Black leaders should refocus efforts against violence

How do the likes of Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton make someone like Michael Brown a poster child for racism? Did the youth not rob a store, manhandle the owner and attack a police officer?

Every week in Chicago innocent, hardworking young black men and boys are killed. But, I guess since almost all are killed by other young black men, they are not worthy of the attention one Missouri teen gets. Loving mothers lose good sons on a regular basis here, and it only makes the news briefly.

Racism will not end if such behavior and the violence and destruction that followed is deemed acceptable by black leaders and ignored by the press. Is this an acceptable aftermath of a tragedy? If so, why doesn't it occur in other communities when a life is taken needlessly?

How we raise our children is what counts, and it starts at a very young age. Many years ago, my then-5-year-old son came in with what turned out to be my neighbor's newspaper. I asked where he got it and was told he took it because he was mad at her son (his playmate). I told him that was stealing and made him return it with an apology. This was an important lesson for him to learn.

Good parenting begins when children are young age and continues until they reach adulthood. Parents who don't do their job are just lucky if their children grow up to be reliable, responsible adults.

So, Jesse and Al, find some worthwhile poster children to fight racism. I'm sure they're out there. Also, Jesse, why don't you stay home and put all your efforts in to making Chicago a better and safer city for all the good people whose lives are adversely affected on a daily basis?

Janet Lumm

Schaumburg