency; we live in the South Side. Since arriving, criminals have stolen from us and vandalized our property. And then a few weeks ago, my wife, myself, and our thirteen-month old walked to the grocery store and came back to police tape outside our apartment: there had been two cars trading shots, resulting in a killing. Of course our minds were with the victims, their aching families. But I wonder what would have happened had I not agonized for that extra five minutes on what to buy for dinner. Everyone on all sides is having a hard go: jobs are scarce, tensions taut. We see it in our community. A final anecdote: when my wife was working a shift in one of the busiest trauma centers for gunshot victims, there were members of rival gangs there and their respective crews were taking pictures of the staff in ways insinuating retaliation against any for helping the members of their rivals. This is hard: we are trying to be good citizens, we are trying to be stewards in our neighborhood. We pay hefty taxes, we keep money local, we follow rules, we help neighbors. But large sectors of this city are cannibalizing itself, turning itself inside out, and I am frustrated. This city does want help. Yet once my wife’s tenure here ends, we will not be sticking around to watch this city continue to feast on its own denizens. I’m watching my altruism perish and I don’t know how to do more to stop that.
72
"I’m watching my altruism perish and I don’t know how to do more to stop that."
Don't know how to do more to stop that? A suggestion: You might vote for different leadership. Chicago has been ruled for almost 100 years by one party, the Democratic Party. Just saying.
Don't know how to do more to stop that? A suggestion: You might vote for different leadership. Chicago has been ruled for almost 100 years by one party, the Democratic Party. Just saying.
13
Or maybe I should just move to Weston, CT: 95.75% white and one of the highest median incomes in the entire country at $209,630. That will cheer me right up!
3
Until gangs are considered and treated as domestic terrorist organizations, this mayhem will continue. That, and these communities must band together to promote individual advancement and responsibility. Among African-Americans, something like 70%+ of children are born out of wedlock. That is irresponsible and produces errant youth, hopelessness, etc. ... to say nothing of promoting a cycle of poverty. Unfortunately, in Chicago, even government has done its part and failed. Throwing more money or services won't fix culturally endemic problems.
2
This is how Trump will win enough black vote to get the election in November. It will be very easy to lay this at the feet of Hillary, Obama and their stooge Rahm Emanuel. I can already see the ads now which will offend the media and liberal elites to high heaven but will win Trump the election.
14
That entire community is absolutely dedicated to self destruction. I've not ever seen anything like it.
22
I wonder how much of what is happening in Chicago is life imitating art, these young gangbangers have grown up watching Tony Montana, and Don Corelone and Tony Soprano, criminals made through artistic artifice to resemble men of courage and action. there was a time when American children looked up to Athletes, Presidents and Astronauts, now who are their role models. Their fatal lifestyle is also celebrated in the music most preferred by todays youth, rap music is what the heroic ballad was to the romantic heroes of the past. The final ingredient to the toxic mixture is the absence of fathers in the home, and children being raised more by the neighborhood culture then by the guiding hands of Parents.
Kubricks Dystopian nightmare: A Clockwork Orange, is coming to fruit, but the hero of these new Alex Delarges is not Beethoven it's Al Capone.
Kubricks Dystopian nightmare: A Clockwork Orange, is coming to fruit, but the hero of these new Alex Delarges is not Beethoven it's Al Capone.
4
Why do black lives only matter when it is a white cop that kills? Don't African Americans see how the wanton slaughter that is black on black violence undermines their cause?
35
The vast majority of black people who are killed, are killed by other black people.
But that doesn't make headlines.
What makes "headlines" and gins up the masses (in an election year) is screaming about racism and claiming that white cops are gunning for innocent young black men who have not committed any crimes.
Remember this is a Democratic stronghold, run by friends of Obama and Clinton, and they want desperately those black votes they need to win in November.
But that doesn't make headlines.
What makes "headlines" and gins up the masses (in an election year) is screaming about racism and claiming that white cops are gunning for innocent young black men who have not committed any crimes.
Remember this is a Democratic stronghold, run by friends of Obama and Clinton, and they want desperately those black votes they need to win in November.
3
It amazes me that there is no regard for life in this angry, racially tense city.
4
I moved to Chicago right in the beginning of 2016, and when I told my distant family members a lot of people where saying comments like "Be careful out there" and "Chicago can be a very dangerous place" and that makes me sad because Chicago has so many beautiful things to offer, the first thought should not be the crime rate. This article makes me afraid to go out at night with my friends or leave work late. It is time for authority to stop saying that this is devastating and they are doing everything they can to fix it, but clearly nothing is being fix. It is truly upsetting that this is a normal everyday thing just like brushing my teeth.
2
If I were a cop, I risk my life to protect my city. But if you keep accusing me as racist or even criminal, what do you expect me to do? Do I really want to protect or even die for the people who hate me so much?
I totally agree that there are bad cops, who are racist, who should never be given the badge. But just like there are bad white/black/hispanic/asian people, we don't say the entire race is bad. Don't blame the entire group only because there are a few bad ones. Without cops, we won't have a society.
I totally agree that there are bad cops, who are racist, who should never be given the badge. But just like there are bad white/black/hispanic/asian people, we don't say the entire race is bad. Don't blame the entire group only because there are a few bad ones. Without cops, we won't have a society.
36
I couldn't agree more! I have a ton of respect for cops and the things they have to deal with. Unfortunately, when there is a bad one and they need to be fired, it is nearly impossible to remove them (just like many other government employees) without protracted proceedings, suits, and settlements. We need to be able to more easily reward top cops and fire bad ones WITHOUT having Union reps interfering in the process and costing the taxpayers huge amounts of money
4
The article below was mentioned in the NY Times as 'proof' of the impact of firearm ownership rates on homicides in the US.
The authors looked at the relationship between gun ownership and age-adjusted firearm homicide rates in the US over a 30-year period, accounting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, etc. The results indicated a relationship between firearm ownership rates and firearm homicide rates, but the authors used suicide with firearm as a proxy for firearm ownership rates and the resulting estimated firearm ownership rates are much higher than the accepted rates based upon surveys.
The article was perhaps mistitled as the most significant predictor of firearm homicide rates was the proportion of blacks in the population, a predictor which was almost six times higher than rates of firearm ownership. Most people choose to not acknowledge the fact that almost 75% of forearm homicides are committed with handguns in low income, urban, black and Hispanic neighborhoods, a fact that needs to be addressed with a different set of solutions than other types of firearm violence. Not acknowledging it and not doing anything about it is racist as it has been going on for decades.
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301409
The Relationship Between Gun Ownership and Firearm Homicide Rates in the United States, 1981–2010
The authors looked at the relationship between gun ownership and age-adjusted firearm homicide rates in the US over a 30-year period, accounting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, etc. The results indicated a relationship between firearm ownership rates and firearm homicide rates, but the authors used suicide with firearm as a proxy for firearm ownership rates and the resulting estimated firearm ownership rates are much higher than the accepted rates based upon surveys.
The article was perhaps mistitled as the most significant predictor of firearm homicide rates was the proportion of blacks in the population, a predictor which was almost six times higher than rates of firearm ownership. Most people choose to not acknowledge the fact that almost 75% of forearm homicides are committed with handguns in low income, urban, black and Hispanic neighborhoods, a fact that needs to be addressed with a different set of solutions than other types of firearm violence. Not acknowledging it and not doing anything about it is racist as it has been going on for decades.
http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2013.301409
The Relationship Between Gun Ownership and Firearm Homicide Rates in the United States, 1981–2010
13
Admitting the problem is condemned as "racist" by lefty liberals -- ending any hope of conversation, let alone fixing the problem.
1
Decriminalize drugs, abolish minimum wage laws, give all parents school vouchers, remove welfare incentives that split families, loosen Chicago gun control laws.
8
Say what?
1
Oh, by the way, Washington police today shot a man on the White House lawn. Why would you bother to notice, since people are moving out of Chicago?
1
I have an idea: Legalize Marijuana in Illinois. This will do two things at Once, it will remove major sourced of gang revenue, less revenue, means less need for drug runners and smaller gangs, plus guns are expensive, less money, means less guns. Step 2, take the money are on Tax revenue, in Colorado the tax revenue was over 135 million dollars in 2015, take that money and create job and activities for urban youth in Chicago. Try that idea, see how it works, or we can just stay status quo, keep Marijuana illegal, and let the killings continue unabated.
7
Just another democrat controled paradise
27
Since Anton Cermac in 1931. 85 years and the population keeps reelecting the Democrats. Hard to have any sympathy.
9
Black lives matter?
23
This country is a mess, and it is only going to continue getting WORSE until we get REAL leaders in leadership positions. It is up to all of YOU to make it happen. You have the power to do it, but you have to sincerely care, get some guts, and get ACTIVELY involved with the governance of this country, with more than just words, instead of ignoring the problems (unless/until they happen to YOU), and hoping someone else will solve them for you.
3
Much of the violence is rooted in some form of property disputes....property meaning goods derived from the exchange of goods and services. I have seen a lot of rhetoric about "the black culture" and simplistic but popular narratives that pit one race against another. I have seen less coverage about the economy of illegal drug networks, exchanges how and when the money moves, where it is "invested" and generally a study of the sub economies that enable too many people to just survive. Aside from the television series The Wire, few Americans truly understand these exchanges. We only see the results of broken contracts unmediated by any viable legal structure. More police won't solve it, nor will the pathetic rankings of "Black Lives Matter." We need to get a better understanding of the economics that fuels these systems.
5
It's not "black" culture. It's a criminal culture. Maybe 5% of people in this city are criminals, but that is enough to control many of these neighborhoods in the absence of a stronger (read, overbearing) police presence.
Most of the violence relates to perceived threats and interpersonal disputes, not economics. If it was just a property rights issue, killings would be a very expensive means for resolving broken contracts. Think youtube videos and twitter wars, and getting them before they get you.
Most of the violence relates to perceived threats and interpersonal disputes, not economics. If it was just a property rights issue, killings would be a very expensive means for resolving broken contracts. Think youtube videos and twitter wars, and getting them before they get you.
6
It's black culture because black culture tolerates it, excuses it & does nothing to stop it. its black culture because all of these other things that are routinely cited as the reason for crime among blacks: poverty, poor schools, housing etc inflict other groups that have far lower rates of murder.
When we say black culture is to blame it's not to indict every black person. Heck I'm black. One major proof that this is a black cultural problem is the out of wedlock birth rate.
When we say black culture is to blame it's not to indict every black person. Heck I'm black. One major proof that this is a black cultural problem is the out of wedlock birth rate.
"Some experts point to relatively mild winter weather . . . "
Mild winter weather? Really? This is not climate change. If the weather is the problem, why not put Chicago under a dome and control the climate? That should do it. As ridiculous an answer as the one that spawned it.
Try longstanding racism and discrimination as the reason. Try long festering anger and frustration and joblessness and desperation and drug use and long long feelings of disenfranchisement. Try corruption and neglect of communities. Try poor schools. Try balkanized communities. Try irresponsible behavior on both sides, the black and the white. Try the fact that there is a "black" and a "white" side. Try too few people willing to make significant changes. Try the fact that if you are born black and male in Chicago (as elsewhere in the United States), the odds are already against you. Try easy access to guns.
Try all of that so called experts before you come up with such a lame answer to a very complex, ingrained, and serious problem.
Mild winter weather? Really? This is not climate change. If the weather is the problem, why not put Chicago under a dome and control the climate? That should do it. As ridiculous an answer as the one that spawned it.
Try longstanding racism and discrimination as the reason. Try long festering anger and frustration and joblessness and desperation and drug use and long long feelings of disenfranchisement. Try corruption and neglect of communities. Try poor schools. Try balkanized communities. Try irresponsible behavior on both sides, the black and the white. Try the fact that there is a "black" and a "white" side. Try too few people willing to make significant changes. Try the fact that if you are born black and male in Chicago (as elsewhere in the United States), the odds are already against you. Try easy access to guns.
Try all of that so called experts before you come up with such a lame answer to a very complex, ingrained, and serious problem.
7
The notion that violence goes up when the weather is warm and decrease when it's freezing is hardly ridiculous. Numerous studies have documented the link, and police refer to Chicago's notoriously cold weather as "Officer Winter".
So much of the violence is street gang related. Doesn't it follow that said violence would decrease when there are fewer gang member in the streets?
So much of the violence is street gang related. Doesn't it follow that said violence would decrease when there are fewer gang member in the streets?
If ISIS killed 500 people in Chicago, the US would be all over it with unbridled resources... why o' why does it matter so much "how you get murdered"?
8
Whatever rottenness is causing this carnage, a new boss is the same as the old boss. Rahm Emmanuel could resign tomorrow, the violence would continue. Soon, people would be clamoring for whoever replaced him to decamp. It's a marvel to me that anyone would want the job.
Blaming a man who has been mayor of Chicago for five years, for failing to staunch a decades old epidemic of gun violence and gang activity is a fine example of the simplistic, externalizing thinking that now, sadly, seems to characterize American democracy. It's never "us," it's always "them."
Blaming a man who has been mayor of Chicago for five years, for failing to staunch a decades old epidemic of gun violence and gang activity is a fine example of the simplistic, externalizing thinking that now, sadly, seems to characterize American democracy. It's never "us," it's always "them."
8
I can guarantee that there are as many or more firearms in my neighborhood as in the war zones in Chicago, yet not so much as one gun related death in many, many years. The problem in Chicago has more to it than the presence of guns, it is that the gang banger terrorists enjoy using them against each other and anyone else that gets in their way.
25
I am not surprised. What did the citizens of Chicago expect would happen after a cop with 1st degree murder? As a reminder, L. McDonald was not a good guy. He was a violent criminal on PCP with a deadly weapon who refused to follow the lawful commands of police. If you do not allow the police to protect themselves from dangerous criminals like L. McDonald, and charge them with murder for putting them down, what is the alternative? Why should the police both to risk their careers and lives if the people, the prosecutors and the politicians do not support them?
23
A couple of things to note that many of the top comments seem to be ignorant of.
1) The vast majority of black people in this country are not criminals or gang members. While violent crime is high in Chicago, when compared to the black population in Chicago, and more importantly, when compared to two decades ago, when the population was lower, crime is still markedly down. So please, let's get that out of the way.
2) The vast majority of the violence is happening between gang members. The question should be why these gangs came to prominence in the first place. And a very good argument can lay the blame at the foot of police more concerned about keeping blacks in their neighborhoods and racism. When young black men can't turn to police to protect themselves, they turn to their friends and gangs are born.
When their neighbors can't turn to police, they keep their mouths shut and murderers get away with murder. If cops had been doing their jobs 20 and 30 years ago, you wouldn't have this problem today. And if you notice, NYC, doesn't have the same problems that LA and Chicago has with gangs. Why? Because despite their own issues, the NYPD did a better job actually policing the streets and reaching out to communities instead of just trying to keep blacks out of "good" areas.
Chicago has a LONG way to go to build trust within that community again. When it does, you'll see crime go down, as it has in NYC, despite the end of stop and frisk.
1) The vast majority of black people in this country are not criminals or gang members. While violent crime is high in Chicago, when compared to the black population in Chicago, and more importantly, when compared to two decades ago, when the population was lower, crime is still markedly down. So please, let's get that out of the way.
2) The vast majority of the violence is happening between gang members. The question should be why these gangs came to prominence in the first place. And a very good argument can lay the blame at the foot of police more concerned about keeping blacks in their neighborhoods and racism. When young black men can't turn to police to protect themselves, they turn to their friends and gangs are born.
When their neighbors can't turn to police, they keep their mouths shut and murderers get away with murder. If cops had been doing their jobs 20 and 30 years ago, you wouldn't have this problem today. And if you notice, NYC, doesn't have the same problems that LA and Chicago has with gangs. Why? Because despite their own issues, the NYPD did a better job actually policing the streets and reaching out to communities instead of just trying to keep blacks out of "good" areas.
Chicago has a LONG way to go to build trust within that community again. When it does, you'll see crime go down, as it has in NYC, despite the end of stop and frisk.
Complete hogwash. Even before the BLM movement, cops wer not revered in the black community. To say people are turning to gangs because they can't turn to the police is utterly ridiculous. Get a grip!
8
I guess you have not been reading the (other) NY papers.
Clearly the end of stop and frisk has emboldened NY criminals, the slashings being the most disturbing.
Clearly the end of stop and frisk has emboldened NY criminals, the slashings being the most disturbing.
2
One last thought for the night, about criticizing the police, ask yourself this. How many of you would be willing to go through 8 weeks (or more) of police training, put on a uniform, strap on a gun, and go into these violent areas at night? Where you're hated by most and disrespected by the rest. Where every decision you make is open to question. Where you might well have to make a decision in a fraction of a second that will determine whether or not you live or die, or face criminal charges. Think about that for a job description and ask yourself "would I do this...or recommend it to my child"?
28
It doesn't matter how many black people are killed by other black people. All that matters, to the Times, Sharpton and BLM is the handful killed by cops. Let's stay focused on the real problem here.
49
They really don't care about "black lives".
They care about winning the election in November, with Hillary. And to do that, they need all those black votes (which came easily and naturally to Obama as the historic first black POTUS).
How to get those votes? GIN UP THE BASE....get people riled about racism and BLM and that will get them to vote for Hillary.
Yes, it is that simple.
They care about winning the election in November, with Hillary. And to do that, they need all those black votes (which came easily and naturally to Obama as the historic first black POTUS).
How to get those votes? GIN UP THE BASE....get people riled about racism and BLM and that will get them to vote for Hillary.
Yes, it is that simple.
3
Chicago sounds a lot less violent than Shakespeare's London was. People change.
Shakespeare's London was fiction.
Chicago's violence is fact.
Chicago's violence is fact.
10
I want the military. This problem requires force to resolve before anything else can be dealt with.
How did Bernie Sanders do among African-American voters against Hillary Clinton in Chicago?
Doesn't Bernie Sanders have a lot more to offer African-Americans in Chicago and elsewhere?
Doesn't Bernie Sanders have a lot more to offer African-Americans in Chicago and elsewhere?
4
I think we all know why there is a sudden spike in violence. When the police "pull back" and their tactics soften then the criminals get to run wild. Finding a solution is difficult but one idea is for the CPD to hire people from within the community to patrol and monitor their own streets. These community officers would be known and respected locals who provide a layer of trusted security.
I'm sorry. I cannot sit back and listen to more blame on the police force, or the conspiracy theories which have caused decay in these communities. What I'm not hearing is people talking about the breakdown of the family. The responsibility and accountability of the parents. Who are the victims here? Innocent children. Who is doing the shooting? Deprived, ignorant and neglected kids. Why do youth get involved in gangs? They seek love and acceptance. Babies having babies is the root of the problem here, and unfortunately it's so deep that the Democratic machine that is Chicago cannot resolve it.
I grew up in Chicago as a teenager, and remember a time when bangers targeted each other carefully, without bringing harm to bystanders. We live in a time now where kids not only question authority they flat-out dismiss it. It's a low-regard for life that they’ve been taught. Who do you really blame for that? What does a cop do if nobody cooperates in a shooting? How can he/she be of service?
I grew up in Chicago as a teenager, and remember a time when bangers targeted each other carefully, without bringing harm to bystanders. We live in a time now where kids not only question authority they flat-out dismiss it. It's a low-regard for life that they’ve been taught. Who do you really blame for that? What does a cop do if nobody cooperates in a shooting? How can he/she be of service?
26
Google......Daniel Patrick Moynihan + 1965 and Black Families
The movements against the police department are a distraction. They may be necessary and make people believe in "justice", but let's be honest, cracking down on cops is no substitute for cracking down on crime.
The crime still needs to be addressed. There should be "Stop-and-Frisk" and then some in those areas. Whatever it takes to keep those poor people safe. What about their "right" to walk down a street without being shot?
The crime still needs to be addressed. There should be "Stop-and-Frisk" and then some in those areas. Whatever it takes to keep those poor people safe. What about their "right" to walk down a street without being shot?
15
The police are especially adept at shooting unarmed Black people, yet when faced with actual gang-banging murderers they are all of a sudden looking to provide social services. On the other hand, you don't hear a word coming from Black Lives Matter on the killing fields of Black urban areas. The current crop of murderers cannot be reformed; they are out there killing Black people. I don't care what the systemic issues at play are, these gang-bangers are the greatest threat to law-abiding Black people today. The police have this database; what are they doing with it? Arrest all the gang-bangers. I would not be opposed to targeted assasinations of the leaders of these gangs. I agree with the lady in the article who wants the National Guard patrolling the streets. Bring out the heavy artillery and go to war with these killers. The police response has been so lukewarm because of course Black lives do not matter to them. Where is all the hardware that they had in Ferguson?
Of course there are economic issues, institutional racism, and decades of educational neglect to blame for these conditions. These issues need to be addressed in order to fix the murder rate long term. However, right now there is a scourge in the Black communities taking Black lives. No amount of counseling is going to refom these murderers. Lock them up or take them off the planet. How many more innocent Black people have to die?
Of course there are economic issues, institutional racism, and decades of educational neglect to blame for these conditions. These issues need to be addressed in order to fix the murder rate long term. However, right now there is a scourge in the Black communities taking Black lives. No amount of counseling is going to refom these murderers. Lock them up or take them off the planet. How many more innocent Black people have to die?
7
It's almost as if Chicago were desgined to be this way...
4
Yes, I heard about this from news coverage of the huge Black Lives Matter rally in Chicago last week, decrying black on black violence and vowing to stop it. Al Sharpton's speech was especially memorable.
20
John D.: I assume that was sarcasm.
2
Caught between the few thugs in uniformed blue with a badge and gun and license to deprive you of your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness and the few thugs in People and Folk nonsense signs with a criminal license to deprive you of your life, liberty and pursuit of happiness are the majority of innocent men, women and children.
Rahm Emanuel does not nor care about their lives, liberties and pursuit of happiness. Rahm does not care about their employment or education.
The Great Depression befell black Chicago and has not left.
The South Side of Chicago is the oldest and biggest contiguous black community in America. The home of Jackson, Farrakhan, Obama, Wright, Mosely-Braun and the Defender. Former home of Harold, Metcalfe, Dawson, DePriest, DuSable, Burroughs, Joyner, Hansberry, Wright, Mayfield and Brooks.
Chi-raq lives!
Rahm Emanuel does not nor care about their lives, liberties and pursuit of happiness. Rahm does not care about their employment or education.
The Great Depression befell black Chicago and has not left.
The South Side of Chicago is the oldest and biggest contiguous black community in America. The home of Jackson, Farrakhan, Obama, Wright, Mosely-Braun and the Defender. Former home of Harold, Metcalfe, Dawson, DePriest, DuSable, Burroughs, Joyner, Hansberry, Wright, Mayfield and Brooks.
