Politicians ruling nations have been fighting each other since time began. During every war, Americans worked together, decided on a plan of action, and got involved to help the peace effort. Americans and our allies stopped dictators from ruling the world. Wars are created by evil leaders seeking power and control over people and territories.
In America, the root cause of evil exists today! All future leaders grow up in families. Abuse, neglect, and social isolation within families and neighborhoods can breed evil behavior. Some teens become mass shooters. Other young men, aged 12 to 24, who feel powerless, gain power by joining criminal street gangs to control neighborhoods. When youth lack discipline and loving care at home, fear, anxiety, and mental health problems increase. (The U.S. has around 850,000 gang members. (US Uniform Crime Report)
We must focus on strengthening families and neighborhoods! Today, we need a comprehensive strategy to empower “we the people” to stop young men from killing each other and help citizens create safe streets in our cities.
Victims of domestic violence and child abuse pass on violent behavior to their children, who may suffer from mental and emotional problems. Healthy relationships can stop abuse and neglect to prevent young people from becoming violent, taking drugs, joining gangs, looting stores, committing suicide, or killing innocent people. With support, most neighbors will identify gang leaders, drug dealers, and abuse as they help build trust and respect between neighbors. Children pay the highest price for absent fathers, abusive adults, and social isolation. All children need community support. (Taxpayers spend $220 million a DAY on child abuse/neglect) Consider the additional cost of drug abuse, gangs, suicide, homelessness, and violence on our streets.
Community leaders in nonprofit groups can train and hire “Neighborhood Safety Experts” who look like and speak the language of the community to go into neighborhoods and bring people together to build trust, support, and offer youth activities. Churches need to reach out and support “Love thy neighbor” because peace is an inner journey as youth learn to stay spiritually centered on handling bullies and preventing youth from becoming victims. We can teach youth to mature from childish violent behavior to become calm adults who can listen without anger and use inner wisdom to solve problems. Mature parents teach children the 3C’s, Courage, Character, and a self-protective Conscience which empowers youth to manage the hard knocks and succeed in life.
Politicians often divide people by race, creating anger and keeping the money flowing into corrupt pockets. However, involved citizens working together report abuses by police and other officials. That is why corrupt politicians and police do not want citizens involved.
Good News: Responsible Americans are stepping up and working on action plans! Community peacemakers are creating community change. In Detroit, Michigan, 13 cities declared “2022: The year of Peace and Healing.” Churches in California are bringing neighbors together. Thousands of organizations across the county are working with youth to stop the violence. In Mobile, Alabama, citizens are helping families improve their mental health. Texas, Nevada, and other states work together to prevent child sex trafficking. Parents are speaking up at a school board meeting. Religious groups are reaching out to strengthen families, start support groups, and offer neighborhood support.
Ask your city leaders for their plan to create neighborhood peace. Asking questions will be an opportunity to learn the motivation of local politicians.
Many citizens understand that “we the people” create community change; together, we are powerful! It takes citizen involvement to create safe, healthy neighborhoods for children. Every city must develop a plan and strategies to strengthen family and neighborhood support to restore peace on the home front! Empowering “we the people” will be the saviors of America as we work together on strategies to save ourselves.
