News-Record.com

The North Carolina Piedmont Triad's top go-to source for News
A service of the News & Record, Greensboro, North Carolina

Home

Thinking Out Loud

« A vote of ???????? | Main | Dollars for Davis »

The gang forum

I attended the gang forum Monday night at the coliseum.

For reasons still unclear to me, the forum had been postponed because someone had complained that it promoted targeting black youth. That's simply not true.

As was the case with previous forums, the overarching message was that the best antidote to gangs isn't locking people up.

It's baskeball leagues and mentoring programs and summer jobs. It's churches reaching out beyond the pew and the pulpit to help young people.

It's filling the void that make kids seek gang membership in the first place.

If that's targeting black youth, then target away.

Incidentally, at least 50 percent of the attendees at Monday's forum were African American, including the Rev. Greg Headen of Genesis Baptist Church and County Commissioner Skip Alston.

Councilwoman Sandy Carmany, one of the organizers of the event, had backed off on the earlier date after receiving word that the Rev. Cardes Brown of the local NAACP has expressed concerns.

She said she tried calling him. No response.

The News & Record tried callling him. No response.

The Carolina Peacemaker tried calling him. No response.

That's too bad. I'd like to hear his concerns

And I'd like to know if a program like Monday's fine panel had changed his mind.

Posted by Allen Johnson on November 21, 2007 6:37 PM | Permalink

Comments (18)

To report abuse of the comment feature on this site, please use the feedback form at the bottom of any page.

brian444 said:

The best antidote to gangs isn't basketball programs, it's functional families. The void that gangs fill isn't created by the lack of basketball leagues, mentoring programs, or churches, although those things may fill the void. The void itself, however, begins at home.

Posted on November 23, 2007 12:46 AM

Doug Johnson said:

Brian 444, I say you hit the target
If Greensboro like ever place else, and it is, you talk a subject to death. Do something! The life you save may be mine!

Posted on November 23, 2007 5:31 AM

Allen Johnson said:

So, Brian, how do you address the issues of strong families in a practical sense?
What would you do to make that happen?

Posted on November 23, 2007 10:25 AM

Doug Johnson said:

I see the headlines in the Danville paper this morning is gangs taking over. Of course the police denied it. I doubt that a basketball program going to stop, gangs with roots from LA.

Posted on November 25, 2007 5:40 AM

just saying said:

Brian444 is 100% right - the roots of the gang problem are broken, dysfunctional families. All the basketball leagues and mentoring programs in the world won't work until parents step up and take responsibility.

And Allen, I'd disagree that locking criminals up isn't a good solution to crime. It's no coincidence that crime rates decreased considerably during the 1990s while incarceration rates grew. Criminals couldn't commit crimes because they were locked away.

Obviously, it's better if young people never choose to commit violent crimes. But if they do, the system has an obligation to protect the innocent, law-abiding citizens and lock these thugs away.

Posted on November 26, 2007 9:19 AM

Allen Johnson said:

There's no doubt that enforcement is important, but if you read any of the reputable studies on the gang problem, they will say that enforcement alone makes the situation worse.
Enforcement plus intervention and prevention are the best route.
But you don't have to believe me; ask the gang experts in the Greensboro Police Department.

Posted on November 26, 2007 12:41 PM

just saying said:

"enforcement alone makes the situation worse"

How on earth is that possible? There's no way on earth that locking away violent criminals could be a bad thing. The problem, as I see it, is that we don't lock them up for long enough.

Prevention may help, but enforcement is the key here. And again, no community program can take the place of caring, involved parents.

Posted on November 26, 2007 3:02 PM

brian444 said:

I doubt that there's a politically viable solution to the breakdown of families, but reducing entitlements in welfare, housing, and food stamps when children are born out of wedlock is an option. This would be viewed, correctly at some level, as "punishing the children," but some punishment is probably needed if a change is to occur. Alternatively, increasing the benefits to two-parent households (through tax credits, e.g.) could work. But ultimately, I don't see much future for either, because both favor the "traditional home" over the "non-traditional home" in ways that won't fly in the contemporary political climate. Finding ways to incentivize certain family structures and disincentivizing others isn't really that hard, but the political will to do so is lacking.

