[Obenuearema]

if we are ever going to pull this thing around then we are going to have to look at everyone with compassion. even the most violent of gang members.

all of these violent gang members that i keep hearing about are just sad, and confused people.

we need to stop slamming these people into jail cells because that only escalates the problem. that only drives them further into isolation which then draws fear, and anger and resentment.

we need to treat them with dignity and respect.

and yes, i know, some serious crimes have been done to us and our families have been ripped to pieces.

but if you truly want to heal, and you don't want to continue and keep repeating this cycle of violence, then, one by one we must fight this thing with love, dignity, and respect.

show them that they are a valuable piece of the whole. and i will not allow myself to be hurt by you, because i am just as valuable of a piece of the whole.

and little by little, this thing will begin to turn around.

when they feel that love and respect and the fact that you care. they will begin the path of healing.

i have been in and out of jail many times. and it never worked. but the thing that finally worked for me was somebody saying to me, "look man, i care about you. and i am here for you."

and it wasn't right away that i magically healed myself. but this was the turning point for me and i have begun the path back to light. and now i am offering the same love, dignity and respect that was offerd me that day. and from there it is growing and i am really starting to feel the changes.

so this is what needs to be done.

my humble gratitude to you all,
foo