If people had the ability to actually protect themselves and not wait the 5 minutes (which is an eternity when there is a weapon being used against you) for police to respond we would not have nearly as many "Victims" being injured. Crime of opportunity would be reduced because of fear of the individual fighting back.
Maryland gun law states that if you have a safe passage out of YOUR HOME and your loved ones are in no imminent danger, your requirement is to leave the house and call the police. Giving those committing the crimes against you or your family more rights to protection than you are guaranteed as your rights as a law abiding citizen. Doesn’t anyone see this as a problem?

Crime will not get better if those that are committing it have NOTHING to fear. Restricting the use of weapons only affects those who obey the laws to begin with.

Many Answers to the crime problems in Baltimore could be addressed with the novel proposals that I have sent time and time again to the city's guardians.

Dear Candidates and Elected Officials,

The race for Mayor and City Council President is over. All candidates put forth their best efforts but in the end the victory went to Ms. Dixon and Mrs. Rawlings-Blake and hopefully all the candidates who ran against them will congratulate them and offer them their support. In most cases we are aware that words and phrases like those presented above or nothing more than boiler plate as the defeated candidates return their corners to plot their course of action for the next run four years hence. But Baltimore , you may not have four years hence. Either that or the Baltimore you know of as of today, even with all it faults, may be blessing compared to what you may have in four years if civil order collapses on a grand scale. Given the current rate of things, such an apocalyptical future stands a good chance of happening, beautiful Inner-Harbor or not.

The intent of this letter is have your words have meaning and content as I am sure that all of you have already offered your boiler plate concessions and empty pledges of offers of assistance. I shall do this by asking two simple questions.

1). Did any candidate offer up a truly absurd platform complete with ridiculous solutions to the city’s problems?

(noting that no one running embraced Councilman’s Curran knee-jerk call for martial law, I would assume the answer is no.)

2). Was anyone’s Mamma insulted?

(sure critiques, less than desirable appraisals and even a few barbs were thrown around, I know I got my share in, on everyone that was running and I had nothing at stake; I am just a figment of the internet.)

Continuing on, under the assumption the answer to both questions is NO. I would say put any pettiness behind you. You have a city to save. I think the Mayor should have access to the brightest and best, which I count you all as. The Mayor should be made aware of the inner most details of all your plans to combat one problem, and one problem alone, quelling the murder rate. I hesitate to even say crime at this junction because as I wrote in a previous paper, even crime is an integral part of any society however what is not, is barbarity and savagery. The wide spread taking of life for the mere pleasure of the taking of a life is a true sign that such a society is quickly approaching collapse. In Baltimore you have past the tipping point crime no longer fuels the murder rate, the murder rate now fuels the crime rate.

As for the newly elected Mayor and City Council President, your obligation is first give credit where credit due that work diligently with panels involving the originator of other proposals , ideas or plans and do your best to incorporate such into the running of the city.

Let’s not waste time here folks, additional policing and police detainment, new forms of community policing, police overtime, police excreta, etc., etc. is a given, it’s your business and does not need to be debated, ad nauseam, and in a public forum. Quite frankly that was the worst part of this past political campaign for most candidates. It only showed that no new ideas were forthcoming. And we all know, or at least should know, that police are an adjunct and not the cure to the problem. By the way neither is the criminal justice system, fix the flaws and move on with it. The problem is mindset while most policy makers spend valuable air time and public forum time stating the obvious. The issue of mindset, as I am sure Dr.Bundley would agree, is either never mentioned or left somehow to miraculously resolve itself.

I have offered, to all present and hundreds more, a variety of novel ideas and creative solutions that have been largely, strike that, totally ignored. I will recount some of them at the end of this letter. Trust me, I am OK with them being ignored in the presence of alternative or competing ideas But there are none. That is what frustrates me. If only I have had your backgrounds and schooling and access to your platforms and constituents.

Now here is your chance folks, if a habitual foster child, barely educated can come up with such a bevy of fresh ideas how much more should you be able to do?

