6 MYTHS - Keeping cities locked into crime!

Chicago had 10 people killed and 40 wounded in 4 days. This can change if we get beyond the myths!

For decades, politicians and community leaders have perpetuated myths as the cycle of drug abuse, gangs and violence continues from one generation to the next. Myths include:

Myth #1 - Police can keep us safe.
Police have a limited role. Additional police on the streets can increase response time, but their job is to react to crime. The national average is 2.4 police for every 1000 citizens. It is not realistic to assume the police can keep us safe.

Myth #2 – More money will stop crime.
In the past 40 years, billions have been spent on education, home security, and guards, swat teams, training, scanning equipment, shot spotter and surveillance cameras. Money doesn’t stop domestic violence or youth from being abused at home or bullied at school. It does not put a responsible father back in the home or increase time spent with children.

Myth #3 – Hitting and verbal abuse will not harm children.
An abused child struggles to be accepted. They can rebel, learn to be bullies or become victims. These children don’t trust their instincts and intuition or develop a healthy conscience, which can protect them. When children have love and a network of support, they grow strong and resilient.

Myth #4 - Laws control criminal behavior.
Politicians pass laws to keep the public safe. Laws have limitations. Most citizens obey laws. Criminals, gangs, pimps and drug dealers ignore laws.

Myth #5 - Racism keeps the community oppressed.
The blame game divides and distracts from real solutions. Blaming police or society perpetuates anger. Anger gives disconnected youth an excuse to be violent which is a self-destructive false sense of power.

Myth #6 - Poverty keeps people from progressing.
Politicians gain power by creating an illusion of compassion. For decades, billions of dollars has been spent on programs including the “War on Poverty” and “War on Drugs.” In our zeal to help, we destroyed self-confidence, self-determination and motivation.

Myths have some truth but they don’t change behavior. Connected citizens have the power to create positive change and restore community safety and confidence.

America at a crossroads
Will security in the U.S. require more laws and less freedom or will we focus on supporting neighborhoods and strengthen families?

The largest group of crime victims, children. They are “canaries in the mine.”

For more information, www.safekidsnow.com