WE have become masters of this game! Every time something goes wrong in our community or neighborhoods WE are quick to place the blame on things that WE believe WE have no control over. Granted that in some situations this is true. Had WE maintained ourselves, our families, our neighborhoods, and our community WE would not have become so complacent and ultimately rely on "others" to tend to our wounds. It’s so damn easy to blame the politicians, the teachers, the police, or each other when things go wrong. Had WE maintained the concept of "It takes a village to raise a child" I doubt very seriously WE would be in such a despicable condition. Sure, there would still be the ‘usual’ problems that affect all communities but we would not be hearing about one of our young people being shot, or worse, day after day when we listen to the six o’clock news. WE have fallen into a false sense of security where WE force ourselves to feel as though; WE really care about ourselves, our community, and each other – that WE all pitch in to help when things get rough – that it is safe to leave the doors unlocked and let the kids play around outside. Most of the time, unknown to YOU young people your parent/parents pray that YOU will return home safely. Think about that!!!! Who’s to blame?

It’s time for someone to say it openly! Instead of maintaining our community, WE have alienated ourselves from each other in order to ‘feel safe’ and WE are attacked by crime, from within; WE hope for a better life for our young people, and WE encounter gangs and drugs and death, perpetrated by OUR OWN sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins, etc. "Hope is detrimental to peace of mind!" Don’t hope DO! WE retreat behind closed and double locked doors and try to ignore it all. Who’s to blame?

The idea of the unified neighborhood/community ("It takes a village to raise a child") is extinct! WE used to ‘network’ with each other, looked out for each other and supported each other. WE used to share in each other’s pain and sorrow, good times and bad times, and the elder Mrs. Smith would not have to ‘ask’ for anything. WE made sure that she had whatever she needed. If WE want that kind of community to thrive once again, WE have to begin is with ourselves. A safe and productive community begins with US! WE can start building a good neighborhood once WE ourselves decide that WE will become a good neighbor once again. If WE don't know who’s living next door or up the street, WE can take the initiative. WE can at least smile and greet each other with handshake and introduce ourselves. WE don’t have to invite each other to Sunday dinner, but at least WE can, once again get to know each other. Who’s to blame?

Again, there are many things that WE just don't have control over. But like maintaining good health, rebuilding a community is something WE can do, right here, right now, where you are. It matters not whether you have a job, a college education, or a car. Reach out and ‘touch’ your neighbor. WE better find a new sense of purpose within our community! WE need to, once again make our neighborhoods our villages and recognize the greatness in our young people, our neighborhoods and ourselves. Then, and ONLY then, can WE begin to start ending all of this ‘madness’, this ‘plague, this ‘deadly epidemic WE now suffer under. Who’s to blame?