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West-siders focus on stopping gangs
34 comments | Read story
Anony | 1:28 a.m. July 18, 2008
Alright! Finally! I think we all need to do what we can to rid ourselves of
these terrible, violent gangsters. Utah is definitely NOT the place for them.
In the DNA | 6:26 a.m. July 18, 2008
Asking thugs to not join a gang is like asking a shark not to bite. Thugs stick
with their own group, and we call it a gang. You won't change thugs until
you change the attitude of their families who rear them... or ignore them.
Westside Resident | 6:33 a.m. July 18, 2008
The part I am not getting, is that Tony Yapias is saying that the city
recognized Community Councils don't reflect diversity. Tony needs to get
out more. I was at the Glendale community council last Weds night. It was about
as ethnicly diverse as you can get. This article points out that Michael Clara
is in the Poplar Grove Community Council. I happen to know that Archie Archuleta
is in the Glendale Community Council. It sounds like Tony just wants to start
another group based on skin color. What's next, the White supremacy
community council?
Comments continue below
Anonymous | 6:45 a.m. July 18, 2008
Hey Glendale, why don't you start by asking your government officials to
get rid of all of the illegals in your neighborhood. Stop being so naive! If
you can't admit that illegals are a big problem in Glendale then I
can't feel sorry for you and your rapidly failing neighborhood.
A new position | 7:11 a.m. July 18, 2008
So, if I read this correctly, La Raza is now willing to abandon it's
position that they support amnesty for illegals. Good for them.
The allure of legalization has attracted over 60% of illegals to the United States according to a Border Patrol survey in January 2004.
La Raza wants to remove the magnet? Change your position on legalization.
La Raza is relieved to see illegals arrested? Encourage your members to turn them in.
Methinks La Raza is disingenuous in their comments at the meeting.
The allure of legalization has attracted over 60% of illegals to the United States according to a Border Patrol survey in January 2004.
La Raza wants to remove the magnet? Change your position on legalization.
La Raza is relieved to see illegals arrested? Encourage your members to turn them in.
Methinks La Raza is disingenuous in their comments at the meeting.
Sarkis Karapetyan | 7:11 a.m. July 18, 2008
I know a good way to stop gangs, deport THEM and their immediate family members,
whether they are here legally or illegally. You lack the parenting skills to
adequately raise a child, then you will give up the opportunity that was given
to you to come here for a better life. There are plenty of people who would die
to come here and live a better life, and if you're coming here and creating
gangs, thugs, committing violent crimes, killing, trafficking drugs and humans,
get out!
TemplarReborn | 8:07 a.m. July 18, 2008
When society glorifies and promotes violence, drug use, instant gratification,
and downplays the importance of two parent families, parental discipline, the
hazards of sexual promiscuity, showing respect for the rights of others, morals
etc. etc. - gang life looks pretty appealing... quick money from illegal
activities, protection from competitors instead of legal reaction that often
takes months or years, an exciting lifestyle etc.etc. and no obvious punishment
for crimes committed in the name of the gang. You can even get revenge for
transgressions or percieved wrongs just by getting rid of your rivals. There
isn't any crime in mafia run neighborhoods... Where's my Smith and
Wesson?
Dumb idea Sarkis! | 8:16 a.m. July 18, 2008
Sarkis, I understand and sense your frustration; but, if you're going to
deport parents or family members who are here "legally", who in your
judgement, must be bad examples, you'd better get a lot of buses! In
fairness, your policy would have to apply to all of us, regardless of race.
And, to say the least, that would be a legal and administrative nightmare.
CITIZEN | 8:16 a.m. July 18, 2008
There is one solution too gang violence period;"HANG EM HIGH"
Iam anileegal | 8:26 a.m. July 18, 2008
Two words describes this problem:
Illegal Immigrants
And two more words describe why nobody will do anything about it:
Political Correctness
It is literally killing our country....
Illegal Immigrants
And two more words describe why nobody will do anything about it:
Political Correctness
It is literally killing our country....
SLC gal | 8:42 a.m. July 18, 2008
Nice try all you east siders that think deportation is the answer. Unfortunately
many of the gangbangers i had the misfortune of encountering throughout my
experinence in the SLC school district where born and bred right here in the
states - I belive the term is "anchor babies".
