We are Chicago

Unfortunately, to the rest of America Chicago is synonymous with murder and crime. Now Chicagoans know that this usually takes place in the warmer months. The crime rate spikes in the summer months. There were 19 incidents of gunfire this past weekend 4/10-11. Two children were hit by random gunfire on 51st and Calumet. They were caught in gunfire. Although we have lost our title of "America's murder capital" we aren't running too far behind. I know I'm not the President of the United States or some big politician but I'm personally asking that for THIS season let's make a change. Let's protect the innocent and report what you know. You may be a snitch or whatever term you want to use but you make take a criminal off the street and give peace to a mother with a dead child. Think of your own family and what it's worth to you. Don't be proud of our former title. It's not something to be proud of. Let's make better decisions this summer. No random gunfire. No shooting across the street at our enemies. As I type this request it seems a little absurd but just last week there was a girl shot at a softball game by random gunfire. A sign of the times, things haven't changed and they won't unless we do something different. I understand Chicago is a very different city. I know the West side and some South side neighborhoods are plagued with crime, drugs, and gangs. My hope is that each year we can decrease the number of senseless murders. You can start a block club for your block. Ensuring that none of that will happen on your block. Enough of these and we can make a difference. Go to www.chicagopolice.org to see how to start a block. There you can also read current murder statistics for all crimes in Chicago. Although crime is decreasing, we need to work more until our streets are safe for the children to play. We need to all do our part instead of putting it off on local government or someone else. Own our city. We are Chicago.