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Chicago crime

A community group in Chicago is asking gang members to refrain from shootings during the daytime. The group called the Native Sons, is from the Rogers Park neighborhood, where a gang war between the Gangster Disciples and Black P Stones is believed to have been reignited. After three men were shot in the uptown area, Chicago Police gave a “strong possibility of retaliatory shootings” warning this past July 2023.

The group’s proposal, dubbed “The People’s Ordinance,” calls for gang members to stop firing guns or committing any shootings between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The group also asks gang members to stop associating with and glorifying shooters, stop glorifying switches, and stop wearing ski masks everywhere.

“We have to start somewhere,” said Tatiana Atkins, co-founder of Native Sons. “Our goal is to approach our city’s gun violence problem strategically and not all at once. Things didn’t become this way overnight, and change won’t happen overnight.”

Atkins said that the group is not waiting for legislation to be drafted to enforce their recommendations. Instead, they hope to start a social movement to discourage gang violence.

Atkins admitted that she doesn’t believe people will stop shooting each other altogether. However, she hopes limiting gang activity to the prescribed hours will prevent collateral damage and innocent children from being shot.

“Not everyone is willing to drop their beef,” she said. “If you aren’t mentally and emotionally equipped to solve disputes in a healthy manner, if you can’t help but harm each other – do so in a capacity in which children, elderly, and those not involved in high-risk activities are less likely to be affected.”

The Native Sons’ proposal has been met with mixed reactions. Some delusional people have praised the group for addressing gun violence, while others have criticized them for asking gang members to do something they have no intention of doing. Criminals will be criminals.

Only time will tell whether the proposal will have any meaningful impact on gun violence in Chicago. I highly doubt it, but the Native Sons say they are willing to try anything to make the city safer. Maybe they can borrow some air horns from Oakland?

Chicago Violence and Crime in 2023

Chicago has been struggling with gun violence for many years. The violence is concentrated in specific neighborhoods, particularly on the South and West sides of the city. These neighborhoods are often impoverished and have high rates of unemployment and poverty. Many residents of these neighborhoods feel that the city and the police have abandoned them.

Several factors contribute to the violence in Chicago.  Chicago has some of the strictest gun control laws in the country, but these laws are easily circumvented by criminals who do not follow laws. This leaves law-abiding citizens who wish to be gun owners to protect themselves out in the cold.

Another factor is the lack of economic opportunities in many neighborhoods. When people feel they have no hope for the future, they are likelier to turn to violence.

The city has taken some steps to address the violence, but these efforts have not been enough. The police department has increased its presence in some neighborhoods, but this has yet to impact the number of shootings significantly. The city has also invested in programs to improve economic opportunities in some areas, but these programs have not been in place long enough to see if they will be effective.

The violence in Chicago is a complex problem with no easy solutions. However, it is clear that the city needs to do more to address this issue. The police department needs to be more effective in preventing shootings, and the city needs to invest in programs to improve economic opportunities in some neighborhoods.

In addition to the gun violence, Chicago is also experiencing a rise in other types of crime, such as carjackings and robberies. This is likely due to the same factors contributing to the gun violence in the first place.

The violence and crime in Chicago is a serious problem affecting the city’s residents. The city needs to take urgent action to address this issue.

Gun Control Does Not Work, Period.

Gun control is a topic that has been widely debated for decades. While some misguided individuals believe that stricter gun control laws would decrease gun violence, more rational people argue that disarming law-abiding citizens would only leave them helpless against criminals who don’t follow the law. It is important to consider the fact that criminals, by definition, do not follow laws, including those related to obtaining and using firearms. Case in point: Chicago and many other areas with strict gun control laws, like New York and California, have some of the highest levels of crime and violence.  Stricter gun control laws only disarm law-abiding citizens and leave them vulnerable to violent crimes.

In addition, there is a legitimate concern about the potential for government abuse of power if stricter gun control laws were to be implemented. Ideally, a solution to the issue of gun violence would involve addressing the root causes of violent behavior.

Other Options?

Having restrictions that limit the ownership and possession of firearms can present a challenge to ensuring your safety and protecting yourself. However, it is essential to understand that there are alternative measures to help you feel more secure and prepared in such cases. One of the most reliable options is to have non-lethal self-defense items such as pepper spray or stun guns at your disposal. Of course, except the possession and sale of Stunning Devices are banned in Chicago. 

These items are often easy to carry and possess, even when firearms are prohibited. Though less powerful than firearms, they are still highly effective in deterring attackers and giving you the chance to request help. In any case, being equipped with a less-than-lethal defense option is always better than being entirely unprotected if a dangerous situation arises.

Remember, safety and survival require adaptability and preparedness. And if the city’s solution is to ask criminals nicely to stop shooting during a daylight “ceasefire,” remember you are your own first responder and better arm yourself! 

As always, be safe and be prepared.

 

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