Much has been said about how cops, prosecutors or judges are to blame for the current "crime problem" in Minneapolis. They do not cause crime...nor should they be expected to completely solve crime.
Root causes of crime are well known. Just a few: inequality, injustice, and lack of opportunity. More arrests, cops, or jails may �solve� a specific incident of crime and/or detain a criminal. However, applying such logic to long-term problem solving of crime and its causes is akin to saying, � we need more nurses to prevent trauma�. There are society and institutional forces which foster crime. We live in a society that is traumtogentic; it breeds violence. The pockets of concentrated crime and inequality (whether intentional or not) most often are the areas where violence is the greatest. The billions of dollars spent on Law Enforcement and the supporting criminal justice system have not been a wasted effort; there are people who have done �bad� if not horrific things. They should not be free in a free society. But the return on the investment is static. Law enforcement does not improve a citizen�s character, judges do not instill values, and jails do not create opportunity. Minneapolis has invested in community building, supporting neighborhoods, and should continue to do so. One long-term effect should eliminate the need for cops and jails. It�s homes and jobs that will bring hope and justice. Gregory W. Reinhardt Excelsior TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
