Cause for Concern: Security by Gangs
When I read the article about the United Gangs Council’s plan to police our schools, I could not believe my eyes (“United Gangs Council Leaders Announce Plans to Curb Violence at Public Schools,” Oct. 16).
Are we so desperate for an end to violence in and around our schools that we are going to be forced to deal with gangs for the protection of our children?
Need I remind our city and school officials that most of these so-called ex-gang members have done jail time for offenses ranging from assault to drugs? These are not the sort of people I care to have my children look up to as authority figures.
The United Gangs Council has taken a very positive step with the gang truce it has organized. Unfortunately, gangs have an unsavory history that precedes them.
The recent arrest of (one of) the council’s most respected leaders, Arthur Romo, on charges of money laundering is reason enough to pause and give this proposal some very serious thought.
I applaud the United Gangs Council’s efforts as long as they stick to their own turf problems. Former or present gang members would have to provide me with a lot more evidence that their motives are truly altruistic before I would be willing to trust them with my children’s safety.
CRAIG STEPHENS, Santa Ana
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