Increasing Bonds? The Solution to Gun Violence? Really?

I’ve read recently that Durham Mayor Bill Bell and Durham County Commissioners Chairman Michael Page both support increasing bonds for people charged with gun violence as a way to reduce violence in Durham. These recurring suggestions that “getting tough on crime” and increasing punishment will deter crime are out of touch with the causes of crime in our community. Political leaders serious about reducing crime should be talking about living wage jobs programs, counseling, education, training, and intensive mentorship programs. Our local “criminals” are mostly kids who have been abandoned by their families and by our community. They have been … read more »