But first you got to realized the gravity of the problem we face and then you have got to talk to each other. A perfect venue for such discussion will be taking place soon. Ms. Millie Brown the woman who actions inspired me to write ‘Blood Stained Twenties’ (my attempt to demystify and de-glorify the act of being a thug and getting shot. See attachment #2) will be holding a dinner function soon. The Dinner will be held in the Johns Hopkins Medical Complex. You can contact her for specifics at mbrown8@jhmi.edu. I would assume she has already reserved the Mayor as an attendee. I will not be in attendance. Tickets are $35. The affair is too! pricey for my week to week living and in opposition my egalitarian stance on such functions. However for you all it should be a mere drop in the collection plate and par for the course. I just hope its doesn’t turn out to be business as usual.



Thank You
Phillip Ghee

p.s. What ever we do here. I hope that we can export post haste because in most major cities in this country the same veil of savagery has descended and with the young black male truly becoming endangered and dangerous species and the sanctity of their cities can’t be far behind.









What have I done for you lately?


The following is a shorten abbreviated list of some of the proposals I have put forth so far in order to changes the murderous mind-set prevailing over Baltimore. The list is in no particular order. As always if you want a complete copy of the article from which the proposal originates write me at phillipghee@yahoo.com and request as much. Place in the subject field “ Believe is a Verb” (a request that to date has never been acted upon)


1. We can and should revive an affirmation tradition. This can be done without alienating or sparking the wrath of a host of religious and philosophy practitioners. A simple, daily, positive mantra could be spoken and performed without fundamentalism.
For your consideration I offer the following:

WHO AM I
Today is my day. Everything that I do, everything that I learn,
will one day make me the person that I am.

Some may reach for the stars. Some may reach for God.
Some may reach for the inner pearl that lies deep inside.

However I choose and whatever I become, my wish is to do it
with you in regards.

We all share – one planet. We all share – One World.
We are all equal – one race, human. One color – love.
One special person be they Boy or Girl.

This affirmation would also have the children acting out the verses with hand and body movements, for instance: They point to themselves when expressing the I. They point to others when expressing equality; they point to the sky and embrace when they speak of God. They point to their hearts when they express love. They point to their bellies when expressing the inner pearl. The whole point of the affirmation is to build self esteem and respect for others, much in the same manner the “Golden Rule” did for most of us as children. Pghee02-14-07


2. Below please find a basic and simplified draft of the changes that I propose will move us towards a more socially beneficial education for the development of our children.








ELEMENTARY LEVELS

Let us introduce children to practices that will instill in them higher principles* while in their early stages of development. Since they are children the best way to do this is by ritual and repetition.

A simple affirmation could serve our youth much in the same manner as the recovery groups guide their members to health. More than just being a dictate on the way one is to live their lives, the purpose of the affirmation could be to gently point the way to journey of the inner discovery of self and celebrate the scarcity of life for both the individual and foster respect for the lives of others.

I have offered an example of such an affirmation in one of my earlier writings entitled “Who are We”. If you do not have a copy of that piece please request such.

Non-religious yet life affirming philosophies like those espoused in works such as The Book of Virtues should be implemented in escalating stages throughout the elementary grades.


JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Civics and Social Responsibility

This would be a hybrid class that takes essential elements of the classic civics class only in as much as it prepares the individual to understand his (functional) role in his relationship to government. Topics to be addressed and explored would be the formation and role of government, rules of parliamentary procedures. Aspects of voting both public and congressional.

Organizations of Service: Scouting groups – 4H Clubs – Athletics and Urban Associations.


SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Upper level Civics and Social Responsibility

More emphasis is now placed on review and analysis of structure and format of social and governmental organizations. Introduction to political parties and ideology. Ethics, Responsibilities and Freedoms,

Organizations of Service: Military – Clergy – NGO‘s – Non-Profits, etc.

Final Senior Year the student may take, as an elective, a review course
of world citizenship; an examination of political systems and their civics and social responsibilities.




The end result of this new and innovated approach to the socialization of our youth should present us with a society that has taken a significant step forward in its evolutionary development.
Plainly put, we should begin to see a greater sense of pride and commitment to purpose in the individual. And such a higher state of being can only produce a higher quality of life for all.


In closing I wish to appeal to you to help me get this message out. Help me to disseminate this piece to as many parties as possible particularly - School Boards and Teachers, Clergy, Media, local and national leaders and politicians. Let’s show the world that grass root efforts can still truly make an impact on the course of our nation. I don’t merely want to make a difference, I want to make a change and with your help and your belief, I know we can.



