Rev. Gilbert H. Caldwell: Words Matter
PHOTO: Can You Spot An Obama?
Young black men are being shot and killed at a rate 40 percent higher than in 2000, according to a new study, and something has to be done about it.In 2007, 426 black males between the ages of 14 and 17 were killed in gun crimes in the U.S., the study shows.
This comes even though the overall rate of homicide in the United States remains relatively low.
According to the AP, the study by criminologists at Northeastern University in Boston partly blamed Bush administration's cuts to local police and juvenile crime prevention programs, like D.A.R.E., for the surge. And guns were the most common weapon.
Let's start the discussion, what do you think we need to do about this and what can our next president do?
Take the poll and comment below.
Comments: (36)
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By: Brown Suga on 1/03/2009 11:58PM
WE CAN BLAMED EVERY ONE IN THE WORLD FOR ALL OF THIS NONSENSE, ABOUT BLACK MEN KILLING EACH OTHER, BUT THE BOTTOM LINE IS... WE ALL KNOW WHAT IS RIGHT OR WRONG EVEN AS LITTLE ONES. JUST BECAUSE YOU GREW UP IN THE HOOD, OR THERE WAS A SITUATION GOING ON WITH YOUR MOM OR DAD, DOESN'T MEAN THAT YOU HAVE TO ACT OUT, AND DO ALL KIND OF HORRIBLE THINGS. THAT'S CALLED A CRUCTH, STOP THE B.S. NOW! GROW UP AND TAKE RESPONSABLITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS!!
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By: mfnp7898 on 1/04/2009 10:03PM
The biggest problem as stated before is the lack of a role model. The music industry merchandizes the violent gangsta lifestyle. Rappers are happy to bank millions selling audio poison that kills our community.
And Hollywood helps. How many positive, educated prominent roles are given to Black men? Most black roles are criminals, pimps, pushers and cops. Except in comedy where we add buffoon to the list.
Other than Bill Cosby and Will Smith, how many actors have benn featured in lead roles in movies or tv without the use of a gun?
Our women fare little better being always hookers, strippers, single moms and cops.
The other missing element is the presense of a strong father in the home. Too many Black women say they don't need a man; that they can raise their kids on their own. That has got to stop.
Black women have got to stop settling for just any old man, but raise their standards. Demand more from their men than just "baby's daddies." And demand more from their sons. As long as lazy men can keep having sex without responsibility then there is no incentive to change.
That's complex but not impossible. Our ancestors handled much more in a worse environment than we have today. History is watching us.
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By: plv2go on 1/04/2009 11:13PM
I would like to see the return of values. Young ladies should believe that is not okay to have a baby without a good husband. They should go back to planning on being in each others weddings. Marriage is still a good path to normalcy in the family and therefore, the community. I tell the young ladies I mentor the expect to have a good man. Demand it! There is still power in a womans' heart and body. It was sad to me that our young ladies do not even expect to be bridesmaids, brides, wives or homeowners, but it is OK to be a mother alone. Woman power is the answer, it worked in post slavery times and it works now. The Obamas can be the norm, not the exception. mentor woman
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By: Jacqui Anderson on 1/08/2009 8:41PM
We all know what the problems are so there is no need to continue stateing them. WE must work on solutions. Not Washington. These are OUR children. WE must let them know how valuable and precious they are to us and DO SOMETHING besides pointing fingers. ALL OF US.
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By: jcghill on 1/10/2009 12:52AM
We continue to make excuses for these brothas. We continue to coddled this brothas. We excuse them for the bad and poor behavior. Our women or mother's coddled these fool. These are men. Men are not to be coddled. As I said before, if these brothas are not willing to compete f*ck em. Its not the white man fault, its not the economy, its not republicans, its not, its not, its not, it is you. You decided to kill someone. You decided not to compete. You decided not to get an education. You decided not to get a trade. You decided to give up. You decided to quit. You decided to be a statistic, so I say F*ck you and have a nice day. We need brothas who are willing to compete, better our race, better the world. If you're not down with this, f*ck you. Period.
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By: Mike on 2/19/2009 1:03PM
In 2007, 426 black males were killed in gun crimes. When you can add 4 zeros to that total, then it will be newsworthy.
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