Boo to the Bad Guys

Well today is the day of the massive March Against Violence. Over 500 organizations and tens of thousands of people are expected to participate. Strangely enough, it has been declared an entirely apolitical event, meaning that you’re allowed to carry banners and shout slogans against violence, but not to criticize or designate blame.

Which is weird. I mean, after all, who is in FAVOR of violence? What is the purpose of the march then, what are its goals? If the government itself is going to participate (the vice president will be marching in the president’s absence) who exactly is the message directed at? The “bad guys” perhaps?

It sounds not unlike those purposely vague policies of the US government… the War on Drugs, the War on Poverty, the War on Terrorism.

What you never seem to hear about are plans, programs, and policies that address the root causes of the problems. Why do people use drugs? How do we create a more just economic system that meets the needs of all people? What actions have lead to the current situation of anger, contempt, and even hatred directed at the US?

Today’s march begs the questions:

• Who is behind the violence?
• Is organized crime involved?
• Is drug addiction part of the problem?
• Why are so many youth attracted to gangs?
• What government programs address these issues?
• To what extent are unemployment and poverty factors?
• Why are the police & justice system incapable of stemming the violence?
• Etc.

Anyway… I’m about to hit the streets. I’ll give you the full scoop tomorrow!