17TH AND EUCLID

Another spectacular column by Colbert King today on the lingering pockets of urban despair in our major cities, and the apparent inability of the police or our public authorities to do much to help the situation. He’s right that non-profits and voluntary groups are doing the only seriously productive long-term work here, although many cops do the best they possibly can under the circumstances. But this column has a special resonance for me. The corner of 17th and Euclid Streets is the corner where I live. This is my block. It’s right outside my window as I write this. While I advocate for disarming militants in the West Bank, I walk past armed teenagers every day just to take the beagle to the park. I also have to ask whether I’ve done enough. Apart from some minor engagement with local kids, these gangs simply scare me into retreat and withdrawal. How to overcome these barriers? As King suggests, a radical reorientation of resources; a transformation of social services as profound as our military transformation. School vouchers can help. But also, surely, a greater sense of personal responsibility for the lives around us. I plead guilty to a too-easy resignation.