07 November 2013

Tales from the SOUTH Side...
As poorly as yesterday's weather was, today has done a "180"...got ourselves a very nice sunrise here in Hoosierland, with no precip to speak of, a mild breeze, and although it's not far above freezing NOW, the high today will climb into the mid-to-upper 50s.
So, you might want to add a wee dram of whiskey to that coffee this morning...just to take the "chill" out...AND purely for medicinal purposes only...lol.
Meanwhile, let's get started with more of what's happening now, shall we?
*** First out of the barn today is the answer to yesterday's Motto of the Week, aka WHO SAID THAT?
"There is one way you can fail, and that's to quit."
This was spoken by one BRIAN HAYS, and since there are so many of them out there, I have NO bloody idea which one it is...and no, there is no (proper) WIKI on him, but since he's quotable, he must be someone of importance.
Maybe he's the musician who played with a band called PODUNK?
Or a Hollywood producer?
MY thought is that he's some sort of self-help guy, so let's run with THAT one, okay?
In any event, let's state that this quote is great when it comes to something we call PERSEVERANCE.
Moving on...
*** Yes, boys and girls...we had (yet) ANOTHER shooting on Fort Wayne's...(...all together, gang...)...SOUTHEAST SIDE yesterday.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131107/LOCAL07/311079948
This happened around 1530 hrs yesterday afternoon on the sidewalk in front of Premium Cuts Barber Shop, located at 3530 S. Calhoun St., right ACROSS the street from Wifey's alma mater, South Side High School.
The victim was found by Off. Mike Joyner, FWPD PIO, who was not far from the scene and responded to the call.
Soon after, medics showed up and pronounced the victim dead on scene.
And I'd wager he's black (no "close shave" here).
This will mark the FORTY-FIRST HOMICIDE (that's 41) for the year, closing in on that (elusive?) record of 44 set in 1997.
Interesting thing, both yesterday and today, the FWCS is holding the parent-teacher meetings, which occur AFTER school both evenings, so SSHS DID have people coming and going from the building. Wifey doesn't get in until after 2000 hrs on these days, and I cautioned her to keep her head on a swivel when driving back down here to the "Fortress"...
One onlooker who stopped to see what was going on (rubbernecker) spoke to reporters on scene.
She is concerned for her children and grandchildren...as well she SHOULD be.
But whenever you "get what you want" from allowing people to act in such a manner...it gets REAL hard to get THIS genie back in that damn bottle.
When you tell police to stop targeting black males when conducting traffic stops "because they're black" (and acting suspicious), things like THIS is often the result.
When you force the police department to walk on eggshells when it comes to policing minority communities, THIS is what you get.
When the city doesn't invest the resources needed to HALT crime...THIS is what you get.
Police are saying they have no credible suspects or other information at this time, but I can tell you there was a male (most likely black) wearing a red hoodie that was noticed running from the scene along Darrow St right after shots were heard
*** In a story you probably might not hear about, there was a shooting in DETROIT (again?)...and this time it rings of a similarity to this recent homicide HERE in the Summit City.
Here's the story link (brief as it is):
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131107/NEWS03/131109535/0/SEARCH
Three are dead and SEVEN wounded outside of a Detroit "barbershop" that was also a front for gambling activity (betcha I can cut his hair faster than you, dawg)...no, not THAT kind of gambling.
Around 30-40+ shots rang out, according to one witness.
This barbershop is located in a strip mall on the city's EAST side, and is a KNOWN gambling spot (so why wasn't it shut down?)
Police there are looking for two vehicles - a white Impala (with bullet holes in it), and a black Impala, both 2004 models.
Helluva coincidence with the barbershops, don'cha think?
*** The ID of the person shot and wounded at Black Bear Creek Apartments Monday is now known.
Here's this story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131107/LOCAL07/311079929/1043/LOCAL07
Demarcus.A. Thomas, age 29 is still in serious condition.
And HE also has an interesting "history" with the judicial system.
Public records show that Thomas was convicted for cocaine possession both in 2006 and 2007.
(when he lived at 11219 St. Ives Dr - 46816)
They also state that Thomas was cited numerous times for traffic violations, carrying a handgun WITHOUT a license (???), resisting, no operator's license, possession of pot, false registration, and DEALING in cocaine.
(yeah, he's a good father AND role model...and I'm really the POPE)
Wonder if he's part of the MARIO THOMAS (he's dead too) contingent...they were a crapload of bad folks.