Chi-raq lives!
1
Nobody rolled out a red carpet for Irish, Italian, Polish, Jewish and other ethnic whites. No Affirmative Action either.
31
Why is Rahm Emanuel still Mayor of Chicago ?? Forget about a new Police Chief. First Chicago needs a NEW Mayor to restore credibility.
5
As to policing these dysfunctional areas, it won't make any difference in the level of violence who wears the uniform. Sooner rather than later these officers will become jaded and either quit or start acting in a manner deemed "inappropriate". In other words forget slogans such as "community policing" or "community engagement". You're sending the police into a battle zone where there is virtually no respect for law and order so don't expect anything other than a "military" response. This is only going to get worse.
17
Those protesting the tactics of the police, the very people who are there to protect them from murdering gangs and thugs, ought to spend more time addressing what causes their family members and neighbors to become violent. This is America 2016. This is not a poor third world country with no opportunities to get an education or succeed. Stay in school, don't become a teen parent, don't join a gang, don't commit crimes, don't do drugs, get a job and get yourself out of the projects. It's been done. Do it.
32
But none of these folks are "privileged" and, hence, are not responsible to do anything to better their lives.
21
Although mentioned briefly in the article, one fact is usually glossed over--the disorganization and splintering of the street gangs. The leaders of the largest gangs have been jailed or killed, setting up disputes among ever smaller factions because no leader has control over a large organization of gang members. Groups within the same neighborhood fiercely attack each other. Social media is also tremendously damaging, as mentioned in the article. Another point not mentioned is how the elimination of the huge public housing projects in the 1990s dispersed the criminal class into what used to be very good predominantly black neighborhoods.
There is no real solution to this terrorism other than overwhelming police force, but the citizens don't want that. No less an authority than a member of Congress (Bobby Rush) has said that using force to disrupt and destroy street gangs is "an elitist white boy solution" that he opposes. If the police are not going to try to shut down the gangs, what will change?
All the other suggestions are truly absurd. Give many of these guys office jobs paying $50k per year and they would stay for about two days. It's not education, it's not opportunity, it's not gun control. When you have a group of people who are conditioned from birth towards criminal behavior, they will behave like criminals. They, but also the innocents who happen to live in their neighborhoods, are paying the price.
There is no real solution to this terrorism other than overwhelming police force, but the citizens don't want that. No less an authority than a member of Congress (Bobby Rush) has said that using force to disrupt and destroy street gangs is "an elitist white boy solution" that he opposes. If the police are not going to try to shut down the gangs, what will change?
All the other suggestions are truly absurd. Give many of these guys office jobs paying $50k per year and they would stay for about two days. It's not education, it's not opportunity, it's not gun control. When you have a group of people who are conditioned from birth towards criminal behavior, they will behave like criminals. They, but also the innocents who happen to live in their neighborhoods, are paying the price.
21
"He also said that he intended to intensify a program in which gang members are urged to end criminal behavior and are offered social services" Where are the parents? Shouldn't they bear some of the responsibility for the criminal behavior of their children? There are thousands of gang members - no police force can control that many violent actors. And it is out of control. It's up to the parents to teach their children to be civilized; otherwise society breaks down.
Poor white communities don't collapse into such violence. Something is definitely wrong in poor black communities; and apparently no one yet knows the solution. Well, maybe one does. I suggest that the next Chicago mayor be the most esteemed black politician - nee man - in the world - who just happens to be from Chicago. None other than president Barack Obama - who will be jobless in January. He is the right man for the job; and while it won't include side trips on AF1 to Tango land or baseball with Raul, there's plenty to do in Chicago that will keep him busy and the family and mother-in-law entertained.
Poor white communities don't collapse into such violence. Something is definitely wrong in poor black communities; and apparently no one yet knows the solution. Well, maybe one does. I suggest that the next Chicago mayor be the most esteemed black politician - nee man - in the world - who just happens to be from Chicago. None other than president Barack Obama - who will be jobless in January. He is the right man for the job; and while it won't include side trips on AF1 to Tango land or baseball with Raul, there's plenty to do in Chicago that will keep him busy and the family and mother-in-law entertained.
17
It is sad to hear this about my old home town. In my area, concealed carry has encouraged many people to store guns in their cars and trucks, under seats and in consoles, which has sparked a lively gun theft boom. Gun thefts are up 20%. Hang around a sports stadium on game night, find secluded areas in full, unguarded parking lots, and break as many car windows as it takes to load up on weapons. And guess what - gun-related robberies, shootings, murders etc. are up 20% too. Every time I mention these facts I get a bunch of hostility from people who love guns - and I am only taking a stand against sloppy, insecure storage practices. Hey, don't blame the messenger. If you want to be an amateur with how you handle your firearms, don't be surprised if it's stolen and ends up pointing right back at you late at night when you're trying to go home from the next football game. If you want to carry like a pro, get a gun safe and bolt it to your trunk floor. If you feel you have to have a gun under the seat of your car, get it out while you're driving and lock it up when you have to leave it in the car. It's that simple.
6
" If you feel you have to have a gun under the seat of your car, get it out while you're driving and lock it up when you have to leave it in the car. It's that simple."
Or venues could stop prohibiting people from carrying. Evidence shows that these people don't pull out a gun to settle a dispute. They're too middle class and self respecting for that. They also follow the law as is evidenced by their leaving their guns in their cars. And this before there were metal detectors in every venue anymore.
Or venues could stop prohibiting people from carrying. Evidence shows that these people don't pull out a gun to settle a dispute. They're too middle class and self respecting for that. They also follow the law as is evidenced by their leaving their guns in their cars. And this before there were metal detectors in every venue anymore.
1
When we in Milwaukee see others swaggering around our city wearing Bulls and White Sox clothing, we know they didn't come here because Bucks and Brewers tickets are easier to get. Milwaukee and Madison have been Little Chicagos since at least the 1980s, drawing Chicagoans looking for cheaper housing but drawing Chicago problems along with them.
12
Chicago is an allegory of what happens to people marginalized by economics, education, and opportunities. Nation-wide we are seeing inner-city schools shutting down due to funding reduction, an income disparity that ranks amongst the worst when compared to other countries, and a proliferation of firearms due to a conditioned paranoia that our government will take away our guns. This is not a problem with an easy solution, but we have opportunities for improvement. We need to acknowledge that these murders do not happen in a vacuum, nor is this unique to one afflicted demographic. This problem pervades many cultures. These communities have been isolated and stripped of all hope. We need to take responsibility for the damages done through slavery, Jim Crow laws, and non-institutionalized racism.
5
Yet poor marginalized Asian-Americans choose not to engage in comparable violent destructive behavior.
41
such killings and crime are not happening in poor white or asian communities, so no, it is unique to african americans
34
The belief that the government wishes to take our guns is not paranoia. Clinton and Obama have both recently stated that they like Australia's solution (confiscation) and Feinstein has clearly stated that if she could get 51 votes she'd confiscate them all.
1
IF we reform our welfare system such that beneficiaries only get paid the shortage amount between their monthly wages and a set amount for living expenses set by the city or state for the area, young people will have at least a job for their energy and creativity. Our current welfare system punishes workers who are paid just a bit too much but not enough to make an independent living. You have to believe that young people do want to work and have the right to work. That's the best way we can help them and ourselves.
6
The highest murder rates and violent crime rates in Chicago are in the Garfield Park neighborhood. The neighborhood is poor and overwhelmingly black. It is patrolled by the police officers of District 10, who have a number of outreach programs designed to make the area safer. Zone 10 officers investigate all the Garfield Park murders and violent crimes of which they are informed. A couple of weeks ago, 3 Zone 10 officers were shot as they confronted suspects. Tell me about police racism again.
73
The racism is black on white. Its a new era.
7
There is an intrenched gang culture in Chicago that is getting worse by the day. Chicago is also one of the most racially and economically divided cities. Those of us that live here, know the character of each area we live in, drive through, etc. People who live in the most violent areas have not been able to solve it. Jobs, hope, stopping the cycle of violence from generation to generation in families; these are all good ideas in place now. What will stop young men from throwing it all away to be part of a violent family? What will stop the killing? The straight road is seemingly harder than the criminal one for these men.
12
Massive public health education is what you need. Teach the children impulse control early on in their lives. Teach birth control. Teach about nutrition. Teach self control.
15
The shootings and gang activity are not only on the south and west sides, though it is definitely worse there. I live in Rogers Park on the far north side. Two Saturdays ago, I was walking out of my neighborhood grocery store at 5:30pm-- when someone was shot about 10 feet in front of me. I saw the man crumple down against a tree. There were families and kids all around. The day before, I just missed a drive-by shooting in Uptown, two neighborhoods to the south. 8 shots fired, man hit in leg. The man was still lying on the sidewalk, with a couple people applying pressure as I walked past them to my appointment. This is getting almost routine. It would be routine if it didn't make me so angry.
55
I lived there in the 1960's. Today the citizens should be able to buy guns easily. If the criminals knew that the average citizen had a lawfully issued gun they would avoid areas like West Rogers Park.
As a witness, then, did you tell the police what you saw about the shooter?
Sure, black on black homicide has gone way up. But this ignores the most important thing: police on black homicide appears to have gone down.
We've been told, over and over again, that police on black homicide was the truly great evil facing blacks in America. But it has gotten better!
So why aren't we celebrating?
The only thing that would make things better is if police removed themselves entirely from black neighborhoods. This would completely eliminate not only police homicide of blacks, but all police harassment of blacks altogether.
I don't know why we haven't been pushing for this obvious solution to the true problems facing blacks.
We've been told, over and over again, that police on black homicide was the truly great evil facing blacks in America. But it has gotten better!
So why aren't we celebrating?
The only thing that would make things better is if police removed themselves entirely from black neighborhoods. This would completely eliminate not only police homicide of blacks, but all police harassment of blacks altogether.
I don't know why we haven't been pushing for this obvious solution to the true problems facing blacks.
46
Ask the law abiding black residents of these areas if they would rather not have any police presence. Would you want to live in a "no police zone"?
2
Yes! It seems to be what they want. Let's stop putting young black men in prison and taking them away from their families. Just remove the police they so hate and are targeted by. And hey, I will take all those extra freed up police in my neighborhood. Send them over.
7
There is only 1 real solution to this problem: Legalize Drugs. The vast majority of people being murdered in Chicago are killed by gang members in disputes over drug dealing turf. Legalize the drugs, and you will simultaneously defang the gangs. Think back to the end of prohibition--before the end of it you had gangsters in open warfare on the streets. When alcohol was legal again, the gangs pretty much disappeared. With advent the drug war we have created the current street war--and we can end it to.
18
Agree completely. The cash for illegal handguns comes from the drug trade. More national restrictions on law-abiding firearms owners isn't the answer to inner-city handgun violence. The answer is an end to the black market in drugs that makes such weapons a cost of doing business. No black market, no cash for and not much use for handguns. A wave of gun-buy backs can then get much of the leftover handguns off the street. Inner city youth without black market cash won't be buying many new guns. Beefs now handled with handguns will go back to being handled with fists as they were until the 1980's explosion in the drug trade provided the cash and rationale for the flood of handguns in poor usually urban neighborhoods.
3
Gangs and gangsters would still need money. They'd just have to think of some other way to get it. I don't suppose they'd take up working at MacDonald's.
4
Wrong. That will never happen either. Just like the anti-gun crowd who somehow thinks there is a legitimate chance to repeal our Constitutional 2nd Amendment. Yeah, no...
There are so many low-lives in this country that even if you legalize hard drugs like cocain and heroin, you'll still have 2nd market chefs making this stuff without any quality control. Even if legal, they'll just undercut the main market on price and peddle inferior product, likely risking many peoples lives anyway.
And then what? You legalize heroin at $20 and still charge $500 a pill for some heart medication? What would that say about the U.S. interest in regulating the drug industry? You make heroin legal, the federal government is now accountable. That would directly conflict with their monied big pharma interests. How does the government allow backing some that kills people costs $20.00 and something that helps them costs $500.00. Hmm!
There is only 1 real solution and it involved tanks, and military grade apache helicopters. I promise you; that'll slow these domestic terrorists down.
There are so many low-lives in this country that even if you legalize hard drugs like cocain and heroin, you'll still have 2nd market chefs making this stuff without any quality control. Even if legal, they'll just undercut the main market on price and peddle inferior product, likely risking many peoples lives anyway.
And then what? You legalize heroin at $20 and still charge $500 a pill for some heart medication? What would that say about the U.S. interest in regulating the drug industry? You make heroin legal, the federal government is now accountable. That would directly conflict with their monied big pharma interests. How does the government allow backing some that kills people costs $20.00 and something that helps them costs $500.00. Hmm!
There is only 1 real solution and it involved tanks, and military grade apache helicopters. I promise you; that'll slow these domestic terrorists down.
1
Let's see how gun control might work without treading on the second amendment. People would not carry guns legally without permits issued by the state. People would have to wait for a background check before receiving any gun from a legitimate dealer. People who violate the gun laws would suffer heavy fines and jail terms. Banning the possession of guns on private property with the permission of the owners or the sale of guns at all could not be enforced. Even if no gun shops operated in the City there are numerous rural areas in a couple hours of the City where people use guns legitimately and can possess them where the guns might be obtained. To enforce bans on concealed weapons, police would stop and frisk people who might possess them, routinely. That would raise community protests and bring protestors from across the country to oppose over policing. Nobody should think that the solution to the violence is to eliminate the guns, they are not going to be eliminated for a lot reasons.
6
They already have extremely restrictive gun laws in Chicago!! Hasn't done any good, has it???
8
I doubt the guns being used in these murders are legal. i doubt the shooters are members of the NRA. Find another solution.
6
Oh yes, the bad guys would not have any guns then, because that would be against the law and bad guys never ever break the law!
15
We have to stop talking about governments as having all the responsibility for our neighborhoods and start talking about the residents of those neighborhoods. What decisions are the residents, the heads of the families, making? On what do they base a decision to have a child? To raise that child with a solid education and work ethic? I subscribe to the Chicago Tribune so read daily about the destruction in some of the neighborhoods. But not all. What's the difference? Why do some neighborhoods thrive and others become battlefields? I'd suggest a solid, orderly family structure with two parents who have only those children they can afford in time and money offer the best hope for a successful, peaceful, neighborhood.
27
Great idea. But the horse is out of that barn.
2
The killings in Chicago are largely gang related and in certain well defined neighborhoods. Nearly all of the victims are black or Hispanic and they are killed by other blacks and Hispanics not whites or white police officers. Unfortunately a minority of blacks are living in neighborhoods with an insidious and negative culture. There is a large exodus of middle class blacks going on in Chicago as you write this article. They want no part of the violence or the completely dysfunctional school system.
I might add that Chicago and Cook County have ben ruled by Democrats for the past 50 plus years so if politicians are to blame you can start with them. Toss in the very many black politicians who are more interested in their own reelection and patronage to care about the disenfranchised. Hillary Clinton will probably get 95% of this voting group (if they show up) and will get absolutely nothing for it except more of the same - blaming republicans, the police, and somebody else for these problems.
The children born into this social morass have few opportunities and are the new victims of this cultural rot. Sorry but it is the truth.
I might add that Chicago and Cook County have ben ruled by Democrats for the past 50 plus years so if politicians are to blame you can start with them. Toss in the very many black politicians who are more interested in their own reelection and patronage to care about the disenfranchised. Hillary Clinton will probably get 95% of this voting group (if they show up) and will get absolutely nothing for it except more of the same - blaming republicans, the police, and somebody else for these problems.
The children born into this social morass have few opportunities and are the new victims of this cultural rot. Sorry but it is the truth.
56
"50 years"? Try 85 years ever since Cernyak was elected in 1931.
1
I suppose there are many institutional failings which helps allow this carnage but I am struck by how much killing occurs of men, women and children and can only wonder what sort of people kill children? How does any community survive when such wickedness exists? I'm sure the churches and other community organizations are trying but can they succeed against such a tide? Maybe it would be better if Chicago suffered from another "Mrs. O'Leary" event and burnt down again so everyone could start over.
5
Isn't it wonderful that the NRA has been so successful in marketing weapons?
9
Warren: no marketing needed for handguns in inner city neighborhoods. They are a basic requirement of the only vibrant economic enterprise in these neighborhoods: the black market in drugs. End the drug war will stop inner city handgun crime far faster than "stopping the NRA."
4
How many Chicago gang members do you think belong to the NRA?
15
Somehow I find it hard to believe that poverty causes people to murder each other. There are lots of poor people (both black and white) and the overwhelming majority do not go around shooting someone just because they were "disrespected."
76
Rahm Emmanuel has been the disaster many predicted. Of course, this isn't all his fault, but he has only made things worse. Chicago is so corrupt I wouldn't even trust the municipal vote that elects the Mayor.
9
What does that have to do with Black on Black crimes?
8
I think his may have to do with the police are worried over being blamed for use of force. They are probably like "screw it" defend yourselves. They are now in fear of being blamed for improper arrests, shootings, etc.
29
and getting shot themselves...
4
And then there are the guns, which make the ambushes and score-settling and sudden flights into rage so much quicker and more lethal and easier to carry out. The kind of street war Chicago is seeing simply would not happen were it not for the access to firearms. We’re so far from the ‘well regulated militia’ of the sanctified 2nd Amendment that the Founders wouldn’t recognize us. Gun-rights supporters who point almost triumphantly to the body counts in cities that restrict legal gun ownership fail to (or decide not to) recognize that many of our fellow states knowingly encourage and enable the trafficking of guns that end up in the hands of cold-eyed young killers. There are southern and western states that refuse to regulate and keep track of their own guns, and pass laws prohibiting out-of-state law enforcement from coming there to stem the tide of weapons. We’re fighting ourselves – something the guns-for-all proponents would have us believe is an acceptable component of “freedom.”
5
Where do you think the money comes from to buy all these handguns? To paraphrase James Carville, "It's the black market, stupid."
1
If you made guns as illegal as (hard) drugs are today nothing would change, expect for the cost. There would still be a demand for guns, hence a supply, probably by the very same dealers. Remember, supply and demand. Making something illegal just means more money in the pocket of criminals.
4
No state encourages the trafficking of guns. Federal laws require a person to be a resident of a state and 21 years of age in order to purchase one.
There were two gun store robberies here in Charlotte in the last two weeks. This is a crime that is increasing. Well planned right up to the stolen SUV, heavy chain, hammers, wire cutters and pillow cases to carry the loot. Everyone dressed in a Hoodie.
Those guns are heading to some misguided city that bans the legal purchase of guns by its citizens or makes it so difficult that even a good citizen who wants home protection must become a criminal to do so.
You know who they are. Chicago, New York City, Baltimore, Washington DC, etc.
What a coincidence. The higher the restrictions the more illegal guns.
There were two gun store robberies here in Charlotte in the last two weeks. This is a crime that is increasing. Well planned right up to the stolen SUV, heavy chain, hammers, wire cutters and pillow cases to carry the loot. Everyone dressed in a Hoodie.
Those guns are heading to some misguided city that bans the legal purchase of guns by its citizens or makes it so difficult that even a good citizen who wants home protection must become a criminal to do so.
You know who they are. Chicago, New York City, Baltimore, Washington DC, etc.
What a coincidence. The higher the restrictions the more illegal guns.
2
As long as drugs, Cocaine, Heroin, Pot, remain illegal this will go on and on. And probably get worse. That's what most of the violence is about, gang warfare and turf. Just like during prohibition. There is just too much money involved. So people can keep trying this and trying that, talking about guns, cracking down. But it will never stop unless drugs are legalized and regulated. That is the day the bloodshed will end. Not just in Chicago but pretty much everywhere.
8
It's not about drugs. Drugs are sold all over this country. It's about a violent sub-culture.
11
How quickly this devolves into race and people talking about the failings of African Americans. Look it can only be one of two things. 1)Either you believe something is structurally wrong in these communities that causes them to have higher violence and other social ills, which seems to be much more prevalent in these majority black neighborhoods or 2) you think that african americans/Black people are genetically more inclined to violence and social ills than everybody. If you believe the latter then you are a racist, which is your choice, but just be honest with who you are. I myself believe the former. This is what happens when you have disinvestment in the community. The corporatists (Rahm, Bloomberg in NYC) have been in charge for the last few decades and they have cut after school and all the school social programs that helped out. They have cut police numbers and funding for their proper training (so we dont have all this brutality). I bet if you had free healthcare, adequately trained police, jobs with decent wages (at least $12/hr to start) and good funding for these schools, including after school and tutors, we would see a dramatic reduction in crime and these social ills. Of course nobody wants to be pay for this stuff, especially not for black people. You will sit around and complain about black people though. That seems to be a favorite sport
6
Bernie is advocating for free healthcare but the African American community apparently doesn't support him. As for the rest of the very valid items on your list, Chicago needs to raise its taxes until it has the requisite funding. The rest of the country shouldn't be blamed or held responsible for Chicago citizens' tax appetite.
8
There are many people living in these circumstances who would love that $12 per hour job but have limited or no life or job skills. Unfortunately there are also some people living in those neighborhoods who aren't interested in jobs and create the disorder that threatens them all.
29
I grew up in Detroit. We saw in increase in crime and violence in our neighborhoods in the late1960's and 70's. When my family and neighbors complained we were accused of being "afraid of the unknown" and not wanting to share power. When crime increase we became more vocal and were accused of wanting the African-American administration in Detroit to fail. Things became worse and my family moved out. After I moved out guess who gets the blame for the situation in Detroit? Yep, haven't lived there in years and still it's all the fault of "the man".
32
We really need to fix our problems before handing out billions to other countries that hate us anyway
29
Stop blaming the Mayor or the Police Chief.
Stop having children out of wedlock. Stop raising gang bangers. Stay in school.
Stop having children out of wedlock. Stop raising gang bangers. Stay in school.
89
I'm not a sociologist, but I think good, aggressive, Constitutionally permissible policing is one of, if not the biggest ingredient necessary if Chicago is going to walk back from the brink. Police indifference and timidity is not the only factor causing this spike in violence, but it is most likely one of the reasons for the uptick. Cameras and transparency in policing is probably the biggest sea change for law enforcement since the Miranda requirements were implemented. "You mean you want me to tell this perp that he doesn't have to talk to me, but you still want me to solve these crimes?" But police adapted and policing survived. It's a similar situation with cameras. Cops have to learn not to do anything they wouldn't be comfortable with appearing on the evening news. The flip side of that coin, is that the public needs to learn that policing is not always pretty. When you boil it down to its most basic element, it's about imposing the government's will, possibly through force, on people who may not want to comply. Not every altercation or physical confrontation is an abuse of authority. The public is seeing how the sausage is made, so to speak, thanks to cell phones and the internet and middle America is not comfortable.
