I watched on WGN Channel 9 the protesters trying to close down an I-294 Ramp. One was shouting “Instead of arresting us, arrest the gangs.” The police get smeared by the people they are trying to protect when they arrest a shooter. People say he’s a good guy even if his tattoos say otherwise. People know who the gang members are, who did what, and where the guns are hidden. People know the location of the drug sales, where it’s kept, and who is involved.

If people told the police all the above, these are some of the likely outcomes: The police arrest the people and clog up the Cook County jail with hundreds if not thousands more. The police arrest the leaders only leaving battles for leadership and more violence. We might see retaliation by the gangs of the witnesses. Another possibility is the police won’t do much at any one time to avoid a public backlash. And then, of course, what happens when they get bail or parole and return to the neighborhoods.

Protest marches are good for the leader’s egos and reputation and for the church’s congregation. What needs to be done can and should be done in their homes, apartment buildings and neighborhoods: Quit protesting and do the work. Quit blaming others. Quit hoping others are going to fix the situation and peace on the street will happen. People and businesses don’t invest in crime-ridden neighbors unless they are willing to take the risk and charge sky high prices to make it worthwhile.

It is up to the people in those areas to solve their own problems!