Parents and education — to fight violence epidemic
Three separate shootings left three dead including a teen while six others were hurt Thursday as Philadelphia suffered another violent day.
The City of Brotherly Love watched a 2021 murder count soar to 95 after a previous year showed 499 homicides. Murder, just like gun violence, shows proliferation as law enforcement officials exhaust strategies to curtail blood curdling killing.
Mayor Jim Kenney announced plans to update residents.
“Beginning next Wednesday at Noon, our Administration will host regular public briefings to share the strategies underway to address this public health crisis and create safe, healthy communities. We will be candid about our challenges and transparent about the solutions and resources we’re bringing to bear to reduce violence across the city,” a Kenney statement explained.
Kenney offered condolences to people who lost loved ones during Thursday’s shootings.
“Once again our city has been rocked by senseless gun violence. Tonight, we tragically lost a 15-year-old who had their entire life ahead of them ..... Earlier this afternoon, another shooting claimed the life of one man and left others — including two teenagers — critically injured. At this rate, 2021 is on track to be the most violent year we’ve experienced in our lifetimes. We cannot stand by as we lose an entire generation to this ongoing scourge of gun violence. We must rise up with one united voice to demand this horrific violence come to an end, and work together to achieve that goal.”
While many Philadelphians hustle for a COVID-19 vaccine that offers prevention against a virus that has killed more than 3,000 citizens, almost no one mentions vaccines that can win a war against violence — adult guidance and education.
Closing loopholes for gun purchases will reduce violence and murder although youth still need instruction on conflict resolution. If learned while young and collated with classroom education, violence will not trespass adult lives.
An inspection of numerous news articles on Philadelphia violence noted myriad solutions and causes for shootings and murder. Some blame law enforcement, including Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, others pointed to inadequate street lighting or lack of a police presence, especially during night hours. Some noted reduced recreational opportunities specifically community centers, although two teen boys and a teen girl, all 15 years of age, were at a rec center on the 5500 block of Christian Street when a gunman opened fire.
One boy died after being shot in the back of the neck while his companions survived the ambush.
Amazingly, none of the aforementioned articles on violence mentioned parents or adults as important participants in raising non-violent children.
Teens need cultivation of attitudes and actions when pushed into corners. Behavior development demands input from wise parents and people invested in the lives of youth.
City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents the 3rd District (West Philadelphia and Southwest Philadelphia), told NBC-10 four teenagers were killed in her district within the past week.
“I am hoping that our city realizes that we are losing far too many young people and that we step up to treat gun violence like the public health emergency that it is,” she said.
Yes, Philadelphia needs an immediate plan that deals with guns and violence. Mayor Kenney, Commissioner Outlaw and District Attorney Larry Krasner have called for Pennsylvania’s state legislature to allow the city to enforce tougher gun laws in an effort to impact violence that includes approximately 350 shooting victims.
Still, officials must simultaneously consider all potential policies that produce intelligent youth capable of making wise decisions when faced with difficult situations, or, smart enough to engage adults for solutions.
A successful education and parental guidance almost always sets in motion positive decisions and productive lives.