Letter-writer Bhavini Patel “We must address our gun violence problem” (Feb. 8, TribLIVE) insists that throwing money at the problem in the form of afterschool, job training, educational, homeownership and other programs in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods is the answer.

I would remind Patel that this nation has been investing billions of dollars in these communities since 1964 and beyond. There are many taxpayer-financed educational, housing and afterschool programs. I have no issue with these investments, but what have they produced?

Since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the single motherhood rate in Black neighborhoods has gone from below 30% to over 70%. Why is 13% of the population responsible for over 50% of the crimes? Why are Black kids shooting other Blacks at a rate significantly higher than whites? Why aren’t more Black kids graduating high school?

The Black community must take responsibility for many of these issues, and, until then, the violence will continue. The erosion of the Black family (fatherless families), the loss of a spiritual connection with the church, the glorification of thug life through music and cinema, and the lack of importance placed on education should be given more serious consideration.

If Patel is serious about addressing this issue, as a public servant, she should be able to discuss the above issues as mitigating factors along with policing and investment. The country has tried for 60 years by just throwing money at the issue with zero success. Maybe, just maybe truly addressing the above mentioned issues is finally warranted.

Richard Bell

Ligonier Township

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