Violence in the city

Summer is here and all around the country violence is evident. Not surprisingly its bad in Trenton the city of power, Newark that city of power and Chicago that city of power. It’s not the guns, it’s not the law, its not the lack of spending on education and its not the jails that cause this violence. It is the PARENTS. For a child of 14 to 18 its not just this year. Parents have been failing their children al along. They need guidance and respect taught in the home with consequences of their actions being made clear and swift. A child is a gift of the lord and when taken care of they become strong leaders of society Doctors, lawyers and leaders in all areas. When you abuse them, ignore them and allow them to learn street power you have failed them, yourself and the rest of society. Do your job and we won’t need jails or as many police officers. — A reader

You’re really oversimplifying. Poverty drives the drug trade and the gang life, not good or bad parents. When there is no hope and a cycle of poverty with few opportunities to escape that cycle, a kid who sees no escape turns to something that they know will make them money or kill them. When you see no way out of poverty, either of those options seems okay. The key is providing children with hope and education and job opportunities. That’s oversimplifying too, but more realistic. — Ed Note