*** Frank Gray's article today mentions a wig shop about a block from Zesto's Ice Cream, that was the target of some vandals, who shot at the display window, putting a couple holes in it.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131107/LOCAL0201/311079941
The owner of Penthouse Wigs, Vicki Densmore doesn't have the money for new glass, so I'm hoping someone would step up and just GIVE her a new window (and make it break-resistant).
I think there are more than a few folks in this city that DO have the money, time, and supplies to make this happen, and if I was one of them, that window would be fixed ASAP...it's called doing the right thing, just as the store owner does for cancer patients, when she GIVES them a wig when they can't afford it.
It's a good read about someone who definitely gives a damn about people.
*** Lastly today...so far, all these rallys, prayer meetings, and skull sessions designed to stop the violence aren't adding up to all that much, are they?
Sure not looking that way, kids.
And why don't I see MORE police in OUR area...as a PROACTIVE measure?
Back in Philly, we didn't have 1/10th the crime in our neighborhood (there) that you have HERE (in THIS neighborhood), and yet, we ALWAYS had at least ONE PPD cruiser come through the area every shift.
Could it be we simply don't have ENOUGH officers assigned to the bad parts of Ft. Wayne?
(that's part of it)
And with Public Safety being the BIGGEST chunk of the city's budgetary pie, one would THINK that means MORE protection...not less
I think if we had enough officers to meet the demand of the levels of crime, we'd probably see LESS of it, right?
And community-oriented police is the wrong route to take down here...said that for years, because you simply do NOT have what is meant by communities...they're all loose gaggles of dubious people, entrenched in their own sub-culture...no interest in the area they live, except what they can TAKE FROM IT. We have more chaos than order, and the crime rate bears that out.
Time to change some minds, and perhaps crack a few coconuts to make things settle down.
We used to call such things CRIMINAL PROFILING...time to bring THAT back with some GUSTO!
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

06 November 2013

Humpday Happenings...
If those of you in Hoosierland like RAIN...well, today will be YOUR day to shine, because it looks like the sun WON'T.
It's gonna be a "soft" day here with mild temps into the low to mid-60s. Slight breezes will make it feel a lot more like SPRING than Fall.
And with leaves falling all over, those wet streets and roads might be slicker than a president trying to sell a FUBAR healthcare law to the masses
(LOL - I'm sorry...did I say that out loud?)
At least I got our leaves blown to the curb (or berm) yesterday...even if it did drizzle a bit.
I did what I said I would do...
Looking good, Bob!
And THAT is the way we do things where WE live.
Damn shame it's not the way everyone else thinks.
In any event, even if everything ELSE becomes soaked today, let's not allow the weather to dampen our SPIRITS...or RESOLVE.
*** First off the pond today is our motto of the Week aka WHO SAID THAT?
"There is one way you can fail, and that's to quit."
Let this be a guidepost for us in troubling times, hmm?
Meanwhile, back at the seminar...
*** Yes, another update regarding the person shot to death at Black Bear Creek Apartments earlier this week.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131106/LOCAL07/311069965/1002/LOCAL
Yep, the perp, one Sylvanus Tarpley WIlliams, 36,  was "from" Indy...but he ONCE lived here in Ft. Wayne at 1816 Chartwell Ave.
And during his former residency had a slew of arrests from 1992-2003, when he disappeared from Ft. Wayne.
(great mug shot, too)
He was busted HERE for such nice things as obliterating the serial numbers of firearms, receiving stolen property, possession of cocaine and various traffic violations, as well as resisting and having a handgun w/o a license.
I still think there's more to this story...
That "particular" apartment (of all the rest) was targeted, so probably the suspect that got away "knew" something about either the contents or persons IN that apartment. Both Wifey and I think this Williams character was "hired muscle" to back up the perp that ran...we may never know unless the people in the apartment are forthcoming with more information...and we know how often that occurs with such people.
Stay tuned for any more updates.
Moving on...
*** On the Op-Ed page of the J-G, there was a great opinion piece by none other than councilman-at-large John Crawford, , who wrote an article about much of what he spoke on last Tuesday evening at the 5th Tuesday meeting of council.
Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131106/EDIT05/311069991/1021/EDIT
I love the headline: "Unstable Family Best Indicator of Violence"
Ain't THAT the truth...!