While deportation would help the situation, first of all it is not the entire problem. Secondly, on one of the recent incidents the perpertrator WAS DEPORTED and CAME BACK.
While deportation would help the situation, first of all it is not the entire problem. Secondly, on one of the recent incidents the perpertrator WAS DEPORTED and CAME BACK.
FAMILY MATTERS | 8:51 a.m. July 18, 2008
Please, remember not illegal are gang members. Gangs are not just latinos,
gangs come in all colors. I think that parents needs to be more involve in
thier childrens life. I know that alot of parents have to work more than one
job to live. I know because I'm one who work more than one job when my
children was going up. We as parents need show are kids that we love them by
spending more quality time with them so, that they don't go looking for it
else where. We need to be PARENTS TO OUR KIDS NOT OUR JOBS.
Agent Scarn | 9:19 a.m. July 18, 2008
I would like to see the statistics on different ethnicities and their relation
to gangs. Even without seeing them I think the results are pretty obvious. As
one of the previous posters commented political correctness is killing us. I
100% agree. Call a duck a duck. Illegals bring cheap labor, but they also fill
our prisons, commit a majority of the violent crimes in our state and are the
primary participant in gangs.
My solution:
1) Continue to deport illegals, BUT permenantly mark them on the top side of their hand. Mark them in a way that they will never be able to remove it without it being obvious. If this means tatoo then fine. That way when they go back and change their names they are still marked.
2) I think we need to vote better candidates into office. If you are on government help you should lose your right to vote. Once you are off, you get your rights back. I seriously believe we have a conflict of interest with our current system. Mediocre people continue to vote for mediocracy. Welfare should be there to help, not to support.
My solution:
1) Continue to deport illegals, BUT permenantly mark them on the top side of their hand. Mark them in a way that they will never be able to remove it without it being obvious. If this means tatoo then fine. That way when they go back and change their names they are still marked.
2) I think we need to vote better candidates into office. If you are on government help you should lose your right to vote. Once you are off, you get your rights back. I seriously believe we have a conflict of interest with our current system. Mediocre people continue to vote for mediocracy. Welfare should be there to help, not to support.
To Family Matters | 9:27 a.m. July 18, 2008
Right on, Family Matters! But if they don't have the ability or desire to
be good parents, then the government becomes the nanny. Government programs are
a lot of things...expensive, inefficient, ineffective, non-judgmental (and
parenting doesn't work that way!), and politically correct to a fault.
Sisyphus was better off!
Sisyphus was better off!
latino | 9:45 a.m. July 18, 2008
First, I want to said that Family Matters said it just right, We need to be
parents to our kids not our jobs. And there is this misconception where we as
latinos coming from poor countries and arriving here, we want to live like the
people in the Brady Bunch and have a house and two cars,T.V,and every thing but
then financial hard times come and Mom and Dad have two or three jobs and never
seen their kids at all. And even worse with today economy hanging by a tail,
our times at work became longer.
But we need to work with our kids. In another hand immigration is a hot topic but this is a country of law and laws are to be obey or paid the prize.
But Education and understanding is a priority in how we combat this gangs not hate and persecution or single out people.Gangs are all colors please lets be civil and lets keep support grups that support good values and morals for the sake of the neighbourhoods.
But we need to work with our kids. In another hand immigration is a hot topic but this is a country of law and laws are to be obey or paid the prize.
But Education and understanding is a priority in how we combat this gangs not hate and persecution or single out people.Gangs are all colors please lets be civil and lets keep support grups that support good values and morals for the sake of the neighbourhoods.
You're Right On! | 9:53 a.m. July 18, 2008
TemplarReborn, no one could have defined our situation better, Thanks!
For our children | 10:00 a.m. July 18, 2008
I live on the east/west side border. We have the same problem. We recently had
a drive-by shooting just blocks away from my house, and next door (less than 20
feet) away from an elementary school. Luckily school was not in session, but a
young mother was shot in the leg. Drug deals are also a big problem. Our
neighborhood program is in the process of trying to stop the problems, but more
help is needed from the Mayor, and police. Both issues are gang related crimes.
