JUST A THOUGHT - ON HOW DEALING WITH DRUGS, KNIFE AND GUN CRIMES, IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYBODY, AND NOT JUST A 'LAW ENFORCEMENT PROBLEM.' PART 8.

When we cite the absence of job opportunities for young people, and how that might have influenced some young people and men into pursuing a criminal lifestyle. 

We also need to pose the question of how well or how badly have some of these young people done, educationally, and what they are taking to job market. 

In other words, even if there were more job opportunities, would they have been able to compete for them? 

Would they have the motivation? Yes, we need to be mindful of the fact that, there are some people who would be only too willing to use these deficiencies and shortages within the system, as 'excuses for their criminality.' 

Too eager to continue to avoid taking responsibility for their own shortcomings, the own lack of self-and other respect, and injurious behavior. 

And blame it all on others. On the Police, the law, racism, lack of employment and society. And not asking themselves what good have they done for others. 

The others whom they might only too eagerly blame for why they have done the wrongs they have done. 

If, and when they can even be bother to reflect empathically  with their actions towards those whom they have wronged and disrespected.

After all, when we have identified the negative or unfortunate forces which bear down on us. 

Do we not find that there are some over which we have no control and/or influence, either directly or indirectly? 

And is it not incumbent upon us to identify those over which we do have some control and/or influence, including ourselves. 

And set about maximising our utilization of them, in our attempt to effect positive changes?

To be continued!