"Little Chicago"

"That brings the total of people shot in Minneapolis this young year to 60. That is double from what it was this time last year. Some are now referring to our fair city now as Little Chicago."

Anyone noticed anything different about Minneapolis as of late? I know, some of the construction is a mess. And the bike lanes are confusing to those who don't live there. No, I am talking about how the city is turning into a shooting gallery. Not to the extent Chicago is, but it is worrisome. The number of shootings in Minneapolis is about double what it was this time last year.

In 1995, our once peaceful City of Lakes became a real bloodbath. We recorded a record 99 homicides. It was so bad, our city acquired a new nickname - Murderapolis. Fortunately, this number of needless deaths as well as our new moniker, got the attention of city leaders. A big push was made through better policing and better community programs to bring that number down. And it worked - although, one murder is one too many.

This year we are on a dark and deadly path in many areas of the city, in particular the near north side. Yesterday there were 4 people shot. That brings the total of people shot in Minneapolis this young year to 60. That is double from what it was this time last year. Some are now referring to our fair city as Little Chicago. 

Remember Big Chicago? That city which is run by Obama's former Chief of Staff has been out of control for years. As of today, Chicago has had (ready for this one?), 739 people shot. In an American city in the midwest. That is over 12 times worse that what we have in Minneapolis so far. And the point is, both are bad. One number is just bigger than the other.

What to do. First off, we don't want to be referred to as Murderapolis nor Little Chicago. As I have said, one murder is one too many. My opinion? Our gun laws need to be enforced. You get caught with an illegal or stolen gun, your rear end is in jail for five years. You shoot someone, you are gone for life. Regardless if the victim lives or dies, if you shoot someone in a purposeful non-self defense crime, you are gone for life. 

Many of the crimes are drug related. Stiffen the penalties for dealing drugs. Gangs are a big problem. They need to be persona non grata anywhere in the city. Run them out of town. There is nothing wrong with "broken windows" policing. New York City once had a huge crime problem. Then city leaders got serious about taking their city back. And things got better in a hurry. They let cops be cops.

So here is my message to city leaders (including Wonder Woman) in Minneapolis. If you truly want people to come into your city to see the Vikings, the Twins, the Timberwolves, go to the Guthrie, Orchestra Hall, or whatever, you need to clean things up. The fact Minneapolis needs to have shot spotters on telephone poles is in itself obscene. 

The city I once loved to visit when I was younger, I now avoid like a plague. And I am not the only one who feels that way. Clean it up Minneapolis, or Little Chicago might be one of the nicer names you get called.