Random violence. Children afraid to walk outside. Parents afraid to let their teenagers out the door. People rushing to get home before dark. Politicians calling for action, but it’s so late in that game.
Twenty minutes away from my quiet suburban existence. In Newark NJ.
Killed in the attack were Terrance Aeriel, 18, Dashon Harvey, 20 and Iofemi Hightower, 20. Aeriel’s 19-year-old sister was wounded and is expected to recover. All four were shot in the head and found behind Mount Vernon School in Newark’s Ivy Hill section.
McCarthy said the victims - all current or entering students at Delaware State University - did not know their attackers, a group of at least five men.
Kids are being murdered every week. This time it grabbed more attention because these were “good kids.” So the governor said his piece:
“I have to say it is beyond comprehension,” [Gov. Jon] Corzine said in a statement. “It is more than statistics and more than a story. It is about a failure of us to be inclusive and holistically look to bring everyone into our society. I’d ask all New Jerseyans to pray for the families of those involved in the violence and help us look for ways to make a difference, and push to make a difference in other peoples’ lives.“
Lead us, oh great Corzine. Seriously. I don’t know what, if anything, those of us outside of Newark can do other than stuff like this- make it known, say our piece as well.
The mayor comforted “the children”:
During [Newark Mayor Corey] Booker’s visit, the children, who are in grades 1 through 8, peppered him with questions about their safety. They asked why they don’t see more police in the neighborhood, why the gangs have been able to take over the city and why such bad things happen to people who just want to live in peace.“I want you to know,” Booker told the children, “we’re not going to let that happen again.”
Parenting 101 tells us don’t make promises you aren’t sure you can keep, Mayor. Don’t let those kids down.
[Police Director Garry] McCarthy played down speculation the murders were related to street gang activity. The schoolyard is full of gang graffiti, which detectives are analyzing, but other than that, there aren’t any connections to gangs, he said.
Twenty minutes from my safe little home.
We can’t keep an American city safe. Just think about that.
(edit- more bloggers’ takes on the topic are gathered here.)
8 Comments
I may have heard about this before, but your post made it real, and very troubling. Thanks for taking the time to highlight the tragedy and ask the right qustions.
[Reply]
One way to keep kids safe: give everyone something proactive to do with their lives, rather than waiting for all the “bad apples” to end up in jail.
Personal responsibility is out the door in this country, replaced by semantics and empty promises. Where are the social leaders who can see the big picture and address change as more than just a re-election buzzword?
[Reply]
It’s distressing to think about the families, neighborhoods, culture, and individuals who make choices. So sad - and no easy answers. People behave in part based on what’s around them but also what’s inside. And you’re right Annie - that mayor just can’t promise that he’s not going to let this happen again - no matter how good his intentions.
[Reply]
It’s bizarre to me that cities like Newark are just let to rot. Doing things like building performing arts centers and arenas aren’t going to make a difference to the kids who live there.
Justin, in today’s paper it mentions that attendance at a summer program for kids near the shooting site was way down. Giving kids something to do is great- but if the kids are afraid to go, something more has to be done.
[Reply]
They are pouring so much money into “revitalizing” Newark - the Bears stadium, NJPAC, the new Devils arena - in order to bring people to the city, but yet they havent spent the money needed to make it safe for the people already there. Its a sin, and its scary.
[Reply]
Not only are there random violent acts, but our kids aren’t even safe on a school bus crossing a bridge! We send millions of dollars in aid to other countries and can’t even keep our own infrastructure operational. The government feeds the hungry children in Africa when there are starving children right here on our own streets. We can’t even give our kids toys without worrying about lead or processed food without worrying about poisons. I’m all for helping the world, but only after we have our own children protected. Let private charities help the world if they must but the government should take care of it’s own.
[Reply]
I had already read about these murders. The story caught my eye because I worked in Newark in the early 80s. I had thought they were making some progress there, but apparently it’s only on the surface. It’s a shame the crime rate didn’t get press till these “good kids” got shot.
[Reply]
Thank goodness there aren’t any terrorists in Newark. Don’t we all feel so much safer now, after 9/11?
[Reply]