Not only are local gangs raising a crop of graffiti perpetrators, apparently they are also threatening neighbors and their babies! These neighbors are reluctant to contact police so are just hiding in their homes. I just heard reports of this and am waiting for clarification of details and confirmation of actual events. However, the report, even if it is only a rumor, is devastating! The East Side is a wonderful place full of wonderful people (gangsters being the exception!) Fear is a powerful thing and utterly terrible when it isolates us from each other. Only cowards use fear as a manipulative tool.
I am also deeply saddened that while we are on the verge of witnessing the inauguration of Barack Obama we still live in a country divided by race. These Latino neighbors don't trust their non-Latino neighbors or the Police to come around them and protect them. I can't blame them - they have been betrayed too many times and the risk is too great to try again. How is trust rebuilt? How are cultural and language barriers overcome so healing can begin? Where does one start?
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