Posted on 06/12/2015 1:20:30 PM PDT by Kaslin
This Memorial Day weekend marked a historic uptick in violence in many US cities. Three cities seem to symbolize our national woes the most - Baltimore, Chicago, and Ferguson. In Baltimore 9 people were killed and 29 shot. Chicago marked 12 killed and 44 wounded. The police in Baltimore and the other cities seem to be moving with unprecedented caution. Further, self initiated policing has slowed down significantly. The morale of law enforcement officers is at a decadal low. Therefore, both violent and petty crimes may flourish in several “hot spot” cities this summer. In Ferguson, sky rocketing crime rates continue despite greater civic involvement by citizens and a massive change in municipal personnel. Law enforcement seems to be becoming more difficult in key cities.
Does the violence in these cities mark the unofficial beginning of a new season of urban violence? Is this the beginning of the worst season of both rioting and lawlessness the US has seen since 1968 after the assassination of Dr. King? Last September I wrote that rioting in DC was possible after the Ferguson riots broke out in August 2014. I had no idea that there would be such a dramatic increase in both incendiary rhetoric and demonstrations. Our cities are still vulnerable to problems and riots. 175 metro areas supported the “hands up don’t shoot” initiative and 50 cities protested the death of Eric Garner with “I can’t breathe“ demonstrations. A myriad of cell phone videos from South Carolina to Mckinney, Texas have started to erode public respect for our policemen. There is no reason why there will not be more riots and spontaneous violence this summer - except for the grace of God.
We can turn this bus around, though! But it must be done very decisively and strategically. Smoldering “urban anger” is still burning. This is not just a race problem. There is interplay between class, poverty, and race. When all three of these things converge, people feel disenfranchised and excluded from the American dream.
As I discuss urban tensions at the water cooler or with my friends around the country, I find that black friends sometimes blame whites and invisible social barriers. Whites often declare that everything goes back to family break down or a lack of respect for authority. The family structure declaration is a great analysis but offers no immediate steps of action to mitigate the problems before us.
Part of the answer to the problem has to do with healing the huge sense of outrage and injustice that is felt among impoverished urban dwellers. Much has been said in the news about the debate concerning criminal justice reform. Many people believe that we are simply addressing problems of policing when we use the term “Criminal Justice Reform”. The truth of the matter is that there are a myriad of minor adjustments to our systems that could create a greater sense of justice and peace in urban America.
Part of our dilemma is that we live in a society that is quick to label and stigmatize. Similarly, we can be slow to extend the hand of restoration, acceptance, and forgiveness. There are over 65 million Americans with a criminal record in the US today. Over 70 percent of ex-offenders have committed non- violent crimes.
Once these people have served their time, they need to have an opportunity for redemption and to restore their lives. They need a shot at achieving their God given potential. Eric Garner of New York was an excellent example of someone who was just not going to submit to being arrested again. His experiences with the legal system and his dealings with police no doubt entered into his decision to “buck authority” in Staten Island on the fateful day of his death.
To avoid urban riots this summer we need three things urgently: 1.) Regional prayer gatherings that make an appeal to heaven for justice and divine intervention 2.) Summer jobs for urban youth 3.) Grass roots leaders need to come together and create local strategies to make their communities safer.
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of War!
Grab your six pack and bowel of popcorn kiddies. If you're not in the direct line of fire, and by this time if you have any sense you are not, this should be really entertaining. We can watch the culmination of thirty plus years of progressive / socialist control eat itself.
Oh yeah, got ammo?
I actually did read the entire article.
Glad to hear i am not the only person to not give a damn if holders people burn their cities down.
Don’t mistake legally armed with armed. Gun laws don’t stop gun ownership, just legal gun ownership.
“It’s going to starting hitting 104 and above here next week. I think the riot window has closed.”
I wasn’t aware there was any rioting in Arizona. Baltimore, on the other hand...
Besides, they riot at night. Too hot to stay in an un-air-conditioned row house, wander around, herd-up...
The article insists it’s going to be everywhere. It ain’t gonna be here. Even at night it’s hot. Phoenix will stay above 100 well past midnight.
Welcome to America!
Yes, getting taught respect for the police and that they are not your adversary is critical. We were taught that in school and at home as well.
But all of the above is a needed start.
Summer jobs for youth? Really?? Then they will bitch that those jobs pay minimum wage and how do they expect youth to support a family on those wages.
We need to get Sharpton and Jackson involved.
You must have done something that made think so
I’m just hoping they shoot straighter to avoid the many wounded who waste valuable medical resources.
I have more than enough ammo to supply my family and neighbors. Some of my rifles even have bayonets. The riots only become an issue, if the rioters leave their own neighborhoods. If they do then they are at a huge tactical disadvantage in know knowing the lay of the land.
Don’t these people merely need to declare that they are white and claim their white privilege. Transracialism is the way to solve the problems in the urban areas. If the man is oppressing you because of your race you need only change your race.
We shouldn’t neglect the possibility of isolated efforts to cause chaos, the response to which boils down to asserting your right to concealed carry in public venues.
The people *are* the police. As such, the uniformed police are the friend of the people, and should know that the public support them and oppose the lawless.
To: Kaslin
Yawn.
Riots in Democrat strongholds full of unarmed people.
he he he he he he he he he he ........................
4)Water cannons
Riots are required to establish Obummer’s Gestapo.
That is quite true. The biggest problem is that they DO leave their neighborhoods sometimes.
If they remain in the 'hood, and left to their own devices, based on the black-on-black murder rates in nearly every large city, they'll probably kill themselves off after two or three more generations.
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