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Kitty, a few weeks ago everyone was ignoring the huge increase in gun violence. Now people are talking about it. This is a good thing.
I strongly disagree that you can't control gun violence. North Charleston HAD made huge progress in doing just that. Because of one bad cop we're all going to throw up our hands and let it spiral out of control? The police are not policing, the politicians are not leading, and the community leaders are not holding them accountable. These gentlemen are speaking out and try to do something. It's more effort than anyone else has made. Maybe it will work, at the very least it highlights the issue.
North Charleston is a part of this community and I don't like seeing kids getting killed (no matter the race or ethnicity).
They have been talking about it. So much so that it is like a broken record and no one is listening it seems at times.
And yes, one rogue officer has created a larger problem for the area. BUT, let's also keep it in perspective that there are those who are taking advantage of that situation and now every move a LEO makes is unjustified, when that is just not true. So...the flip side of that is LE is backing off. It is a mess.
With that said...at the end of the day, it IS a sin problem. No one can correct that but on an individual basis. You can't legislate that.
I don't know what you are trying to accomplish. Race-baiting?
The fact here is this....until individuals decide that they want change and want to change their behavior, this will continue. No matter who gives their "personal" numbers, writes laws or cries out the loudest, it will not change a person's heart. You can not legislate morality. You can not legislate appropriate behavior. What we are seeing is a "sin" problem and until individuals want to step up and accept responsibility for their behavior AND want to change, nothing will. Fighting sin is tough.
So enough of the race baiting. Enough of the it's "soandso's" fault. Enough blaming it on politicians. Enough.
Demand better from your brothers and sisters.....advocate and fight for accountability and demand that the offenders get their act together, instead of looking for someone to fix it for them. That certainly hasn't worked.
It seems to me that the guys in the article are doing exactly what you're advocating. They're not trying to legislate anything but rather reaching out to the troubled side of the community and giving them an opportunity... perhaps creating the space... for them to make a change. It may or may not work but I too applaud the effort. There are numerous cases where gang leaders have turned their lives around and started working for the good of their community. Perhaps that can happen from this effort too.
It seems to me that the guys in the article are doing exactly what you're advocating. They're not trying to legislate anything but rather reaching out to the troubled side of the community and giving them an opportunity... perhaps creating the space... for them to make a change. It may or may not work but I too applaud the effort. There are numerous cases where gang leaders have turned their lives around and started working for the good of their community. Perhaps that can happen from this effort too.
Hey LH,
I am sure they are trying to reach out. People have been reaching out for years to help people in this situation. And while that is postive, it isn't working. I firmly believe deep down it is a sin problem and the only thing that can help or intervene is a relationship with Christ.
Here is a link to a piece that was beautifully written by Benjamin Watson.....it puts this situation and others just like it in perspective.
It seems to me that the guys in the article are doing exactly what you're advocating. They're not trying to legislate anything but rather reaching out to the troubled side of the community and giving them an opportunity... perhaps creating the space... for them to make a change. It may or may not work but I too applaud the effort. There are numerous cases where gang leaders have turned their lives around and started working for the good of their community. Perhaps that can happen from this effort too.
I am sure they are trying to reach out. People have been reaching out for years to help people in this situation. And while that is postive, it isn't working. I firmly believe deep down it is a sin problem and the only thing that can help or intervene is a relationship with Christ.
Here is a link to a piece that was beautifully written by Benjamin Watson.....it puts this situation and others just like it in perspective.
Some will not agree and I am not looking to debate faith and/or Christianity (not will I) but I do believe that is the only answer.
CK, I think we agree on most points. The change has to come from within and short of spontaneous transformations of individuals I don't see how that is likely to happen without someone reaching out. Maybe it seems like it's not working but it definitely does sometimes and maybe we just need more of it.
Yes, that was sad. Appears to be a robbery as he was alone closing up what is a cash business. Contrary to what many believe, it's not just gang members killing each other.
Reaching out is fine to try and stem the tide of violence, but in addition, perhaps there is a need for tougher sentences imposed. A lot of these individuals shooting/murdering people are repeat offenders.
1st degree murder = death penalty. Any question of guilt beyond shadow of a doubt, deport them to XYZ country that will take a few bucks in return. Thoughts? I really don't think you can come back from killing someone intentionally. Ever. It's like pedophiles. There is something wrong with your brain that I don't think we have the health capacity to cure, yet.
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