Letter: Get crime under control

What has this world come to? Our liberal government is completely out of control with the latest pressure on justice reform. It's pretty sad when the goal of a young Black 16-year-old male from the South Side of Chicago is "to live to his 21st birthday." Unfortunately, he did not live to attain that goal as he was shot and killed during the mayhem in Millennium Park in Chicago, on Saturday night, May 7.

I was born and raised in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. I lived there for 25 years before moving to the suburbs in 1968. At no time during those years did I ever fear for my life or the safety of my family and friends. After moving to the suburbs and raising a family, my wife and I have enjoyed many trips to the city with our family and grandchildren to enjoy the endless attractions, restaurants and other amenities Chicago has to offer. That, however, changed dramatically ever since the current leadership of Mayor Lightfoot, State's Attorney Foxx and Police Commissioner Brown have been in office.

It's time for a major change of leadership and policy in Chicago to help right the sinking ship. Justice reform is not working. Perpetrators are arrested and put back out on the streets within 24-48 hours to commit more crime, sometimes resulting in a shootings or murdering of innocent victims and children. Crowd violence and harassment is out of control because police policies prevent them from doing their jobs.

Back in the '60s and in many parts of the world today, fire hoses were used to control unruly crowds. More police officers on the streets, added social services, community activists, educational programs, etc. are not working. It's time to rethink our liberal policies and get things back under control.

Edward Richter

Palatine