A bad analogy might be to say that to teach a child something new, you must first get the child's attention. They know not, nor should we expect those that have lived in relative priviledge and abundance in our society to know what it is like to live in relative despair. If this were different, we (as a society) wouldn't be dealing with the problems we currently face.
At this point in time, those in despair have their attention. They're in the spotlight.... I challenge all those that aren't satisfied with sending 12 troopers into Jordan as a solution to the deep-rooted problems of this and many other neighborhoods not only within our city, but within our country, to roll-up their sleeves and quit accussing those that have taken action with un-pure intentions and to become part of the solution.
Our elected officials have been made aware that there are problems... It is our challenge to make them aware of what those problems are, and to show them that there is a commitment, and a willingness on the part of those living within the problems to welcome their support and utilize their assistance.
People are much more apt to lend assistance when they perceive the potential for a positive outcome to at least be a possibility. It is in this light that I challenge our elected officials and community leaders to take a stand, and make an investment larger than several hundred thousand dollars in the form of state troopers to patrol our neighborhoods. I ask them to become personally involved and to come prepared for negative, as well as positive interactions. Residents living in within the problems recognize the degree to which there IS understanding on the part of these officials. Unless they live under a certain set of circumstances, they MUST visit and experience the issues firsthand. In light of this, I challenge ALL elected/paid officials from our State/County AND City to sign-up for and commit to, patroling the Jordan neighborhood for an indefinite amount of time. It is 2 hours/month. The insight you will gain will make you far more effective in discharging your duties.
Dennis Plante Jordan
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