9
"As of Friday, 131 people had been murdered here in the first months of 2016, an 84 percent rise in homicides from the same period in 2015. There had been 605 shootings, nearly twice as many than this point last year."
Were cops directly involved in any of these shootings, even as innocent bystanders? It looks to me like the cops are simply overwhelmed by the violence that's going on around them. Short of bringing in enough troops to stand on every street corner and leaving them there or a miraculous religious revival among the gangs or the gangs running out of bullets or victims, I don't see any hope for a solution.
Were cops directly involved in any of these shootings, even as innocent bystanders? It looks to me like the cops are simply overwhelmed by the violence that's going on around them. Short of bringing in enough troops to stand on every street corner and leaving them there or a miraculous religious revival among the gangs or the gangs running out of bullets or victims, I don't see any hope for a solution.
21
Legalize marijuana. Allow businesses to open that sell marijuana. Allow people to grow marijuana. Tax the businesses, use the proceeds to create after school programs, particularly for middle school and high school students that will keep them off the street, but physically active until 6 or 7pm.
Start sex education at an earlier age and promote contraception.
Start conflict resolution at an early age for kids identified that are violent - e.g. those that fight in elementary school.
Create boarding schools or contract with existing boarding schools OUTSIDE of Chicago for inner city kids that have difficulty in their home environment. At some point, it's better to get them out of that environment altogether. The upfront costs are high, the returns over a lifetime could be much much higher in terms of taxes collected, less money spent on services, etc.
Start sex education at an earlier age and promote contraception.
Start conflict resolution at an early age for kids identified that are violent - e.g. those that fight in elementary school.
Create boarding schools or contract with existing boarding schools OUTSIDE of Chicago for inner city kids that have difficulty in their home environment. At some point, it's better to get them out of that environment altogether. The upfront costs are high, the returns over a lifetime could be much much higher in terms of taxes collected, less money spent on services, etc.
2
The strictest gun control laws in the country don't seem to work. Is it because Chicago has more criminals than other jurisdictions?
11
...how about the reality that big gangs have been splintering into smaller gangs....all of whom are fighting for dominence. and...EVERYone has more GUNS!
3
Nothing changes until the people are willing to do what it takes to make the necessary changes. Nobody from the outside will be able to dictate to the people in the inner cities. The people in the inner cities will need to decide what they want to change and figure out how to get there.
29
Tragic. Terrible. Two things need to happen in my opinion, and fast.
One, there needs to be a massive crackdown on illegally held and owned firearms. A good way to start is to offer $100 to anyone who provides information that leads to the capture of a weapon. At the same time, gun restrictions that are already on the books need to be vigilantly enforced, and stores that fail to meet those standards fined heavily.
Second, the black community needs to rise up, together, and defeat the vicious, self-defeating narrative propagated by the narcissistic Black Lives Matter activists. So many of these activists are middle-class, comfortable black kids who have been brainwashed by radical professors and whose evidentiary basis for their beliefs is literally non-existent. The damage this movement is doing to inner city communities is tragic. This needs to stop before it gets much worse. Police are not the enemy. They are the number one thing standing between violent young black men and their black victims. Black Americans deserve robust policing and safety at least as much as everybody else.
No more wishing away the problem. It's gun prevalence + violent culture. Plain and simple. The government needs to act responsibly, as do leaders of the black community and parents. Until that happens, more and more innocent blacks (and whites, and latinos) are going to get hurt.
One, there needs to be a massive crackdown on illegally held and owned firearms. A good way to start is to offer $100 to anyone who provides information that leads to the capture of a weapon. At the same time, gun restrictions that are already on the books need to be vigilantly enforced, and stores that fail to meet those standards fined heavily.
Second, the black community needs to rise up, together, and defeat the vicious, self-defeating narrative propagated by the narcissistic Black Lives Matter activists. So many of these activists are middle-class, comfortable black kids who have been brainwashed by radical professors and whose evidentiary basis for their beliefs is literally non-existent. The damage this movement is doing to inner city communities is tragic. This needs to stop before it gets much worse. Police are not the enemy. They are the number one thing standing between violent young black men and their black victims. Black Americans deserve robust policing and safety at least as much as everybody else.
No more wishing away the problem. It's gun prevalence + violent culture. Plain and simple. The government needs to act responsibly, as do leaders of the black community and parents. Until that happens, more and more innocent blacks (and whites, and latinos) are going to get hurt.
35
Are you advocating going house-to-house conducting searches? This is what Gestapo and KGB used to do.
2
I sure didn't see that in LSS's comment.
6
100% correct. The BLM kids have not uttered a peep about the self-inflicted genocide in our communities. That's because they go back to their suburbs after their protests. The people that need to get that Black Lives Matter more than anyone else is BLACK PEOPLE! Lock up or execute all these gangbanging murderers. They have no hope. Fix the structural problems so the next generation doesn't turn out the same way, but right now we have to stop the killing of Black bodies by Black bodies!
4
Chicago gun violence and tragedy is a result of years of racism, neglect and poverty. Leaders are elected and paid to problem solve. Uplifting Chicago's south side requires a long-term strategy as worthy as our defense budget, our space program, our international projects. Putting band-aids on Chicago and "moving on" is not a solution. Southside children deserve much better. It is matter of priorities and will. Money is always found for new fighting technology, yet lifting our kids our of a killing zone remains an elusive goal?
2
When do you think we should place the blame where it belongs, on those who commit crimes?
39
Well said!
Thank you.
Thank you.
2
Lise: "Those" who commit crimes don't arise spontaneously, but are nurtured by structural factors.
1
A couple poignant G. Orwell quotes: [https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/3706.George_Orwell]
“Now I will tell you the answer to my question. It is this. The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from the oligarchies of the past in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists ...., but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just around the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal.... We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now you begin to understand me.” [substitute players as appropriate]
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” [not sure of his context but, simplistically, seems simple question of unabated murders or police, choice is ours.]
“Now I will tell you the answer to my question. It is this. The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power. What pure power means you will understand presently. We are different from the oligarchies of the past in that we know what we are doing. All the others, even those who resembled ourselves, were cowards and hypocrites. The German Nazis and the Russian Communists ...., but they never had the courage to recognize their own motives. They pretended, perhaps they even believed, that they had seized power unwillingly and for a limited time, and that just around the corner there lay a paradise where human beings would be free and equal.... We know that no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship. The object of persecution is persecution. The object of torture is torture. The object of power is power. Now you begin to understand me.” [substitute players as appropriate]
“People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf.” [not sure of his context but, simplistically, seems simple question of unabated murders or police, choice is ours.]
4
Chicago needs to look at what is happening in Richmond, California. There was an excellent piece on NPR's ATC by Richard Gonzales this afternoon. This can be changed, it needs to addressed in a new way and I doubt Mayor Emmanuel is the guy to do it.
3
I keep waiting for the announcement of major black leaders, banding together and walking the streets of south and west Chicago, leading march after march, with the simple message: "It stops now; not one more murder." And by major, I mean the Obamas, Cornell West, Tei-nishi Coates, Jesse Jackson, Henry Gates, Spike Lee...
The murder rate here is appalling; the waste of young black lives is horrific. If those who see themselves as leaders in the national black community were to all address this issue, in a so immediate, personal way, something might just change.
The murder rate here is appalling; the waste of young black lives is horrific. If those who see themselves as leaders in the national black community were to all address this issue, in a so immediate, personal way, something might just change.
47
Ain't gonna happen. It orter happen, but 'tain't gonna.
8
Spike Lee just made a movie called Chiraq, which essentially does this...
1
This seems to be a sad pattern. A cop, or a few cops, makes a terrible decision or worse a bigoted one. The community goes nuts. There are recriminations and demands for justice. Then the cops pull back. And the violence in the communities they are no longer protecting as vigorously goes up exponentially.
18
Toronto is the same size as the city of Chicago, and it too has seen a doubling of murders so far in 2016. Granted in Toronto's case, that meant going from 10 to 21, not the 131 of Chicago, but it is still big news there. The climate of police tension and distrust that has been occurring in the US is less of an issue in Canada (though still present). Maybe it is as simple as the incredibly mild weather?
1
Actually, there was an article somewhere that linked higher crime with warmer/hotter weather.
One might want to add to your description of the increase in homicides in Toronto is that when it comes to those committed with guns, all of them have been illegally smuggled in from the U.S.
FYI, in 2013, Toronto surpassed Chicago in size to now become the fourth largest city in N/A.
FYI, in 2013, Toronto surpassed Chicago in size to now become the fourth largest city in N/A.
1
Wait until summer.
3
A few years ago, I moved back to Chicago to spend almost 1/2 of each of my retirement years here.
Every big city has its problems with crime, violence and corruption. It's been a journalistic tradition to emphasize the Chicago's criminal heritage as an on-going problem, while forgetting that Chicago is not unique in that regard.
What is never emphasized is that Chicago is a wonderfully livable city, with easily accessible public transportation, extensive networks of social services, first-rate medical provider and facilities, wonderful theater, music, parks, affordable rentals at every income level, and a heterogeneous population that has given rise to culinary experiences second to none. Having lived both in Los Angeles and New York City, with an option to join friends and family in Florida, my informed decision to spend my retirement years in Chicago was a no-brainer.
Every big city has its problems with crime, violence and corruption. It's been a journalistic tradition to emphasize the Chicago's criminal heritage as an on-going problem, while forgetting that Chicago is not unique in that regard.
What is never emphasized is that Chicago is a wonderfully livable city, with easily accessible public transportation, extensive networks of social services, first-rate medical provider and facilities, wonderful theater, music, parks, affordable rentals at every income level, and a heterogeneous population that has given rise to culinary experiences second to none. Having lived both in Los Angeles and New York City, with an option to join friends and family in Florida, my informed decision to spend my retirement years in Chicago was a no-brainer.
5
Yep. It is "the city that works"..... only if you have enough money to live in a " good" neighborhood.
6
I want to address this idea that cops are worried about becoming the next viral YouTube video, and as a result are "pulling back":
a) Not sure I even believe that's actually happening, but if it is...
b) Why would the possibility of being videotaped while conducting a traffic stop, for instance, make a cop hesitant to do so, if that cop intends to do so *properly*? The police are not being asked not to stop people, not to arrest people, etc. They're being asked not to brutalize and kill people. No cop should be afraid of the public seeing what they're doing if they're doing the right thing.
a) Not sure I even believe that's actually happening, but if it is...
b) Why would the possibility of being videotaped while conducting a traffic stop, for instance, make a cop hesitant to do so, if that cop intends to do so *properly*? The police are not being asked not to stop people, not to arrest people, etc. They're being asked not to brutalize and kill people. No cop should be afraid of the public seeing what they're doing if they're doing the right thing.
3
The media can easily be edited, so what is seen on YouTube could easily be far from the whole story. People see what they expect to see, they rarely see anything with an objective perspective. People who are predisposed to mistrust are more likely to take the trouble to record.
Police must and will overpower people to force them into compliance. The reason is not because they are brutal people but because allowing some people any leeway will result in a struggle in which the officers could be injured. This makes separating actual from apparent police overreactions hard to tell to most people.
Police must and will overpower people to force them into compliance. The reason is not because they are brutal people but because allowing some people any leeway will result in a struggle in which the officers could be injured. This makes separating actual from apparent police overreactions hard to tell to most people.
11
Sure, and in that perfect world, no African-American would object to being stopped and frisked if he had nothing to hide.
7
Young man,
"if that cop intends to do so *properly*? "
You do realize that if the subject of said traffic stop is determined to escalate the encounter, forcing the "cop" to, God forbid, make an arrest; and then does everything in their power to resist that arrest, that it makes for wonderful YouTube viewing? When an adult male, or female, is determined to not be arrested then it will probably get ugly. Why is this so difficult to understand?
"if that cop intends to do so *properly*? "
You do realize that if the subject of said traffic stop is determined to escalate the encounter, forcing the "cop" to, God forbid, make an arrest; and then does everything in their power to resist that arrest, that it makes for wonderful YouTube viewing? When an adult male, or female, is determined to not be arrested then it will probably get ugly. Why is this so difficult to understand?
2
Maybe what is needed is more restrictive gun laws in Chicago. Keep citizens disarmed, defenseless and without the means to survive when a policeman is not there. Criminals in Chicago know that they are not at risk. No one can shoot back. It is absolutely beyond belief that a city would pass laws disarming its citizens while criminals get away with murder.
I live in Florida. There are 1.3 million concealed carry permits issued down here. My community is armed to the teeth and there are no shootings. Ever. Not even one. And there are no robberies, home invasions, muggings or carjackings. If a burglar walks into the wrong house chances are he or she will be carried out. Maybe that's why it doesn't happen here. Its safe at the movies, the grocery store, schools, highways and in your own home.
To anti-gunners an armed camp sounds very dangerous. Yes, very dangerous for criminals. Florida is an armed camp. And its safe.
Chicago, take note. An armed public is not a danger to anyone.
I live in Florida. There are 1.3 million concealed carry permits issued down here. My community is armed to the teeth and there are no shootings. Ever. Not even one. And there are no robberies, home invasions, muggings or carjackings. If a burglar walks into the wrong house chances are he or she will be carried out. Maybe that's why it doesn't happen here. Its safe at the movies, the grocery store, schools, highways and in your own home.
To anti-gunners an armed camp sounds very dangerous. Yes, very dangerous for criminals. Florida is an armed camp. And its safe.
Chicago, take note. An armed public is not a danger to anyone.
17
As the result: babies shoot more people than terrorists and criminals do.
Inadvertent gun deaths in the US: 21,175 by suicide with a firearm, 505 deaths due to accidental discharge of a firearm and 281 deaths due to firearms-use with "undetermined intent".
Inadvertent gun deaths in the US: 21,175 by suicide with a firearm, 505 deaths due to accidental discharge of a firearm and 281 deaths due to firearms-use with "undetermined intent".
1
Chicago has some of the most restrictive gun laws in the country. Every year or so there is a story about an armed elderly citizen who kills an intruder and is then faced with gun charges. They are always dropped due to the optics of the situation.
12
Bill, Des Moines - Yes, and so does NY, NJ and CT as well as Massachusetts and California. And we all know what happens there. Let's stop being politically correct. Criminals are the bad guys. The criminals should be scared to death to enter someone's home, truck, car, hotel room or anyplace else. The criminals should be asking themselves "Is it worth my life?" Well, is it punk?
Reality is that most gun deaths are suicide. of the 37,000 deaths by guns about 21,000 are suicide. The others are criminal acts against others. We slaughter more people (38,000 annually) with cars, trucks, buses, trains and trolleys. We maim, injure or cripple for life more children with automobiles than with gunfire. But the anti-gunners can't admit that. As for so-called assault rifles less than 1% of any crimes are committed with those type rifles. The most widely used weapon is a .22 caliber pistol according to FBI statistics. The lowly .22 is equally lethal as any large caliber rifle or handgun.
Let's start talking about guns in a sane and rational manner. Criminals misuse guns. Not the great majority of innocent, ordinary citizens. Lets put laws in place that protect and defend citizens and give citizens the right of self-defense. Lets not shelter in place or hide in a closet and wait to be slaughtered. It is not insanity or criminal to protect yourself, your home and your family.
End the ridiculous laws against self-defense in Chicago and elsewhere.
Reality is that most gun deaths are suicide. of the 37,000 deaths by guns about 21,000 are suicide. The others are criminal acts against others. We slaughter more people (38,000 annually) with cars, trucks, buses, trains and trolleys. We maim, injure or cripple for life more children with automobiles than with gunfire. But the anti-gunners can't admit that. As for so-called assault rifles less than 1% of any crimes are committed with those type rifles. The most widely used weapon is a .22 caliber pistol according to FBI statistics. The lowly .22 is equally lethal as any large caliber rifle or handgun.
Let's start talking about guns in a sane and rational manner. Criminals misuse guns. Not the great majority of innocent, ordinary citizens. Lets put laws in place that protect and defend citizens and give citizens the right of self-defense. Lets not shelter in place or hide in a closet and wait to be slaughtered. It is not insanity or criminal to protect yourself, your home and your family.
End the ridiculous laws against self-defense in Chicago and elsewhere.
11
What solutions haven't been tried in Chicago? Decade after decade, one commission, one grant program, one new study, one new leader after another offers hope and then disappoints. The reasons for violence seem easy to list, but impossible to eliminate. Other similar size metropolitan areas in developed countries don't seem to have the same level of violence. Even in the cardboard shacks of the third world urban slums, people don't seem to kill each other with such regularity.
We as a nation should perhaps be grateful that the deaths can still be counted, that individuals can still be buried and mourned by family and that people are still willing to give birth to those who may not live beyond 9 or 12 or 17. Chicago is not yet Syria or Rwanda or Pakistan where people die from bombs rather than gun shots. People in Chicago are still trying, still working, still hoping for the access to dreams to be spread to all neighborhoods.
Finding solutions to the violence in Chicago is not the sole responsibility of that city's leadership or residents. Chicago represents some of the best of the US as well as gun violence that steals futures from all of us.
In the meantime those of us who care about the vitality of our cities should pay attention to the final words of the article from Mr. Acree, pastor, "you don't want to give a false sense of security". Not in Chicago and not where any of us live.
We as a nation should perhaps be grateful that the deaths can still be counted, that individuals can still be buried and mourned by family and that people are still willing to give birth to those who may not live beyond 9 or 12 or 17. Chicago is not yet Syria or Rwanda or Pakistan where people die from bombs rather than gun shots. People in Chicago are still trying, still working, still hoping for the access to dreams to be spread to all neighborhoods.
Finding solutions to the violence in Chicago is not the sole responsibility of that city's leadership or residents. Chicago represents some of the best of the US as well as gun violence that steals futures from all of us.
In the meantime those of us who care about the vitality of our cities should pay attention to the final words of the article from Mr. Acree, pastor, "you don't want to give a false sense of security". Not in Chicago and not where any of us live.
2
You reap what you sow. You wanted less stopping and searching, so more gang members remain on the street.
53
It's time for the National Guard to be called in. Enact Martial Law for some period of time. Confiscate all guns and weaponry. Arrest all gang members and drug dealers, etc. And if you can't keep them in jail for an extended period of time, you simply tell them when they are released to leave the state or they'll be arrested again. Once that's done, make the needed private and government investments in the community.
7
If only it were this simple. And then there is the BLM movement. How would that work with all these arrests?
5
The BLM movement and the local (mostly African-American and Hispanic) residents would absolutely support that action.
2
Confiscation of firearms of the law abiding is the dream of all too many "progressives." It was tried by police and Army National Guard during Hurricane Katrina. It makes sense, doesn't it?There is one word for it: totalitarianism.
7
The libs have been in charge forever. Throw them all out including the Mayor.
11
Chicago voters should blame themselves for letting the carnage continue. They keep electing Democrats into office and they are surprised that the situation is not getting better. If you keep on doing what you are doing you are doing you will keep getting what you are getting. Is that statement too much of an intellectual hurdle for the electorate in Chicago? If Democrats had a solution to the problem don't you think that they would have applied it by now? Perhaps an independent or Republican might get them some positive results if they would give them a chance. If the answer is no to trying something different than Chicago will remain stuck on stupid for the foreseeable future.
14
yeah, go ahead, elect a Republican to be Mayor of Chicago (like, "who"?)...our Republican Governor can't even work with elected officials to pass a budget....a Republican would work with our city and county government?....right....
That is part of the problem. One elected official can't fight an entrenched political machine be it Republican or Democratic. Imagine if Pat Quinn had been reelected governor - what would be different? Higher taxes, big raises for the state workers, and billions in more debt. Hardly a solution.
4
The death toll in Chicago is half of what it was during the early 1990's and 1970's. Each homicide is a tragedy, but the current rate is not unprecedented.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Chicago
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crime_in_Chicago
6
Iam completely baffeled by the blah blah blah of the intelectuals as to why the murder rate has sky rocketed. It has and the remedies to try to solve the killings are inadequate and meager.
Why don't the authorities classify gangs as terrosist organizations because that is exactly what they are and go after them as we would any isis or taliban group. I am sick of hearing more education and social programs we are going bankrupt with these programs and non of them work. Call the gangs exactly what they are terrorists and treat them as such!
Why don't the authorities classify gangs as terrosist organizations because that is exactly what they are and go after them as we would any isis or taliban group. I am sick of hearing more education and social programs we are going bankrupt with these programs and non of them work. Call the gangs exactly what they are terrorists and treat them as such!
15
As someone who's worked in the inner city for the past 30 years, including teaching in a public high school for the past 10, I can tell you it's a dire situation. I think the only solution is long term (multi-year) or permanent (after 1 or 2 babies, max) birth control. Maybe a cash incentive would do the trick. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
24
Cash for NOT getting pregnant? That's a new one but all else has failed. Thus far the government is rewarding irresponsible behavior -- having children one cannot afford and allowing the father to be absent and not paying for what he created. So, by all means, paying a woman not to get pregnant may at least be worth exploring. Of course, some would call this racist.
15
Optimist.
4
Boy, you really do not "get it".
These young women WANT to become mothers. It is a way of getting status and respect in their communities.
It is also the ONLY way to get an income stream -- steady cash income, free food and medical care, and a subsidized apartment. The total value of a welfare package is about $35,000. How could an uneducated young woman, who dropped out of 8th grade and is barely able to rad, earn that kind of money? SHE CANNOT.
Her best shot at a job is probably McDonald's or Walmart, where she might earn $9 an hour with no benefits. And it would be hard, miserable work, and not even full time and no health insurance. Who in their right mind would trade a cushy life on welfare for that? And every time she has a baby....she gets a bigger welfare check.
We have INCENTIVIZED unwed motherhood. It's now a career option, as well as a lifestyle choice for many of these young women.
So if you want them not to have babies, you'd either have to give them $35K in welfare and free health insurance and an apartment -- or face the fact that unwed motherhood is very profitable, and they will NOT give it up.
These young women WANT to become mothers. It is a way of getting status and respect in their communities.
It is also the ONLY way to get an income stream -- steady cash income, free food and medical care, and a subsidized apartment. The total value of a welfare package is about $35,000. How could an uneducated young woman, who dropped out of 8th grade and is barely able to rad, earn that kind of money? SHE CANNOT.
Her best shot at a job is probably McDonald's or Walmart, where she might earn $9 an hour with no benefits. And it would be hard, miserable work, and not even full time and no health insurance. Who in their right mind would trade a cushy life on welfare for that? And every time she has a baby....she gets a bigger welfare check.
