Murder she writes.

Here it is another new year in New Orleans. Friday the 13th. I cry for the city I live in and love. The AP has posted an article about how the murder rates are down. I cry.

This week there has been several shootings in this city. Men, women and children all dead. Sadly this is not uncommon. We have 11 deaths in 13 days, but wait. This day is not over and it is the weekend. My heart sinks.

Many people have blamed the police and drugs and gangs and other things for the killings. I blame the total lack of respect for life. The reason people are being killed at such an alarming rate is because there isn't a way to live a life worth loving for these people. Lets face it we as a society have always thought less of those who live in the poorer sections of the city. We have placed this disrespect on them. They are angry and have a right to be. I feel for these men women and children. Though my pity means nothing, I cant help but feel it.

Don't get me wrong. If faced with one of these "thugs" I would be no different than the next person. Fight or flight. But looking at it from a short distance I see the problem. How does society teach that life is worth living and can be better living in broken down homes, no jobs to be had, in and around horrible people doing horrible things? How do you say "there is another way" and reach these people who are so proud and are dealing drugs and finally able to buy a car and pay the rent? How can you say STOP its better to be homeless.

The drug cartels have reached them with money and work. Its not legal but it is a way to provide for their families. Now they are caught up in a horrible cycle. They didn't sell out, they didn't have a choice. It is said education is the way out. Really? How many college graduates do you know who can't find a job? What would you do if you couldn't afford to keep your house and feed your family? What would you do if you lived on the edge of a turf war and a group of people stormed your house that your grandfather built, and said you had to sell drugs or die? What would you do? It is not the street people who are the problem. How do we stop this? Cut the snake of at the head. Where is the head? Who has the most money? Who is protected by both the law and people? Think about it.

I cry for these people. With a history, rich in culture and a spiritual practice that the streets seem to be swallowing up. I pray for them nightly and hope one day life can be happy for them, because some have never known happiness.