I don't care if the gang members are legal or illegal, I just want the
responsibly parties to be punished and/or deported if need be. I want my
neighborhood to be safe our children lving in the area, and those who attend our
schools.
Anonymous | 10:42 a.m. July 18, 2008
Not all gang members are undocumented aliens and not all undocumented aliens are
gang members. Kids from all ethnicities join gangs, including white kids and
even U. S. citizens. Its not always based on bad parenting, either. Its
dangerous to generalize based on color or nationality. Its dangerous to try to
simplify such a complicated social issue. Some kids join gangs because they
feel marginalized by mainstream society, and the kinds of attitudes I'm
reading here are what creates that environment. I think its a good idea for
community councils to come together and find innovative solutions to the
problem. We need to find ways to come together to solve these problems, instead
of finger pointing and name calling. It has to be a joint effort between
individuals, families, communities, and government. We need to find ways to
provide options and opportunities to young men and women of all national and
economic backgrounds.
To some of the more racist posts here: Demonizing and dehumanizing "illegals" or any other human being is not going to solve the problem. (branding?! are you kidding me?!) It only makes them worse.
To some of the more racist posts here: Demonizing and dehumanizing "illegals" or any other human being is not going to solve the problem. (branding?! are you kidding me?!) It only makes them worse.
Family Matters | 10:49 a.m. July 18, 2008
I have nephews and nieces that where gang members and I ask them what attracted
them to being gang members this is what they said.
1. They got attention they didn't get at home.
2. Respect. (What they thought was respect).
3. They got a family.
I got the same answer from other ethic gang members also. This is what attract kids to being in gangs and not just latino gangs but GANGS.
1. They got attention they didn't get at home.
2. Respect. (What they thought was respect).
3. They got a family.
I got the same answer from other ethic gang members also. This is what attract kids to being in gangs and not just latino gangs but GANGS.
GetEducated | 11:05 a.m. July 18, 2008
It is simple, gang affiliation needs to be treated like mafia affiliation back
when the mafia was brought down. Identify gangs for what they are, terrorists
and apply the same enforcement. While it is not the same as illegal immigration
any illegal activity needs to be discouraged. Overlooking "little"
things like illegal immigration only serves as a springboard into more volatile
things like gangs. This comes from some one who was involved in gangs in inner
city Baltimore and is part of the Hispanic community. Role models need to be in
place, but illegal activity also needs to be clearly outlined with its
corresponding pros and cons.
re: Anonymous | 10:42 a.m. | 12:38 p.m. July 18, 2008
Thanks for pointing out what should be obvious! Yes deport illegals that break
our laws or in gangs but that won't eliminate the gangs. People need to
feel they belong and gangs can do that for them. "Bad parenting"?
Right, so all our kids that choose not to attend church (LDS or other) make us
bad parents. True, a lot are multi-generation gang members but not all. One
problem I see is that too many groups like La Raza, reach out to have kids know
who they are (ethnicity-wise) but instead should work on building their self
image as a person of worth and here, as an American without a hyphen. Stop
putting us all in an ethnic group and have us work together.
Dan | 12:38 p.m. July 18, 2008
Wait -- nobody thinks that randomly deporting illegal immigrants will further
harden gang criminals? Can't we reach out to others as a society and try to
make their lives more manageable? Isn't there a better preventative measure
than just kicking people out of the country?
You anti-immigration extremists are the ones ruining this country. Immigration does not cause gangs. Alienation causes gangs, and you're extreme stance can only divide and alienate. Shame on you.
You anti-immigration extremists are the ones ruining this country. Immigration does not cause gangs. Alienation causes gangs, and you're extreme stance can only divide and alienate. Shame on you.
violence | 12:39 p.m. July 18, 2008
gangs are about violence...and this violence should NOT be happening in our
neighborhoods by "thugs" who shouldn't be in OUR country. The
truth is, if these guys were illegal then this NEVER should have happened
because these guys should never have been here to begin with!!!
It will be very difficult to separate gang violence by illegals with the fact that immigration should have stopped them from being here in the first place.
It will be very difficult to separate gang violence by illegals with the fact that immigration should have stopped them from being here in the first place.
