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20 February 2008 |
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Losing our Children
to Gangs |
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This morning’s
State paper has
finally pushed the
issue of gangs to
the forefront of our
discussion in
Columbia. Our city
can no longer
pretend that we do
not have a gang
issue. This problem
is growing by
exponential leaps
and bounds every
day. |
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Gangs are groups
that, “control a
territory through
readiness to use
coordinated
violence.” These
violent groups must
grow in membership
in order to flourish
in an environment
where rival gangs
are present. This
dynamic is leading
to frightening new
levels of gang
recruitment and
activity in
Columbia. |
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Two weeks ago, I met
a first grade
teacher who recently
had a student
inducted into a
gang. Even more
troubling, that
first grade child
has now become a top
recruiter for that
gang in this North
Columbia elementary
school. Until we
stand united against
them, gangs will
continue to invade
and colonize our
schools,
neighborhoods and
communities. |
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Friends, we are
losing the battle
for our children.
Today’s State paper
article reminds us
that we need a
competent problem
solver in the
At-Large seat on
City Council. We can
no longer afford to
listen to the hollow
declarations of
those who claim to
protect our city
while our children’s
future fades before
our eyes. |
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You Deserve a
Problem Solver |
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I have seen these
gangs. I have walked
their "turf." They
are very real and
very active. |
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I have met with
former gang members
and learned about
their operations.
Their level of
organization and
sophistication is
startling. |
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I have been into the
communities and have
heard the gunshots,
seen the children
who must run to the
gym for cover and
met with the
community leaders
who can now
distinguish firearm
calibers from the
sound of the shots.
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I am prepared to
work aggressively
with other agencies
and groups to turn
the tide against
these gangs. The
city must
institutionalize
cooperation and
information sharing
with the County and
State in order to
fight this rising
threat. The city
must ensure that
social service and
intervention groups,
such as
Project Unity USA
and
Gang Out, are
involved in the
solution. And most
of all, our
leadership must
possess an
unwavering
commitment to win
this fight for our
future. |
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It is time to end
the squabbling and
the bureaucratic
turf wars and bring
everyone together
and beat these
gangs. The time for
talk is over. The
time for action is
now. |
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As your leader, I
will never stand by
with hands in
pockets as we lose
our children. |
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Are ready for a
leader who will
fight for your
community? |
