02 January 2007

2007: Time For The Sequel....Part 2

Yesterday I reported the stories the newspaper said would be noteworthy. But not every one of those stories might make the splashing headlines we're expecting. I contend we'll probably see other stories that will merit our attention.

And in keeping with the Leone spirit, it seems we have so much "cinematic fare" in the offing, there is little time to decide WHAT to view.

First off, that shooting of the Tasty Pizza employee on New Years' Eve will undoubtedly bring even more focus on the city's SOUTH side (and about high damn time). With (new) businesses at a premiuim, it disgusts me to think that certain factions of the city want nothing more than LESS businesses...and shooting employes while robbing them is a damn good way to chase a business "out of Dodge". Expect more stories about the FWPD and even more stories about businesses TRYING to stay afloat amidst the crime as well as those leaving the area.

Next, since "da Rev" (Mike Latham) was re-elected to "boss" of the local NAACP, I would "expect" to see greater strides towards building a more positive black community, especially in the wake of the killing of his nephew in 2006. That's what I'd LIKE to see. I don't think this will emerge, and there will be stories that chronicle the lack of attention to that part of our citizenry. Related stores regarding housing, daycare, and child abuse will surely follow. And anyone who suggests that more "new" programs be instituted...should BE INSTITUTED...or is that INSTITUTIONALIZED?

And while I'm speaking of child neglect and abuse, expect child molesters and sex offenders to come under HEAVY scrutiny this year. With the sheer number of offenders that have gotten under the radar in years past, it will be important to follow exactly HOW they will be found, and subsequently monitored. After all, it IS our childrens' safety we're talking about. And screw the ICLU if they think of putting their "fingers in the pie" of justice. Protect the kids first and foremost!

One story that will probably NOT surface is the FACT that the City of Fort Wayne has been covertly "planning" even MORE annexations. And we're talking as far out as HARLAN. Reliable sources have stated (to me) that the city would love to have the entire COUNTY under it's "wing". I suppose that would make ALLEN county....FORT WAYNE county then? There have already been studies conducted in those rural areas as to feasibility, availability, etc. Now the city can deny this until the cows come home, but we all KNOW about former annexations...and how they occur, even in the face of strong opposition. It will be no different here...after all, there are a lot fewer people to bitch about it out in the rural parts of the county, than in say...Aboite.

Another story that SHOULD be addressed (in depth) is the recidivism rate for those that have made it through re-entry court (which in this person's opinion does little good for whatever money is being tossed at it), and wind up BACK in OUR neighborhoods, among their "brethren" yet again (and the temptations that encompass those areas).

And I would be remiss NOT to include stories about growing criminal activity that will be lightly addressed (if at all until something "wicked this way comes"). We DO have a drug problem here...a BIG one. Same goes for Gangs, cliques, whatever the hell you want to call them. With violent crime on a FOUR PERCENT increase across the nation (and EIGHT PERCENT increases in Indianapolis alone), this bears closer examination...MUCH closer examination.

ALL of these stories NEED to be told....and as often as possible. People need to come forward and relate their problems to those willing to listen and report the facts. It's nice to read some "feel-good" stories now and then, but reality has a way of rearing it's ugly head at the wrong time for all the wrong reasons. Just ask the family of the Tasty Pizza employee. They can tell you a multitude of reasons why this did NOT have to happen. But it did, nonetheless.

My hope is to see an all-out war against the elements that seek to undermine the values of this city, whovever they might be. Only with deliberance, diligence, and courage can any of us attempt to make this city better...MUCH better than it currently is. And good reporting can lead the way...as long as it's devoid of personal agendae and political leanings.

So there we are....2007....a time of change. A change that can only be implimented by those willing to speak the TRUTH, regardless of however many people it might "bother". You can never make an omelet without breaking a few eggs!

And no one ever said life was a walk in the park, but we all know something is quite amiss when that walk in the park becomes a mugging waiting to happen.

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