Again, Crawford presents us with the FACTS (ma'am...just the facts) that can be found in ANY inner urban area around the USA.
-- How things HAVE changed (for the worse) in just a few decades (or even less).
--  How a single parent family faces challenges in the socioeconomic realm.
All this and more SHOULD be proof enough that major problems still (and will continue to) exist for mostly minorities in the foreseeable future UNLESS this pattern of behavior changes.
Crawford cites THREE things that ANYONE can do to avoid poverty here:
1) complete high school
2) work full time at any job
3) wait until 21 to marry and have a child
The stats PROVE that a mere TWO PERCENT of those that follow ALL THREE wind up in poverty, and have a 72% chance of making it into the middle class, while a whopping SEVENTY SEVEN PERCENT wind up in poverty if they violate all THREE, with a lousy 4% making it into the middle class.
I dunno...sounds like GOOD reasoning to ME.
I commend and applaud Councilman Crawford for his bringing the truth to light...at least SOMEONE at City hall is.
Light at the end of the tunnel time?
We're getting there, people.
*** Next up, some more of the same down in the "hood"...
Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131106/LOCAL07/311069939/0/FRONTPAGE
I'd like to know when it became commonplace to punch FWPD officers (in this case a damn SERGEANT) in the face?
Short answer - IT"S NOT!
Well, Will Harris, 30 of the 4400 block of Lillie St (in the ghettoland) did just that, and got arrested for it.
Can you charge a person with acute stupidity?
Makes me wonder.
Harris was stopped because he fit the description of someone accused of breaking into cars.
Harris punched Sgt. Joe Hontz, breaking his nose and then shoved him to the ground. Other responding officers found Harris hiding in some shrubs. In his pocket, police found a phone charger that had been stolen from a vehicle.
Bail for Harris was set at only $2500, so we can expect him to be back on the streets soon enough.
*** Lastly today...it sure would be nice to have a lot more GOOD stories to post about (down here), but that's not going to happen any time soon...I can feel it.
It's that "Broken Window Theory" at work HERE.
I've seen this part of town get worse over the years...not better.
And to think we've had a DEMOCRAT in charge downtown...and a DEMOCRAT city council rep for this area for 12+ years.
"The more things change, the more they stay the same" is the saying...and this part of town demonstrates it every day.
Be nice to get out of this rut down here, and make some POSITIVE moves for the better.
But, as long as this part of town operates under a double standard when it comes to behaviors, as well as embraces the whole "entitlement-victimology" gig, things will not get better, unfortunately.
Like I say...we CAN do better...all of us. But it does take motivation...and hard work.
(something many down here seem adverse to)
Those would be great starting points for many.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay safe out there, America.

05 November 2013

Tuesday's Tidbits...
That guy with the leaf blower will be here soon, Odie.
Today will probably be the nicest day of this week, weather-wise.
We're looking at temps rising to the mid-60s, with plenty of cloudiness, in expectation of rain later tonight into tomorrow.
Sounds like a great day to get out there and fire up the old leaf-blower (hadda go remind myself).
Well, it's much easier to move DRY leaves than WET ones, plus, next week starts the 2nd pickup schedule for the SOUTH side.
(early as usual - before all the leaves have fallen).
But we do what is required, because as we all know, leaves do not gather themselves at the side of the street or curb-strip.
With that said, let's get into the...rest of the story for today.
*** An update (such as it has become) for the latest shooting/homicide up on Reed Rd. yesterday morning.
Here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131105/LOCAL07/311059967
Now, I want to preface any commentary by saying that back on 12 April of 2012, there was another shooting at this complex (Black Bear Creek) where a would-be robber was shot dead by a resident (later cleared of wrongdoing by issue of self-defense), so I have to question the reasoning behind further robberies at such a place.
If you're wanting to rob someone, WHY pick a complex where you know that robbers get shot by residents?
That to me seems a dangerous tactic...better to go to somewhere that residents just hand stuff over, you can tie them up, and take your time, right?
Or, select a complex where you KNOW residents are at work (like what happened to Wifey and I back when we first moved here in 1997 - a notorious year in other ways). But, again, the timing for this "heist" seemed wrong (to me). Mid-morning is better, and after midnight is better yet.
But when people are getting ready for work or prepping the kids for school?
Something doesn't track right with me on this one.
I still believe that robbery could have been a convenient "motive" at this point, and the lack of a description is odd to say the least.
