A Hot and Violent Summer and Mass Shootings

"I pray thee, good Mercutio, let's retire: The day is hot, the Capulets abroad, and, if we meet, we shall not scape a brawl; For now, these hot days, is the mad blood stirring."

Romeo and Juliet as quoted in the Toronto Star.

Not only was the past week rather hot, but it has also been very violent, especially here in Scarborough. I have listened to the commentaries, the interviews and the witnesses to these tragic and far to frequent episodes. In one incident two were killed and twenty-three were wounded, all during what was to be a neighbourhood BBQ. There are many opinions as to the root causes of these acts of violence and probably most of the explanations have some reality. Certainly anger and lack of respect for others plays part.

But it does raise the question: can I as a neighbour and fellow citizen honestly and truly express my opinion of the situation without getting into trouble with my friends and neighbours. Perhaps the greatest fear many of the bystanders have is the possibility of retaliation. Experience and history show there is good reason to remain quiet. Or perhaps there is the fear of being called  racists. Thus, we hold our tongues and after the politicians and police have their say, things tone down until the next incident.

So like so many other citizens I don't hold much hope in seeing change in the near future. The report done a few years ago, co-authored by Alvin Curling and Roy McMurtry, entitled "Roots of Youth Violence" (Ministry of Children and Youth Services) obviously has changed very little. Why would I believe that another report or more money will make a difference? Kids have guns because it makes them powerful, or so they believe. It's an isolated problem say others! I guess you could call the Eaton Centre shooting in itself isolated! Then there is Little Italy and the Canada Day shooting. How many isolation's does it take to add up to a crisis? Some want to declare war on gangs, whatever that means? Others suggest evictions under the Landlord and Tenant Board Act! The chief executive of the Community Housing Corporation is at a loss after many visits to the troubled areas in our city. But as always it's someone else who is to blame or who must solve the problem.

While it is true that many of the initiatives started by the communities, the police, the politicians and whoever wants to jump in is important. Two hundred and fourteen programs have received funding. Groups like For Youth Initiative (FYI) and The Crime Prevention Association of Toronto ((CPAT). 

I have learned over the years that it is not primarily colour, race, country of origin, or religion that is the source of our problems in the various communities. We are all at one time immigrants from somewhere and my ancestors (Irish) certainly brought their problems to this great city. Perhaps it is imported cultures that clash with the Canadian way. But to me more than anything else, the problem boils down to attitude. Hence, we all need to be free to participate in the dialogue.

Consequently I feel unless the various communities where these problems are paramount finally realize the solution must lie with them, nothing will change. There has to be a moment when neighbours understand it is time to say we are fed up with this situation and we must organize ourselves to be rid of these social problems. Then, collaborating in partnership with whatever help arrives from elsewhere, together, rid themselves of the cancer. 

Until that day arrives, new gun laws, longer jail time, more police or funding will not put a stop to the carnage.

And that's Dick's View of the World this Week.