MTT TL said:
It helps. But that is really beside the point, and not the intention for it anyway. This problem could be fixed with better education, better law enforcement and more opportunities for people. Barring that arms are only a final solution for a problem that got out of control.
You sound like an optimist. Criminals are criminals because they don't want to work hard for what they have. Why work hard when you can just take it from someone else? What kind of money can you make from a minimum wage job compared to selliing drugs and robbing people? What kind of "better opportunities" are you talking about? Over paying people to do a job they are barely qualified to do (Unions come to mind), and make companies even less competitive than they already are?
Gang life and violence are glamorized in movies and music, and these kids can't seperate fact and fiction. The biggest issue in my opinion is lack of parenting skills these days. Parents either don't know how, don't have time, or just don't care to teach their children right from wrong. How are you going to educate when the high school gradualtion rate for black and hispanic males hovers right around 60%.
http://nces.ed.gov/pubs2010/2010015/figures/figure_18_2.asp This, in turn, means they are more likely to be unemployed and earn less than others. Even if better opportunities existed, would they be able to get those jobs?
As for better law enforcement, good luck with that. Most cities are bleeding money right now and are actually cutting back on services since tax revenues are way down. I do believe a massive crack down on gang activity is required and the application of RICO laws would probably give police much more authority. Like I said though, money is tight.
I hate to sound brash about it, but the best cure for this disease is often a good dose of lead poisoning, administered through a gun. Our court and legal system is a joke and is one of the most bureaucratic and inefficient systems on the planet. (Maybe I've sat through jury duty too many times). In jail, they just learn from more hardened criminals and establish new ties. How many people are actually rehabilitated in prison? I doubt a very high percentage.
So sorry to rant on your opptomistic parade.