To Anonymous | 1:18 p.m. July 18, 2008
La Raza do reach out to kids, they have a youth leadership program and have a
youth conference every year to show kids how to build thier self image. If you
don't know what they do I suggest thay you not post. My question to you
what do you do for the YOUTH.
What about the law? | 2:36 p.m. July 18, 2008
Dan, what part of "illegal" don't you understand? When they stop
breaking our laws, I'll "reach out" to them. Your passivity is
the prime example of why we have the problems with illegal immigration that we
do. I am all for compassion and understanding; but, there must be
accountability and respect for our laws.
These gangs are a perfect example. They have no respect for life or our laws, and penalties and consequences are all but non-existent
These gangs are a perfect example. They have no respect for life or our laws, and penalties and consequences are all but non-existent
Re: To Anonymous | 2:44 p.m. July 18, 2008
I don't have kids, thats what I have done for the youth. Too many mormons
in this state think they have to multiply and replenish the earth by themselves,
I think it should be group effort... (hehehehe) and by the way La Raza is one of
the major problems, they don't hold those accountable for what they have
done.
Stewart | 3:07 p.m. July 18, 2008
It looks like SLC and Chief Burbank's sanctuary police policies are
beginning to show results. The primary result seems to be that the SLC police
are losing control of the gang problem.
The immigrant population really don't help the police, they hide the illegal alien criminals. Chief Burbank asked the Legislature not to support the 287g program around the state, because it would cause illegals to fear the police and not help them. It looks like the immigrant folks already have no fear of the police but help support the gang criminals. When police fail to support one law they create a lack of support for other laws. SLC is an example of a sanctuary city.
The immigrant population really don't help the police, they hide the illegal alien criminals. Chief Burbank asked the Legislature not to support the 287g program around the state, because it would cause illegals to fear the police and not help them. It looks like the immigrant folks already have no fear of the police but help support the gang criminals. When police fail to support one law they create a lack of support for other laws. SLC is an example of a sanctuary city.
To Anonymous | 3:33 p.m. July 18, 2008
Not having kids is not helping youth. I just think you like to complain about
problem and not solve problems. So everyone else who like to solve problems
here are some reason why kids get involve with gangs.
There are different reasons for different kids.
Some are drawn by parties, girls and drugs.
Some are looking for respect and power.
Some find a feeling of caring and attention in a gang. It becomes almost a family to them.
Some want to make money�to help out at home or to have nice clothes, etc. ...
Some join for self-protection because they are picked on by other gang members.
Some grow up in a neighborhood where it is almost a way of life.
Most have some real or imagined problem at home that makes them prefer the streets.
Some gang members are addicted to drugs. The problems at home can become worse because parents don't know how to cope with their addiction.
If we address these problems than we can get control our gang problems.
If you don't believe this just google it.
There are different reasons for different kids.
Some are drawn by parties, girls and drugs.
Some are looking for respect and power.
Some find a feeling of caring and attention in a gang. It becomes almost a family to them.
Some want to make money�to help out at home or to have nice clothes, etc. ...
Some join for self-protection because they are picked on by other gang members.
Some grow up in a neighborhood where it is almost a way of life.
Most have some real or imagined problem at home that makes them prefer the streets.
Some gang members are addicted to drugs. The problems at home can become worse because parents don't know how to cope with their addiction.
If we address these problems than we can get control our gang problems.
If you don't believe this just google it.
SJ Bobkins | 4:14 p.m. July 18, 2008
How can we solve the problem when we refuse to acknowledge the real cause:
Illegal Immigration? When I read the opening paragraph and saw the words:
"It's about violence not Immigration, I was astounded. OK, IL is
divisive, it's not being addressed by the political parties because they
are afraid of losing Hispanic (not Latino which means, from Spain) voters.
Ask a cop read the crime reports, and if 80% of the names in the gang violence type crimes are not Hispanic surnames, I'll eat my hat. Above and beyond the surname, many times the mention of past deportation or involvement with ICE is stated. We are seeing Hispanic gangs such as MS 13 from Mexico, Central America, and LA move into Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City. When they start to fight for territory vs existing gangs, look out. Check out the DUI reports and note the surnames. One SLC family would have not been wiped out had an illegal immigrant driver with 3 prior DUI's, had he been deported one more time. In Mexico, your told to avoid driving at night the roads belong to the drunks. Condemnation of drinking and driving doesn't exist in Mexico.
