Give youth the means to escape the violence

Re: “Jor’dell was killed over a pellet gun, but youth gun violence is to blame,” June 18 commentary

In the Perspective Section, Denver Post opinion pages editor Megan Shrader detailed the tragic death of 14- year- old Jor’dell Richardson. She described factors that she believes contribute to youth gun violence. She also supplied some recommendations. Schrader suggests that Jor’dell’s dying words should haunt us,” They made me do it. I don’t know who they are but they made me do it.”

So many teen tragedies have peer pressure as their genesis since peer acceptance is often paramount for teens. Empowerment skills can enable people of all ages to walk away from situations where they shouldn’t be involved.

Let’s work to provide tools to embolden our teens, who often do know wrong from right, to have the courage of their convictions. However, if the “they” to which Jor’dell referred were threatening him with a gun, that’s quite a different story, with the opening line: There are too many guns in America today.

It is my view that the video game culture has normalized the use of guns.

— Terri Tilliss, Parker

Who’s to blame? Where’s the accountability for youth violence? I am suggesting that The Denver Post investigate the black market sales of illegal drugs, which is a virus infecting the entire metro area. Investigate those who consume and purchase illegal drugs because they fuel the fire. Then, secondly, find a way to question every shooter and ask them “why”? Ask: “What is going on? Who do you answer to?”

Maybe our local law enforcement already has that information, but it’s secret. Really, why the silence about the bottom line? Teens are not making millions nor spending thousands in this illegal drug business; they are the pawns. Power brokers and mobsters maneuver from the top.

— Rita Rosenberger, Denver