We have INCENTIVIZED unwed motherhood. It's now a career option, as well as a lifestyle choice for many of these young women.
So if you want them not to have babies, you'd either have to give them $35K in welfare and free health insurance and an apartment -- or face the fact that unwed motherhood is very profitable, and they will NOT give it up.
2
Gun control would be a good start, real gun control. On top of that communities must start taking responsibility for the individuals in their communities that perpetrate this violence. They must turn them over to the police. I know the police are part of the problem so they have to be fixed to but we have to start somewhere.
National guard....that be be such a surrender but maybe it's necessary. We need nation building right here in the USA. Let Syria and the ME take care of itself. We really need to focus on our own and I do mean our own!
National guard....that be be such a surrender but maybe it's necessary. We need nation building right here in the USA. Let Syria and the ME take care of itself. We really need to focus on our own and I do mean our own!
4
Horrid combination of the consequence of anti-police hysteria and ironclad Democratic governance in the city of Chicago.
To sum up the glaringly obvious - racist police are not black Chicagoans' main threat. Not even close.
Makes you wonder if black Chicago voters will EVER consider voting Republican. Certainly can't get much worse.
To sum up the glaringly obvious - racist police are not black Chicagoans' main threat. Not even close.
Makes you wonder if black Chicago voters will EVER consider voting Republican. Certainly can't get much worse.
31
Stop and Frisk is not sounding so bad anymore, huh?
69
The most critical "Civil Liberty" is to be safe from crime.
"Civil Rights " activists should be protesting the epidemic of crimes that destroy so many lives but they are silent preferring to focus on isolated police abuses.
"Civil Rights " activists should be protesting the epidemic of crimes that destroy so many lives but they are silent preferring to focus on isolated police abuses.
38
I'm reading all the comments. Very few mention gun control. Sounds like we've given up. Gun control is first on my list, then education for all and jobs. And how about guns, gangs, and violence tied to house insurance in some way since a higher cost to the community might lead to more involvement.
2
What make you think "the community" can afford any house insurance? And you do know that Chicago has some of the toughest gun controls in the United States? With 300 million guns in circulation, what makes you think the criminal class will obey any national gun control law? Gun control laws will work where laws against murder and assault don't work?
20
Define "gun control"?
There are 22,000 laws that control the actions f legitimate responsible gun owners. What laws will specifically control those who don't obey those laws?
There are 22,000 laws that control the actions f legitimate responsible gun owners. What laws will specifically control those who don't obey those laws?
1
There has to be a ban on handguns, nationwide. It is useless to talk about a reduction of violence in our inner cities outside of a conversation about gun control. If not an outright ban then a tightening of background checks, licensing of users, liability for gun makers and the ability to track gun ownership. Anyone who buys a handgun that ends up in the hands of a criminal without a police report proving it was stolen should be found in violation of law and sent to prison.
The second amendment is obsolete, and the people through the passage of a new amendment should rescind it. We no longer need citizen soldiers to form militias for the defense of the republic so there is no need for citizens to bear arms. The federal government has the right and the responsibility to protect citizens from these dangerous weapons. There will always be criminals and psychopaths especially ones who prey on poor people. If we are not going to do anything about poverty in this country we can at least stop aiding and abetting the criminals who destroy poor neighborhoods. It is also time to reinstitute stop and frisk so criminals are afraid to walk around with guns.
Strict gun control and stop and frisk are inconvenient for law-abiding citizens but they must be willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
The second amendment is obsolete, and the people through the passage of a new amendment should rescind it. We no longer need citizen soldiers to form militias for the defense of the republic so there is no need for citizens to bear arms. The federal government has the right and the responsibility to protect citizens from these dangerous weapons. There will always be criminals and psychopaths especially ones who prey on poor people. If we are not going to do anything about poverty in this country we can at least stop aiding and abetting the criminals who destroy poor neighborhoods. It is also time to reinstitute stop and frisk so criminals are afraid to walk around with guns.
Strict gun control and stop and frisk are inconvenient for law-abiding citizens but they must be willing to sacrifice for the greater good.
3
"There has to be a ban on handguns, nationwide. It is useless to talk about a reduction of violence in our inner cities outside of a conversation about gun control. If not an outright ban then a tightening of background checks, licensing of users, liability for gun makers and the ability to track gun ownership"
We aalready have background checks via the FBI NICS check run when anyone purchases a gun at a gunstore.
Almost every state (48)requires a permit to purchase. Almost very state(48) requires a background check and license for concealed carry.
Every gun comes from the manufacturer with a serial number. Through it the gun can be traced from manufacturer to distributor to the gun store.
Liability for gun manufacturers? For what reason? Can I sue a car manufacturer id someone misuses their product? What makes it different for a gun manufacturer?
We aalready have background checks via the FBI NICS check run when anyone purchases a gun at a gunstore.
Almost every state (48)requires a permit to purchase. Almost very state(48) requires a background check and license for concealed carry.
Every gun comes from the manufacturer with a serial number. Through it the gun can be traced from manufacturer to distributor to the gun store.
Liability for gun manufacturers? For what reason? Can I sue a car manufacturer id someone misuses their product? What makes it different for a gun manufacturer?
1
Murder rates in American cities fluctuate year to year. One year Detroit will be at the top of the list. Another year it will be St. Louis. Baltimore, Miwaukee, and Oakland all tend to be among the leaders. Maybe it's Chicago's turn this year. Murders are affected by factors that don't tell us a lot about overall violence. A shooter with good aim, a short-term gang war, a vulnerable victim -- a child or an elderly person in bad health -- all affect short term numbers. If a city's wealthier population is increasing or decreasing, that also affects the rate. Murder rates are headline news. But they are affected by a lot by short-term factors. Chicago has not suddenly gone to the top of the violent crime list, or at least not necessarily. The mast dangerous cities tend to have high violent crime rates over many years. A spike in the murder rate is always a political issue for city leaders but may have little significance in the long run.
2
Rather than just the U.S., you might want to compare the homicide and overall crime rates of major cities of similar size in the rest of the western industrialized democracies, THEN, no matter the statistics for any given year, you will see a monumental difference in the numbers. This is one of the reasons among many that when influential publications around the world annually measure the most livable and best cities in which to live and do business, nowadays, American cities have trouble breaking the top FIFTY on the list and we are not even talking about infrastructure comparisons.
It is also rather significant that most of these other cities are located in what one could describe primarily, democratic/socialist countries.
It is also rather significant that most of these other cities are located in what one could describe primarily, democratic/socialist countries.
1
Last night, 60 Minutes did a story on billionaires who pledge to donate half their wealth to charity. So far they have raise more than a S500,000,000,000.00...or a half a trillion dollars. They cited the successes they had had in Africa and their technological ideas for schools. Mark Zuckerberg's donation of 100 million to Newark schools has only served to make consultants wealthier and has not proven to be very useful for kids in Newark schools. Last week there was an article about Dell's CEO pairing with Andre Grenier to produce a virtual reality movie about the Pacific garbage patch, a high tech solution to a low tech problems (stop selling cheap garbage bags to people in the third world and offer them water filters instead of water bottles). Perhaps if all these entrepreneurs concentrated on paying living wages and bringing jobs back to America, some of the violence in America could be ameliorated. Maybe just bring in high tech guns, where only the owner can shoot it, based on a palm print. But no, we have the NRA, and we have the rich people with their pet projects overseas, but meanwhile a crisis of violence is happening in inner cities and we'll just let the victims duke it out. And where is Black Lives Matters, just because the cops aren't doing the shooting, black lives matter.
12
When the Secret Service, military, the FBI and all our local police departments start using those high tech guns come back and talk to us.
1
The police cannot control this violence. I think the mayor and governor need to seriously consider bringing in the National Guard and lock down these neighborhoods. The innocent people who are trapped in war zones deserve more from their government than they are getting. The approach taken to this point is not working and the disaster continues. Time to get tough with the gangs and dead enders. They have no respect for life.
13
Back in 1973 Karl Menninger wrote a book entitled " Whatever became of sin?". He noted that human responsibility for crimes and other misbehavior had been diminished as many people had lost all sense of right and wrong. Society had begun to look for scapegoats for bad behavior instead of recognizing the presence of evil. Many things were blamed; genes, hormonal imbalances, inherited temper, the failure of parents during early childhood, poverty and so forth. So now, many years later, we continue down the same path, blaming circumstances and not the perpetrators.
22
Someone else's racism is usually the culprit here. Mike Tyson's memoir is absolutely fascinating in describing how this inner-city nihilism is produced, from incompetent/absent parents and cynical community leaders (even pastors). Tyson is incredibly honest, and honourable, in telling that story. Only when the problem is defined can we begin to deal with it. As long as it is "someone else's fault" it will never be resolved.
19
What would happen if we held people personally responsible for their problems?
Sorry, "racism" is now an income-producing industry. Careers like Charles Blow's depend on it. College curricula have been designed around it. Government funds flow directly to it. Democrats win votes off it.
The sad part is that the ones losing out are those who depend on it the most. Looking back 100 years is a luxury that most Americans cannot afford. They just don't realize it yet.
Americans are facing stiff competition from Asians. Do you think anyone in Asia cares about the plight of African-Americans a hundred years ago? Every American needs to step up his/her game to compete globally. Excuse-making will only be a major hindrance in that regard.
Sorry, "racism" is now an income-producing industry. Careers like Charles Blow's depend on it. College curricula have been designed around it. Government funds flow directly to it. Democrats win votes off it.
The sad part is that the ones losing out are those who depend on it the most. Looking back 100 years is a luxury that most Americans cannot afford. They just don't realize it yet.
Americans are facing stiff competition from Asians. Do you think anyone in Asia cares about the plight of African-Americans a hundred years ago? Every American needs to step up his/her game to compete globally. Excuse-making will only be a major hindrance in that regard.
9
Chicago is proof that even if you clamp down on legal gun ownership, the criminals will get the guns. The law abiding citizens are the ones getting shot.
19
And if that clamp has loosened, then what happens? C&C is legal in Chicago, may the super spirit in the sky help them if they think it scares the gangbangers...
1
Moved to Chicago from Oakland, CA in '97, and lived there until '07. Almost from the first day my wife and I were struck by how harsh and uncivil the police were, indeed in my West Side neighborhood, I was repeatedly stopped, questioned and ID'd (and I'm an old white guy). It wasn't until I took a job with the railroad in Englewood, working overnights blocks from the old Robert Taylor homes, that I saw where that attitude was coming from. Growing up in old, French Connection era NYC, my parents taught me to stay away from the police. These were people not to be trifled with, to whom one responded with absolute deference because they could do whatever they wanted to with you. Basically thugs with clubs and guns, we tolerated them because New York then, was absolutely rife with crime and criminals.
2
It's so fashionable to bash the police today, isn't it?
13
Oh, that's right; it's the fault of the police.
8
Clearly there's a problem with the police. The problem with the criminals is quite separate. We shouldn't let one distract from the other.
It seems like people are only too willing to focus on the police and make that mistake.
It seems like people are only too willing to focus on the police and make that mistake.
4
Two views here.
1) Black people are lazy, shiftless people, who take no responsibility for their own actions. The cause is certainly cultural and probably genetic, so, the only option is to increase the police force, loosen the "use of force" restraints on the police and build more prisons. While reluctant to pay any taxes, I'm specifically willing to pay for these things
This is right wing racism and elitism in it's purest form. And, of course, it just leads to an endless perpetuation of the problem.
2) Poverty, and the violence it elicits, are mostly the result of our systemic inequality. Most significantly, inequality of education and inequality of opportunity. Decreasing inequality, via the enactment of laws that deal with it, is the best way to move forward. A necessary first step to finding a permanent solution to these type of social ills. Raising taxes on the most well off to pay for better public education. More equatable distribution of that educational funding and, as a result, teaching talent. Strict enforcement of laws protecting the less fortunate and the disadvantaged.
This is known as Socialism. And, as far as I can see, it's the only "cure".
As long as people view this in the context of an "Us vs Them" mentality, with a mantra of "You're on your own!", it will go on ad-infinitum.
Only when we fully understand that, "We are all in this together", will we come to the realization that we, as a society, are ALL part of the problem - and the solution.
1) Black people are lazy, shiftless people, who take no responsibility for their own actions. The cause is certainly cultural and probably genetic, so, the only option is to increase the police force, loosen the "use of force" restraints on the police and build more prisons. While reluctant to pay any taxes, I'm specifically willing to pay for these things
This is right wing racism and elitism in it's purest form. And, of course, it just leads to an endless perpetuation of the problem.
2) Poverty, and the violence it elicits, are mostly the result of our systemic inequality. Most significantly, inequality of education and inequality of opportunity. Decreasing inequality, via the enactment of laws that deal with it, is the best way to move forward. A necessary first step to finding a permanent solution to these type of social ills. Raising taxes on the most well off to pay for better public education. More equatable distribution of that educational funding and, as a result, teaching talent. Strict enforcement of laws protecting the less fortunate and the disadvantaged.
This is known as Socialism. And, as far as I can see, it's the only "cure".
As long as people view this in the context of an "Us vs Them" mentality, with a mantra of "You're on your own!", it will go on ad-infinitum.
Only when we fully understand that, "We are all in this together", will we come to the realization that we, as a society, are ALL part of the problem - and the solution.
3
So why is the violent crime rate so much lower in New York than Chicago? Certainly do not have less income inequality in New York, we have very poor areas in New York City and public school education in New York stinks.
15
Just want to respond to all the folks here asking where BLM is on all of this--- they actually just scored a huge victory in Chicago by getting rid of Anita Alvarez. I'm sure they will be on this soon enough, too. But it's foolish to assume BLM or any activist organization doesn't care about an issue because it's not marching in the streets the next day-- true change requires planning, strategy etc., not just marching and shouting. So yeah, BLM Chicago is very much awake.
1
Sorry, BLM appears to only care about getting media coverage. What specifically is BLM doing to help these poverty areas in Chicago? One can see that BLM has destroyed the will of many members of the police to risk their lives in these crime infested areas. Maybe BLM will police the crime ridden areas. Somehow I doubt that will ever happen. BLM is a group that talks a lot but does very little,if anything, positive. Let me know when the crime rate goes down and kids can play outside. Let me know when these areas have decent schools with wonderful teachers. Let me know when parents support the school system and their kids. Let me know when there are decent jobs. Let me know when the streets are safe. Let me know when the police can walk a beat in safety. BLM is a joke of a group. Let me know when BLM members actually do something constructive.
I would be interested to see an analysis of the difference between the policing methods in NYC and Chicago over the last 20+ years. Why have matters improved so much in NY and gotten so terribly worse in Chicago?
10
The difference? Mayor Giuliani and "Stop-and-Frisk". He was the mayor who said, "No, you cannot urinate on the street." What a concept!
That irritated too many people, including our new mayor, de Blasio, so now people can urinate freely again.
That irritated too many people, including our new mayor, de Blasio, so now people can urinate freely again.
9
Here's your answer:
CRIME, BUT ENOUGH PUNISHMENT?
Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy often complains that people arrested for possession of illegal guns don't stay locked up for long.
McCarthy, who spent most of his career on New York City's police force, notes that former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was sentenced to 20 months in prison after he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an illegal gun. By contrast, he says the sentences meted out in Chicago courtrooms are typically no more than six months.
An analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times bolsters McCarthy's argument that courts in Cook County, where Chicago is located, aren't nearly as tough on illegal gun possession as they might be. For example, the mandatory minimum prison sentence for illegal gun possession in New York is 3½ years, but such a conviction in Cook County carries a minimum sentence of a year in prison and judges stick to that minimum term most of the time, the paper found.
Two years ago, several black Illinois lawmakers blocked a bill backed by McCarthy and Emanuel that would have imposed stiffer prison sentences on those convicted of illegal gun possession. The lawmakers viewed it as a recipe to lock up more blacks and Latinos.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c19ee5c9aad540318237194687580f55/fact-che...
CRIME, BUT ENOUGH PUNISHMENT?
Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy often complains that people arrested for possession of illegal guns don't stay locked up for long.
McCarthy, who spent most of his career on New York City's police force, notes that former Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress was sentenced to 20 months in prison after he accidentally shot himself in the leg with an illegal gun. By contrast, he says the sentences meted out in Chicago courtrooms are typically no more than six months.
An analysis by the Chicago Sun-Times bolsters McCarthy's argument that courts in Cook County, where Chicago is located, aren't nearly as tough on illegal gun possession as they might be. For example, the mandatory minimum prison sentence for illegal gun possession in New York is 3½ years, but such a conviction in Cook County carries a minimum sentence of a year in prison and judges stick to that minimum term most of the time, the paper found.
Two years ago, several black Illinois lawmakers blocked a bill backed by McCarthy and Emanuel that would have imposed stiffer prison sentences on those convicted of illegal gun possession. The lawmakers viewed it as a recipe to lock up more blacks and Latinos.
http://bigstory.ap.org/article/c19ee5c9aad540318237194687580f55/fact-che...
2
The major factor in these types of murders is not even about general criminal activity, such as dealing drugs and such. What drives these murders is that the threshold for what type of grievances warrant being resolved with murder is lower and lower. What sets Chicago apart from other cities with gangs is not that they engage in more criminal activity. What sets it apart is that they commit murders over the pettiest of matters. The most subtle of slights is resolved by murder. That where other criminal gangs also kill, they understand that murder is called for in only the most extreme cases.
Therefore to make a serious reduction in the number of murders it is not necessary to get them to completely give up their lives of crime. What is needed is a program to instill in these kids a basic sense of what murder is, to instill in them that there are different levels of violence, and that murder is not the default option for whenever violence is called for.
And it is certainly allot easier to get kids to agree that murder is something serious, than it is to get them to give up their lives of crime.
Therefore to make a serious reduction in the number of murders it is not necessary to get them to completely give up their lives of crime. What is needed is a program to instill in these kids a basic sense of what murder is, to instill in them that there are different levels of violence, and that murder is not the default option for whenever violence is called for.
And it is certainly allot easier to get kids to agree that murder is something serious, than it is to get them to give up their lives of crime.
7
Maybe we could have the Gambino family give them a tutorial?
2
What a sad, awful situation.
Those in the community who might know the perpetrators of violence won't talk to authorities because of a "no-snitching" edict. The authorities entrusted with enforcing the law can't be trusted, and with good reason: Chicago taxpayers have paid out in excess of $600 million to settle excessive force complaints in barely more than a decade, during which time virtually no officers have been found to have used excessive force by the powers that be. Torture by police has been accepted and tolerated. There is also the Laquan McDonald cover-up, which, by all rights, should have resulted in the resignation of the mayor. But not in Chicago, where rules and consequences that apply elsewhere are greeted with shrugs.
City officials have created and tolerated a system of law enforcement that is completely divorced from the community it is sworn to protect. In the vacuum of effective law enforcement, there is mayhem. Chi-raq. The wild, wild west. Not much different from the days of Prohibition, when Al Capone and other gangsters called the shots.
Public institutions, beginning with City Hall, are completely broken. Until those institutions are fixed, it won't get better. Indeed, shootings near the Gold Coast and on Lake Shore Drive might be blessings in disguise, if that's what it takes to wake up the collective populace. In the meantime, the person who texted the Rev. Acree is right. Bring in the National Guard.
Those in the community who might know the perpetrators of violence won't talk to authorities because of a "no-snitching" edict. The authorities entrusted with enforcing the law can't be trusted, and with good reason: Chicago taxpayers have paid out in excess of $600 million to settle excessive force complaints in barely more than a decade, during which time virtually no officers have been found to have used excessive force by the powers that be. Torture by police has been accepted and tolerated. There is also the Laquan McDonald cover-up, which, by all rights, should have resulted in the resignation of the mayor. But not in Chicago, where rules and consequences that apply elsewhere are greeted with shrugs.
City officials have created and tolerated a system of law enforcement that is completely divorced from the community it is sworn to protect. In the vacuum of effective law enforcement, there is mayhem. Chi-raq. The wild, wild west. Not much different from the days of Prohibition, when Al Capone and other gangsters called the shots.
Public institutions, beginning with City Hall, are completely broken. Until those institutions are fixed, it won't get better. Indeed, shootings near the Gold Coast and on Lake Shore Drive might be blessings in disguise, if that's what it takes to wake up the collective populace. In the meantime, the person who texted the Rev. Acree is right. Bring in the National Guard.
2
There but for Rudolf Giuliani go we. Had Dinkins defeated him in 1993, there is no reason to think NY today would be any safer than Chicago. After all, pre-Giuliani, Chicago was the safer of the two cities.
42
This is the sort of thing that our politically correct betters have determined cannot be said in polite society.
30
I second that. Left the graffiti-scarred, vomit-sidewalked hellhole that was NYC in 1990, fearing that it would never stagger to its feet. Giuliani and Bloomberg turned it around and for that I'm eternally grateful. Now I plan to move back sometime....if DeBlasio doesn't take us back again to those horrid times.
4
What does one expect from Governmnet. This is poverty and the people who have glorified aspects of it as their right, their culture. Try and lead in a different direction and one is called a racist. Try and implement a different curriculum in schools an it's "bias". The citizens trapped in this ugly cycle do much of it to themselves. Fathers stay married, out of trouble and take care of your families, or don't have children. Read to your kids. Rule with strict discipline and a loving heart. A young man without a father playing basketball all day and hanging on a stoop with other fatherless boys is not going to have much of a life if one at all. I'll be criticized, called all sorts of names, but we each know there's a truth in what I'm saying. Quit blaming the police and governnmet for all these problems. Behavior causes it.
35
To deal with the rising trend in deaths from violence with guns by “scrutinizing the patterns and practices of the city’s police force,” replacing police superintendents or to attribute this to gangs will not work.
There is only one solution: Mayor Rham Emanuel and the government of the State of Illinois must outlaw guns in the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
Yes, there will be a lot of objections to this from the NRA, gun lobbyists, gun manufacturers and supporters of the Second Amendment.
But until guns are outlawed in the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois, there will continue to be destroyed families from gun related violence and deaths.
The new law to outlaw guns in the city of Chicago and in the State of Illinois should be called: “The Innocents’ Law.”
There is only one solution: Mayor Rham Emanuel and the government of the State of Illinois must outlaw guns in the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois.
Yes, there will be a lot of objections to this from the NRA, gun lobbyists, gun manufacturers and supporters of the Second Amendment.
But until guns are outlawed in the city of Chicago and the State of Illinois, there will continue to be destroyed families from gun related violence and deaths.
The new law to outlaw guns in the city of Chicago and in the State of Illinois should be called: “The Innocents’ Law.”