As is the cultural will. When single motherhood is no longer stigmatized--when, in some communities, it's the norm rather than the exception--there's not a whole lot the government can do.

That's unfortunate, since the nuclear family is the single best institution for negotiating the pressures of modernity.

Posted on November 26, 2007 3:07 PM

Allen Johnson said:

Gang experts say gang members become hardened and better trained in prison, which has a gang culture of its own.
Eventually, they do get out, and often pose an even greater danger to society.

Posted on November 26, 2007 3:10 PM

Billy The Blogging Poet said:

It should also be noted that many of today's local gang members are second (maybe 3rd?) generation whose parents raised them to become gang members. It's the only life they know. Greensboro, like so many other cities is now suffering from over 30 years of denial in which the gangs managed to become very rooted into certain elements of society.

Law enforcement without social programs is blind; social programs without law enforcement are lame. Greensboro needs to double the size of the GPD and vastly expand social programs.

One needs to remember that going to prison is a badge of honor for gangsta's and that children raised to become gangsta's know no other way. Over 30 years of lazy, greedy and ineffective government is the reason Greensboro has a gang problem and only when government gets its act together will anything improve.

And please allow me to remind everyone reading this that at the very moment I'm typing this comment the local Bloods clic is meeting less than 100 feet from where I'm currently sitting.

Posted on November 26, 2007 5:38 PM

ccemrey said:

I work in the vicinity of the new Wal-Mart & Lowe's (old Carolina Circle Mall location) and we are hearing a rumor that a gang has issued a threat: one of its members will kill someone in broad daylight at this Wal-Mart or Lowe's by the end of the year ... I know how rumors work and this may be nothing ... on the other hand, I shop at both these stores very frequently and now I am wondering whether to go or stay away. I'll copy the G'Boro Police Dept on this just in case.

Posted on December 20, 2007 9:59 PM

Vahagrina said:

Hello everybody,
I'm new! Any news?

Posted on December 31, 2007 10:33 PM

RTF 88'z all day said:

Yo u kno we be repprin dat RTF 38 > 4 point all day str8 outta da bean town folk down u kno wat it is....
fuck all yall tryina stop gangs u aint kno shit bout wat it is so stop playin yaself

Posted on February 29, 2008 1:04 PM

EffollaNonCow said:

Posted on April 24, 2008 4:08 AM

yoqubberr said:

Posted on June 11, 2008 12:30 AM

Aron said:

[url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/diapered-adults.html]Diapered Adults[/url] Diapered Adults% [url=http://ozigiryf8639.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/viggo-mortensen-nude.html]Viggo Mortensen Nude[/url] Viggo Mortensen Nude% [url=http://duxidybaz4158.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/sex-with-animals-stories.html]Sex With Animals Stories[/url] Sex With Animals Stories% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/gay-sex-techniques.html]Gay Sex Techniques[/url] Gay Sex Techniques% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/watch-lesbian-porn-clips.html]Watch Lesbian Porn Clips[/url] Watch Lesbian Porn Clips% [url=http://ozigiryf8639.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/ashley-massaro-nude-pics.html]Ashley Massaro Nude Pics[/url] Ashley Massaro Nude Pics% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-girl-webpage.html]Teen Girl Webpage[/url] Teen Girl Webpage% [url=http://ozigiryf8639.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/nude-poppy-montgomery.html]Nude Poppy Montgomery[/url] Nude Poppy Montgomery% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/nala-furry-adult-art.html]Nala Furry Adult Art[/url] Nala Furry Adult Art% [url=http://ozigiryf8639.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/different-sex-postions.html]Different Sex Postions[/url] Different Sex Postions% [url=http://owusokecul99.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-girl-gallery.html]Teen Girl Gallery[/url] Teen Girl Gallery% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/cool-bedding-for-teen-girls.html]Cool Bedding For Teen Girls[/url] Cool Bedding For Teen Girls% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-sex-clips.html]Teen Sex Clips[/url] Teen Sex Clips% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/blonde-bikini.html]Blonde Bikini[/url] Blonde Bikini% [url=http://duxidybaz4158.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/jeff-palmer-gay.html]Jeff Palmer Gay[/url] Jeff Palmer Gay% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/firefly-serenity-adult-fanfic.html]Firefly Serenity Adult Fanfic[/url] Firefly Serenity Adult Fanfic% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-girl-hairstyle.html]Teen Girl Hairstyle[/url] Teen Girl Hairstyle% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/dominican-porn.html]Dominican Porn[/url] Dominican Porn% [url=http://duxidybaz4158.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/beastyality-sex.html]Beastyality Sex[/url] Beastyality Sex% [url=http://bubanihule4741.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/kristy-swanson-nude.html]Kristy Swanson Nude[/url] Kristy Swanson Nude% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/daniel-radcliffe-equus-nude.html]Daniel Radcliffe Equus Nude[/url] Daniel Radcliffe Equus Nude% [url=http://zona6160.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/reese-witherspoon-bikini.html]Reese Witherspoon Bikini[/url] Reese Witherspoon Bikini% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-penetration.html]Teen Penetration[/url] Teen Penetration% [url=http://duxidybaz4158.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/gay-crotch.html]Gay Crotch[/url] Gay Crotch% [url=http://owusokecul99.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/alisha-jones-nude.html]Alisha Jones Nude[/url] Alisha Jones Nude% [url=http://bubanihule4741.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/bijou-phillips-nude.html]Bijou Phillips Nude[/url] Bijou Phillips Nude% [url=http://zona6160.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/french-bikini-wax.html]French Bikini Wax[/url] French Bikini Wax% [url=http://zona6160.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/niche-fuxxx-porn.html]Niche Fuxxx Porn[/url] Niche Fuxxx Porn% [url=http://duxidybaz4158.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/fling-adult-friendfinder.html]Fling Adult Friendfinder[/url] Fling Adult Friendfinder% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/watch-not-another-teen-movie.html]Watch Not Another Teen Movie[/url] Watch Not Another Teen Movie% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/247-sex-tv.html]247 Sex Tv[/url] 247 Sex Tv% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/louis-griffin-nude.html]Louis Griffin Nude[/url] Louis Griffin Nude% [url=http://zona6160.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/adult-clubwear.html]Adult Clubwear[/url] Adult Clubwear% [url=http://obipalony8223.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/milf-porn-videos.html]Milf Porn Videos[/url] Milf Porn Videos% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/gay-prison-stories.html]Gay Prison Stories[/url] Gay Prison Stories% [url=http://bubanihule4741.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/sex-clips-downloads.html]Sex Clips Downloads[/url] Sex Clips Downloads% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/nude-balerinas.html]Nude Balerinas[/url] Nude Balerinas% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/georgia-sex-offenders-right-from-harassment.html]Georgia Sex Offenders Right From Harassment[/url] Georgia Sex Offenders Right From Harassment% [url=http://zona6160.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/webcam-girls-teasing.html]Webcam Girls Teasing[/url] Webcam Girls Teasing% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/gay-soccer-locker-room.html]Gay Soccer Locker Room[/url] Gay Soccer Locker Room% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-modeling-sites-legal.html]Teen Modeling Sites Legal[/url] Teen Modeling Sites Legal% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/piss-golden-shower-diaper-sex.html]Piss Golden Shower Diaper Sex[/url] Piss Golden Shower Diaper Sex% [url=http://ucubivi8246.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/halle-berry-monsters-ball-sex-scene.html]Halle Berry Monsters Ball Sex Scene[/url] Halle Berry Monsters Ball Sex Scene% [url=http://nasouujopi7322.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/photographer-nude-boudoir.html]Photographer Nude Boudoir[/url] Photographer Nude Boudoir% [url=http://zona6160.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/sick-anal-insertions-tgp.html]Sick Anal Insertions Tgp[/url] Sick Anal Insertions Tgp% [url=http://cyl3991.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/vanessa-kay-nude.html]Vanessa Kay Nude[/url] Vanessa Kay Nude% [url=http://owusokecul99.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-shaved-pussy.html]Teen Shaved Pussy[/url] Teen Shaved Pussy% [url=http://liripoua514.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-girls-in-their-underwear.html]Teen Girls In Their Underwear[/url] Teen Girls In Their Underwear% [url=http://owusokecul99.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/sexy-amateur-lingerie-pics.html]Sexy Amateur Lingerie Pics[/url] Sexy Amateur Lingerie Pics% [url=http://obipalony8223.squarespace.com/blog/2008/6/10/teen-muscle-hunk-gallery.html]Teen Muscle Hunk Gallery[/url] Teen Muscle Hunk Gallery% 2a5b63