Ask a cop read the crime reports, and if 80% of the names in the gang violence type crimes are not Hispanic surnames, I'll eat my hat. Above and beyond the surname, many times the mention of past deportation or involvement with ICE is stated. We are seeing Hispanic gangs such as MS 13 from Mexico, Central America, and LA move into Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City. When they start to fight for territory vs existing gangs, look out. Check out the DUI reports and note the surnames. One SLC family would have not been wiped out had an illegal immigrant driver with 3 prior DUI's, had he been deported one more time. In Mexico, your told to avoid driving at night the roads belong to the drunks. Condemnation of drinking and driving doesn't exist in Mexico.
What else.... | 4:38 p.m. July 18, 2008
to call it Peggy Wilson? If a teen is Black, Caucasian, Hispanic, or
Polynesian and get caught doing a gang drive by shooting, am I to hide his or
her ethnic background? I don't think so. I think the general public has
the right to know and don't give me this crap about "devolve into
racism."
To what else.... | 7:01 p.m. July 18, 2008
Tell me this why is it that the media always let the public know when it is a
non white person who commits a crime right away. When a white person commits a
crime they hold off on saying a coucasin committed a crime. Next time pay
attention to how the media reports the news. I just think this type of bias has
to STOP. All people of color Blacks, Hispanic, Polynesins, Native American and
Asian get treated differently than whites to in the criminal justice system.
Not just here in Utah but all over the United States. If your skin is white
your treated better in the courts than people with different skin color for the
same crime. The blacks have it bad in the South they will get life in prison
for rape of a white worman and a white man may get a couple of years. How long
did it take to convict a KKK member for killing two black men in the
60's..This is all food for thought.
Tell | 8:34 p.m. July 18, 2008
the media that, but I agree with what else. I don't care if the gang thug
is white or non white. They are gang members who needed to be exposed for what
they are. Don't use racism as an excuse to justify criminal acts.
My list of suggestions. | 10:22 p.m. July 18, 2008
1. Make the family most important and spend time together.
2. Get rid of all violent games on the computer.
3. Parents be the parent, don't cower to your child.
4. Parents, tough love, search their rooms, forbid gang clothing and if they are doing something illegal, turn them in.
5. Let them sit in jail a few times, it will do them good.
6. Parents and community, have a curfew and enforce it.
7. Teach that retaliation is not the solution, then the little kids get killed, both sides.
8. Teach children not to hold on to anger and hate.
9. The community needs to have zero tolerance and if they see or hear things that are disruptive, call the police, let them handle it.
10. No matter how much extra it costs, all street lights and outside home lights should be on at night.
2. Get rid of all violent games on the computer.
3. Parents be the parent, don't cower to your child.
4. Parents, tough love, search their rooms, forbid gang clothing and if they are doing something illegal, turn them in.
5. Let them sit in jail a few times, it will do them good.
6. Parents and community, have a curfew and enforce it.
7. Teach that retaliation is not the solution, then the little kids get killed, both sides.
8. Teach children not to hold on to anger and hate.
9. The community needs to have zero tolerance and if they see or hear things that are disruptive, call the police, let them handle it.
10. No matter how much extra it costs, all street lights and outside home lights should be on at night.
ToTell | 10:37 p.m. July 18, 2008
It not about racisim it about facts. Any time a ethic person commits a crime
the media goes wild. Then people start adding thier comments how illegals all
need to be deported and all kinds of other bull. These problems are real just
like illegal are here in this country illegaly. Gangs are our problems right
now and have been for the last twenty years. The question is how can we stop
gang violence and every other type of violence. I know for a fact sending all
the illegal back won't solve the problem the problem will still exsist.
Coming up with a more positive solution just might. All crimes committed sould
have the same type of punishment no matter what your skin color is. This should
be a fact. Everyone need to look at a person beyond what color his/her skin
color is. I think the media give any gang crime to much exposer and that is
what all gang members want because, to them that is where they earn respect from
other gang members. This is fact.
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Peggy Wilson speaks Tuesday at Centro Civico. She is frustrated that the gang issue sometimes seems to devolve into racism.
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