It’s a subject we’d rather not face, and thus sometimes tend to ignore or even deny. But unmistakably, there is a perennial problem of youthful gangs in our community. It needs to be faced, policed and eliminated. Hamilton County Councilman Andrae McGary led a community rally this week to address the problem. We sometimes give attention to it only if there is a terrible incident of shooting or other criminal expressions.
Why do some kids join gangs? There are many reasons, sometimes just to “belong,” even if it means being involved in the wrong things. Sometimes there is misguided bravado that expresses defiance of proper community authority. Such antisocial activity cannot be ignored or tolerated.
There is a need to encourage good behavior and suppress bad behavior. Facing the undesirable facts is a necessary beginning to encourage youthful good behavior — and safety.