Lately I have been thinking a lot about some of my experiences.
One particular memory has been standing out more than most. The time I went into a “rough” neighborhood— even by Philly’s standards— to see a client and collect some cash from him. I never worried about how dangerous the neighborhoods I visited were, because somehow I always thought that the people I represented, and the cred of being a criminal lawyer, would protect me. This time, though, I felt uneasy. It probably had something to do with how much cash I had on me at the time. A youngster (who couldn’t have been more than sixteen) and his pal approached me before I got into my car. They didn’t look particularly threatening, and, as it turned out, they knew who I was and just wanted to make small talk. “You a “lawyer, right?” He looked even younger up close. I told him I was. ” You got your fire with you?” I knew he was referring to a gun, and I told him no. I told him something to the effect that I didn’t think that I needed one among my own people. He laughed and flashed what looked like a 9mm Glock so I could see it. “I always keep mine Mr Lawyer, just in case”. He laughed again and walked off with his friend. I didn’t even want to think about where his life was heading. I am pretty sure that he is either dead or in jail now.
The more I read and hear about the carnage on the streets of Philadelphia and other major American cities, the more I think about that encounter with that youngster in North Philadelphia some fifteen years ago. Guns are still everywhere, and every sixteen year old in North Philadelphia who wants a gun can get one. And not just any gun, a really powerful one; like a 9mm Glock.
There are a lot of reasons for these urban terrorists terrorizing each other and law abiding citizens. I could could go on and on about their broken homes, poor school systems, toxic masculinity, and societal failures that have done nothing to address the root causes of poverty. But the quickest way to reduce gun violence in the streets is to make guns less available. It’s really not rocket science. And I know that it’s easier said than done, but we have to say it so that we can at least start somewhere.
Philly made national news again for all the wrong reasons this past weekend. Knuckleheads on South Street started brawling, and rather than fight with their fists, they chose to settle their differences with their guns. And of course, they all had their guns, because every young punk in Philly either has one, or knows how to get one. They are not in the NRA, and they were not trained in proper gun safety or how to shoot. So when they start beefing amongst each other and reach for their “fire”, people die, and chaos ensues.
“I always keep mine Mr. Lawyer, just in case”.