The suburbs of Chicago are ever-changing. What was once the American dream
is now just as riddled with crime and social-economic problems as many high density urban neighborhoods.
There is a lack of dedication and unity within communities today. Social capital has steadily decreased over
the past 50 years and we are now at a time in which we need it the most. One of the ways we can improve
neighborhoods is through social clubs: bowling leagues, faith-based groups, youth organizations, and
Neighborhood Watch to name a few. However, many working families do not have the time to participate in
community organizations. To protect and maintain communities from utter demise, I feel it can be very
important to keep youth active. I propose mandatory community service for teenagers to graduate, emphasizing
civic engagement and giving youth a sense of conscientiousness about democracy.
Crime is another issue that tears communities apart. The best way to prevent gang violence in the region is
to properly fund education. I don’t just mean teaching kids how to pass standardized tests so schools can
receive increased federal funding through the heinous No Child Left Behind Act. I would agree with most
experts that extracurricular activities are highly important to keeping kids off the streets. CPS students
have made the largest portion of gun deaths in Chicago this summer. Common sense gun laws and strengthening
community support of organizations like CeaseFire could also reduce the number of gang related incidents in
these lower income pockets. There is no practical purpose to possessing Uzis, tech-nines, and other blatant
killing machines. I’ve never witnessed hunters using these methods of taking down a trophy deer. In addition,
we need to protect our law enforcement officers from menacing hide/armor-piercing bullets. These need to stay
banned from our streets and there is no room for debate over their use.
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