gangs in chicago? (crimes, buy, school)

[Steve-o]

Originally Posted by Lookout Kid

Is this OP a joke? I read recently that Chicago's gang problem is the worst in the nation, unfortunately

Id doubt that. Chicago is in the top 5, no doubt, but L.A. probably holds the title (regarding numbers of members, gang-related murders, total # of gangs, etc). Got a link to the site? Im curious and would like to check it out myself.

[Chiguy1957]

" read recently that Chicago's gang problem is the worst in the nation, unfortunately."

Lookout, do you happen to have a source for this? I'd be interested in reading the article.

I can't speak to degrees of "worseness", but I know that gangs are everywhere, even in neighborhoods and suburbs considered to be nice.

Drug money seems to be the prime motivator. If we were to legalize drugs and take away the profit margins, gangs would lose most of their influence. I also wonder how many bangers in LK, SC, and others are here illegally, but both are other topics.

I don't think California has any monopoly on gang viciousness. As others have said, guns and knives kill no matter where they are being used.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by Chiguy1957

Drug money seems to be the prime motivator. If we were to legalize drugs and take away the profit margins, gangs would lose most of their influence.

Yet another reason the war on drugs, as currently waged, is stupid, counterproductive, and immoral.

[aragx6]

Couldn't agree more

[j33]

Chicago has gang issues, but I highly doubt it is the worst in the nation.

[Drover]

They used to have a saying in the Twin Cities: "30 below keeps the riff-raff away." They have since come to find out that 1) gangs will always look for fresh territory, and 2) gang members know how to wear coats and hats too. St. Paul is still hanging in there but now Minneapolis's murder rate is as high as L.A.'s and approaching Chicago's.

Go spend some time in Winnipeg or Saskatoon some day (two cities that make the Twin Cities look like a tropical paradise) if you think cold keeps gangs out.

[NYrules]

This is just a silly question, but don't gang members usually have cars? LOL! I mean aren't most cars these days equipt with heat? Aren't most DRIVE bys done using a car? If it's 10F outside who cares? Its a nice 70 in your car and you can listen to "the station that is number 1 in the streets (LOL) Power 92" as you do your shooting. I love their slogan, may as well just say, "number 1 among riff raff, gang bangers, and hoodlums hanging out in da streets... Power 92....

[via chicago]

Originally Posted by sukwoo

Yet another reason the war on drugs, as currently waged, is stupid, counterproductive, and immoral.

Exactly, criminalized drugs are the only reason gangs exist. Prohibition of alcohol didnt work, why would it be effective for any other substance.

[CarolinaBredChicagoan]

Originally Posted by via chicago

Exactly, criminalized drugs are the only reason gangs exist. Prohibition of alcohol didnt work, why would it be effective for any other substance.

I agree with the sentiment, and agree that it's why gangs are so dangerous, but don't agree that it's the only reason gangs exist. There's a whole other level at work there. It has to do with family structure, acceptance, community, status, control, and the id at work.

Look back at gangs that existed before the drug situation got to be where it is now. They were no angels, though they seem downright cute compared to modern gangs. Strip away that element and gangs won't fade away.

Part of it is human nature. Look at fraternities, social clubs, tribes, clans, teams, and other groups. We're pack animals.

[oakparkdude]

Originally Posted by CarolinaBredChicagoan

I agree with the sentiment, and agree that it's why gangs are so dangerous, but don't agree that it's the only reason gangs exist. There's a whole other level at work there. It has to do with family structure, acceptance, community, status, control, and the id at work.

Look back at gangs that existed before the drug situation got to be where it is now. They were no angels, though they seem downright cute compared to modern gangs. Strip away that element and gangs won't fade away.

Part of it is human nature. Look at fraternities, social clubs, tribes, clans, teams, and other groups. We're pack animals.

Gangs have always existed, but only the rise of the lucrative drug economy made gangs a huge economic criminal enterprise.

Pre-drug street gangs lacked the means to buy advanced weaponry and bribe police/politicians. Also, youth did not grow up with aspirations to strike it rich in a gang, as opposed to engaging in legitimate economic activity.