The Spark

the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist

“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx

Chicago Crime Wave:
Politicians’ Policies Are the Problem, Not the Answer

Apr 14, 2008

Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich, Chicago Mayor Richard Daley, Schools Superintendent Arne Duncan and other elected officials spoke at a rally April 1st before hundreds of students in downtown Chicago. They denounced the growing gun violence and crime, especially by young people, highlighted by the 23 public school students killed at or near schools. As usual, the politicians then called for stricter gun control laws and more police.

These politicians are shameless. They cut spending on schools, health care, mass transit, after-school programs, gyms, parks, summer job programs. They worked ceaselessly to drain the working class and poor communities of resources and money, in order to hand it over to big business in the form of ever more tax breaks and subsidies.

They have the nerve to act shocked that increased despair and demoralization among young people has led to more violent crime. No, getting more cops or more gun laws will not reduce crime. But it will beef up the biggest violent gang in the city–the gang that wears a uniform.

Yes, we need rallies and protests, but our own and not ones led by these political clowns.