Naturally, we Culver City residents are concerned about the recent rash of burglaries, robberies, attempted burglaries and the like. The question is what to do.
Sure, we’ll be more careful about locking our doors; we’ll be vigilant about surveying the scene when we get out of our cars or stand at a bus stop. If our city council members or police chief speaks out, we’ll pay close attention.
But what about the perpetrators of these crimes? And what about future perpetrators of similar crimes? Who are they? What are their motives? Why have they resorted to crime or might they in the future?
I don’t condone crime. And I’m not excusing it. But isn’t it possible some of these people are good at heart but desperate?
At this very moment I’m trapped in my Inglewood office because there’s been a burglary at the McDonald’s next door. They've taken hostages. Police, helicopters and media trucks are everywhere. I’m sure I’ll be OK; that’s not the point.
So what’s the real story of the McDonald’s burglars? How many crimes anywhere would not be committed if our economy were thriving and people had jobs?
I propose that we do whatever we can--those of us not in positions of power, those of us not equipped with doctorates in economics, those of us not legislators or academics or organizers—to improve our economy, to end foreclosures, to get people back to work.
- How about encouraging more affordable housing in Culver City and Los Angeles?
- How about helping out on the Culver City Homeless Committee?
- How about tutoring a student who might not otherwise graduate?
- How about reaching out to legislators?
- How about joining other people who are fighting for economic justice around the county?
- How about donating to the Culver City Education Foundation or Liberty Hill Foundation or Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy or Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment or Community Coalition?
- How about voting for candidates who know the solution isn’t in legislators further tightening the CA and US budgets, but in employers across California and the US, public and private, employing more people, who in turn spend more, donate more and pay greater taxes? And in citizens being willing to vote for higher taxes.
I can’t claim to have done most of these, but I’ll take on more responsibility and hope others will too.
Sincerely
Rebecca Rona-Tuttle
Editor's note: Letters may be edited for brevity and clarity.
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