Is it a coincidence that New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell is now using the word “terrorism” to describe the current crime wave in the city? On our show, we have been using the word “terrorism” to describe the new surge in crime for at least a year now. Whether it is a coincidence or not - I’m glad Mayor Cantrell is now honest enough to call it what it is - terrorism.
Yesterday, Mayor Cantrell and NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson held a press conference to talk about the crime wave in the city. While a few new ideas were mentioned - there was nothing new about what they proposed. One of the biggest things talked about was continuing to build on the city’s “crime-fighting strategies.” What’s new about that?
Vague promises of change is all we - the citizens of the Greater New Orleans Area got from a much-anticipated press conference with the mayor and the police chief. Vague promises will not change anything in the city, and more good people are planning to move away from the city because of the violent crime that has become part of everyday life in New Orleans.
And trust that the day could come when the fear felt by citizens of this area will extend to tourists and those who decide where to hold conventions. By the time that happens - it will be too late the change anything quickly, and the road to recovery will be long and difficult. It has been hard to change the image that New Orleans is a fun place for conventions, events, and just visiting; and it will be hard to change the image if the city becomes known for its crime.
In the frustration of witnessing the nightly news and hearing talk about the surge in crime, particularly armed carjackings, many have called on NOPD Chief Shaun Ferguson to be replaced. The crime problem we now face is not the fault of Chief Ferguson. I often get the feeling that he would like to be tougher on crime, but let’s remember that in New Orleans the police chief is a puppet of the mayor.
Appointed by the mayor means that the police chief is beholden to the mayor, and anything that comes from the police chief should be taken as the words and ideas of the mayor.
Mayor Cantrell has been in sync with the extremely liberal concept of allowing empathy to supersede an attitude of being tough on the criminals. The lowest common denominator of the crime problem is human behavior.
The acceptance of teenagers beginning a life of having children as a career choice is a generational problem. And yet, politicians and leaders who benefit from blaming outside forces for the plight of entire communities refuse to address the human behavior that is contributing to the crime problem.
Adding to the reluctance of leaders to address the real problem is the lack of consequences for criminal behavior. Young thug punks know they can get away with committing crimes and have no fear of the police or the judicial system. That has been learned behavior from the idea that we feel empathy for children with zero guidance in life.
We should have empathy for the young children who did not ask to come into this world, but at some point when they become a threat to society, it is time for us to teach them consequences for negative behavior.
But do not fall prey to the blame placed on NOPD Chief Ferguson. He is not calling the plays. The mayor is. You could not blame a QB for a team’s failures if the coach is forcing the words and actions of the QB.
Mayor Cantrell has shown a self-centered moral righteousness, and the police chief is nothing more than an extension of the mayor.
The last hope is for the public to continue to pressure elected official to bring about change. The question is - do they really care? Words are cheap. Don’t just tell us you care - show us!
