Letters | What about the other 200?

RE THE shooting of Steve Miller in South Philly:

Everyone spoke up, people came forth with on-the-scene reports. But more than 200 people have been murdered in this city this year - where are the people to give those reports?

Martin Luther King Jr. said people only react to things that affect them directly. We sit around and talk about the need for change, but do nothing. The shooting of that young man created a degree of fear, frustration and anger - a human reaction to all the things happening in this city.

The bottom line is that we are all at fault for what is going on. The citizens of this city need to stand up and agree to stop the violence. We call upon the police to help us, and sometimes demand help, but when a situation gets out of control we want to flip the strip like we had nothing to do with it.

MOVE is an example of people telling the city and police to do their job, and you see what happened. Everyone knows someone who has guns in their home. But who really made an effort to tell him to put the weapons down?

To the wannabe gangsters: This episode is not the first and won't be the last. Live by the sword, die by it, and may God have mercy on your soul.

Bob Jackson, Philadelphia

Kudos, Mr. Banks!

Fantastic op-ed by Chris Banks on the murder of his father! I passed it out as I walked the streets of West Philly.

I also sent a copy to my 20-year-old son. Your point hits home and is all too true. Your breath-stopping statement, "I'm a 19-year-old African-American," is what our youth need to understand - it's their demographic.

The fear this demographic generates can only be changed by them. (With our help, of course.) I am a 49-year-old father of two who fears for my son's future. Hats off to you, my young brother, for you are wise beyond your years. Your father and God are proud.

Darnell Perry Sr., Philadelphia