1
Earth to Gerry, the guns are already illegal in Chicago. You cannot get a carry permit there.
19
Outlawing guns is not going to solve the problem. If you took 5 minutes to google it, you can see Chicago already has very strict gun laws. I'm not going to say more guns will solve the problem but will putting a new law in place really do anything if criminals break them anyway? There's a reason why they're criminals, they don't follow the laws. Banning guns won't make the guns that are already there go away. Even if guns do disappear, gang members aren't stupid and will resort to other means to kill other gang members like using blunt force instruments knives, which in my opinion makes for a deadlier weapon when you drag someone down a dark alley since it makes less noise when used. The a real solution would be to increase the police force and the use of force to actively hunt down and punish criminals. There will be scrutiny and increase backlash but crime will drop when there's when there is a lack of gangs with the backbone to go against the police. Not saying this is the only solution but it is one that will give fast results.
5
@ Ryan & Paul
So what do you propose? I see nothing.
Chicago’s problems with gun violence and deaths are a small picture of America’s problems with gun violence and deaths.
On guns, Americans need to recognize four facts:
1. Since 1968 more Americans have died from gunfire than died in all the wars of America’s history. There have been 1,516,863 gun-related deaths since 1968 in contrast to the total of 1,396,733 war deaths since the American Revolution.
2. There was a total of 33,636 deaths related to firearms in 2013. That amounts to a death rate by firearms of 92 persons per day !!! Both the total and the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 of persons have increased over recent history and are the highest in the civilized world.
3. There are an estimated 357 million firearms. An estimated 31% of households, or one in three Americans, own guns.
4. Most of the discussions on the need to improve controls on guns and gun ownership are debates on the margins. Any new legislation to strengthen gun controls will affect only new purchases of guns. Any such new legislation will leave the remaining guns already owned unaffected. Tinkering on the margins has not and never will work.
The key issues are the proliferation of and the easy access to guns.
Are the 92 gun deaths per day and every day committed by responsible citizens ??? NOPE !!! Every day it is “shoot-em-up at the OK corral” !!!
America: Demand Congress to repeal the Second Amendment
Bring peace to America
So what do you propose? I see nothing.
Chicago’s problems with gun violence and deaths are a small picture of America’s problems with gun violence and deaths.
On guns, Americans need to recognize four facts:
1. Since 1968 more Americans have died from gunfire than died in all the wars of America’s history. There have been 1,516,863 gun-related deaths since 1968 in contrast to the total of 1,396,733 war deaths since the American Revolution.
2. There was a total of 33,636 deaths related to firearms in 2013. That amounts to a death rate by firearms of 92 persons per day !!! Both the total and the annual rate of all gun deaths per 100,000 of persons have increased over recent history and are the highest in the civilized world.
3. There are an estimated 357 million firearms. An estimated 31% of households, or one in three Americans, own guns.
4. Most of the discussions on the need to improve controls on guns and gun ownership are debates on the margins. Any new legislation to strengthen gun controls will affect only new purchases of guns. Any such new legislation will leave the remaining guns already owned unaffected. Tinkering on the margins has not and never will work.
The key issues are the proliferation of and the easy access to guns.
Are the 92 gun deaths per day and every day committed by responsible citizens ??? NOPE !!! Every day it is “shoot-em-up at the OK corral” !!!
America: Demand Congress to repeal the Second Amendment
Bring peace to America
1
Where are the "Black Lives Matter " demonstrators condemning this epidemic?
Why are the police targets of demonstrators for a handful of abuses when there is a shooting in Chicago alone every 4 hours daily?
Why is "mass incarceration" condemned by so many?Who really believes that early release of convicted felons will make the high crime communities safer?
Why are the police targets of demonstrators for a handful of abuses when there is a shooting in Chicago alone every 4 hours daily?
Why is "mass incarceration" condemned by so many?Who really believes that early release of convicted felons will make the high crime communities safer?
27
It's hard to avoid the conclusion that Rahm Emmanuel is a failed mayor. We also wonder how it is possible to succeed in an urban setting such as Chicago.
We fret, rightfully, rightfully, about the profusion of mass shootings in America, but the numbers show an accumulation of smaller-scale urban carnage that dwarfs the Newtowns, the Chatonoogas, the Auroras, the Charlestons and the Virginia Techs of mass mayhem.
The problem is indeed guns and the culture that promotes their obscene profusion in our midst. There exist simply far too many firearms in a political climate that advances the absurd notion that our safety is best assured by still more guns. If that were true, the USA would be the safest country in the world with Chicago its safest jurisdiction.
What we have instead is 300 million lethal accidents waiting to happen, with too many of those refusing to wait.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
We fret, rightfully, rightfully, about the profusion of mass shootings in America, but the numbers show an accumulation of smaller-scale urban carnage that dwarfs the Newtowns, the Chatonoogas, the Auroras, the Charlestons and the Virginia Techs of mass mayhem.
The problem is indeed guns and the culture that promotes their obscene profusion in our midst. There exist simply far too many firearms in a political climate that advances the absurd notion that our safety is best assured by still more guns. If that were true, the USA would be the safest country in the world with Chicago its safest jurisdiction.
What we have instead is 300 million lethal accidents waiting to happen, with too many of those refusing to wait.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
3
The problem isn't guns as a whole. If all guns somehow managed to get banned from all civilian use, there would still be guns because won't follow the gun bans. And even if all guns are confiscated, criminals can still get them through other means or employ knives and blunt force instruments that can be less obvious for malicious intent. Not saying this applies everywhere but if you looked into the Aurora shooting, that kid didn't go to the closest movie theater but to the one that banned concealed carry. Yes there is a possibly that someone would panic but there is a chance that someone would have shot him before he took out more people. Explain why the UK, with its gun laws, experienced more violent crime and started a "knife ban" after the sharp increase of using knives in crime. Explain why the largest homicide was done with a knife inside a crowded subway. If you put your mind into it, anything can be used as a weapon, even a teddy bear. Banning guns would just make the existing gangs engage in more savage killings. Those "300 million lethal accidents" you so claim, most of them had gone through this thing called "firearms safety" so there's a lesser chance of harming someone by accident. And how about instead of blaming guns for promoting violence, which I have no idea on how an inanimate object could compel someone to kill others, blame the media for legitimizing violence, for saying it was okay for people to riot, to loot, to engage in more violence.
3
Rahmbo wants to rebuild trust. Does anyone trust him?
1
Dwight Eisenhower once said that he didn’t know that he was poor until he went to college, which he called the greatness of America. Poor people today are assailed with their utter poverty almost from being a toddler; every TV show screams at them that they have failed in this society and failed hard. The anger builds and by the time these kids are young teens the self-hate and anger over having nothing have reached a boiling point, and the gangs and guns offer the only thing that gives them any power over their lives at all.
We need a Marshall plan for the inner cities to break the power of poverty and interdict in the lives of the very young before the sense of hopelessness takes hold and they are swayed by the call of the streets.
We need a Marshall plan for the inner cities to break the power of poverty and interdict in the lives of the very young before the sense of hopelessness takes hold and they are swayed by the call of the streets.
72
what is needed is a war against racism and discrimination and education of white people regarding these issues. Then this crime will be eliminated. Yet whites refuse to see this self-evident fact. Are they blinded by their own racism.
2
Really? Any idea of how much money has been spent, since the mid-60's on anti-poverty programs? On aid and help of all kinds? More than has been spent in all of history. And fifty years on, it still hasn't worked.
15
I take objection with your comment as it is racist all the while you accuse others of being racist. Have a look who shoots whom and their color. Then think about what the black community can do to stop this senseless shooting.
11
Meanwhile rohm emanuel is circumventing most of the people of chicago's wishes and running back door plays with lobbyists to get george lucas' monument to himself in the name of a museum planted on the shores of the lake. Nice priorities
2
Please, someone, tell us what we can do to help stop this, from wherever we are. I am so, so tired of reading this and seeing these pictures.
2
Society declares war on the police, then cries out when the streets run red with blood as a result. No one, least of all the residents of Chicago, should either be surprised, or complain.
54
Rahm Immanuel is over his head. He should resign. He is in a tough spot, but clearly lacks the skills.
Being a jerk at the Capitol in DC with his fellow congressmen is one thing, negotiating with community leaders, police unions, teacher's unions, local businesses and battling entrenched interests and outmaneuvering all of them at the same time, and cutting unsavory deals, is a whole another ball game.
Particularly in a city as big as Chicago.
Being a jerk at the Capitol in DC with his fellow congressmen is one thing, negotiating with community leaders, police unions, teacher's unions, local businesses and battling entrenched interests and outmaneuvering all of them at the same time, and cutting unsavory deals, is a whole another ball game.
Particularly in a city as big as Chicago.
6
First, the National Guard should have been brought in a long time ago to help the police get a better handle on the crime situation. There should have been constant monitoring and patrols of these neighborhoods and the known areas of criminal activity should have been specifically targeted to root out the offenders. Second, the Mayor should not waste any more time in choosing a new police superintendent and he should choose such an individual from the ranks of the Chicago Police Department. There are highly qualified candidates here that are immediately available. No more outsiders need be chosen for this role. Morale in the police department is very low now and we are aware of all the issues facing the department that need to be remedied. A new superintendent is the first step. There are many people living in these neighborhoods under constant fear for their and their families lives. This is beyond wrong and beyond horrible. The politicians in these areas need to do more than just give lip service to dealing with the crime issues. Chicago is a great city and all of its residents deserve the protection of the law.
4
Where are the families of these young people in gangs? They start at a very young age being out late at night, and I always wonder what the parents are thinking. More community outreach beginning at birth might help, preferably mandatory. Most people don't have a clue about the extent of dysfunction in these families.
14
Just read NYT coverage of the multi-state, anti-gang sweep of 1,100 human, drug and gun traffickers. Chicago was not among the cities swept, but I assure you these criminals are among us.
6
Chicago boasts close to 3,000 murders a year, with less than 5 (not 5%, the number 5) involving police...yet all the attention, anger, hand wringing, etc. focuses on the latter. Shame on the powers that be for maintaining a "too bad, so sad" attitude on those deaths that can't be used for political gain.
49
There are a lot of murders in Chicago but not 3,000. Try around 360.
2
Chicago is an uncomfortable example of what happens when liberal policies, well intentioned as they might be, are allowed to run unchecked. It has been under democratic control for a long time and has had some of the biggest government largess programs anywhere (Robert Taylor homes, Cabrini Green). And what do we see now? A city government under huge debt and a society which, despite all efforts, is still extremely segregated and violent. One should look at the impact of government programs on the black community here (youtube robert taylor homes). One third of the population rendered eternally dependent on government help with little motivation to improve their lot, constantly caught in the vicious cycle of low expectations. This is the city of Friedman and Sowell and while they might have been wrong at times they seemed to have predicted, more or less correctly, the general social decline in the absence of personal agency and accountability of which Chicago is now a great example.
42
We have a Governor here in Illinois more interested in busting public unions than in busting gangs. We have a Mayor more interested in building up downtown than in building up the South and West Sides. And we have some local Aldermen (from all parts of the city) more interested in holding onto their little bit of power than in solving the bigger problems.
Chicago has plenty of money and we have plenty of good ideas. Corruption, I think, is on the wane. Problems with the police department are being addressed with the appointment of a new chief. And we will soon have a new prosecutor, less beholden to the old interests.
When I moved here to Chicago in the 1980s there were over 900 murders a year. I hope we never get that bad again, but I see reason for hope among all this recent bad news.
Chicago has plenty of money and we have plenty of good ideas. Corruption, I think, is on the wane. Problems with the police department are being addressed with the appointment of a new chief. And we will soon have a new prosecutor, less beholden to the old interests.
When I moved here to Chicago in the 1980s there were over 900 murders a year. I hope we never get that bad again, but I see reason for hope among all this recent bad news.
3
In the 1960's, great efforts were undertaken to right the wrongs of discrimination. Many black people profited and moved into the middle class or even became well off. Many blacks were also left behind.
My fellow liberals don't like to hear this, but after the civil rights act was passed, most inner city businesses lost their customers. People could move about and shop anywhere. Adding to that exodus, was the closing of factories, big box stores moving in, and reduction in government jobs. Black people that could get out, did get out. The rest were left to fend for themselves. The schools fell apart. Parenting fell apart. Families fell apart.
My grade school and high school have been closed. The many thriving businesses in the old neighborhood have been replaced with liquor stores, plasma centers, thrift stores, and the like. No businesses, no jobs. Crime moves in and takes over.
Urban centers such as in Chicago are the land that everyone forgot. This is what results. We have created an essentially permanent underclass ruled by lawless street gangs. Social conditions can deteriorate to the point that they may not be salvageable. When small children and even babies are gunned down, one could argue that we have reached that level of despair.
Without a solid, safe and secure family life, good schools and economic opportunity, all at the same time, the problem is not solvable. All three must happen together. How do you accomplish all three at once?
My fellow liberals don't like to hear this, but after the civil rights act was passed, most inner city businesses lost their customers. People could move about and shop anywhere. Adding to that exodus, was the closing of factories, big box stores moving in, and reduction in government jobs. Black people that could get out, did get out. The rest were left to fend for themselves. The schools fell apart. Parenting fell apart. Families fell apart.
My grade school and high school have been closed. The many thriving businesses in the old neighborhood have been replaced with liquor stores, plasma centers, thrift stores, and the like. No businesses, no jobs. Crime moves in and takes over.
Urban centers such as in Chicago are the land that everyone forgot. This is what results. We have created an essentially permanent underclass ruled by lawless street gangs. Social conditions can deteriorate to the point that they may not be salvageable. When small children and even babies are gunned down, one could argue that we have reached that level of despair.
Without a solid, safe and secure family life, good schools and economic opportunity, all at the same time, the problem is not solvable. All three must happen together. How do you accomplish all three at once?
34
higher section 8 vouchers that would enable inner city residents to move to suburbs where they can find decent schools (to which they can make a valuable contribution), security and jobs.
I understand that acceptance of a Section 8 voucher is not mandatory, it is voluntary on the part of the property owner. Voucher holders are not guaranteed a better place to live.
1
Your fellow liberals were instrumental in creating policies that punished the poor by discouraging two parent households through the reduction or elimination of benefits when there was a live in father. Now, kids are getting spit out by the dozens just to get the benefits, most of the time with these kids being raised by their grandparents. Take credit where credit is due. Start teaching your young daughters that having a child is not the most important thing they can do and start teaching your young sons to stop fathering children that they have no way to support.
Much of this blame lays squarely at the feet of the citizens of Chicago.
Much of this blame lays squarely at the feet of the citizens of Chicago.
13
1. There will never be a ban on handguns. The right to bare arms will not be amended or repealed from the United States Constitution. So let's just put that to rest. Any commenter or critic that immediately makes this statement with their first sentence is automatically disqualified from contributing to this conversation. We should be looking at how to cure the lack of civility and social ignorance. These people have no meaning of life, nor has anyone made any effort to explain it to them. There isn't any semblance of personal responsibly and community.
2. There are always cries of failed liberal ideology, but look no future than Chicago and Baltimore, two 100% Democrat run districts, cities, etc and both are massive failures. There is nothing more to be said about this.
3. Pandering for the Black vote; i.e. Hillary Clinton. It has so many negative implications looking into the future. The Black community would benefit greatly from a guy like Trump in office. The mentality bestowed on the Black population from Democrats perpetuates a victim mentality. You can see the look in the faces of these people that they're being lied too and would rather hear uplifting messages and not the same old "this is someone else fault".
You can joke this is because of Trump, but the deterioration of the social fabric has escalated during the 8 years of Obama's Presidency. We've already witnessed one meltdown in Baltimore. Who is to blame? Seriously and be honest with yourself?
2. There are always cries of failed liberal ideology, but look no future than Chicago and Baltimore, two 100% Democrat run districts, cities, etc and both are massive failures. There is nothing more to be said about this.
3. Pandering for the Black vote; i.e. Hillary Clinton. It has so many negative implications looking into the future. The Black community would benefit greatly from a guy like Trump in office. The mentality bestowed on the Black population from Democrats perpetuates a victim mentality. You can see the look in the faces of these people that they're being lied too and would rather hear uplifting messages and not the same old "this is someone else fault".
You can joke this is because of Trump, but the deterioration of the social fabric has escalated during the 8 years of Obama's Presidency. We've already witnessed one meltdown in Baltimore. Who is to blame? Seriously and be honest with yourself?
50
I am no fan of Obama, mainly because the over-regulation he has brought on us destroys opportunity for young people in so many ways, but in all fairness, the deterioration of the social fabric would have most likely occurred to the same extent without him. IMO, that is driven primarily by the Facebook culture, where it is so easy to slight someone with a wrong comment. When as a result these young kids lose face in front of their peers, they feel the need to retaliate. No wonder violence goes up. They have no skills they can impress their peers with, except muscle and machoism. A toxic mixture.
6
As we are beginning to see, this is not solely an "urban" problem, or even a Chicago problem. It is a problem anywhere that you have desperation that transcends generations. Decades of bleak opportunity and crushing poverty, combined with easy access to drugs and firearms. White mortality rates across the country, from New England to the rural coal towns of the south, should be everyone's first clue that the "Chicago problem" is coming to a county near you, unless we do something about dwindling opportunities for a good and responsible life in this an age of record wealth disparity. If the permanent neglect of our blighted inner cities over the last few decades is any indication of our preparedness at scale, there's good reason to worry.
55
exactly.. and the economists will justify the opposite of this till we all go up in flames.
I don't know which is sadder, the fact that homicides are up 84% in Chicago, or that the group most affected by these homicides (African-Americans) choose to protest against the one group who has the potential the help their community: the Chicago Police Department.
What is most appalling about all of this however, is that we cannot blame the African-American community for wrongfully placing their blame on the police, when the elected democrat leadership both locally and nationally has refused time and time again stand up for our police and tell people what is really going on.
What is most appalling about all of this however, is that we cannot blame the African-American community for wrongfully placing their blame on the police, when the elected democrat leadership both locally and nationally has refused time and time again stand up for our police and tell people what is really going on.
65
Crime and poverty are a real problem and no one would defend the shooters. That is one topic.
A second independent topic is the Ferguson affect that some comments talk about.
My brother was a 35 year police officer on the South and West sides of Chicago.
They know the few bad cops. But no one can turn in the few bad ones. They get reprisals from their fellow officers if they do.
I don't understand it.
A second independent topic is the Ferguson affect that some comments talk about.
My brother was a 35 year police officer on the South and West sides of Chicago.
They know the few bad cops. But no one can turn in the few bad ones. They get reprisals from their fellow officers if they do.
I don't understand it.
2
These kids are not being killed by cops, they are being killed by other kids. But keep talking about the bad cops, then we can continue to avoid and honest conversation about the problem.
47
The result of decades of neglect. It's the "inner city" not my neighborhood so most people turn a blind eye. And to some extent, this has been taking place in small, medium and large cities throughout the country. We need our own Marshall plan and invest that trillion dollar Sanders is talking about. But to lift up a place like Chicago requires more than money, it requires a turnaround in attitudes, a realization that most of these people are hard working families with children growing up and that they count and that this must change.
5
It not only requires a turnaround of attitudes outside the community. Making it about those outside is so reflective of the bizarre form of narcissism shared by many Sanders voters. What it truly requires is a shift in attitudes within the community. For community members to believe that something better is possible (which it absolutely is) and to begin embracing the value system and lifestyle choices that will eliminate the social decay, poverty, and violence in urban America. That isn't something that white people, or rich people, or Liberals can do "for" them.
2
THe violence in Chicago is another example of how bad Mayor Daley was in governing and how local politicians simply used tax money to benefit themselves and their families. For a very long time many in Chicago have recognized that the powers that be, whether black, white, brown or whatever, have not really cared about inner city crime and violence. As long as it did not reach the business areas it was tolerated. Now a culture of violence exists and it will take a dramatic amount of energy and money to solve.
35
Mayor Daley? What about the current mayor Emanuel?
13
It won't work unless predatory people have a change of heart. How can that be arranged? I wish I had a definitive answer. In my three quarters of a century on earth I learned that good people begin with strong families, be they two parent or single parent. Robert Putnam reminds us what we all know: graduate from high school, gain employment (sometimes hard to do in this tough economy), and don't have children until after 21.
And families with a stable, responsible father help.
And families with a stable, responsible father help.
9
thats how every inner city in the USA is run...its not just Chiraq ! I wonder when the Arab Spring will come to the Inner City?
1
Gang violence and police violence are not concerns in need of triage. They can be and are worked on at the same time. If there is more attention to protests of police violence, it's because people are rightfully outraged that some of the very people who are supposed to help protect communities from violence are instead compounding it, leaving communities even more exposed and vulnerable. That's an unacceptable situation, and one that black communities like those in Chicago demand be redressed so that there are fewer fires to fight.
1
Chicago, you have a problem. It will be up to you to solve it.
The rest of us are worn out on all the blaming and scapegoating.
The rest of us are worn out on all the blaming and scapegoating.
71
so racism and discrimination is not the cause?
1
Discriminatory practices of the police are clearly part of the problem. But they are not the whole problem. The liberal media has had a hay day blaming white cops for their overly harsh discipline. We get it. Cops can be jerks. It's true. But now, who will take responsibility for the other side of the equation. Who will address the cultural and economic roots of a poorly educated population that is prone toward criminal behavior?
11
An aspect of urban murder epidemics that doesn't receive enough attention is the insufficient diligence of detectives investigating these crimes. Granted, the communities are not as cooperative as they could be, but the communities generally know who the murderers are. Persistent and effective detectives can track down the perpetrators and the justice system can remove them from the community.
Sloppy, lazy, unskilled, or unwilling detectives leave murderers free and unpunished. "Getting away with murder" becomes literally true.
Whether high crime zones are getting the policing they deserve (of which case-closing is a part) can be traced to the attitudes of the police and civil administration. A cynic might say, "Well, one gang banger kills another gang banger, what's the problem?" The problem is the cascade of retaliation, the execution of uninvolved bystanders (including children), and the collective despair that a rain of murders produces.
Chicago isn't alone in failure to achieve adequate policing. Sadly, the people who are most affected by the murders receive the least police protection.
Sloppy, lazy, unskilled, or unwilling detectives leave murderers free and unpunished. "Getting away with murder" becomes literally true.
Whether high crime zones are getting the policing they deserve (of which case-closing is a part) can be traced to the attitudes of the police and civil administration. A cynic might say, "Well, one gang banger kills another gang banger, what's the problem?" The problem is the cascade of retaliation, the execution of uninvolved bystanders (including children), and the collective despair that a rain of murders produces.
