Gang turf should be deemed war zone

I am writing to recommend that we need to take drastic measures to stop the senseless killing of our children, especially in Chicago. It seems like every night when I watch the news an announcement is made that another child has been shot and killed.

How, as adults, can we stand back and allow this to happen? I have written my federal and state elected officials but I am not certain they have a backbone capable of dealing with this situation without a great deal of pressure from concerned citizens.

Why do we consider Afghanistan a war zone because organizations there may terrorize our country, but somehow when known gangs in the Chicago area chose to sell drugs, protect their territory by threats and outright killings of the innocent we turn our backs and say nothing.

Many city streets in Chicago are not safe to drive on and even a wrong look could get you killed. Why haven't we called these areas what they are - war zones run by highly armed terrorists. If they are truly considered what they are then martial law could be enforced. Assigning our trained Illinois National Guard to barricade off designated high-crime "war zone" areas is a start. Inspect vehicles for drugs and weapons, arrest violators, label them terrorists and send directly to a military prison without a trial. If well-armed National Guard personnel are present and actually enforcing tough laws and penalties, our streets may become safe once again.

Now is the time to take responsibility, deal with the problem, and create consequences strong enough to cause our "home grown" terrorists to think twice.

Ron Adams

Bloomingdale