3. Slouching: Body language is indicative of one stance or view on things. We I board the buses and subway and see our young black me, in droves, slumped over and barely able to maintain any type of spine at all yet alone an erect one; this warns me that something more psychologically and clinical is beneath these defeated poises other than fashion or style. They, many in their early teens, had already been defeated by life and hopelessness and lack the self esteem to sit tall or walk erect. I am sure the social scientist would bear me out on this if they ever cared to examine the phenomenon. My suggestion is that all teachers and school officials should discourage slouching in the class room. Perhaps even ban it as easily as one bans the chewing of gum or eating of food in the classrooms; they still do that don’t they? Those parents still acting in that capacity could do the same at home. Hopefully one day we will return to that village raising of a child when even a passerby-er could request more compliance with posture and other things as well.

4.re: comment caller made to the Marc Steiner Show: Mr. Steiner I hope you realized how important those words were. One caller spoke of a Marshall plan. What you suggested regarding sending out the tape could very well be the ignition spark of such a Marshall plan. Every comment on today's show, with the possible exception of one, a victim via racism comment* was essential and profound. This tape should not only be sent to Public Official but also, public schools, churches, private and community based organizations. It should be the spark of debate in all forums held within our city. You should really identify that caller. Such profound thoughts should indicate a true thinker and in these times of few thoughts a thinker can not and should not be ignored.

5.re: an open appeal to the citizens of Baltimore , meant for mass duplication and discussion.
Amen, I applaud Dr. Jesse Jackson for his call to ban the N-word from entertainment. No I am not suggestion censorship, you don't have to go back and re-write history or ban books such as Huckleberry Finn or movies, etc, I am talking about responsibility, not censorship, as in the " don't cry fire in a crowded theater scenario".

I have been waiting for someone of your caliber to make such a pronouncement ever since I was a kid and I am now in my middle ages. My only criticism is why it has taken us so long to address and why once again, must a white man (The Michael Richards incident) initiate or spark an action we should have identified and dealt with amongst ourselves a long, long time ago. .

When I ride public transportation in Baltimore or sit in any area where our people of color congregate. I hear the N-word like every 4 to 5 seconds, by man, woman and child (poor and privileged alike) and I AM TRULY SICK OF IT. It is a word of hate and self loathing, simple and plain. Don’t be bamboozled by the rappers and their variations of the word. They only changed in spelling what they could not change in undeveloped minds. And it is all of our jobs to help develop those minds rather than excusing them. The self hating N-word and it’s common usage is emblematic of the self hate being deadly administered on the streets, just as openly and commonly as the usage of the word on the trains and buses and schoolyards.

Is there anybody else out there sick of hearing black people use this word as if it is the primary word in their vocabulary? How do whites (in the privacy of their own homes in minds of course) view this tendency to self destruct, I wonder. I wish the honest ones would let us know.

I grew up in a series of foster homes (four to be exact)
where the N -word was used liberally by foster kin and neighbors alike, yet when I was still a child and once I understood that there was a tragic gulf between black and white and, once I learned of the tragic history of blacks in this country and the origin of the word; it was a word that I eliminated from my lips as well as my spirit. Now I was just a child (not even in junior high) and I was able to make and stand by that decision. Please people what have taken us so long? And please cut the excuses.


6. Every time I pass the magnificent City Hall building, I look out at the open space, the mall area in front of the building and I think “What an underutilized piece of land”.
My Suggestion: How about an Ice Skating Rink ala Rockefeller Center Style.*

Such an attraction could really liven up the area and bring tourism and tourist as well as resident dollars into the area. Also it becomes a great showplace for televised events. And if the facilitators of the skate park could hold on to principle and keep the park a family themed and/or PG rated venue then it could undoubtedly serve as a learning experience for many of our youth (urban youth in particular) by showing them a good time can be had at positive themed events.


7. Challenge negative images: This week, while riding the tourist and commuter friendly Light Rail, I came across a boldly and vibrantly displayed posters for an upcoming event “The Snitches I am Here “tour. Undoubted this is promotion for the latest flash in the pan, rising star of Thug Life culture to grace the African-American cultural landscape. I am sure that the commuters most of whom probably hold down decent jobs and put forth the effort to maintain a family, were thrilled to know that Baltimore, a city already plagued with the gang and thug life seemingly gaining the upper hand at every turn, would allow such blatant criminally inspired messages to go up, unchallenged. I would think that somewhere the Dawson Family* is looking down at us in disgust. The Camden Neighborhood put up a good protest over fiflth and hate and crime driven lyrics coming into their neighborhood. When are we, African-American Baltimore ever going to take a stand likewise. How does the saying go “ If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything”

8. THE NEIGHBOR BUILT PROGRAM AND NEIGHBOR BUILT PROJECTS have no mandates other than to serve the community(s) in which it operates. Once the NBP has received permission, grants, permits, land, space, excreta, etc.; it will thereby go about the building or construction of such desired structure or project for the site.

