I have always been somewhat of a “linear thinker.” It has been a strength at times, and a weakness at others. But more often that not, it has helped me see things great clarity. Take this issue on gangs in America now.
Look at any major city in our nation now – gangs are “running wild.” Chicago is a great example. The murder rate is out of site, and all anyone does is wring their hands. And the body count continues to grow.
There is a simple solution; the ‘mechanics’ are already set. When I entered the military I took an oath to ‘defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic…”
“I, (NAME), do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.”
I voluntarily took this oath on Saturday, 8 June 1968 when I was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Air Force. I remember the day and the room at Bowling Green State University when I stood before Lt. Col. Wesley Hoffman with my right hand raised, and took that oath. It was not anything I took lightly – still don’t today.
So here is where I go “linear.” It’s simple. “…all enemies, foreign and domestic.” What exactly are ‘domestic’ enemies?’
To me, domestic enemies are those who threaten ‘the American way of life.’ Again, simple. So, now lets look at typical gang activities: prostitution, drive by shootings, drugs, extortion, money laundering, etc. They key to my line of thinking is, do these activities fall within what we typically think of as “the American way of life?” If you think so, this essay is complete. If not, continue.
“All enemies, foreign and domestic.” If we have a group of folks who threaten our way of life, aren’t they to be considered ‘domestic enemies?’ If not, why have the provision in the first place. Linear, simple.
So, what I propose is to take a look at all the ‘gangs’ in America. Do their activities support, or undermine the American way of life?
If I had the authority I would hold a ‘Blue Ribbon’ panel to look at all the known gangs in our country. Then I would publish a list of those that constitute a threat to the American way of life. I would publish that list, and declare “open warfare” on those gangs, commencing in 30 days. That would give gang members 30 days to decide how they wanted to live – whether or not they wanted to live. Then, at the end of those 30 days, would turn our Special Forces loose on them.
As a “Domestic Enemy of the United States,” you surrender your rights. No Miranda, no lawyers – all you get is a ‘red dot’ in the middle of your forehead. Please do not take it personal – we are just preserving our nation for our children. The gang units in our city police departments know who these fine citizens are – they are just ‘hamstrung’ from really doing anything about them by ‘loopholes’ in the law. Being a member of a gang is (usually) a personal ‘choice.’ With choices, are consequences. Now I think it’s time to hold gang members to the choices they make… from my perspective, the solution is simple.