Peace in the Streets -- UPDATED

Alex Kratz over at the Bronx News Network reports on an initiative by some Bronx politicans and community groups intent on reducing violence in the borough, especially the gun violence. Created by Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, it is without a doubt a worthy goal. But the devil is in the details. As the Bronx District Attorney said, "it’s going to take all all-out effort by every segment of our community to educate about the dangers in order to bring about a change in the culture”. It will not only take a change in culture (which is no small feat), but aggressive policing and prosecution. That is where rubber hits the road, so Bronx politicians and community leaders have to be prepared for some difficult measures if we are going to see any change. The proof will be in whether the Bronx is a safer place a year from now. Let's hope the answer is yes, and our politicians really have the resolve to do more than just issue press releases and show up for photo-ops. UPDATED: Here is a terrific article by one of the best writers in the country, Clyde Haberman of the NY Times about this Bronx initiative. His article makes that point strongly that we can't keep blaming the system for the problem but have to deal with the issue of personal responsibility if we are going to get crime under control in the Bronx.