Worst. Idea. Ever.

Naturally (4.00 / 3)

"Going into the streets with our M-16s (rifles), in full uniform, is only going to provoke gang members to step up and show what they got," said Spc. Leonel Colon."

There's a reason why we don't do this. A riot / natural disaster / emergency where the Guard would be deployed is a different situation.

Crime is the symptom, not the disease. let's deal with poverty and lack of economic opportunity. Then maybe young people won't join gangs.

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by: jerseyandproud @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 19:03:35 PM UTC

You are correct, sir! (4.00 / 1)

By putting soldiers, and even more cops, on the streets, you make people feel like prisoners in their own neighborhoods. All that does is create more animosity and fear in communities.

Also, I agree 100% that violence and crime are symptoms of a larger problem. That problem being the lack of hope and opportunity for many young people in inner cities - whether it is economic, social or political opportunity.

Let's fund programs that help kids get off the streets and creates a true sense of community. Unfortunately, that would take hard work and commitment. Instead, like many NJ Politicians, it seems like Manzo wants to go for the quick fix.

Now my friends, I am opposed to the system of society in which we live today, not because I lack the natural equipment to do for myself but because I am not satisfied to make myself comfortable knowing that there are thousands of my fellow men who suffer

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by: evdebs @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 20:54:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Depends on the cops (4.00 / 1)

Foot patrols are so much more useful.  In Tenafly we get a lot of complaints from residents around tax time that we have too many police officers. But we have very little crime - thanks to having enough officers and a Police Chief who understands kids.  I'd rather have enough officers that they can take part in community events and dealing with the schools but are there when we need them for emergencies.  You never know when you need them and they can often come to the aid of surrounding towns.  It does cost a lot to have a good force - but the alternative is actually unthinkable. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

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by: carolh @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 21:10:40 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

It Doesn't Strike at the Root (0.00 / 0)

Henry David Thoreau said "There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root."

By throwing more cops at the gang issue, you are "hacking at the branches". If you want to fix things it takes time, and then when time has passed, it takes more time. Cops deal with the symptoms - crimes, drugs, violence. They don't get to the root.

By not addressing ALL the needs of the community - political, social and economic - we are destined to repeat history. Cops may help for a short while, but once they leave it goes back to the way it was. Let's address the core issues at the root that the causes, and eventually the symptoms will disappear.

Also, no offense, but comparing Jersey City (where I lived as a kid) to Tenafly is like comparing apples to tennis balls.

Now my friends, I am opposed to the system of society in which we live today, not because I lack the natural equipment to do for myself but because I am not satisfied to make myself comfortable knowing that there are thousands of my fellow men who suffer

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by: evdebs @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 21:31:06 PM UTC

[ Parent ]

Tenafly is adjacent to Englewood (0.00 / 0)

and Bergenfield where we do have crime problems.  Tenafly isn't Mayberry but I understand your point.  My cousin grew up in Jersey City.  A short guy, he learned Judo just to survive.  Believe me - he used to practice on his sweet unsuspecting cousin Carol. 
Cops shouldn't just come in like Delta Force and then leave.  They need to grow roots in the community.  They should be OF the community.  I guess I should declare my bias - my boyfriend is the son of a cop from town - he was the juvenile officer.  And I grew up knowing the police chief in my town because he was involved in youth sports.  So I have a more benevolent view of cops than others. That said, I also have lived in Paterson.  What we have to fight the most is fear.  Fear of the police, fear of retribution by the thugs, fear of testifying, fear of never getting out of the violence.  Kids in dangerous gang situations are afraid there is no way to escape.  They need some kind of safe haven. 

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

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by: carolh @ Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 00:25:12 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

I see (0.00 / 0)

I see where you're coming from. Its just that by throwing more cops without any other program, it creates a situation where the cops fear for their lives and may act in a manner that creates animosity towards them from people within the community.

My personal belief is that if there are to be cops on the street, they must be from the neighborhoods they are patrolling. Then they would be compelled to act appropriately and in the best interest of the community since it is their friends and neighbors they are working with. I know its not always possible, but it should be a goal.

And I completely agree with this statement: "What we have to fight the most is fear."

Now my friends, I am opposed to the system of society in which we live today, not because I lack the natural equipment to do for myself but because I am not satisfied to make myself comfortable knowing that there are thousands of my fellow men who suffer

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by: evdebs @ Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 04:33:17 AM UTC

[ Parent ]

Not the Worst Ever (4.00 / 1)

Electing Lou Manzo ... THAT was the. Worst. Idea. Ever ...

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by: denniscmcgrath @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 19:10:32 PM UTC

Why stop with Jersey City? (0.00 / 0)

If we declared martial law and instituted summary executions, we could practically eliminate crime. Sure, we might take out a "few" civil liberties along with it, but that's the price you pay for safety.

After all, as George Bush says, "If this were a dictatorship, it'd be a heck of a lot easier, just so long as I'm the dictator."

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by: dennisl @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 20:02:07 PM UTC

Yikes. (0.00 / 0)

More foot patrol officers on the streets costs much less than military might and is probably much more effective.  If we had a gentler touch in Iraq after the fall of Bagdad, worrying about simple street crime and looting as well as protecting life and property instead of killing everything in sight, our soldiers might have been home by now. 
Actually one idea put forward by Assemblyman Gordon Johnson is to treat gangs the same way we treat organized crime - by good police work - but also providing these kids with a sort of witness protection program.  It is fear that keeps folks from coming forward in our justice system.  I applaud the courage of the victim in the Newark shootings.  Many would not have been brave enough to help put the guilty behind bars.  I have been on a jury case where the shooting victim in the projects wouldn't testify against her attacker - out of fear.  The housing cop suddenly got amnesia too. The shooter went free because nobody would place him at the scene.  We have to end the fear and free these neighborhoods - not lock them up.  I felt pretty violated having to see armed guards everwhere after 9/11.  Is that what Manzo wants?

One Vote.  Yours.  It really does matter.

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by: carolh @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 20:36:20 PM UTC

very bad idea indeed (0.00 / 0)

Is the National Guard even trained for this type of duty?

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by: grrl29 @ Tue Aug 28, 2007 at 23:04:27 PM UTC

Martial law (0.00 / 0)

is always the reactionary's ideal. But a visible police presence does make streets safer. It doesn't have to be oppressive. & the police have to know the neighborhoods, & the neighbors. That is a problem in cities where too many cops commute from far out of town.

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by: Wesleylake @ Wed Aug 29, 2007 at 00:00:47 AM UTC