Is it Wise or Foolish, or even sinful, to remain silent if you are a witness to a gang shooting?
The Chicago Tribune article titled, 3 weeks after the 75 shootings and only one suspect charged, reported Only 17 percent of Chicago Shootings are ever solved.
Mainly because of the lack of witnesses who fear gang retribution if they become a witness. Gangland Chicago in the early 1900’s feared the “Black Hand” warning on their doorways that warned someone who was about to be murdered for being a witness or not paying for protection.
My Grandmother who lived to her late nineties taught me the word, ‘Silencio’ when I told her about seeing gang thieves on the block and warned me to avoid the “Black Hand” she had witnessed in her childhood. Three thousand years ago, the Bible reports the same problem occurred in ancient Jerusalem.
The purpose of this series of posts is to briefly review the reasons, what to do, and, who to blame, about the problem of witnesses who remain silent in a community because they know the police cannot protect them if they become a witness against a gang member.
The list of contemporary reasons being discussed in the news that include the Police, Communities, Families, Laws, Lawyers, Constitution of USA, Bill of Rights, Race Bias, Education, Fear, Drugs, Prison, Secularism, Education, Morals, Hearts and Minds, Heroes, Villains, Employment, etc. etc.
While all the above are contributing factors of gang violence, what is the core reason?
Will my answer and solution surprise you?
King Solomon
A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies. (Proverb 14:5)
Long life is in her (Wisdom’s) right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. (Proverb 3:16)
What’s My Point?
In ancient times, Living to an old age was a sign of wisdom, and the Old Testament Bible belief was that it is a sin for a witness to remain silent. In our contemporary times and Nation, why would any person living in a gang-infested community choose to become a witness knowing that he will be harmed if he comes forward to be a witness?
In My Opinion
There is an ancient avenue available to reduce gang violence. King Solomon’s gave us the advice on what to do in his Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament of the Bible. Jesus Christ gave His advise in the New Testament of the Bible.
If Interested
Read in the Source Links below a Chicago Tribune article report on the 17 percent conviction rate, and the ancient beliefs in regards the sin of a witness who remains silent.
In My Next Posts
I will explore the definitions ‘street smart’ wisdom., vs. righteous vs. wicked, vs laws and lawyers, and the reality of why the City of Chicago actually benefits in one way from only having a 17 percent rate of solving gang crimes.
Regards and good will blogging.
Source Links
Chicago 17 Percent
Bible Sin
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