DISQUS

Len Edgerly · 2 years ago

I may have heard about this before, but your post made it real, and very troubling. Thanks for taking the time to highlight the tragedy and ask the right qustions.

Justin Kownacki · 2 years ago

One way to keep kids safe: give everyone something proactive to do with their lives, rather than waiting for all the "bad apples" to end up in jail.

Personal responsibility is out the door in this country, replaced by semantics and empty promises. Where are the social leaders who can see the big picture and address change as more than just a re-election buzzword?

susanreynolds · 2 years ago

It's distressing to think about the families, neighborhoods, culture, and individuals who make choices. So sad - and no easy answers. People behave in part based on what's around them but also what's inside. And you're right Annie - that mayor just can't promise that he's not going to let this happen again - no matter how good his intentions.

Annie Boccio · 2 years ago

It's bizarre to me that cities like Newark are just let to rot. Doing things like building performing arts centers and arenas aren't going to make a difference to the kids who live there.

Justin, in today's paper it mentions that attendance at a summer program for kids near the shooting site was way down. Giving kids something to do is great- but if the kids are afraid to go, something more has to be done.

True Jersey Girl · 2 years ago

They are pouring so much money into "revitalizing" Newark - the Bears stadium, NJPAC, the new Devils arena - in order to bring people to the city, but yet they havent spent the money needed to make it safe for the people already there. Its a sin, and its scary.

princesscathy · 2 years ago

Not only are there random violent acts, but our kids aren't even safe on a school bus crossing a bridge! We send millions of dollars in aid to other countries and can't even keep our own infrastructure operational. The government feeds the hungry children in Africa when there are starving children right here on our own streets. We can't even give our kids toys without worrying about lead or processed food without worrying about poisons. I'm all for helping the world, but only after we have our own children protected. Let private charities help the world if they must but the government should take care of it's own.

Bluegrass Mama · 2 years ago

I had already read about these murders. The story caught my eye because I worked in Newark in the early 80s. I had thought they were making some progress there, but apparently it's only on the surface. It's a shame the crime rate didn't get press till these "good kids" got shot.

Dossy Shiobara · 2 years ago

Thank goodness there aren't any terrorists in Newark. Don't we all feel so much safer now, after 9/11?