Posted on June 11, 2008 9:02 PM

Aron said:

[url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDSMKQgoQ4v-Gsacj]Dark Cavern Adult Video Web Site[/url] Dark Cavern Adult Video Web Site [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDSIKQgoQkYqTsacj]Shari Yates Nude[/url] Shari Yates Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDQouQwoQnN-Isacj]Mom Teaches Teen[/url] Mom Teaches Teen [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDShxQwoQ2fmFsacj]Adult Enema Diapers[/url] Adult Enema Diapers [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDSMKQgoQq-mJsacj]Katie Rees Nude Pictures[/url] Katie Rees Nude Pictures [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQouQwoQrumJsacj]Vintage Male Nude[/url] Vintage Male Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDQaSQgoQ3v-Gsacj]Free Gay Porn Gaybeef[/url] Free Gay Porn Gaybeef [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDQxVQwoQ1f-Gsacj]Porn Eskimo[/url] Porn Eskimo [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDQ2NQgoQ9omTsacj]Sex Stories About Young Teens[/url] Sex Stories About Young Teens [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDQcKQgoQ8v-Gsacj]Hunks Nude[/url] Hunks Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQcKQgoQioy5sKcj]Dc 2110 Webcam Drivers[/url] Dc 2110 Webcam Drivers [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQouQwoQ59STsacj]Nymphet Sex[/url] Nymphet Sex [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDSMKQgoQp9-Isacj]Teen Strip Poker[/url] Teen Strip Poker [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQouQwoQ9tSTsacj]Sir Rodneys Porn Review[/url] Sir Rodneys Porn Review [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDQGMQgoQm9-Isacj]Moiraine Sex[/url] Moiraine Sex [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDQ2NQgoQ3fmFsacj]Leelee Sobieski Nude[/url] Leelee Sobieski Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQaSQgoQ3NSTsacj]Adult Sm Bd Games[/url] Adult Sm Bd Games [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQouQwoQ1OmJsacj]Swedish Bikini Babe[/url] Swedish Bikini Babe [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDSIKQgoQjYqTsacj]Sex Strories[/url] Sex Strories [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQcKQgoQ7emJsacj]Tasty Teens Forum[/url] Tasty Teens Forum [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDSMKQgoQzvmFsacj]Jessica Alba Fully Nude Galleries[/url] Jessica Alba Fully Nude Galleries [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQaSQgoQ2tSTsacj]Librarian Porn[/url] Librarian Porn [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDQxVQwoQz_mFsacj]Anal Barn[/url] Anal Barn [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDSIKQgoQt9-Isacj]Elizabeth Berkley Nude Videos[/url] Elizabeth Berkley Nude Videos [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDSMKQgoQ2PmFsacj]Natalie Imbruglia Nude[/url] Natalie Imbruglia Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQaSQgoQ9NSTsacj]Jesse Mccartney Nude[/url] Jesse Mccartney Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDQouQwoQwt-Isacj]Sally Field Nude[/url] Sally Field Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQGMQgoQrumJsacj]Barbra Eden Nude[/url] Barbra Eden Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDQouQwoQ0N-Isacj]Jill Marie Jones Nude[/url] Jill Marie