Don Greeley wrote: Mr.Wilde said:
> " I am aware of this welcome change in the law. > However, painting over graffiti is just a white-wash, > and doesn't address the real gang problem that the > graffiti is only a visible symptom of." > > I have to strongly disagree with Mr. Wilde's statement. Painting over > gang graffiti is not a "white-wash". Gangsters are attempting to mark > their territory with gang graffiti. We know from a lot of experience > that when gangsters start marking turf, and writing over each others > gang markers, they are trying to provoke the rival gang. Violence > frequently follows. Painting over gang tags as quickly as possible is > one way to help reduce the provocation, and the likelihood of gang > violence. Gang graffiti is much more than just a symptom of the gang > problem. If I remember correctly, there is research showing that not responding to graffiti increases the deterioration of neighborhoods. Just think about for a while, would you get out of your car and shop in a neighborhood that is covered with graffiti? In L.A. knowledgeable people avoid such places, if they can. In fact, knowing about tags and gang symbols is an important means of self-preservation. I always thought it was funny that every year or so Minnesotan papers have an article about the dangers of walking or driving on the ice, while in L.A. every year or so there's an article about how to protect yourself at ATMs and what to do if your car breaks down on the freeway. Michael Atherton Prospect Park REMINDERS: 1. Be civil! Please read the NEW RULES at http://www.e-democracy.org/rules. If you think a member is in violation, contact the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. For state and national discussions see: http://e-democracy.org/discuss.html For external forums, see: http://e-democracy.org/mninteract ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[email protected] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
