Shootings Increase In Philadelphia

An article in the Sunday 18 February edition of the Philadelphia Inquirer reports that shootings have increased 31% since 2001.

Some interesting statistics are in this article. In 2006 there were 2,004 shooting victims, 406 homicides. In 2001 there were 1,528 shootings. The most of the amazing stat was the fact that 75% (1,509) of the victims were black males. 1,130 of these victims were under the age of 25.

The question that I have, is why isn't the black community outraged at this. Especially at the alarming rate of victims under 25. Most of these shootings occur in poor mostly black neighborhoods. The mayor and police commissioner are both black, and the mayor's (who is a lame duck) term ends at the end of the this year, seems to be turning a blind eye to it. I hope the mayoral candidates seriously discuss this issue in the upcoming election, and whomever is elected must make it a priority to lessen the violence. I am sure there is a lot of blame to be passed around, and the blame needs to start at the top, beginning with the mayor. If crime was decreasing, the mayor would take credit, the reverse needs to be true as well. This isn't a race issue, its a crime issue, and the thugs are winning, and the citizens are suffering.

Here is a map of shootings in the city, you can break down the map by certain demographics. For those of you unfamiliar with Philadelphia, the West and Center portions of the city are predominately black, the northeast mostly white.

Philadelphia is a great city (I have lived in this area my whole life, and I work in the city), it was the birthplace of this country, and the constitution. I am sure the framers of the constitution would be ashamed to see what has become of this city.

Something needs to be done soon. The city is losing a generation of young people to senseless violence...and I don't think you can blame this on George Bush.

--gfo