When the dead perp gets ID'ed, we might have a better idea as to who the other one was, because it wouldn't appear to be connected to the rash of apartment robberies we had months ago...THOSE robberies were more or less successful, compared to yesterday's.
I still have this feeling that this particular apartment was targeted...and not a random act of stupidity, and it would not surprise me if there was some sort of relations between someone at the apartment and the perps that broke in...
Or, it could just be two dumbasses looking for a fun time...with one finding a one-way ticket to the morgue.
Curious also were messages left for the FWPD PIO (Mike Joyner) by the Journal-Gazette that went UNanswered. NO description of the other robber...other than he was a MALE suspect...
((...rolls eyes...))
Well now, THAT narrows it WAY down to about 123,000+ people in Allen County.
Stay tuned for more when it becomes available.
Meanwhile, back on the streets...
*** Fort Wayne seems to have this unique ability to have the greatest number of DIFFERING overpasses...when it comes to HEIGHT requirements.
This story caught my eye, simply because of the level of incongruity connected with it:
Somehow, "OOPS" doesn't seem to cover THIS one Harry!
http://www.wane.com/traffic/incidents/police-two-semis-stuck-under-fairfield-avenue-overpass-monday
Yes...not one, but TWO semis were stuck under the Fairfield Ave. overpass yesterday...
This overpass is a mere 11' 8" high, while another one only 500 ft. north has a 13' clearance (Clarence).
Another problem is the circle (roundabaout) off of Wayne Trace (heading to Coliseum Blvd.) Wifey nearly got caught behind a truck that DID get stuck there just last week.
If you go around the city and happen to read the posted signage for these overpasses, you clearly see a pattern...of NON-uniformity.
Yeah, that's gonna leave a mark!
And that can play hell with drivers of those tractor-trailers, when trying to navigate UNDER them.
Sometime, the trucks can be extricated if the air is let out of the tires...other times, they have to be pulled out.
What SHOULD have been done a long time ago, was to make ALL the overpasses the SAME HEIGHT...how hard could that have been?
Thing is, I suppose the city found itself immobilized into inaction by a simple conundrum...
Do they RAISE the OVERPASS...or LOWER the STREET?
They could use this at the K-Mart that's closing.
(hint, either one would work well and keep traffic from becoming a SNAFU)
They'll learn some day...just not today.
*** I was listening to Pat Miller on WOWO yesterday (as I always do), and he had Kevin Leininger on, talking about the story I mentioned HERE yesterday (31 October column)...and then Rev. Bill McGill called in, and he and Pat were talking about the loss of retail on the SE side.
Rev. McGill mentioned that Sears claimed it was a MONETARY decision to close the S. Anthony K-Mart, and not a decision based on the atmosphere of the area (I am paraphrasing). Pat contended that we had one OTHER K-Mart (on Colisuem N.) that was NOT considered for closing...and we had already lost TWO others a year or so ago (which was due to lack of profitability,  the parent company stated). The S. Anthony location stayed OPEN because it was bringing in MORE revenue than those stores that were closed...imagine that.
I knew where Pat was going with this...he was thinking like a follower of Bobby G. - it WAS the crime that was dictating the closure, and that citing money woes by Sears happened to be very "convenient" - a ruse to disguise another reason.
Well, think about it...if you owned BOTH K-Marts, would you rather keep the one open that's in a bad area of town, or the one that's in a better part?
Thing is, the lone location left will funnel ALL the shoppers of OUR K-Mart into THAT one, and that means (as I've stated here) crime will move north...as it HAS been doing,. It just has a little more "help" by closing the S. Anthony K-Mart.
And THESE are the nice aspects to the SE.
Oh, and it was noted that BOTH the Menards and Wal-Mart (down here) were "government-subsidized", so the private sector didn't have ANY dog in this hunt...imagine THAT.
*** Yes, they have moved that M-41 tank (this past weekend) from it's concrete slab near Johnny Appleseed Park to it's new location out on Carroll Rd (veteran's memorial cemetery), and it will be dedicated on Veteran's Day...this coming Monday at 1000 hrs..
(great photo op for our "king", too)
Makes me wonder if the city (or some private group) will find ANOTHER tank to take the Bulldog's place.
There must be some tank in need of a good place to "live".
Would be a nice tribute to those who serve and have served.
But that's me...I'm an old-fashioned kinda guy.
