The FBI’s released a report entitled 2011 National Gang Threat Assessment – Emerging Trends. I’m not quite sure about the “emerging” part. That assumes that readers didn’t know that gangs are a major problem that’s getting majorer. Click here for the inside dope on the dope-fueled criminal conspiracy. Our man Eric drilled down to the key passage . . .
Gangs are responsible for an average of 48 percent of violent crime in most jurisdictions and up to 90 percent in several others, according to NGIC analysis. Major cities and suburban areas experience the most gang-related violence. Local neighborhood-based gangs and drug crews continue to pose the most significant criminal threat in most communities. Aggressive recruitment of juveniles and immigrants, alliances and conflict between gangs, the release of incarcerated gang members from prison, advancements in technology and communication, and Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization (MDTO) involvement in drug distribution have resulted in gang expansion and violence in a number of jurisdictions.
Where the “gun violence” lives. Where the idea that you can control crime by cracking down on the supply of illegal guns gets all the respect it deserves (i.e. none)—at least from the people who know the problem from the inside.
You want to tackle firearms-related crime? Lock-up the gang bangers and legalize drugs. It wouldn’t solve the problem. Nothing can. But it would be a hell of a lot more effective than gun control laws. And a lot safer for American democracy, to boot.