Chicago isn't alone in failure to achieve adequate policing. Sadly, the people who are most affected by the murders receive the least police protection.
23
It starts with a sloppy, lazy, unskilled, or unwilling citizenry.
23
People shoot other people, others know who the shooters are but won't say, and the blame lies with "sloppy, lazy, unskilled, unwilling detectives"?
How about the people who did the shooting? How about those who know the shooter but don't say? Don't they play some role in your scenario that somehow manages to blame the police while letting everyone off the hook.
How about the people who did the shooting? How about those who know the shooter but don't say? Don't they play some role in your scenario that somehow manages to blame the police while letting everyone off the hook.
34
Ever dealt with the so-called black community as a LEO? I haven't but watched on a ride-along. There was a missing/drowned black man- every one with his party refused to provide his name, a description, what he was wearing, etc. Just refused to cooperate at all. It was astonishing to me - and common per the officer I was riding with. The absolute refusal of those most affected to cooperate is the main reason for the failure to solve many of these crimes -.
5
Most of the poor people in this country are white and have been poor for many generations. The bigoted attitudes across this society are not the same as they were half a century ago but they still affect people whose circumstances are still affected by those times. People can prosper in this country without having to fear racist barriers. The notion that the inequalities are still the fault of white supremacists in charge of institutions organized and run to promote white supremacy still operating is mistaken. Those institutions are gone, those leaders of our public institutions are gone. There are plenty of racists but they are not in the majority and they no longer control the institutions of this country. But the impediments to prosperity and to self improvement still exist and the disproportionate affect of those upon African Americans are the result of those historic racist institutions and white supremacists. Overcoming the inequalities can no longer be achieved by demanding an end to white supremacy and institutions, those are phantoms, now, they are illegal, MLK and men like Thurgood Marshall, JFK, LBJ, et al destroyed those institutions, long ago. The persistence of racist attitudes cannot be legislated away, they must be learned away.
34
Thank you Jesus, I aint no snitch,
They think it, they kill you in my world witch,
When they killed my child what could I say?
Who did it, please tell, wasn't put int play.
They didn't see can't say, all sort of hazy.
Went to my uncle, addressed as Mr. Crazy,
Rented the same piece that did my child,
And now the body count is going wild.
There are a bunch of fools who know who did this and none are speaking.
It's hard to pity them when it's their child and they are weeping.
They think it, they kill you in my world witch,
When they killed my child what could I say?
Who did it, please tell, wasn't put int play.
They didn't see can't say, all sort of hazy.
Went to my uncle, addressed as Mr. Crazy,
Rented the same piece that did my child,
And now the body count is going wild.
There are a bunch of fools who know who did this and none are speaking.
It's hard to pity them when it's their child and they are weeping.
11
Imagine if Chicago had more factory jobs and upward economic opportunities other than McJobs!
Trump is absolutely right about these trade agreements.
What hope do blacks have with the flood of low-cost immigrants?
Trump is absolutely right about these trade agreements.
What hope do blacks have with the flood of low-cost immigrants?
25
So as an African American without a criminal record, born and raised in Chicago, I am supposed to be held responsible for "my" culture, Al Sharpton, the Black Lives Matter Movement, and the behavior of murderers who also happen to be African American (the fact that I don't know them isn't important since we share the same race). Murdering people is not African American culture. If it were, I'd imagine I'd know at least one murderer. Innocent African Americans, and we still make up the majority, don't have to take responsibility for people that we don't know, didn't raise, and whom we couldn't possibly control. It's ridiculous to try to shift the blame and responsibility from those that commit the crimes to those that don't JUST BECAUSE they share the same race.
213
I am first generation Italian American, damned proud too, I've lived my whole life with idiots thinking I'm in the Mafia. You either educate those idiots or you do something to change the image. Don't expect the government to do it for you.
33
Then, of course, your entire group shouldn't get benefits just for being a part of your group either, right?
22
That's fine but then let's not blame white people for all that ails black people. I am not saying you'd do that but whites get their fair share of the blame.
19
Yes, there's one very obvious solution to this epidemic of violence: gun control, gun control, gun control. Get the guns off the streets and out of the kids' hands.
C'mon, people, wake up.
C'mon, people, wake up.
5
Because those doing the shooting surely follow the law, this is guaranteed to work. I believe you are the one who needs to wake up.
One aspect of gun control is the ability to enforce the law, with the police department in Chicago back on its heels and reeling from the lack of community support, this will fail. Not to mention, Chicago already has the strictest gun control in the USA.
One aspect of gun control is the ability to enforce the law, with the police department in Chicago back on its heels and reeling from the lack of community support, this will fail. Not to mention, Chicago already has the strictest gun control in the USA.
18
Chicago has the strictest gun control in the nation, I think, or close to it. (Replying to Chris)
12
When police become the target of protests for vigorously doing their jobs, i.e. stopping Michael Brown for assaulting a grocer the consequence is police backing away from the risks involved in doing their jobs vigorously. What did the BLM people expect? The message that police in New York City, Baltimore, and Chicago are all hearing loudly and clearly is that the people who live in ghettos are not going to stand up and be counted when the police vigorously enforce laws. The only voices that will be heard are those perpetuating the narrative that cops are racist. killers..especially Black cops. Three of the six cops accused of killing Freddie Gray in Baltimore are Black. If the community prefers police who will turn a blind eye to crime rather than make errors that could put them in jail for reacting incorrectly in potentially life threatening situations that is exactly what those communities will have.
73
I was born in Chicago, lived there 43 years. Perhaps those of you who blame Obama, Holder , democrats or the weather for the violence should spend some time in these neighborhoods. There is a sub-culture there that plainly does not respect human life. And this goes back a long time, long before I was born there in 1955. And it's glamorized in certain ways through songs and other entertainment. It seems the blame should fall squarely at the source. The folks pulling the trigger don't care and might actually find a certain sick pleasure in doing so. How do you remedy that? Seems alot of smart people have tried to no avail.
71
Indeed. And Bernie Sanders and his acolytes and trillions of dollars will not fix this either.
2
I'm not sure what the point of this article is.
The situation in chicago and many other cities has been very predictable. Americans have voted in politicians who support this behavior, and joined the MSM / related rhetoric that they don't want these problems resolved.
Why is this such a surprise now?
The situation in chicago and many other cities has been very predictable. Americans have voted in politicians who support this behavior, and joined the MSM / related rhetoric that they don't want these problems resolved.
Why is this such a surprise now?
24
How about LA, where these killings go on as well!
3
Hmm... any surprises here? After Ferguson, Baltimore, NYC, Black Lives Matter, Attorney General actions, which policemen are going to patrol these areas aggressively? Obviously, the NYT readership will blame this on something called "white privilege" and racism.
111
Guns will also be blamed. Even though gun restrictions are much lower in the areas surrounding those urban centers. Then someone will get the bright idea that the guns are flowing into the urban centers and that's why there's the increased violence. Well if the guns are coming FROM the surrounding areas, which have less gun restrictions, what is different across the boundary? Let everyone scratch their heads over that one.
2
I think the biggest problem blacks face is that they like to be pandered to by Democratic politicians.
65
No it isn't a pigment thing; it's a cultural thing. Once upon a time, a long time ago, I spent more than a few years in an Irish ghetto in the South Bronx. Then it was ball bats, chains, zip guns and - less popular- switchblades. Stomping was the rage for awhile. All of it not nearly as efficient as the current instruments of mayhem. Consequently the KIA was not as impressive, but I'd put the overall casualty list at least as high. Of course, with a white skin, it was a lot easier to get out.
11
What a tragedy! I'm sick of these tragedies coming from Chicago!
As a Democrat, I think Rahm Emanuel needs to be fired.
Apparently, Bill Moyers said the same thing last week.
As a Democrat, I think Rahm Emanuel needs to be fired.
Apparently, Bill Moyers said the same thing last week.
6
I'm no fan of Rahm Emanuel but Rahm Emanuel is responsible for what happens in Englewood?
10
While the data in Chicago may not be sufficient to justify the marking of a trend, one could look at the parallels in Baltimore where homicides surged after the police lost the backing of politicians and the community. The police are caught in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation. Let the citizens with the cell phones who enthusiastically put the police on YouTube turn their cameras on the shooters and murderers in their neighborhoods.
106
#JD: "Let the citizens with the cell phones who enthusiastically put the police on YouTube turn their cameras on the shooters and murderers in their neighborhoods."
Finally! A really GOOD idea!
Finally! A really GOOD idea!
28
You're caught doing that and you are dead, stone cold dead.
Well, we know that shooting people is illegal. And we know that straw purchases of guns are illegal. Therefore, all criminals must be presumed to be obeying the law, because they, more so than the rest of us, fear the consequences of being caught. So, law enforcement officials, take it from me- stop wasting your time focusing on drug dealers and gangs- they know the laws and they wouldn't break them.
The real culprit here has got to be the law-abiding gun owner, who by his/her very existence, has shown his/her utter disregard for the victims of gun violence. (Even though owning firearms for the average citizen is 100% legal.) How dare they? Arrest them all, at once! Nothing else will bring the crime rate down. Oh yes, ban the NRA and arrest all its employees. They have no First Amendment rights, and we know they're out killing innocent people in Chicago too, in cahoots with the lawful gun owners.
Enough of the carnage. Declare a public emergency, suspend the 4th Amendment, and go after Mr./Ms. Law-abiding Citizen. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
The real culprit here has got to be the law-abiding gun owner, who by his/her very existence, has shown his/her utter disregard for the victims of gun violence. (Even though owning firearms for the average citizen is 100% legal.) How dare they? Arrest them all, at once! Nothing else will bring the crime rate down. Oh yes, ban the NRA and arrest all its employees. They have no First Amendment rights, and we know they're out killing innocent people in Chicago too, in cahoots with the lawful gun owners.
Enough of the carnage. Declare a public emergency, suspend the 4th Amendment, and go after Mr./Ms. Law-abiding Citizen. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
27
Brilliant
4
If you can suspend the 4th you can suspend the 2nd. No thanks Buddy.
3
Well Said!
1
It is hard to imagine what a nine year old child could do to warrant being executed or what type of person could murder this child. Yes, gun control would definitely help but there are parts of the country with the same availability of guns yet the murder rate is much lower. And Hollywood should be accountable also for the terrible violence that we see in so many movies and TV. I have no ready answers to this but we better start addressing these kinds of problems much more than we worry about who is running Syria this week.
58
You show my any other place like Chicago, where this many gangs can easily and cheaply get hold of firearms moved en masse from several surrounding states with lax gun laws, and I'll show you yet another compelling reason for federal baseline requirements around things like background checks and the proper keeping of inventory records by firearms sellers.
Gun control will not help as the perpetrators of this type of violence are not law-abiding citizens.
I like how you spread the blame around, because this is clearly not the fault of the criminal who pulled the trigger.
I like how you spread the blame around, because this is clearly not the fault of the criminal who pulled the trigger.
22
I suspect the 9 y.o. was the victim of a gang initiation. As you said, why (else) kill a child? He had done nothing wrong and in all likelihood had no money on him.
2
You don't need a criminology degree to understand this it's the Ferguson effect unmotivated Police officers fearful of doing their jobs and becoming the next targets of both the communities they serve and the self serving District Attorneys who oversee these areas dependent on local votes to maintain their jobs, just look at the travesty of justice taking place in Baltimore as an out of control prosecutor there continues trying to destroy the lives of 5 good officers who seemingly did no wrong in the arrest of Freddie Gray.
42
I fully understand why Obama doesn't want to go back to Chicago and instead has decided to stay in DC.
30
Progressives should be made to live in the hellholes their policies have created
53
Shocking. What Chicago and the entire state of Illinois DOESN'T need is another progressive democrat running the show. See how well it's worked out in the past? Obama should move to Hawaii, out of sight out of mind.
13
Chicago is fine. Most of Chicago is perfectly safe and looks more pleasant than most places in the US. Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Godl Coast, Ukrainian Village are all fine places.
1
You wouldn't know it from reading the New York Times but the number of blacks killed by police officers is infinitesimally small. The reality is that the vast majority of blacks are killed by other blacks.
While police departments should certainly be held accountable for their actions, the main focus of those that care about the violence in the black community should be on keeping black kids in school, promoting contraception and, perhaps most importantly, teaching young black men not to abandon their own children.
While police departments should certainly be held accountable for their actions, the main focus of those that care about the violence in the black community should be on keeping black kids in school, promoting contraception and, perhaps most importantly, teaching young black men not to abandon their own children.
217
Lucian, you are ignoring the real factors behind these killings, as any inner city resident can tell you, racism and discrimination. Why do you not see this? If these inner city residents were given higher section 8 vouchers they would be able to move to the suburbs and escape this crime. Yet white suburbinites would adamantly refuse this self-evident solution. Racism at its best. They should be ashamed of themselves.
1
Now, when Bill Crosby is out, there is virtually no one in African American community to speak the truth to the community.
3
The same can be said of people of all races.
Everybody knows guns are the problem -- Clearly, we need tougher gun laws in Chicago.
Oh, wait...
Chicago already has the nation's most restrictive gun laws?
Well, then, problem solved!
Oh, wait...
Chicago already has the nation's most restrictive gun laws?
Well, then, problem solved!
31
Chicago needs tougher gun laws in Indiana.
There are no metal detectors at the border between Indiana and Illinois.
There are no metal detectors at the border between Indiana and Illinois.
3
Are you under the impression that the gangs are growing their guns out of the soil? Just kidding, you don't actually have any real substantive impression because you have no interest in solving any real problems. The nature of gun laws in states like Wisconsin and Indiana, where most of these guns come from, make it quite easy to move arms in bulk right over the border. Also, are you outraged at how proving competence as a prerequisite to lawful vehicular operation is a misguided campaign against cars? Or is that an impression you're not yet under?
3
@Lynn You're kidding, right? Please tell me you're being sarcastic...
So, the fact that Chicago can't clean up its own mess means that law abiding citizens of another *state* should have to pay for Chicago's inability to police itself?
That's the most egregious scenario I can imagine. What next? Chicago has an obesity problem, so we ban trans fats in Wisconsin?
Do liberals even think before they offer their "solutions"?
So, the fact that Chicago can't clean up its own mess means that law abiding citizens of another *state* should have to pay for Chicago's inability to police itself?
That's the most egregious scenario I can imagine. What next? Chicago has an obesity problem, so we ban trans fats in Wisconsin?
Do liberals even think before they offer their "solutions"?
11
I was born in the South Bronx in 1956 and we lived there until we were literally chased out 10 years later. My brother and I were robbed of our bicycles at knifepoint in Franz Segal Park, a young girl was beaten and raped in our apartment bldg's lobby, I was chased home from school at age 9 by a gang looking to steal my lunch money (fortunately I was faster). But at least each incident didn't involve any GUNS. We were fortunate to get out of the Bronx back then, but so many of these people in Chicago are trapped and exposed to hoodlums and low-lifes with no sense of purpose and with GUNS in their hands. And we criticize the "terrorist" culture in the second generation of Muslims in Europe...
53
People join gangs if they provide the best opportunities. Income inequality and institutionalized racism strike again.
5
Please! Try to blame the ones creating this havoc, not society at large. It really pays to shine a light at those who commit the crimes. Enough already!
P.S. If you don't want to go to school you can't expect to get a job. It's that simple!
P.S. If you don't want to go to school you can't expect to get a job. It's that simple!
14
Schools should be providing the road to opportunity, not gangs.
2
Actually, they don't. Most criminals make less money from crime than a guy working for $10 an hour, 40 hours a week.
This is the reason White Privelege exists.
1
amazing that the US is willing to go spend billions of $$ to (de)stabilize Latin America, the MIddle East, Asia yet our politicians are unable and unwilling to go after the criminals gangs operating under our nose in one of our largest cities. Get out of Afghanistan and go do nation building on the South side instead!
26
Yeah, like it helped Africa. Send in boatloads of money, and the people who need it never see it, goes straight into the hands of warlords, or in this case in Chicago, democrats.
20
It's misleading to emphasize police corruption when the real problem runs far deeper: Four the last seven Illinois Governors have gone to jail, and numerous Chicago officials have been convicted of corruption.
14
McDonald v. Chicago
The chickens are coming home to roost.
The chickens are coming home to roost.
1
Guns available to people who are likely to misuse them deserves attention, but the notion that eliminating guns will eliminate murders and high homicide rates is just wishful thinking. The problem in these communities is persistent and high levels of fear that dominates how people perceive the world and live with each other. Until that fear is addressed, the violence will never be reduced. People who if they lived in peaceful communities would never used physical violence to teach boundaries and respect for others to their children, routinely beat their sons to try to save them from jail or street violence. People instill in their children mistrust of police and the society beyond their communities with fears of continued white supremacists controlling the world, and of police enforcing white supremacy against them. They teach their kids to mistrust education as being a means to enslave their minds to accept white supremacy. The streets on which kids live are dominated by barbaric proto societies of people who live by the ancient human paradigm of the strong and ruthless preying on the weak and meek. And what is at the bottom of it is the legacy of impoverishment that persists and was inequitably portioned upon African Americans by a racist white dominated society which may be mostly history but still is having a significant effect.
3
The title notwithstanding, this piece identifies that no, violent crime is not up generally, it is up in the hood.
We have senseless tragedies concentrated in black neighbourhoods, and police who are afraid to do anything vigorous because of the climate created by movements like BLM.
What exactly would you expect to happen? Are police officers supposed to drink a magic elixir every day that allows them to both police and not police at the same time? What would you like them to do?
We have senseless tragedies concentrated in black neighbourhoods, and police who are afraid to do anything vigorous because of the climate created by movements like BLM.
What exactly would you expect to happen? Are police officers supposed to drink a magic elixir every day that allows them to both police and not police at the same time? What would you like them to do?
111
This would seem to be a national emergency, calling for federal discussion, analysis and action.
3
We need to figure out a way that Republican donors will profit by making people safer. Until then, they'll just keep profiting by wholesale sales of guns and ammunition
1
a number of steps are needed to end this blood letting. They are:
a) bring an end to white privelidge by eliminating discrimination and racism against blacks
b) Increase section 8 housing subsidies so that blacks can move from the inner city to the suburbs (and hence have access to safer neighborhoods, better schools and jobs). Related to this whites need to overcome their resistance to section 8 housing in their neighborhoods - this amounts to nothing more than white priviledge.
a) bring an end to white privelidge by eliminating discrimination and racism against blacks
b) Increase section 8 housing subsidies so that blacks can move from the inner city to the suburbs (and hence have access to safer neighborhoods, better schools and jobs). Related to this whites need to overcome their resistance to section 8 housing in their neighborhoods - this amounts to nothing more than white priviledge.
1
a) has nothing to do with the problem
b) no way in hell
b) no way in hell
27
You obviously don't live here. Blacks are moving in droves, out of the city and into the suburbs. Guess what? The crime follows. This has nothing to do with "white people" and everything to do with unfettered gang activity, having children way too young and not raising them properly and a lack of decent education. The teachers in Chicago are too busy striking to make more money. Yes, poverty is a problem but it's not the only one. If your mother's mother had her at 16 and your mother had you at 16 and there are no father figures...this cycle perpetuates itself. Why do people who cannot provide a good home to their children, keep having them? (Also, if you are going to talk about white privilege, you really should know how to spell it first.)
106
So are you saying that if only blacks were around suburban whites, they would emulate them and behave? Isn't that "racism" that blacks can only learn from whites?
40
I live in a town in central NJ. There is some crime, but the neighborhood is safe and no complaints regarding the police. If we sent our cops to Chicago (or Baltimore) and got theirs in return, would there be a change? No. Too many people in those cities would rather see a thousand murders, than one wrong killing by a cop. The National Guard, with its largely white soldiers, untrained in police work, is not a solution. The answer is for the FBI to stop monitoring and take over a high crime neighborhood. Show us all how it should be done. Take responsibility. Not going to happen. Frankly, I have little sympathy for the folks in Chicago, Baltimore, etc. who protest cop and complain about crime. A neighborhood gets the police force it deserves. Effective or ineffective, it is their choice.
67
I feel terrible for Pastor Acree and other clergy trying to provide some stability and comfort for their parishioners at this terrible time.
2
One solution is simple: Promote birth control. So many girls and women willing to have children with gang members. Look what happens.
28
Increased crime is the police's fault? Liberal logic at it's finest.....
112
yes, it is. The black community understands this. WHy does the white not? Racism perhaps?
1
You can stop your constant playing of the race card now.
I don't think people are buying that.
I don't think people are buying that.
14
Chicago is a dead city, the side-down of the rotten fish on the stinking counter.
From the days of Richard J. Daley's hegemony (1955-1976), Chicago was, and to a large degree remains, home to some of the most draining racial segregation as any ever seen in Mississippi, the lodestar for America's zenith of race hate.
Daley came into office and ruled the city's government culture, deliberately minimizing services to African-Americans on the the West and South Sides. These marginal neighborhoods were where blacks sent their children to school where they were designed to fail. Kids "graduated" from high school with second-grade reading levels. Good teachers refused to work longer than a year because of the impossibility of educating children in classes of 50 designed for 25. The curricula taught would have been cause for dismissal in the white suburbs. Educated black parents chose parochial schools for their children to keep them from the contagion of ignorance and hostility to learning that other black kids from depressed homes brought to school. These palaces of education became the incubators for the city's gang culture. Recruits saw gang affiliation as a way out of a dead-end city life.
Daley sided with the police department first, not the complaining citizens. Please recall his "shoot to kill" order in 1968 when the city went up in smoke after King's assassination. The city is now a fortress, cops inside, the fraying masses outside. Chicago: murder capital of the world.
From the days of Richard J. Daley's hegemony (1955-1976), Chicago was, and to a large degree remains, home to some of the most draining racial segregation as any ever seen in Mississippi, the lodestar for America's zenith of race hate.
Daley came into office and ruled the city's government culture, deliberately minimizing services to African-Americans on the the West and South Sides. These marginal neighborhoods were where blacks sent their children to school where they were designed to fail. Kids "graduated" from high school with second-grade reading levels. Good teachers refused to work longer than a year because of the impossibility of educating children in classes of 50 designed for 25. The curricula taught would have been cause for dismissal in the white suburbs. Educated black parents chose parochial schools for their children to keep them from the contagion of ignorance and hostility to learning that other black kids from depressed homes brought to school. These palaces of education became the incubators for the city's gang culture. Recruits saw gang affiliation as a way out of a dead-end city life.
Daley sided with the police department first, not the complaining citizens. Please recall his "shoot to kill" order in 1968 when the city went up in smoke after King's assassination. The city is now a fortress, cops inside, the fraying masses outside. Chicago: murder capital of the world.
