According to the report, murders in New York dropped 79 percent over the past twenty years. Chicago saw a 46 percent reduction in murders during that same time period while Los Angeles saw a 68 percent decline. Law enforcement officials attribute some of the decline in violent crime and murder to the dwindling crack wars. In the 1980s and 1990s drug turf wars claimed far too many lives; this generation seems to have been spared the worst of that. Technology, these same officials say, also played a part in helping to reduce violent crime. There are new tools that help law enforcement officers predict where and when crimes could be committed; officers are then assigned as needed.

While there clearly seems to have been some progress in reducing violent crime, it’s not easy to convince the public of that fact. Try telling an elderly man living in South Central Los Angeles who is used to hearing gun shots outside his living room window every evening that his community is safer. Better yet, try to convince a mother in Chicago who, for that last two years, has been inundated with media reports of yet another child murder, that her city is less violent than it has been in years. It’s hard for people to believe that there has been a reduction in crime when their local newspaper makes it a point to tally up the weekend death toll on its front page.

Hard numbers – proof – that violent crime has dropped is a good thing. However, perception is everything. Law enforcement has to also work to make sure people feel safe. Police foot patrols are just one thing that could go a long way to helping Americans feel safer in their communities. Unfortunately, local economies are so economically depressed that police forces are being reduced; foot patrols are
a luxury many cannot afford. A constant flow of information from local police stations could also help adjust public perception. Regular updates on all crimes, block by block, help keep residents informed. Over time, they’ll begin to feel safer in their homes.

Data released by The U.S. Conference of Mayors shows that the nation’s food banks saw a 24-percent increase in visits. And nearly 43 million Americans – a record – were using food stamps this past fall. The reality of our economy – and the effect it has had our citizens – is sobering. 56-percent of those seeking help getting food were families, while 19-percent were seniors. Before you think that only the poorest of the poor are struggling with hunger, consider this: 30-percent of those in need of help are employed.

We hear elected officials talk more and more about reducing our nation’s debt. Unfortunately, many want to reduce it by hurting the poor. They believe that cutting aid to heavily funded government programs – Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare, three programs that support the poor, among them – is the only way to bring down the nation’s debt. While this approach may seem logical, it’s not the correct one. And the news from the Conference of Mayors confirms that.

With unemployment holding at nearly 10-percent, more Americans are slipping into poverty. Now, more than ever, the poor needs the government to support the, not reduce the services available. The safety net that is supposed to cradle the needy during difficult times must not only be preserved, it must be extended.

As we enter a New Year, it’s time that America gets its priorities in check. Of course, we must continue to strengthen those industries that drive our economy. But, more importantly, we must also hold up those individuals and families that make up the fabric of our nation.

Recently, a federal court lifted the controversial “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that prohibited gays in the military from openly declaring their homosexuality. Anyone caught doing so, under the law, could be immediately discharged from service. President Obama has often stated that he wanted to bring an end to the policy during his presidency. However, as soon as the ruling came down, his Justice Department began working on an appeal that would keep the ban in place…at least temporarily. And they won. The President still maintains that he wants “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” to die, but he says he wants Congress to bring an end to it. It’s highly unlikely that the President will get his wish with such strong opposition from Republicans in Congress, a group that is expected to take control after the November elections. Why, then, didn’t his administration let the ruling stand? Your guess is as good as any.

The confusion doesn’t end there. In recent weeks, we’ve been sobered with stories of young gay men across the country who committed suicide because they were tired of being bullied by their peers. Research shows that gay and lesbian teens are four times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts. There is currently a national campaign aimed at young homosexuals, designed to lift their spirits, encourage them to get help and let them know that things will get better for them. In the midst of all this support, one thing is missing: a government stance on bullying, specifically bullying of gay students. Where is the national policy that cracks down hard on bullies and charges any young person who bullies a gay teen (or a black or Latino or Asian one) with a hate crime? There isn’t one.

Gay rights are civil rights and we must protect them. Any American, regardless of race, gender, religion or sexual orientation should be free to live life openly and safely. America, as open as it is in other areas, is not at that place yet and it should be. Let’s force our elected officials to take a stand for the rights of all citizens by standing up for gay rights. How can we do that? By casting our vote in the upcoming election for those who fall on the side of justice, fairness and equality for everyone.

Police shootings of unarmed suspects is nothing new.  In 1999, New York City police officers shot mistook Amadou Diallo’s wallet for a gun and fired 41 shots, killing him. In April 2001, 19-year-old Timothy Thomas, who was wanted for traffic violations, was shot and killed by a Cincinnatti police officer. And in, 2006, 23-year-old Sean Bell was shot by the NYPD the day before his wedding. All of the officers were acquitted of criminal charges.

Law enforcement officers are constantly facing danger; we want to honor the good work that they do. But the pressures of the job does not and should not justify the use of unnecessary force. In the Barmore case, an unarmed man was shot and killed in front of children. Not only were the lives of these very young people put into jeopardy, they will also now bear the emotional scars that come with witnessing a murder.

The citizens of Rockford must raise their voices in protest. For both the censure of the officers and also for training within the police department. Opening fire where there are children present, when the suspect posed no threat  to the children was uncalled for. And the officers should be reprimanded accordingly.

Rockford residents should not let this story die down. By taking a stand in their community and keeping the pressure on the police department and city government, citizens could impact the way the department operates. If change happens there, they can then spur change in police departments around the country.