Besides, I know of one "general" with four legs (and his owner) who wouldn't mind taking their walks past another part of American military history.
Carroll Rd has got to be a much longer hike, anyway.
*** Lastly today, history is the best teacher on the planet (with apologies to the lovely Mrs. Bobby G.).
History is something all of us live...some more than others. We are all involved in it, whether we choose to be or not.
Some of us go through it up close and personal, some chronicle the events and people, and still others might appear to be bystanders, but remember with their memories what takes place.
As I say...we're ALL involved at some level.
And history is not only a good teacher, but an important part of how our future can be shaped...at ANY level.
Doesn't matter if it's a global scenario, a national one, or even a local event...we can still be (and often are) a part of it.
The assassination of JFK is coming around, and this time, it's the 50th anniversary of that event...if you're old enough, do YOU recall were YOU were?
How about on 9/11/2001...remember what you were doing when that took place?
And for the very senior among us...remember what you were doing on December 7, 1941?
Sadly, those who do recall such pivotal events are being lost to the ages, and with them, much of what makes this country great.
We need to task these people...and ourselves to recall the facts and the truth surrounding such times in OUR history, to secure a lasting legacy OF that history.
There are those that would seek to "amend" history to fit their agenda...but the truth must always be preserved,  for now...and for generations to come.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.

04 November 2013

Monday Musings...
And it's a brand spanking new week staring at us, beginning with a marvelously colorful sunrise.
Today's temps will climb to the mid-50s, with no precipitation and very little if any breeze.
A nice day to watch the leaves fall.
(or rake them all up...sheesh)
We've lots of stuff to get into this morning, so fill up that cup of whatever you're having, and let's get this show rolling.
*** First off the floor today, I would say that we DID make it through the weekend WITHOUT anyone getting shot...
But WAIT, there is more.
We had a double shooting "two-fer" at an apartment complex (Black Bear Creek) on the city's NORTHEAST side located at 1600 Lake Ave. and Reed Rd. (not that far from Snider High School). And you can bet good money that those involved might be your usual suspects (never to be confused with MY "usual suspects"...lol)
One was listed as serious, the other DEAD...so get ready for HOMICIDE NUMBER FORTY, people.
The initial call went out as an argument between girlfriend (CP), boyfriend and ex-boyfriend (typical). Obviously, it escalated beyond reason.
This happened around 0620 hrs this morning, and Wifey said to me:
"Who the hell goes and shoots someone THIS early? I'm busy getting ready for work."
Point well taken, dear...but you have to remember that most of THESE people DO NOT WORK, so they have all this time (and people) to "kill", as it were.
I had heard this on the PD scanner and advised her to be careful, in case the LEOs had the area cordoned off.
No schools were placed on lock-down as of 0700, so I take it to mean everyone's open for business today
I'll update this as needed.
((Editor's Update - 1200 hrs - According to WANE, it was a home invasion by two males. One was shot dead by the resident who was also shot and was taken to hospital in serious condition. He was at home with a woman and a child. The other male suspect is still at-large.))
Moving on...
*** Sunday's paper had some really good stories in it, as I use the time to check ALL the media sources around the city to find out everyone's take on things. And, it's rare that I am discouraged.
-- Kevin Leininger had an excellent commentary on the (rising) homicide rate in Ft. Wayne, and it makes a LOT of sense
Here's this link:
http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20131031/NEWS/131039964/1041/LEININGER
Apparently Kevin picked up what I did when viewing this meeting...councilman John Crawford came to the rescue with facts, figures and stats that PROVE that this city has a problem in it's minority communities. Now, if we can only get the right people to LISTEN...instead of just hear what's being said...for a change.
-- Then, Frank Gray had a riveting commentary, and here's the link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131103/LOCAL0201/311039926/0/SEARCH
Frank goes into some of the differences as well as many similarities between THIS year and 1997.
And he talks with someone that was involved, one Kyle Bolton, who grew up in the 'hood, spoke with Gray and paints an image of the so-called "hood" that is neither kind NOR sympathetic.
Bolton stated that FEAR equals RESPECT, and that respect is "earned" through violence.
He says "To kill someone is not out of the ordinary. Anywhere you see a large African-American population, it's like this."
Yeah, I would tend to agree...it's not how things USED to be decades ago, before crack and gangs came to town...ANY town.
Gray says that Bolton broke the pattern by having a role model - someone who gave a damn.
