I think the good people in the violence-ridden areas of Chicago feel impotent on changing their neighborhoods. Priests and ministers can stage marches and close highways but protests are just a feel-good activity accomplishing little if anything. Like most problems today it not my fault, it’s caused by some government and they must fix it.

The police can’t be the mythical Bobbies of England where the bad people drop their guns and put their hands up when the Bobby blows a whistle. Thanks to the gun manufactures and the NRA, we are awash with guns. A few days ago a 12 year-old boy shot a 12 year-old girl and a drive-by shot a 3 year-old. When the police get the necessary aggressive posture they are criticized by the people they are trying to protect. They are not getting the necessary help in arresting the bad people. I understand people may fear retribution but they can’t expect police to end the violence without neighborhood support.

The ethos of violence must be changed. One way to reduce the violence would be if parents, wives, grandparents, and relatives would turn in guns to be melted. Less guns means less violence. Instead of protesting expecting somebody else to do something, do it yourself. President John Kennedy’s words can be revised slightly to; Ask not what others can do for you community, ask what you can do for your community.