Bob Alberti wrote: > Most sensible people, including potential > gang members, are risk averse: a decent job with no risk of trouble can be > a strong incentive against fast bucks and high risk.
Most gang members are not "sensible" people. They come from nonsensical families and environments. If you think gang members are "risk averse" you don't have a good grasp of the problem; risk and adventure is one of the major attractions of gangs. Maybe growing up in CA is atypical, but as teenagers risk was what it was all about (pain wasn't a good thing, but teenagers don't think too far ahead). Here's a thought experiment: Why are there gangs in CA that have been in existence since the 1940s? The answer is more complex than "poverty." > Time and again the > costs of effective jobs programs are not only trivial when compared to the > cost of prosecution and the loss of life resulting from inaction, but the > investment in our youth will reap the rewards of a skilled and competent > workforce. So why don't we teach marketable job skills in high school? > We need to consider decriminalization of drugs, with proceeds from clean, > safe drugs DEDICATED to programs to prevent and counter addiction, the > spread of disease, and the welfare of families. It would be wise if alcohol > were included in this program. Good idea. Take some of the fuel out of the fire. Why don't other people agree? Michael Atherton Prospect Park _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