The Project will have no real completion date because; its completion will be built on the momentum generated by the individuals participating in the building of such. If you give human nature a break it will shine, BELIEVE.




Now back to ground zero, the first part is truly easy; workers (non-skilled OK because if they stay on they will eventually develop skills AND it is this newly acquired skill which will make that individual a productive member of society) are amassed to begin clearing, demolition and destruction. Preferential hiring is given to the person living in the community where the project is occurring. Why? This builds pride in the community in which that person lives and, now that person is historically invested, in that community in which he or she lives; human nature will dictate that generally one does not disrespect,

9. re: recreation, the other day I was watching the Track and Field competition. The athletes exhibit their various sporting skills in a much opened spaced arena. It occurred to me. These kids, living here in Baltimore , row house Baltimore as it is, are themselves entrapped by structures. Minus the parks, there is no freedom of space. Now this is not to dis row houses it is one the historic references that distinguishes Baltimore and gives it her charm. But we have to consider teenagers and their need for expression. An open space also caters to the opening of minds when orchestrated properly. Not to mention, what could be attracted to the city if we decided to go all out and build a serious complex. Such a project, not so architecturally demanding, would be apropos to kick off a Neighbor Built Project.



10. Proposal. THE BALTIMORE INVESTMENT TEAM - BIT

I see the formation of this organization, say of about twenty or so members, as a Grass Roots inspired collective of energetic and dedicated visionaries who embark out on a year long task (phase 1) to get to know the city, block by block. This year long mission will have each member of the team go out and establish a connection between every city block and BIT central. Even before members take to the streets, savvy ad campaigns could go up alerting Baltimoreans to the project thereby generating anticipation. The information would then be gathered and via computer put to a variety of beneficial uses for the neighborhood and for the city.

11. FERTALIZING THE AREA AROUND THE ROOTS


Pathology: our children are bombard with negative and images too! adult for their years
on a constant basis. And although we can probably due little to affect the
state of this, we can probably start putting forth some counter balance.
Remember how I pointed out how I am bombarded with the mean and
ugly scowls on the posters on display on the trains and buses (Q 92 FM, Jams)
of the million dollar rap babies in the article: What you see is what you get?
Our kids are bombarded with that gangster hardness endorsed by corporate
$$$ America and we expect them to act otherwise?
Treatment

I think it is time for some public service billboards and posters highlighting
Some higher qualities and virtues in life. Remember how I told you about
My being placed in so many foster homes and how the, what was called then,
The Golden Rule, had such an impact upon my life? I think we should be
able to launch a public service ad campaign whose aim could have similar
goals and hopefully effects as that of the Golden Rule. The trick is how to
do it without ruffling too! many feathers and avoid the wrath of the ACLU.

Let’s attempt to promote civility, respect for self and others in the following
Way. First start by selecting five Leaders, Historical or Religious figures.
For all intents and purposes try to have each of those figures different
in race and philosophy yet have them be a composite of what primary
constitute the race/ethnic/ religious background of the Baltimore/MD
population. In each billboard/poster the figure would be espousing
some higher goal toward purpose or development. And for God’s sake
have at least one of the Chosen be a known Atheist or at least a staunch
Evolutionist – how’s that for a play on words

First of all, thanks Phillip for taking up the whole page, with proposals noone is even giong to read much less consider. I just want to know why the B. Sun doesnt leave a comment section at the end of most online articles. Must be politics, because it silences the community from expressing their views about the high homicide rate.

Baltimore suffers from the oldest problem in the world. Godlessness. The government officials are on the take. If they weren't would there be such a rampant drug problem? When drugs are this prevalent then the highest officials are drug users or worse, paid to look the other way. As was New Orleans so is Baltimore. Look out Baltimore your judgment comes in the form of the vengence of Almighty God. You have been warned.