Gangs are an ancient phenomena and will never go away.  However, we can combat them.  Dlollar76 (on Lois Henry's blog) had a good idea regarding relocation of at risk youth whose parents are gang members, although that may be difficult to enforce--yet no more expensive than the problem itself, so it's a fair solution.

Research has also indicated that crime will not decrease unless punishment is especially severe for ALL crime, including petty crime.  Since we're a civilized country, that is not a solution. 

Gangs endeavor to control turf wherein they traffick drugs, guns, sex, and probably a host of their vices I cannot even imagine.  There's a lot of money in the hierarchy and the "little homies" do all the dirty work or pay with their lives.  If we incarcerate these people, jail and prison proves to be college and university for them, entrenching the gang behavior and making social integration more difficult thanks to their indelible criminal record. 

We must therefore:

1. Remove kids in danger.

2. Educate those who are in potential danger.

3. Protect those who report crime.

4. Offer avenues of escape for those wishing to leave gangs.

5. Punish gang crime with both punitive and REHABILITATIVE measures. That may mean relocation and basic employment or educational opportunites.

6. Allow second chances for non-violent gangsters which includes expungement of criminal records.

7. And when we incarcerate, ensure the most strict isolation and prohibit any contact with other gangsters or inmates; meaning, only permit contact with officers, prison staff, and screened family members--until they commit to leaving the gang.  If they recidivate, then they must do a very long stretch back in strict isolation.  This might involve renovating or constructing new, special facilities, but I would see it as worthwhile if it breaks the back of the gangs.

And another problem--the people who buy their drugs, prostitutes and illegal weaponry only feed the gang.  They are also to be held responsible.  And finally WE, who won't take humane and appropriate measures and apathetically insist on using blunt social and criminal policies to address the issue and its underlying causes are very much to blame for this social illness. 

Want a better society--then YOU make it happen with me. I can't do it alone.

That's how I'd approach the problem. 

MP

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So Adora visited the vet today.

She still won't drink on her own, only drinking from our cupped hands.  She eats fine.  The vet suspects there may be some complications from her spay and has requested her records from the vet who spayed her.  X-rays show an area of interest/concern, so he's hoping the records yield useful information.

In the meantime, Adora is playing a bit more and exploring a bit, although she still spends most of her time in her bed.  When we get her out for walks, she follows along nicely.  She's such a sweetheart! 

Adora sends her love to the B.com community!

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Well, it was a long afternoon at the vet's but Adora is finally home.

The vet strongly suspected Parvo, just as we did and ran a test--the result was negative, which was a relief. 

We then had to keep her there for x-rays and a variety of blood tests and further examination.  At the end of it all, she was dehydrated, underfed (both of which were sadly obvious to us) and she was having trouble going potty--not going at all. 

The Vet prescribed some antibiotics and is worried there could be some blockage.  We have her on a baby food diet (Vet recommended) and will go back Friday for a follow up.  They also hydrated her with an injection. 

The hydration has put a lot of life into her, which is good because we were having a hard time getting her to drink this morning.  The instant we got home we went for a walk.  Pictures included.  She has gone potty, which is encouraging and I'll let you know how the follow up goes. 

I think she needed a real jump start to get going.  I hope that's all it is and she turns out to be healthy and happy. 

Oh and the bill...$383, and counting.  But we qualified for a credit program, so there should be no problem paying it off.

Thanks to all of you for your kindness and care!

Adora says, "THANK YOU! I FEEL LIKE THE MOST SPECIAL DOG IN  BAKRSFIELD!"

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Adora, our puppy adopted form the shelter, came home today but she is clearly sick.  Going to the vet tomorrow--we're worried it could be parvo. 

At first, we thought she was just stressed and afraid as she was spayed yesterday and has spent a couple weeks in the shelter, but after a day at home, we haven't seen any improvement.  She sleeps all day and it's difficult to get her to eat or show excitement.  Her nose is dry and she is underweight.

We love her so much!  If she needs expensive medical care, we may not be able to afford it.  Worse, if we do lose her, what do we do?  Does the animal shelter screen dogs for parvo?  Is this common in shelter dogs?

MP

Representative Peter King has disgraced himself (IMAO) by disparaging Michael Jackson and referring to him as a criminal. 

http://politicalticker.blog...

This is disgraceful because MJ was declared innocent by a jury of his peers and it's made tasteless because he passed away and cannot defend himself against the allegations.

I'm no great fan of MJ, and I don't agree with Rev. Sharpton they need to be naming an aircraft carrier after the guy, but I also disagree with disparaging an innocent man, especially when you work in our legislature and should have this basic civic principle of American justice foremost in your mind  (innocent until proven guilty). 

MJ might be one of these guilty guys who walked free (or he might be genuinely innocent!--shocking, I know) but either way, our criminal justice system has its rules and if it's one thing I stand by, it's a government that follows its own rules. 

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Today, we adopted "Adorabelle" into our family from the Animal Control Shelter on Mt. Vernon.  We're excited to have a new addition to the family. 

There were a lot of other wonderful pets there just waiting to be adopted, including a lovable dog named Bob Senior, who we also came very close to adopting (we had to choose a smaller pet because our home is small).  I hope somebody adopts Bob! 

The saddest part of the visit was when we were leaving, a woman was arriving to drop off her two dogs because she had been laid off from work and had to move; she could not take her dogs with her. 

I hope everyone adopts from the shelter, what wonderful animals!  A lot of Chihuahuas too--why pay hundreds when you can welcome one into your heart for pennies?

MP