#Letters to the Editor — July 15, 2021

The Issue: A 13-year-old alleged gang member who was killed in a drive-by shooting in The Bronx.

It’s a sad shame that young black teens, especially a 13-year-old, are killed in gang violence so ruthlessly and without a thought (“Boy ‘Gangster’ Slain,” July 14).

These teens should be with the summer youth program for jobs, playing sports and volunteering. They should not be involved in these silly waste-of-time gangs.

If Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo really care about black lives, they should bring stop-and-frisk back ASAP.

If you don’t agree, just take a good look at all those people killed by those who aren’t police.

Lorraine Zanzonico

Brooklyn

A bloody gang war involving teenagers has exploded in The Bronx.

The youngest alleged gang member killed was only 13 and was laughably described as a “lovable, awesome kid,” despite being arrested eight times for assault, robbery, burglary and criminal mischief. I doubt his victims would describe him that way.

Rick Robinson

Hampton Bay

A 13-year-old alleged gang member with a rap sheet, including multiple arrests, was slain by a rival gang member.

There are those who believe that not enough rec centers or jobs for youths is part of the problem, but the stark reality is that there will never be that many opportunities available. And parents are only part of the solution.

The city needs to do more to eliminate gangs. Lock them up for a good number of years in a facility that stresses discipline, education, a desire to not let down their families or themselves, and a promise of job placement after their term and rehabilitation have been complete — but otherwise, no “coddling.”

Only a composite, “tough love” solution will work on today’s gang kids. Anything else, such as having social workers “mediating disputes” between gangs, is an utterly ridiculous waste of taxpayer money.

Robert Mruczek

Brooklyn

These gang wars are out of control. When you have a mayor like de Blasio who’s soft on crime, people will die.

Obviously, he does not care about the people who live in our city. It’s a disgrace what this mayor has turned this city into, and it’s not going to stop.

Robert Johann

Queens

NYPD Commissioner Dermot Shea voiced his concern over the gun violence in The Bronx, which has led to killings.

He is correct to say there is no plan in place to correct this problem. Our mayor has taken away the ability of the NYPD to perform its duties. There are no specialized units to combat gun violence and gangs, not only in The Bronx but in the entire five boroughs.

Defunding the police only takes away the important tools needed to combat crime as a whole.

Last but not least, we have the city courts, where judges let those who commit even the most serious crimes go free the same day.

Our mayor is clueless about what is really going on and just fiddling while Rome burns.

Joseph Comperchio

Brooklyn

This is all happening because of all these progressive policies, like bail reform, ending stop and frisk, the fight against qualified immunity for cops and the defund-the-police movement.

The police are taking a hands-off approach out of fear of being sued and held financially liable for just doing their jobs, and the communities of color are the ones suffering the most.

Dan Gardner

Staten Island

Thirteen-year-old kids are being shot on the streets, and Cuomo and de Blasio have no clue what to do about it. Time for both of them to go.

Where are the parents in all of this? Should they be held accountable?

Years ago, you had to be in the house by a certain time. You were not allowed to roam the streets all hours of the night.

If these kids were home, they would be alive today. Time for these parents to step up and be parents. Maybe they should do a little stop-and-frisk.

Pat Foster

Elizabeth, NJ

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