10
Clearly Chicago has its problems, and these problems are devastating for the communities they most affect. But Chicago is a vibrant city. It is a diverse city, with many unique communities and neighborhoods, each with their own character. It is a culturally rich place, both in terms of high culture (world-class museums, theatre, etc.) and local, popular culture (music culture, local arts scenes, etc.) It is home to some of the country's top universities. It is beautiful, with the lakefront, the river, accessible public parks, and great architecture. It feels alive. It's true though that many communities are under served. It is also true that it is incredibly difficult to serve some communities (my husband worked with disadvantaged elementary school children - the teachers spent most of the day dealing with serious discipline issues, had hardly any time to teach, and the classroom was tense). And that was in a charter school with smaller class sizes. The problems are complex, and have to do with resources, but also with certain sub-cultural values. Just because you are poor doesn't mean you are violent; just because your school doesn't have great resources doesn't mean you can't learn to read. Reading requires a book, a kid, and an involved adult. Nutrition is a problem. Lead is a problem. Motivation is a problem. Parental involvement, or parental level of education is a problem. Resources are a problem, and we should work on that problem, but they are not the whole problem.
3
Many cities have a higher per capita homicide rate than Chicago. Philadelphia, where I live, routinely exceeds Chicago's yearly per capita rate.
http://guncrisis.org/2014/07/09/philadelphia-stays-ahead-of-chicagos-hom...
You just don't hear about it.
http://guncrisis.org/2014/07/09/philadelphia-stays-ahead-of-chicagos-hom...
You just don't hear about it.
Chicago's violence problems are similar to other large cities: an absence of fathers, disrespect for education, and an absence of jobs. BLM and community leaders should work on the 1st two, and government and business leaders should work on the 3rd.
80
@RP Smith Why business leaders? There is nothing but loses, property damage and physical danger in these communities. Create the opportunities and the businesses will come in droves. There is a shortage of workers in this country, but the candidates have to do the work where the work is and fit in. Look at the tech industry, the color of skin makes no difference in cases of non-African Americans who have just as dark or darker skin colors. If the government wants to move operations to African American communities, that is fine. Most government jobs are unnecessary busy work anyway. Just don't have those jobs get in the way of productivity, the way that government job usually do.
2
If businesses hire for low skill, low education jobs, they go to illegal immigrants who have a better work ethic and far less baggage generally.
5
And Chicagoan Jesse Jackson, and Al Sharpton for that matter, are never anywhere to be found when black on black crime happens. It doesn't feed their agenda or line their pockets, so why should they care?
If the throngs of BLM marchers who love shutting down streets would just march along some of the west and south side streets of Chicago I'd give them a little credit. Reality is, most of them don't have the guts to march in the areas they claim to oh-so-concerned about.
If the throngs of BLM marchers who love shutting down streets would just march along some of the west and south side streets of Chicago I'd give them a little credit. Reality is, most of them don't have the guts to march in the areas they claim to oh-so-concerned about.
231
Actually, both Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton have organized protests against gang violence in both Chicago and LA. But don't let that get in the way of the narrative you want to present.
1
There are over 40 million African Americans in the USA. Why are some white folks so obsessed with the antics of two specific individuals, Jackson and Sharpton, whose are in 2016 frankly marginal figures in the lives of most black people? Honestly, it's pathetic. It's as if someone asked you what you thought of Chinese culture, and you said, "I'm not into Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan." If that's all you knew about China, best to just admit your ignorance and let others do the talking. Same here. If the first words out of your mouth are Jackson and Sharpton, you're disqualifying yourself from serious conversation about black issues.
As for BLM, it's primarily an anti-black oppression movement. It's not a solve all problems affecting black people movement. We don't have to solve black-on-black crime first before we're allowed to bring to light other forms of brutality and injustice affecting black Americans. People are allowed to pick the causes dearest to their hearts without being accused of hypocrisy. Imagine if cervical cancer fundraisers were openly mocked and told their cause was worthless and to focus on breast cancer fundraising instead, because the stats don't lie.
As for BLM, it's primarily an anti-black oppression movement. It's not a solve all problems affecting black people movement. We don't have to solve black-on-black crime first before we're allowed to bring to light other forms of brutality and injustice affecting black Americans. People are allowed to pick the causes dearest to their hearts without being accused of hypocrisy. Imagine if cervical cancer fundraisers were openly mocked and told their cause was worthless and to focus on breast cancer fundraising instead, because the stats don't lie.
1
What news are you watching? Jackson has been speaking out on black on black crime for years. The members of the Black Lives Matter movement do march on the west and south sides. I guess people see what they want to see.
1
A curiously incomplete (lazy) article about THE biggest issue in our third largest city right now: homicides up 84% year over year!
Here's what the NYT offers by way of causal analysis/explanation:
<>
Wait, there's more:
<< Some experts point to relatively mild winter weather, while others note that Chicago has had ups and downs over many years.... “Trying to read too much into this is a grave mistake,” said Craig B. Futterman, a clinical professor of law at the University of Chicago. “We’re all just guessing.”>>
Is that the best "expert" quote the Times could come up with?
Some blame police "backing off" after the McDonald case uproar (where an officer appears to be shown actually executing a suspect on camera). Others say no.
For one thing, the NY Times could start with some actual probing. If gangs are splintering, WHY is that? What is happening to the social structure in Chicago? If police are "backing off" (i.e., refusing to do the job they are sworn and paid to do), then why not dig deeply into this all-important issue?
Too often, across the mainstream media, phenomena in Black communities is reported as if these things "just happen." Scant analysis, unlike when things happen in white communities (e.g., soaring opiod/heroin abuse among whites). We should expect better from the NYT.
Here's what the NYT offers by way of causal analysis/explanation:
<>
Wait, there's more:
<< Some experts point to relatively mild winter weather, while others note that Chicago has had ups and downs over many years.... “Trying to read too much into this is a grave mistake,” said Craig B. Futterman, a clinical professor of law at the University of Chicago. “We’re all just guessing.”>>
Is that the best "expert" quote the Times could come up with?
Some blame police "backing off" after the McDonald case uproar (where an officer appears to be shown actually executing a suspect on camera). Others say no.
For one thing, the NY Times could start with some actual probing. If gangs are splintering, WHY is that? What is happening to the social structure in Chicago? If police are "backing off" (i.e., refusing to do the job they are sworn and paid to do), then why not dig deeply into this all-important issue?
Too often, across the mainstream media, phenomena in Black communities is reported as if these things "just happen." Scant analysis, unlike when things happen in white communities (e.g., soaring opiod/heroin abuse among whites). We should expect better from the NYT.
28
And we haven't even begun the long, hot, summer.
When I hear on my radio "one person killed, 18 injured in shootings in the last 24-hour period" I always ask myself:
What is the total medical cost of this carnage?
Who pays for it?
Why is there no outrage compared to Ferguson ?
When I hear on my radio "one person killed, 18 injured in shootings in the last 24-hour period" I always ask myself:
What is the total medical cost of this carnage?
Who pays for it?
Why is there no outrage compared to Ferguson ?
21
Nothing changes if nothing changes.
Break up the gangs, reward young girls for NOT starting a family, reward kids for completing high school in 4 years, and offer kids on the honor roll a field day trip to the zoo, a free museum pass, and a hot lunch.
Break up the gangs, reward young girls for NOT starting a family, reward kids for completing high school in 4 years, and offer kids on the honor roll a field day trip to the zoo, a free museum pass, and a hot lunch.
16
New York City figured it out - Chicago should as well. I believe more officers are needed - it appears NYC has a ratio of officers to the population of .6 percent compared to Chicago's .44%. NYC employed many strategies (broken windows/stop and frisk, etc.) to decrease the crime rates. I believe cities will have to choose between allowing officers more freedom on the streets, or allowing criminals more latitude.
9
New York City has discontinued its stop and frisk policy. Our mayor has discredited the concept of Broken Windows. It remains to be seen how much success criminals will have with their new-found latitude.
6
In every neighborhood with low crime rates, the people call police when they see trouble, and they are not called snitches, enemies of the community. They do not fear police will mistake innocent people for criminals. They do not have any fear that the centuries old white dominated society that keeps them from decent lives will not just try to find the killers and criminals but will arrest and prosecute innocent people or that everyone who violates this white society's laws is really a freedom fighter. It's pretty much a hopeless situation. No police are welcome in these neighborhoods because if they confront a violent person they are confronting somebody's son, brother or father no matter what happens, more people will resent the police than the people who the police arrest, force to comply, or who are shot.
9
Rahm should resign now. This has all accelerated on his watch. He suppressed that damaging video in order to get reelected, and now his mismanagement has come home to roost!
11
Please explain your logic.
1
Rahm is not a good mayor but this isn't actually his fault. What can anyone do when the people involved in this cycle of senselessness don't want to help themselves?
14
Not for anything why is it Rham's fault? Has he supplied the guns? Has he murdered anyone lately? Everyone knows what and who the root problems are they're just to scared to say it. Place the blame where is squarely belongs.....................
5
Sewers have to be flushed on a regular basis.
Time to flush Chicago good and hard!
Time to flush Chicago good and hard!
7
Declare martial law, send in the Feds and the National Guard and arrest every gangster trash you find and charge each with urban terrorism.
That'll do for a start
That'll do for a start
37
What percent of these shootings are black and black? How many black on black shooting crimes are solved by the police? Maybe if the police did a better job of solving such crimes, the community wouldn't feel the need to police itself.
1
"Solving the crimes"? You don't need to be Sherlock Holmes to understand that this is almost all gang-related violence. And they do catch them. But what good is another gang banger in jail when children are dead? The people who perpetrate these crimes do not value their own lives, let alone the lives of others.
14
Maybe if the community would tell the police what they know instead of refusing to help and stonewalling, the police could solve these crimes.
A lot of police work is talking to people and getting information and names of other people who may have further information.
How can they solve these crimes when the people who know what happened won't cooperate?
Are you saying that gangbangers shooting other gangbangers is the community policing itself?
I hope not.
A lot of police work is talking to people and getting information and names of other people who may have further information.
How can they solve these crimes when the people who know what happened won't cooperate?
Are you saying that gangbangers shooting other gangbangers is the community policing itself?
I hope not.
6
Please let me offer a few solutions. I was born and raised in the inner city and witnessed this destructive violence. I'm now 62 yrs old and a health care professional. I pulled myself out. 1) Children growing up in these neighborhoods have nothing but the local people to mimic. There isn't enough structured activities to participate in. You don't ride through the neighborhood and see softball, tennis or swimming. You only see basketball, and it is not for everyone. 2) There should be multiple area tutor sites. Some of these kids get behind early in life, then fall into crime. Some parents are not into their child's education. 3) The older boys, girls, men and women should have access to trade schools to learn employable skills. Essentially these kids and adults need more than their area offers. 4) Make the parent accountable for the kid. People won't like this but it is the only way to keep young kids out of jails. If your underage kid commits a crime, your entire family is now involved in therapy. Starting with parenting classes and family therapy with a life coach. Believe it or not, some adults do not know how to be a parent. If the parent refuses, they are fined. Some didn't have good parents and pass on that same lack of knowledge and inexperience.
Finally this should not be paid for by the government. We can not continue to look for a program or a grant to correct behavioral issues until you are arrested. It should be something that we do ourselves to help ourselves.
Finally this should not be paid for by the government. We can not continue to look for a program or a grant to correct behavioral issues until you are arrested. It should be something that we do ourselves to help ourselves.
284
white suburbinites need to be drafted to help the inner cities more. Yet they are not. Racism?
1
I'd rather see Wall Streeters drafted for that purpose.
What an intelligent comment! How can it surprise anyone that an undereducated teenaged girl (or the harassed young mother with already several needy toddlers) and her gang-banging one-off "boyfriend" will be able to raise a child who differs from either of them? If we compare the standard of living of such a child and a child in middle-class communities, there are absolutely no surprises, no mysteries. And while I like your proposal of courses, we must admit that personal discipline and responsibility will be required even for fully-government-funded courses and training (the trainee has to show up and do some work). If a child grow up without any acquaintance with self-discipline and responsibility, they are probably lost to even the most sincere and well-meaning efforts. And it is hard to imagine that they will not grow up to think that the thrills of drugs, stealing, sex without intimacy, and gang wars are what life is all about.
1
So interesting how commenters preface their remarks with the caveat that they will get terrible negative comments if they speak their minds and might just be politically incorrect.
Interesting, terribly, terrible sad and so unproductive to ever solving this epidemic of black on black murder.
So many lives wasted and so many families suffering heartbreaking losses. We should be able to fix this.
Interesting, terribly, terrible sad and so unproductive to ever solving this epidemic of black on black murder.
So many lives wasted and so many families suffering heartbreaking losses. We should be able to fix this.
10
It is fixable but the people involved don't want to fix it. I believe our armed forces could break up the gangs, once and for all. But wouldn't that be called racism? It's a double-edged sword.
16
You must blame the incendiary rhetoric of Trump for 95% of these killings.
Trump built luxury casinos around the world and upscale golf courses in Scotland.
If he wants to be president why couldn't he put a luxury hotel in the middle of South Side?
These youth would never gun themselves down without listening to Trump!
Trump built luxury casinos around the world and upscale golf courses in Scotland.
If he wants to be president why couldn't he put a luxury hotel in the middle of South Side?
These youth would never gun themselves down without listening to Trump!
5
There was plenty of violent crime before Trump and there will be plenty of violent crime after Trump. Stop looking for scapegoats and start looking in the mirror.
4
A few people get shot by terrorists and the country goes nuts. In cities there are so many mass shootings that only the big ones make national news. Why isn't there an investigation into how these 'terrorists' got their guns, etc.? Because the NRA gutted the laws Chicago used to have to make it hard to get guns, which pour in from Indiana and other Republican dominated states. Thank you NRA/ GOP. The gift that keeps on giving.
120
The Windy city has had a high homicide rate for decades, despite some of the strictest gun laws in the nation.
20
The toothpaste is out of the tube, regardless whose fault it is. Besides, most of the weapons used by gangs are stolen or otherwise illegally obtained. I don't disagree that the NRA needs to be regulated and tamed but I'm not sure that would help the situation here in Chicago.
3
(Not Mark) That's right, all those upstanding citizens took the required classes, paid the money for them, and legally bought the firearms they are using. Really? How is that cities that have CCL have lower shootings? This has nothing to do with the NRA. I am not a member and don't own a gun.
6
So,...
The "nations strongest gun laws" + hamstrung, fearful police = more violent crime?
Say it isn't so!
The "nations strongest gun laws" + hamstrung, fearful police = more violent crime?
Say it isn't so!
55
Your insight to this issue seems like a straight forward idea. According to the media however it is no fault of the people perpetuating the violence for that would be racist and just plain offensive. It must be the police and their attitudes towards criminals. No wait it's the ability for law abiding citizens in Indiana to exercise their second amendment rights. No wait maybe it's trumps fault because the protests were in support of stopping inner city violence. Well it's someone's fault just not the guy with the gun.
12
Chicago gun laws are no longer strong. In fact, it is easier now than it has ever been. The citizens shooting each other are having no troubles getting weapons.
3
@Fred Legally? Are the people perpetrating these crimes acquiring those guns legally?
Yeah, I didn't think so. Nice try at standing up that straw man.
And, if it's so easy to get a gun *legally* in Chicago now, please, give the name and address of a gun shop located in Chicago. I'd like to throw a little business their way... :-(
Read about the guy trying to open one here:
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160115/river-west/what-would-be-chicag...
Easy? Yeah, right.
Yeah, I didn't think so. Nice try at standing up that straw man.
And, if it's so easy to get a gun *legally* in Chicago now, please, give the name and address of a gun shop located in Chicago. I'd like to throw a little business their way... :-(
Read about the guy trying to open one here:
https://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20160115/river-west/what-would-be-chicag...
Easy? Yeah, right.
6
We need to ban the sale of guns. The best way to do that is to help the campaigns of anyone running against an incumbent Republican senator this fall, especially Patty Judge, who is running against Chuck Grassley in Iowa. Or Tammy Duckworth, who is running against Mark Kirk in Illinois. Find the challengers and help them win.
11
Do you think all these guns are legal? I'm sure it will be a great success, just like the war-on-drugs (TM).
8
Absolutely correct.
We need to stop shooting each other.
1
I do not understand why we are too timid to weigh in more heavily on the obvious: Amercian police officers were out of control, but their tactics (while unconstitutional and immoral) reduced crime rates and murder rates. Now that they are being caught (on film), they have stopped those tactics.
The shortsighted hope that cracking down on police corruption would spontaneously result in better policing (and not simply less policing) was woefully naive. Not saying those tactics are permissible, but good, effective police do not fall out of the sky, and this is a systemic problem that will take years and years to fix. Training needs to focus far more extensively on de-escalation and community policing, and I believe salaries need to more competitive as well to draw more qualified candidates to the field.
Until then, the bloodbath will continue.
The shortsighted hope that cracking down on police corruption would spontaneously result in better policing (and not simply less policing) was woefully naive. Not saying those tactics are permissible, but good, effective police do not fall out of the sky, and this is a systemic problem that will take years and years to fix. Training needs to focus far more extensively on de-escalation and community policing, and I believe salaries need to more competitive as well to draw more qualified candidates to the field.
Until then, the bloodbath will continue.
179
This isn't just about police officers. It's about the prevalence of GUNS on the street.
2
Agree, if I was a cop I'd now be more inclined to look the other way, not get involved. I'd like to go home at night and enjoy the evening like other working stiffs.
8
I believe salaries need to more competitive as well to draw more qualified candidates to the field.
don't you see the way the police are velified in society? How dangerous this job is? Who in their right mind would enter this profession? The same people who enter teaching?
don't you see the way the police are velified in society? How dangerous this job is? Who in their right mind would enter this profession? The same people who enter teaching?
7
When these spikes of gun violence go up or down, all other things being equal there are usually three main reasons..
Demographics, demographics and demographics...
The mill. pop is reaching their crime prone yrs.. Chicago has not been gentrified no whereas as much as NYC... gentrification in NYC from all over the world has had a dramatic effect keeping our gun violence down.
Dramatic..
You want to end our cultural abuse gun sickness and our massive gun carnage total? replace our 300 million people with 300 million Europeans.
It is as simple and as hard as that.
Demographics, demographics and demographics...
The mill. pop is reaching their crime prone yrs.. Chicago has not been gentrified no whereas as much as NYC... gentrification in NYC from all over the world has had a dramatic effect keeping our gun violence down.
Dramatic..
You want to end our cultural abuse gun sickness and our massive gun carnage total? replace our 300 million people with 300 million Europeans.
It is as simple and as hard as that.
10
Mostly right, but would highly depend on which European countries you choose. If you chose the ones with the least-crime prone citizens, you would end up choosing the whitest countries. Oops, can't say that.
9
Robert, the countries in Europe with the highest crime rates are the UK, Austria, Finland and Luxembourg. After the UK, they are some of the whitest countries on the planet.
Oops.
Oops.
2
Robert, hotblack, thank you for your replies...europe suffers from crime too, tell me I was pick pocketed in Rome. Some have higher crime rates than us, some lower but none comes light yrs close to our gun crime injury death rate. It is unique to the rest of the world..
It knows no discrimination...roughly half of it is black based and the other half is white based.
It knows no discrimination...roughly half of it is black based and the other half is white based.
1
Every time you read a story like this, think of the impact on children living with this every day, on their relationships with friends and family, and on their concentration and attention in school. As a teacher and psychologist in the New York City public schools, I saw the devastating impact their chaotic and at times frightening home environments had on learning, starting with just attendance. They, their families and their teachers and schools need our support, not our condemnation.
139
You're absolutely correct. I'm an adult, with a stable job, married to a man who also has a stable job with decent incomes. We're temporarily out of our home because we're having some work done. We don't know exactly when we'll be back in, but regardless, we WILL return and all will be well. Still: I'm completely out of sorts. I can't concentrate, I'm having trouble sleeping, and we're both working hard to remain in good humor (because our problems fall squarely into the #firstworldproblems zone.
I can't imagine how a child deals with any degree of uncertainty when the adults around them are also in chaos.
I can't imagine how a child deals with any degree of uncertainty when the adults around them are also in chaos.
10
"Charity" begins at home. Until urban communities instead of looking to the outside for help after the horses have left the barn develop a culture of social values directing their families in the right direction, the killings will continue, with guns, knives, pipe, bats or other weapons.
78
"Social values" now aren't so great in white communities with little education, few jobs and even less hope.
2
Charity will never come to be if nobody has any money. Remember that. Social problems are inherently economic problems.
1
Look at the cities where there are high rates of violent crimes and murders, and the surrounding areas where "the guns come from," which have a much lower rate of violent crime and murder. Clearly if the guns are coming from those surrounding areas, then guns themselves aren't the problem. It must be something else. One thing is certain: we won't find the answer if we bury our heads in the sand. The statistics are out there and they're very public.
6
I moved to Chicago in 1988 and lived there for most of the next 25 years. It's a great place to live IF you have a steady job with some decent spending money. The photogenic downtown is like a beautiful stage set -- a spectacular piece of art lacking depth, that's great to look at but which hides the problems behind it.
The most damning takeaway from this article is that nobody seems to know why Chicago's violence is surging. That ignorance right there explains why it's happening. It's inexcusable, especially given that Chicago has had a very high violent crime rate for decades. The city's murder rate is always 2x or 3x higher than New York's, for example, year after year after year.
The current spike in shootings is noteworthy, yes, but hardly out of the blue.
Chicago is structurally ill-suited to address and solve this violence problem. Race, class, poverty, and segregation are all major factors. The city itself is enormous, meaning these low-income neighborhoods are especially isolated from the larger metro area simply because there's miles separating them from anywhere decent. Add in the guns, the violent culture, the absence of sufficient role models, the hopelessness, and it becomes virtually impossible for aspiring blacks to leave these neighborhoods *and* be welcomed anywhere else. So you have people trapped in this cycle that seems to get worse every generation.
That's the real problem, and it's almost impossible to solve.
The most damning takeaway from this article is that nobody seems to know why Chicago's violence is surging. That ignorance right there explains why it's happening. It's inexcusable, especially given that Chicago has had a very high violent crime rate for decades. The city's murder rate is always 2x or 3x higher than New York's, for example, year after year after year.
The current spike in shootings is noteworthy, yes, but hardly out of the blue.
