72 Shot, 12 Killed in Chicago Over Weekend

[eynon81]

as to the gun control aspect of this debate.

most of these homicides are committed with cheap semi-auto pistols rarely purchased through gun dealers.

none of the recent debate has focused on these weapons.

[Spider]

[John Galt]

[Indy]

To answer some questions about the area, it's lower income but not some run down moonscape like Detroit with garbage everywhere and boarded up buildings. Ironically, there's tons of beautiful old houses, tree-lined streets and amazing parks.

But this gang thing is just out of hand. And obviously it will go on until the violence lands downtown or into more affluent (white) areas. Only THEN will somebody do something about it, which is to say: not anytime soon.

There's something horrible going on culture-wise here, with teenagers thinking it's okay to randomly fire guns into crowds of people they don't even know, not caring whom they hit.

[eynon81]

[John Galt]

[anarchy]

[fstarcstar]

I can't remember for the life of me a really good documentary where reports went deep into the lives of gang members in Chicago. They are simply trying to live their lives because they have grown up in horrible shitty conditions. They aren't educated enough for jobs, there are no jobs where they live and they can't survive unless they to...drugs. Gangs always existed, and some of the violence will exist for eternity, BUT many of these areas of society are falling victims to drugs. They are buying, using and selling which causes a hefty jump in violence for these individuals. Like others mentioned, they are predominately african american and are some of the poorest areas of the nation. There is really a 2 step solution to this problem, and it won't ever happen.

First step. Drug War. End it. We all know the issues it causes from arrests, violence, disease, etc. It is bleeding our people dry across this country.

Second step. Investment. These people need jobs and education. Local governments and state governments are attempting to fix this issue, but it can only go so far. There has to be real investment that doesn't include fast food, bail bonds, alcohol stores and and liberty tax locations from the private sector. I remember in the documentary it spoke about a local community center that created intramural leagues and other sports to create a less hostile environment so instead of shooting eachother they would simply play basketball or football. Thats just a small start. There is a deep culture right now integrated with drugs and poor conditions that is a recurring cycle for people in these areas.

[Indy]

[Winchester]

IMO making drugs legal will have adverse economic consequences in these neighborhoods. It's going to get worse before it gets better.