Jones Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDShxQwoQkoCHsacj]Wild Orchid Sex Scene[/url] Wild Orchid Sex Scene [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDQGMQgoQ1PmFsacj]Hermione Granger Porn[/url] Hermione Granger Porn [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDShxQwoQvN-Isacj]Screech Porn[/url] Screech Porn [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQouQwoQ6dSTsacj]Barbie Benton Nude[/url] Barbie Benton Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDQouQwoQzt-Isacj]Ludivine Sagnier Nude[/url] Ludivine Sagnier Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDShxQwoQrN-Isacj]Sex And The Naval Aviator[/url] Sex And The Naval Aviator [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDSMKQgoQo9-Isacj]Erotic Sex Stories Free[/url] Erotic Sex Stories Free [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDQ2NQgoQ2vmFsacj]Anal Sex Dangers[/url] Anal Sex Dangers [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDShxQwoQ5_mFsacj]Shanna Moakler Nude[/url] Shanna Moakler Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDQaSQgoQyvmFsacj]Nudes Women[/url] Nudes Women [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQcKQgoQuOmJsacj]Sex Mp4[/url] Sex Mp4 [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDShxQwoQpt-Isacj]Celeberty Nudes[/url] Celeberty Nudes [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDQGMQgoQ9Yu5sKcj]Adult Slumber Party Ideas[/url] Adult Slumber Party Ideas [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDSHDQwoQtumJsacj]Jiri Tlusty Nude[/url] Jiri Tlusty Nude [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/06985825601910336826/BDShxQwoQjfqFsacj]Daniel Radcliffe Porn[/url] Daniel Radcliffe Porn [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQGMQgoQrOmJsacj]Danny Phantom Sex[/url] Danny Phantom Sex [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/04839896213589638792/BDQouQwoQoN-Isacj]Contortion Porn[/url] Contortion Porn [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/10306206995165772942/BDQcKQgoQuumJsacj]Gay Teen Boy Spooge Photos[/url] Gay Teen Boy Spooge Photos [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDSHDQwoQzP-Gsacj]Gay Glory Hole Picts[/url] Gay Glory Hole Picts [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/13773413341946493945/BDSIKQgoQ9Iu5sKcj]Porn Addiction Help[/url] Porn Addiction Help [url=http://www.google.com/notebook/public/01290353558921190725/BDSIKQgoQ6P-Gsacj]Celebrety Porn[/url] Celebrety Porn 2a5b63

Posted on June 13, 2008 6:45 PM

minorareredc said:

red go stay sun ibm

Posted on July 22, 2008 5:36 AM

Explore This Blog

Search This Blog

Talk To Us

Channels

Tools

Question, Comment or Suggestion? Please contact us.

News & Record and NRinteractive

200 E. Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401 (336) 373-7000 (800) 553-6880

1813 N. Main Street, High Point, NC 27262 (336) 883-4422

203 E. Harris Place, Eden, NC 27288 (336) 627-1781

4213 S. Church Street, Burlington, NC 27215 (336) 449-7064

News-Record.com

Thinking Out Loud

Thinking Out Loud

The gang forum

Comments (18)

Post a comment

Explore This Blog

Search This Blog

More Recent Posts

Archives

Categories

Beyond This Blog

Other Staff Blogs

Talk To Us

Links of Interest

Search

Channels

Font Size

Tools

News & Record and NRinteractive