And that "someone" happened to be the NATIONAL GUARD (which he is still a member of).
Bolton believes there are layers upon layers of problems that contribute to these homicides and shootings.
This is that sub-culture I have spoken about many times here...and it is a LEADERLESS sect of our society.
There used to be organization many years ago with most ANY criminal gang or mob, but these days, it's just packs of youth, running amok, causing chaos and settling the most insignificant disputes with extreme violence.
It's a situation where going to prison or getting killed is viewed as honorable.
Now, how f$cked up is THAT, folks?
*** In a related article, there was a story about another problems directly tied into all these shootings - that is VANDALISM by firearms.
Here's the story link:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131103/LOCAL07/311039933/1002/LOCAL
And naturally, this all seems to happen on the city's (where else) SOUTHEAST SIDE.
The writer of the well-written piece, Archie Ingersoll, interviewed some people who seem to not be as bothered as I would tend to be (and am at this point).
The story relates how several houses were struck by stray bullets, and how some of the residents escaped serious injury.
My only (technical) beef with this is that the bullets are described as "casings", when the casings (cartridges) are what contains the bullet (powder and primer). The casing is what is ejected from a semi-auto pistol...the BULLET is what goes through a house wall.
It would have been better to refer to them as "expended rounds", but let's not split hairs this early.
Police take DOZENS of calls such as these every year, and I can say there are few days that pass WITHOUT some type of "gunplay" in much of the SE side.
We have more shooting of guns than those living in rural area...during deer season.
I plan to email Mr.Ingersoll, and tell him about the 4th of July and (especially) New Year's Eve in these parts...when a Ft. Wayne police cruiser is harder to find than a good neighbor...or a retail business that hasn't closed.
So far THIS year, there have been 105 reports to police for gunshot vandalism, more than ALL the other 3 quadrants COMBINED.
Speaks to the effectiveness of the FWPD command staff down here of late.
Yet, there seems to be no correlation between the gunshot vandalism and the homicide rates.
Some are random in nature, others are "targeted" houses, and others are houses that just "get in the way" of those dumb bullets.
Funny, the law states that "it is illegal to discharge a firearm in the city limits", according to Off. Mike Joyner.
I'm sure there are EXCEPTIONS...like when I drop some perp that decides to break into MY HOUSE, right  Mike?
Not to mention it's OK for police to discharge THEIR weapons...but try telling that to the thug-ass gangs and cliques around town.
The SAME jerkoffs that don't obey ANY law whatsoever, like the law that denies them the ability ot legally PURCHASE a firearm.
Same can be said for parking laws, noise laws, and so on...these people don't give a rat's ass when it comes to LAWS.
*** And along those lines, we have THIS story:
http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20131104/LOCAL/311049953
TV judge Glenda Hatchett stopped by to confer with those at Imani Temple church who were interested in halting the violence, and she cited the lack of mentors by the older folks.
Now, while I agree that her approach does deserve merit, there is ONE important caveat to remember...
Youth today simply DO NOT RESPECT the adults or older folks around them.
The old days of "respect your elders" has all but fallen by the wayside, so HOW exactly will Judge Hatchett's idea work?
The allure from the streets is hard to overcome for some, and the loss of any type of traditional black family "unit" in at least 62% of their demographic households bears that out. It's FACT...not fiction.
Let's hope that "in one ear, out the other"  wasn't the message taken from her talk.
*** Lastly today, Fort Wayne DOES have a black community problem, and try as they might, the problem-solvers of that group never seem to find the "heart of the matter", but rather prance all about the real cause of the violence, and all that stems from it.
When has anyone taken the time in that community to teach the youth what ETHICAL BEHAVIOR was.
They've been too busy sticking that "N" into the word ETHICS (turning it into ETHNICS), that they've lost the way on the right path...and at a terrible cost.
It's the whole moral compass gig...when you lose CHARACTER...you've about lost it ALL, and ETHICAL behavior derives from a person's character.
In fact, it all but makes a person what he or she  will become.
It's a ship's rudder of the human condition, and without a rudder, you're in for some rough sailing, tossed about at the mercy of life's tempests.
God helps those who helps themselves, and sooner or later, we ALL have to make that first initial step. God can walk with us in life but it is each of us that has to decide to put that first foot forward.
Have yourselves a great week.
Be well, make a difference to someone, and...
Stay SAFE out there, America.