How big of a problem is "gang violence"?

[kentuck]

Reading about the rival gangs at the Convention Center during the disaster, I wonder if we are looking at the wrong terrorists. They even had the NG so intimidated that they barricaded themselves in a corner. They hot-wired forklifts and ran through the place like it was something out of Road Warrior. And they murdered their rivals from other housing projects, it has been reported. The people there were living in fear of these roving gangs. What should be the solution?

[teach1st]

1. I know that Homeland Security says they're working on it...

http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4710

[proud2BlibKansan]

2. In my community,

gangs are bad. Local cops say 80% of our crime is gang related. I can't imagine New Orleans being much different.

[pitohui]

3. it is a huge problem

i don't know the solution but it was an awful problem this summer throughout the new orleans area

the murder rate was thru the roof, w. some of the murders being completely senseless, perhaps initiations, such as the murder of a 7 yr old girl & two members of her family, or the murder of a plumber who was known for repairing neighbor's homes at no charge, this poor man was then set on fire in his own home

just horrible horrible horrible gruesome stuff

we need a lot more police, better-funded police, & quick action so that police who are themselves drug lords or taking pay-offs are quickly dealt w.

pretty much i don't see why gang membership should be tolerated under rico, you are part of a criminal conspiracy to distribute drugs, your action needs to be busted up

[RagingInMiami]

4. If all the rival gangs in the country call a truce

And decide to take out their anger on the establishment that keep them and their families repressed, the country better watch out.

[Syncronaut Seven]

6. Shhhhh...... Your gonna spoil the surprise!

They're already well versed in urban combat.

[maveric]

5. Street gangs or corporate gangs?

Makes you wonder which group is worse.

[NaturalHigh]

7. There has been some gang violence at Camp Gruber (Okla).

Personally, I think that gang members who victimize other evacuees are bottom-feeders.

Edit: typo