Recent Killings Again Prove Urban Crisis

In 1982, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five uttered words that reflect my current feelings about violence in urban America. This said, "Don't push me 'cause I'm close to the edge, I'm trying hard not to lose my head. It's like a jungle sometimes it makes me wonder how I keep from going under."

Recently, in Chicago and Gary, two children and two young men are dead because of gun violence. The two teens lived in Chicago and were high school students. One of them allegedly died in a hail of gunfire while trying to protect other children. If true, he is now on my hero list.

The two young men died in Gary, one found in a field with multiple gunshot wounds, while the other died as the result of a domestic violence dispute. As one unfamiliar with all the facts, it would be unfair of me to pass judgment on circumstances. However, I do know one thing for sure; these four lives ended abruptly and violently with deadly force. How many more die before we get it?

By no means do I suggest that because these deaths happened locally that this problem of violence is germane to Gary or Chicago alone. Any big city newspaper has similar stories, turn on any local urban television newscast and see many a mother or grandmother weeping for their children, as they lie dead on the street.

Now before you think I am going say, "Let's take away all guns", that is not what this is about. We tend to blame inanimate guns for the actions of irresponsible morons who use then to kill, wound and maim their enemies, along with a good many innocent people. On the promise to "reduce" gun violence, we elect many politicians when in fact they have not executed a markedly successful plan to stop our kids from killing each other. Government and law enforcement proved they are unable to resolve this issue.

The solution to this is admitting the truth. Many inner city neighborhoods in America that were once decent places to live, inhabited by people with sound values and moral foundation, are now war zones controlled by thugs who prey on their own. A deeper truth is that we not only know who these "people" are, but we helped turn them into what they are; empty heads and empty souls who hate themselves and are incapable of respecting life.

If that shocks you, then so be it. I will not hide behind the "let's keep it to ourselves" hogwash, fed to us by those that somehow think if we are silent about this, it will go away on its own. The sad thing is these so-called urban leaders refuse to condemn the thugs, and audaciously complain that too many black men are in jail. If you are a criminal, then jail is where you belong; no matter your color.

Now I know the "blame the victim" crowd hates this kind of free talk, but so what. Too many parents do not do their jobs. I will continue to insist that parents be responsible enough to demand their children respect life. It must begin early, not during teen years. If you cannot do at least that, stop having kids because you are just raising Cain.