Not surprising, most of the homicides were committed with firearms, usually handguns. That's why lawmakers in Harrisburg should show the political will to pass more stringent gun laws, including a measure that would close the so-called Florida loophole, which allows people who were denied a Pennsylvania license to use a permit obtained in another state to carry a gun here.
A bill sponsored by State Sen. Larry Farnese, (D., Phila.), would block Pennsylvania residents with high-risk backgrounds from carrying guns in this state by using licenses they obtained elsewhere. The measure would not deny law-abiding citizens the right to bear arms, as the National Rifle Association argues. But it would help keep guns out of the hands of people who shouldn't have them.
Black males are dying from senseless violence at a disproportionate rate in Philadelphia as well as nationally. A recent Inquirer analysis found that although black men are less than 15 percent of the city's population, they were 75 percent of the city's 318 homicide victims last year. Black men between the ages of 18 and 29 accounted for 48 percent of all homicide victims.
A new grassroots campaign spearheaded by several local activists is aimed at changing this city's entrenched culture of violence and stemming the bloodshed. The activists plan to use social media, billboards, and lawn signs to spread a "Live and Let Live" message to change attitudes and, it is hoped, yield better outcomes.
The Live and Let Live campaign is a good start. But its leaders understand it will take a longer effort that includes jobs, education, and housing to address the root of violence. For now, the campaign is "just trying to save lives," said Tyrone Works, a former inmate at Graterford Prison. Government and business leaders should be a part of this worthwhile effort.
To see city murder statistics, go to www.philly.com/philly/news/special_packages/inquirer/136746563.html
