For the life of me, I have never understood why so-called “engaged citizens” continue to beg and plead for their mayor, councilmember or the police department to reduce violent crime in their neighborhoods.  It’s like complaining to your congressmember about your water bill.  Or my favorite–folks complaining about school issues to the city council in cities where the schools have their own governing body.

Folks enraged about the level of violent crime in their backyards should consider standing on the corner and talking to their fellow neighbors.  Go to the park where your resident gang members hang. Go talk to your friends and relatives who are the abelists–the baby mommas, mommas, and grandmommas–that allow their loved ones to terrorize our communities.  Some of y’all need to look no further than your own garage, front porch or bedroom–yes I said it–bedroom to get to the real culprits.

While I know it feels good to complain to someone, imagine how much better it would feel not to have to complain in the first place?

I don’t care what promises elected officials and law enforcement leaders make–they can’t legislate or promise good behavior.

When folks are serious about stopping the drive bys, homicides, rapes, robberies and assaults in their neighborhoods they will start holding each other accountable. Until then, it’ll be business as usual.