Don't point fingers at the little boy or girl who looks like a gang member, with baggy pants and red or blue bandanna. March up to the child's parents and tell them to shape up and save him or her.

It's parents who allow our youngsters to become gangsters. It's parents who have the responsibility to guide their children in all walks of life, and one of the most important is decent citizenship. Knowing right from wrong.

Presently, nearby Anthony, N.M., is in the midst of a gang violence outbreak and the good citizens of that small community want to know how to stop it.

More law enforcement officers in the area? OK.

In fact, Dona Ana County sheriffs officials told citizens of plans for a helicopter, federal agents and a large graffiti cleanup.

Perhaps using legal tactics, such as barring known gang members from designated areas, will work in Anthony as it worked in El Paso's Segundo Barrio under the efforts of County Attorney Jose Rodriguez. The program was so successful other large cities copied it.

As Rodriguez told USA Today in 2005: "These residents for years have been terrorized. Nobody in this town should live in fear."

But the real focal point should be as gang investigator Jon Day said clearly and succinctly: "Do not allow gang dress. If you allow it, you will allow a gang member to grow up in your house ... You need to supervise your children. Your children are not your friend. They are your children."

Gangs are into criminal activities, much of it drug-related. A lot of it is violent. Without a strong love and resolve of a parent, the lure of money from drug running, and pressure from gang members, may be too much for a child.

That young person, with those baggy pants, that No. 13 on the shirt -- and perhaps even showing a tattoo -- is a scared little child who is being swept up by others who have grown up and have gone bad. Parents, save your children.

El Paso Times www.elpasotimes.com
 

Operation No Gangs	Prevention Education Jail Diversion Advocacy
(505) 346-0679	Anthony, NM El Paso, Texas Cd. Juarez, Chih

 

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