There is a current national problem that is affecting the young adults of America, especially in the minority communities. Teen crime is one of the biggest issues sweeping the nation in a negative way. In my community, I have witnessed so many crimes that were committed by young adults.
Since 2005, crime has risen gradually. Minority teenagers have a bad rep in Antioch for committing crimes and making the community less safe.
Antioch is getting dangerous. Walking the neighbor trails, I witness people getting harassed or drug transactions. Most of the time, the criminals are the teens or young adults. Recently an elementary classmate of mine was shot and killed over a song disagreement downloaded on an iPod. He was shot and killed at a local gas station by another teenager.
Over the summer, a classmate who dropped out of Deer Valley High School allegedly killed someone at the local park. The crimes are usually committed by foster kids living in group homes, teens that dropped out of high school or people who come from high-crime communities. Many male minorities and teens are falling victim and end up as inmates in our overcrowded prisons.
The community needs more organizations that provide job assistance, after-school programs and recovery centers. We need organized community activities and an organization that tries to help get people off the streets. There should be a paid community cleanup system that hires eligible teens and young adults to rebuild the community they live in.
This kind of program would benefit the people of the community by creating a better-looking environment. I’m fully aware that teen crime can’t be eliminated; however, it can most definitively be slowed down.
Darryl Malik Flaggs, Antioch
Until the economy can be turned around, I just don't see special social programs being funded. What needs to be done is section 8 reform. Is there a reason why a $500k house is used for section 8 housing? Section 8 housing shouldn't be a reward, it should be used to help someone until they can get out of it.
Also, You want to live in a community with government assistance? Then you need to be responsible for those in your house. If someone commits a crime and they are living in your house then your assistance should be in jeapordy. I'm tired of people not taking responsibility for themselves and their households. This goes for all Americans. We have been conditioned to pass the buck and take none of the blame.