Brandon Roy shot in leg shielding children from gunfire

[Moranis]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/brandon-roy-shot_us_5909cc87e4b0bb2d08739bd7?5c8

[kozlodoev]

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/brandon-roy-shot_us_5909cc87e4b0bb2d08739bd7?5c8

It's a little sad that Brandon Roy is a news item, but children getting shot at, not so much.

[stb]

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19299166/former-nba-all-star-guard-brandon-roy-injured-california-shooting

[Roy H.]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

[Big333223]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

[Fan from VT]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

I wonder if the same should be said about fraternities...

[Rick Robeys Return]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

I agree. Let's start with the criminal gangs who run this government - apparently their respective colors are elephant red and donkey blue - and who are biggest purveyors of violence on the planet. 

[saltlover]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

I mean, who needs freedom of association?

[Roy H.]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

I mean, who needs freedom of association?

You're that worried about MS13's right to peacefully assemble, huh?

My guess is that your opinion would be different if they murdered / raped one of your loved ones. But by all means, let them continue unabated.

[Roy H.]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

I wonder if the same should be said about fraternities...

Lol. Yes, frats routinely murder innocent people.

Gang murders make up something like 15% of all homicides in the US, but let's compare them to fraternities.

[saltlover]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

I mean, who needs freedom of association?

You're that worried about MS13's right to peacefully assemble, huh?

My guess is that your opinion would be different if they murdered / raped one of your loved ones. But by all means, let them continue unabated.

So are you saying your family member has been murdered or raped by MS13, since that's what apparently causes a difference of opinion?  If so, I'm very sorry for your family's troubles.

Anyway, I'm perfectly worried about due process.  We have plenty of laws on the books to punish rapists, murderers, drug dealers, and even those who hinder the prosecution of the aforementioned.

[Roy H.]

I wish we could do more about gang violence. Isn't there some sort of RICO statute we can use? The very act of being in a gang should be illegal, and every member of such gang should be responsible for all crimes committed by the gang.

If that violates the law, change the law.

Well that sounds problematic.

I mean, who needs freedom of association?

You're that worried about MS13's right to peacefully assemble, huh?

My guess is that your opinion would be different if they murdered / raped one of your loved ones. But by all means, let them continue unabated.

So are you saying your family member has been murdered or raped by MS13, since that's what apparently causes a difference of opinion?  If so, I'm very sorry for your family's troubles.

No, I don't need to be personally affected to have empathy by the many innocents brutalized by gangs.  You seem not to care.

We have a story about gang members shooting at children, and you're concerned about the rights of gang members.

[green_bballers13]

So you think gang participation would drop as a result of your new law? Then why do people who are aware of the law commit crimes?

[Roy H.]

So you think gang participation would drop as a result of your new law? Then why do people who are aware of the law commit crimes?

Deterrence is just one goal of laws. Punishment and incapacitation are others.

People usually commit crimes because they think they can get away with it. Forcing gangs underground would have an affect on crime, yes, since so much of their structure is based upon public displays of brazenness.

[jambr380]

Hard not to take Roy's side on this one. Seriously, what good can come from being in a gang besides being 'protected' from other gangs?

It's not like gangs are not for profit organizations or affiliated with anything positive in particular. The mere involvement with a gang is bad, regardless of whether or not a particular member is doing anything illegal.

It all starts from a young age and making sure young people have options outside of joining a gang is probably the best way to address the issue. Making gangs illegal is a close #2, though. TP to Roy.