This is a problem all over Chicago, even places such as Avondale or Canaryville, this is an epidemic all over Chicago. Regardless of the area, concern needs to be focused on the young people, both black and white, within the city. There are some many children today who are growing up in neighborhoods where violence is prevalent, just a part of everyday life and to save money cities and the government have taken away every alternative for these children so they see becoming a part of the violence as they see this as their only solution to being accepted. So this is your problem and if you continue to think like this nothing will ever change. Although I no longer live in the city my family is still there and I come to the city a lot and I want it to be safe for me and my family.

Charles, I disagree with your statment due to fact that hundred of parents are raising children to grow up to become productiive citiznes. What is really wrong is that these afterschool programs and etct, are taking parenting out of the home, exploting theses children for finanical benefits. Parents, not the government should be raisin children. I have six brother, we all grew up in Chicago, not one of them was lost to violence or been a member of a gang. Why was th is? Good parenting. we need to stop blaming others for our wrong doing.

Not trying to put all the responsibility on after school programs, ect. but lets look at all the single parent families in today’s society. When the parent is trying to work two low paying jobs or trying to go to school and work to provide for the children this means the child is going to be spending some time without their parent around. There are more “latch key” children today. So I am not saying it is not the parents responsibility to raise their child or trying to put the responsibility on others but am saying we need to put these programs back in place to give these children an alternative to being a part of the violence in their communities. Also the amount of money we have taken away from our educational system comes into play too. When you look at the conditions these children are expected to learn in in some inner city schools it is should be no surprise that the drop out rate is so high and of course we know that little education leaves little to no alternatives to a decent future for these young people.

Typical black response-blame the system. blacks get more handouts than anyone. basically blacks live for free and they still f-up. That’s why they deserve what happens to them.

I agree with Charles Thomas, the White-Man is the devil!

Targeted by whom? Who is recruiting young black males into gangs, initiating them into violence and drugs? Other young black males, the same kids doing most of the shootings. And being targeted for jail means that the kid is a crminal and society deserves to have him removed from the community. “The system” affords many opportunities for success, but shouldn’t be a babysitter or parent substitute. The breakdown of the family is indeed a huge factor, but a return to the old orphanage/children’s home arrangement might prove beneficial to kids born to single or teen moms. Many successful people matured in those homes to become productive citizens. Remove the kid from a toxic environment filled with disinterested, lazy adults and raise him with structure and a strong moral template, and watch what happens.

Why is always the “systems” fault and never the offender or their lack of parents ???? Always easier to blame the “system” I guess right ??? It’s always give me –give me—–give me— entitlement–never ‘I worked for”" or earned

I’m a lawn statue, dammit!! I LIVE on peoples’ lawns!!!

Hey, St. A-hole. Save your c r a p for church.

Goodness, me! Bless you, my child.

Hey POS Axin, keep your racist c r a p at your KKK meetings.

I am sorry for my sinful behavior. I beg for your forgiveness.

The Lawn Statue of St. Anthony† (Peace Be Upon Him) is forever forgiving, my son. Even though a religious yard object, He is internet-savvy, and thus has noted the timing of your postings and concluded that you had not yet read my “Explanation of Temporary Name Change” to THEE Yard Ape! Bless you yet again, my child.

Wow. Good to be back. For a minute there, thought I’d been kidnapped by aliens. Thanks guys.

Frank sounds incredibly angry. Rage issues perhaps?

He’s a gay stalker, as well. Great.

Most of the time?? W T F !!??

Frank T. C#nt gets nothing.

Agreed!! Happy April “Foo” Day to all.