Chicago is structurally ill-suited to address and solve this violence problem. Race, class, poverty, and segregation are all major factors. The city itself is enormous, meaning these low-income neighborhoods are especially isolated from the larger metro area simply because there's miles separating them from anywhere decent. Add in the guns, the violent culture, the absence of sufficient role models, the hopelessness, and it becomes virtually impossible for aspiring blacks to leave these neighborhoods *and* be welcomed anywhere else. So you have people trapped in this cycle that seems to get worse every generation.
That's the real problem, and it's almost impossible to solve.
161
Interesting and probably right-on perspective as to the cause of Chicago's spiraling violence. I just can't believe that the real problem is "almost impossible to solve." Smaller and larger American cities have turned similar situations around.
3
Terror attacks may kill dozens, infrequently, gun violence in the US kills thousands, regularly!
2
Two possible models for breaking this cycle:
Homeboy Industries, in LA;
Delancey St. in San Francisco.
I saw Delancey Street up close and it looked to be changing lives.
Homeboy Industries, in LA;
Delancey St. in San Francisco.
I saw Delancey Street up close and it looked to be changing lives.
If what happens in poor urban black neighborhoods on a nightly bases happened just 1 time in an affluent white suburb the governor would call up the National Guard.
4
"If what happens in poor urban black neighborhoods on a nightly bases happened just 1 time in an affluent white suburb the governor would call up the National Guard."
When police are vigilant, people living under said vigilance complain of living in a 'police state,' and blame high incidence of violent crime on over-policing. When police are less vigilant, people complain they are not being policed enough and therefore the community's murder rate spikes. Are the police to blame for a community killing its own? Or does the blame lie elsewhere? Why do people need constant supervision to keep them from killing their fellow humans?
When police are vigilant, people living under said vigilance complain of living in a 'police state,' and blame high incidence of violent crime on over-policing. When police are less vigilant, people complain they are not being policed enough and therefore the community's murder rate spikes. Are the police to blame for a community killing its own? Or does the blame lie elsewhere? Why do people need constant supervision to keep them from killing their fellow humans?
43
Well that's not true, because occasionally white people do get murdered in white neighborhoods, and we have yet to see the guard called out. I am, however, intrigued. Are you suggesting that we should be sending the guard into the inner cities? Because I am game if you are.
13
Something has to be done to provide the law abiding members of these communities with a safe way to raise their children, etc. What we have been doing is not working - we need to try something different. Chicago appears to be getting worse (if the news reports are accurate).
Isn't Chicago the home town of the President of the United States? Isn't the Mayor of Chicago the former Chief of Staff of the President of the United States? Didn't that same Mayor sit on the video of a deplorable police shooting until he was forced to release it......... but not until after he was reelected?
Is it any wonder why there is a complete breakdown of law & order in the once great City of Chicago?
How many people have to die in Chicago before the people finally rise up and demand action? Clearly, the people currently in charge do not have a clue.....nor do they apparently care.
Is it any wonder why there is a complete breakdown of law & order in the once great City of Chicago?
How many people have to die in Chicago before the people finally rise up and demand action? Clearly, the people currently in charge do not have a clue.....nor do they apparently care.
23
Obama's hometown is Honolulu. And even if it was Chicago, you couldn't possibly be saying that when Obama became president people in Chicago decided to start shooting each other, because that would be beyond ridiculous.
7
This ugly, immoral massive killing just goes on and on in America. It does not in other advanced countries. Other countries, run by people with IQs over 50, look at root causes and make an effort to correct them. They dispense methadone to addicts, provide them help, they address the lack of well paying jobs, they address the lack of occupational training, they would address the remarkably sick income distribution in America that creates a permanent underclass that everyone pretends is "normal" or, most commonly, ignores completely. My dad used to say, "You can be smart or you can be stupid, but stupid is harder."
156
what about issues like illegitimacy and the need for higher section 8 subsidies so black families can move to the suburbs?
So, it's the fault of everyone except the people pulling the triggers? Makes sense.
13
We've been doing everything you say for several decades, and we've spent literally hundreds of billions of dollars, and it continues. The recent overall downward trend of homicides is primarily a result of improved medical treatment of bullet wounds and other serious injuries.
8
Corruption in Chicago was and is rife. A few years ago we had 3 former IL governors in federal prison at the same time. Some newspaper punster said. "Oh they need a 4th for bridge." Given the likes of Blago, gin rummy maybe would have been their game.
JFK won the presidency - because his father bought it in Chicago with the help of the mob.
The mantra in Chicago was vote early and often.
People growing up in this sick political environment - well they have learned. The general attitude of people from Chicago is wonderful to have left. People in N Atlanta are incredibly courteous. Once had a heavy rototiller fall out of the trunk of my car. A young man stopped on a busy highway and helped me reload it. Told him a Chicago person would have tried to steal the tiller as it is worth over $1,000.
The people of Chicago are reaping what has been sowed.
JFK won the presidency - because his father bought it in Chicago with the help of the mob.
The mantra in Chicago was vote early and often.
People growing up in this sick political environment - well they have learned. The general attitude of people from Chicago is wonderful to have left. People in N Atlanta are incredibly courteous. Once had a heavy rototiller fall out of the trunk of my car. A young man stopped on a busy highway and helped me reload it. Told him a Chicago person would have tried to steal the tiller as it is worth over $1,000.
The people of Chicago are reaping what has been sowed.
25
What you refer to has nothing at all to do with the gang warfare in the city.
17
I've never been to your fair city, but I have been a tourist in Chicago many times.
I grew up with a biased view of that city - expected people would be mean and shifty.
But every time I have visited Chicago (usual spots) I have been very impressed by the assistance given me; helpful advice, courteous people on the streets, and wait-staff very respectful.
I grew up with a biased view of that city - expected people would be mean and shifty.
But every time I have visited Chicago (usual spots) I have been very impressed by the assistance given me; helpful advice, courteous people on the streets, and wait-staff very respectful.
4
The people of Chicago are reaping what the NRA and Scalia sowed.
2
“Unless something radical takes place, it’s going to be a blood bath this summer."
If that radical thing were an occupation by the National Guard or turning communities into a police state, there would be no end to the protest.
Who can fix the fact that violence responses to situations are the norm? If the answer is a top down approach, than it needs community leaders calling some radical shots.
If that radical thing were an occupation by the National Guard or turning communities into a police state, there would be no end to the protest.
Who can fix the fact that violence responses to situations are the norm? If the answer is a top down approach, than it needs community leaders calling some radical shots.
9
Agreed. Every couple days, someone on social media offends someone else somehow, and their answer is they get out their guns and shoot up someone/someplace with total disregard for anyone in the area. An innocent bystander in the Austin community was shot by a stray bullet last week, where apparently a group of people gathered around 2 guys arguing about a girl & suddenly starting shooting randomly.
1
“Trying to read too much into this is a grave mistake. We’re all just guessing.”
Maybe, but the best "guess" starts with the *fact* that police stops in Chicago dropped by 85% in 2016, and officers openly admit that they don't want to the next one to be attacked by the mayor, the justice dept and the black residents of Chicago for trying to do their jobs.
Murder rates are up in the very cities (Baltimore, Chicago, St Louis) where residents and the justice department has attacked police the most.
Coincidence?
Would you like to buy a bridge in Brooklyn?
Maybe, but the best "guess" starts with the *fact* that police stops in Chicago dropped by 85% in 2016, and officers openly admit that they don't want to the next one to be attacked by the mayor, the justice dept and the black residents of Chicago for trying to do their jobs.
Murder rates are up in the very cities (Baltimore, Chicago, St Louis) where residents and the justice department has attacked police the most.
Coincidence?
Would you like to buy a bridge in Brooklyn?
249
Are you telling me the police aren't doing their jobs? In a slow-down or work stoppage because they can't run roughshod over non-criminals any more?
And yet murders in New York, home of the Eric Garner and Peter Liang controversies, and this paper, are down 20% in 2016 vs 2015.
Clearly telling police they have to follow the law isn't sufficient to start mass urban violence.
Clearly telling police they have to follow the law isn't sufficient to start mass urban violence.
1
I don't doubt that the Police are not 'policing' enough. But enough policing is not at the root of the problem. If there was no gang violence, then we wouldn't need policing to that extent in the first place.
Lets not confuse causation wit correlation.
Lets not confuse causation wit correlation.
4
"131 people had been murdered here in the first months of 2016, an 84 percent rise in homicides from the same period in 2015. There had been 605 shootings, nearly twice as many than at this point last year."
So, we have had 436% as many deaths and 2,016% as many shootings as in Brussels in just 3 months in ONE city in the US :-(
Shame on people like Trump and Cruz for targeting Mexicans and Muslims for violence, while ignoring the elephant in the room. Shame on the people supporting these folks.
Why can't more people read these type of articles (which by the way, is excellent)? Why are there 100 articles on Brussels in the media and none on this? Why don't we REALLY focus on our country and its problems, instead of just hating on our own minorities?
So, we have had 436% as many deaths and 2,016% as many shootings as in Brussels in just 3 months in ONE city in the US :-(
Shame on people like Trump and Cruz for targeting Mexicans and Muslims for violence, while ignoring the elephant in the room. Shame on the people supporting these folks.
Why can't more people read these type of articles (which by the way, is excellent)? Why are there 100 articles on Brussels in the media and none on this? Why don't we REALLY focus on our country and its problems, instead of just hating on our own minorities?
2
Shame on the administration of Rahm Emanuel and the citizens of Chicago for not calling out the affected communities who question law enforcement with more vigor than the members of their neighborhoods who are committing these heinous crimes against their own.
30
With a population of close to 2 million, my city, Montrea,l had it's first murder of the year this week.
204
With a population of close to 2 million, my city, Montreal had it's first murder of the year this week.
[ What an astonishing difference. ]
[ What an astonishing difference. ]
Because you don't have a tough guy, gun crazy culture like we do here in Chicago. They don't value education, rather they celebrate bing and ganga cool.
4
but how much racism and discrimination do its residents face?
1
The Chicago Tribune has reported that in 2015 more people moved out of Chicago then moved in resulting in a net loss of citizens. Many of these people have moved from the south side to southern states, a reverse migration as they call it. I love Chicago for all of it's beauty and entertainment but I grieve for those who live with the ever present threat of violence in their neighborhoods. There is no mercy shown by the most violent who shoot to kill children. It seems there is no end. I love to visit the Windy City but I really feel for the people who live there;the hardworking citizens suffer such great corruption in their governement and that makes finding the money to offer more police in needed neighborhoods a great struggle. I ache for the children who are stuck living in danger, it shouldn't be happening in the middle of America.
135
Plus the weather is really bad during the winter (and July is too humid).
Fleur, But I assume you continue to vote for the Democratic Party's candidate as do the vast majority of Chicago's citizens. I think the problem has been identified and it is us.
4
There is an end. The so-called community leaders need to step up and lead these communities- free birth control, family planning, pressure not to keep having kids out of wedlock. Job training, finish school, conflict resolution, and break up the gangs. Never happen, but one can always hope!
9
Mild winter is responsible for the increased shootings. How ridiculous! Let's not blame weather, poverty, police, or anything or anyone, but make the people who commit the crime take full responsibility for their actions. As long as community leaders and politicians find excuses for the gangsters a viable solution would not be found.
173
What they meant was that usually the crime in this city spikes in mild weather. Most murders are committed in the summer months. Winters here are so bitter, no ones stands around outside and violence goes way down. Since there was no bitter winter this year, there was not the usual seasonal stop to the violence.
2
Mild winter may well be responsible. Murders in Toronto are up over 100% this winter (albeit from 10 to 21).
It's warm finally, or not Chicago cold, the open air drug markets start hopin, and there is competition for that dollar.
It is the weather.
It is the weather.
Many of these killings in Chicago and elsewhere aren't drug related but stem from petty disputes. Here in the DC area a 15 year old boy was shot and killed at a Metro station in front of his mother and sisters this weekend. Police say it wasn't random but the sheer brazenness of killing someone during daytime hours at a Metro station has shocked the city.
The issue is African-American culture in particular in the inner city. However anytime someone in a leadership position points this out they're branded a racist if they're not black or an Uncle Tom if they're black. While I understand culture is a difficult thing to change it still needs to be confronted. People need to learn that an argument where you feel that you have been disrespected is not worthy of a battle to the death.
The issue is African-American culture in particular in the inner city. However anytime someone in a leadership position points this out they're branded a racist if they're not black or an Uncle Tom if they're black. While I understand culture is a difficult thing to change it still needs to be confronted. People need to learn that an argument where you feel that you have been disrespected is not worthy of a battle to the death.
276
One part of the problem is the pols do anything to get re-elected.
They are publicly totally in denial.
They talk dumb - but act smart (re their own self-interest).
They are publicly totally in denial.
They talk dumb - but act smart (re their own self-interest).
1
However anytime someone in a leadership position points this out they're branded a racist if they're not black or an Uncle Tom if they're black
but it is racism!! Do you not know racism and discrimination are the real causes? Why do you deny it?
but it is racism!! Do you not know racism and discrimination are the real causes? Why do you deny it?
2
Isn't this exactly what Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton's duel was about? Disrespect? This behavior has been going on in the country forever and was started by "our founding fathers" on every level from duels to racism.
1
Astounding that the Grey Lady is so recalcitrant to bring up race in this lone particular instance.
Just so there is no confusion - here is full year data for 2015 in Chicago:
Race Victim Assailant
Black 401 94
Hispanic 81 20
White/Other 20 10
Police - 9
Unknown 4
That is right: Over 95% on the victim ledger and 92% on the assailant ledger.
I look forward to the enraged BLM marches and the obligatory visit by one of the designated 'Revs'.
Just so there is no confusion - here is full year data for 2015 in Chicago:
Race Victim Assailant
Black 401 94
Hispanic 81 20
White/Other 20 10
Police - 9
Unknown 4
That is right: Over 95% on the victim ledger and 92% on the assailant ledger.
I look forward to the enraged BLM marches and the obligatory visit by one of the designated 'Revs'.
313
401/517 is 77%, not 95%.
4
Your math is off.
1
Knowing that I'll face an onslaught of knee-jerk condemnation here...but one wonders if the Black Lives Matter movement would be well served to ALSO hold rallies in the neighborhoods in Chicago most affected by violence, which is typically caused by....black people who don't think Black Lives Matter. Their message would be of great value there as well as it is to those in law enforcement, our political officeholders, etc.
524
They do. That you do not see the daily protests does not mean they do not exist
3
Your suggestion is actually great!! Instead of just going after the police, put the emphasis on THEMSELVES to change their WAYS TOO. Black people kill each other at a multiple of what the police do.
You mean they would actually emphasize that they too should participate in bringing down the deaths of their own people? Brillant!!
You mean they would actually emphasize that they too should participate in bringing down the deaths of their own people? Brillant!!
3
The BLM movement and people like them have always been active and outspoken about violence, but it's not news worthy. Just like there is a visible outcry about heroin in the suburbs, Black communities asked, begged, raised money etc. for help with the causes of violence and crack cocaine, etc. Black upliftment is rarely news worthy so you'll never know what's going on unless you participate. Black Chicago-ans and similar communities, do what they can, but they don't control government, creation of jobs, education, healthcare which makes quality of life challenging. Wait until the lead poisoned children in Flint become adults and begin wreaking havoc--what will we say then?!
3
If 131 people were blown up in a suburban white town, it would be the biggest news story of 2016. We would all know the names of the victims. We would all shake our fists at the perpetrators. We would have a bitter debate about gun control, muslims, racial profiles and the such...and Donald Trump would get a surge in the polls.
But because the victims here are black, mostly, we can't be bothered. Because the victims here are poor, mostly, we just assume that's their lot in life. Just as we overlooked the death of Mother Theresa in our rush to fawn over Princess Diana's, we acknowledge that gosh, yes, we should feel worse about the Pakistanis blown up than the folks at Brussels but "you know....."
All lives matter, folks.
We need to get real about statistics. Numbers. Facts. We need to make decisions about gun policy based on logics and we need to honor all lives lost to senseless violence--whether it be in a terrorist attack on a mall on white suburbia, or the quiet but just as gory deaths of the victims in Chicago.....
But because the victims here are black, mostly, we can't be bothered. Because the victims here are poor, mostly, we just assume that's their lot in life. Just as we overlooked the death of Mother Theresa in our rush to fawn over Princess Diana's, we acknowledge that gosh, yes, we should feel worse about the Pakistanis blown up than the folks at Brussels but "you know....."
All lives matter, folks.
We need to get real about statistics. Numbers. Facts. We need to make decisions about gun policy based on logics and we need to honor all lives lost to senseless violence--whether it be in a terrorist attack on a mall on white suburbia, or the quiet but just as gory deaths of the victims in Chicago.....
13
It would be a mistake to think this problem can be solved by "gun policy". No matter how difficult you make it to get guns, the violence in Chicago is enabled by guns that are already there, already in the hands of people who expect to use them. You must address the economic and social factors that create violence of all kinds, and not be diverted by someone else's pet panacea.
1
1. While each individual killing may not get the same attention as a killing in suburbia, the gang violence in Chicago is constantly talked about. And the reason each individual killing doesn't get the attention one killing in suburbia may get is the same reason that terrorist attacks in Paris or Brussels get attention, but not in Iraq or Yemen. In one place, unfortunately, it has become common place, not in the other. It shouldn't be that way, but it is. The problem is less to do with the identify of the victims and a lot more to do with the fact that no one has any idea how to stop it.
2. You say because the victims are black, people don't care. I ask you this, what if the perpetrators of 131 murders were white people killing black people? Think people would care then? I refer back to point 1 re: the actual reason each killing doesn't get the attention it deserves.
2. You say because the victims are black, people don't care. I ask you this, what if the perpetrators of 131 murders were white people killing black people? Think people would care then? I refer back to point 1 re: the actual reason each killing doesn't get the attention it deserves.
1
The gun control debate is over. Chicago has the strictest gun control laws in America
Rahm Emanuel is a public menace and an abject mayoral failure. If he won't go peaceably, law abiding Chicagoans should demand the Chicago Police force him out. No doubt they would be happy to complete his long form.
10
If they demanded that the Chicago Police force Mayor Emanuel out of his office, both the "law abiding citizens" and the Chicago Police would not longer be law abiding...
Civic minded citizens should worry less about Mayor Emanuel in the short run and more about recruiting better mayoral candidate choices than we've had in a long time.
Civic minded citizens should worry less about Mayor Emanuel in the short run and more about recruiting better mayoral candidate choices than we've had in a long time.
1
Yeah, that'll get the guns off the street.
2
Have it your way, Bruce, ISIS is watching.
2
Donald Trump comes to Chicago and thousands of protesters are in the streets. Why aren't people rising up about violence in their own city? Where is move on and Black Lives Matter? Why aren't activists and ministers spending their time on black crime in Chicago?
339
What makes you think they aren't?
2
Excellent, Gregory.
Chicago's Black Lives Matter movement has produced some leaders and absolutely raised awareness through many nights of protest after Laquan McDonald. We have lots of organizations like Cease Fire and others that help. We really haven't just been sitting around twiddling our thumbs.
46
I know people will not agree but Obama has been a terrible leader on race relations. When Kennedy, the first Catholic was elected president, one of his tasks was to assure America that he would not take orders from the Pope.
Mr. Obama had a similar task, to tell the nation that he would not be taking orders from Mr. Al Sharpton. He failed in this and has invited Mr. Sharpton to the White House 72 times.
It is a big mistake and left a lot of whites seriously concerned. To accuse these whites of racism only made the problem worse.
Mr. Obama had a similar task, to tell the nation that he would not be taking orders from Mr. Al Sharpton. He failed in this and has invited Mr. Sharpton to the White House 72 times.
It is a big mistake and left a lot of whites seriously concerned. To accuse these whites of racism only made the problem worse.
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It is not an accusation; it is the truth.
2
Comparing Sharpton to a pope is not really an apt comparison. I don't think Obama takes orders from anyone, but listens to facts. Granted, Sharpton is a charlatan, but to blame Chicago's violence on Obama? Come on.
3
Aruna: you can tell all the "whites" they can relax. Here's the breakdown of Sharpton's visits to the WH:
One-on-one meetings with Obama: 5 (7 percent)
Meetings with staff members or senior advisers, with more than one guest: 20 (27 percent)
Events with more than 90 people: 16 (22 percent)
Miscellaneous meetings or events, ranging from 3 to 700 guests: 31 (43 percent)
One-on-one meetings with Obama: 5 (7 percent)
Meetings with staff members or senior advisers, with more than one guest: 20 (27 percent)
Events with more than 90 people: 16 (22 percent)
Miscellaneous meetings or events, ranging from 3 to 700 guests: 31 (43 percent)
2
As long as Congress bows to the NRA and the gun industry, and the country is awash with guns, these firearm killings will continue unabated in Chicago and throughout the country.
Until the public develops the political will to demand an end to the gun culture which is uniquely and deadly American, gun deaths will go on and on.
Until the public develops the political will to demand an end to the gun culture which is uniquely and deadly American, gun deaths will go on and on.
17
Except that murder rates in Chicago had decreased by 65% while the number of guns in the US went from 200M to over 300M (1990s to 2010s).
Then the black population, the mayor and the justice department decided to attack the job the police was doing.
Then shootings and murders shot up by 85%.
So the only observation we can make is that murders went down by 66% in Chicago while guns in civilian hands went up by 50%. Then murder went up by 85% while gun ownership didn't change.
So is the correlation with gun ownership or with Democratic policies of Obama, Holder, Lynch and Emanuel?
Then the black population, the mayor and the justice department decided to attack the job the police was doing.
Then shootings and murders shot up by 85%.
So the only observation we can make is that murders went down by 66% in Chicago while guns in civilian hands went up by 50%. Then murder went up by 85% while gun ownership didn't change.
So is the correlation with gun ownership or with Democratic policies of Obama, Holder, Lynch and Emanuel?
29
Again this must be stated that Chicago has some of the toughest gun control laws in the country. Take it for what it's worth.
17
Actually, Michael, you and millions of politically correct people like you are the problem. The USA may have a gun culture, but our murder culture is concentrated in a relatively few inner-city, predominately black neighborhoods. It is ignorant, misleading and ineffectual to keep blaming all Americans for this horrible propensity to murder, which is predominately occurring in specific urban neighborhoods. The vast majority of Americans live in a society as pristine as Europe. Until you and other so-called compassionate Democrats stop distracting us with false villains and start focusing on the real problem, the poor black communities of America will continue to suffer these tragedies.
38
Chicago...democratic run city...some of the toughest gun laws in the U.S. ...despair.
49
Wonder if it's the democrat water...
5
Step over the city line on the southeast side and you are in a state with some of the laxist gun laws in the US. Love those states' rights, eh?
2
So you believe felons buy their guns from stores...interesting.
16