21st century parallel -
The California Juvenile Crime and Gang Violence Prevention Initiative
On March 7th, 2000, California voters voted on Proposition 21 - Juvenile Crime Initiative Statute, known previously as the Gang Violence and Juvenile Crime Prevention Act of 1998. This initiative statute is proposed by former California Governor Pete Wilson and David Labahn, Deputy Director of California District Attorney's Association of District Attorneys. With the result of 68% for the initiative and 23% against it, California voters pass the initiative, when this initiative take into effect it would make significant changes to the juvenile justice system in existence today, as well as adding new influence on laws against adult, and expand penalties for gang members, and gang related felonies.
During the 1920's America had fear of Communist, it was known as Red Scare. Today, America
have fear of our youth - the very leaders that would lead America in the next century.
However, also due to this "War on Youth", it united youth from all around
California and started a movement to gain rights for youth and children. At first glance,
who wouldn't wish these laws to be passed? After all, juvenile crime affects everyone in
the community. Evidently, juvenile crime is a major problem in the American society.
However, Seeing there are problems, are there solutions? Some say prevention and
education, while others say punishment and incarceration. While an enormous amount of
energy and resources is focused on punishment, California is lacking prevention
programs. At current status, Calfiornia is #1 in prison spending and #41 in
education spending. Statistics show that in recent years, youth violence has
declined. According to California Department of Justice, "California's juvenile
felony arrest rate dropped by 30% from 1991-1998. Arrests of juveniles for homicide fell
by more than 50% in the same period." Should we still increase the current punishment
for juvenile crime offenders? Where is the justice, democracy in our society? Our founding
fathers of America created this country to be one that provides equality to all people who
decides to reside here. However, today's youth are espically targeted. History had shown
itself. In the late 19th century, African Americans and women did not have the right to
vote, yet laws were passed against them. Does this make sense? Laws that affect a group of
people pass by those who does not even know what is going on, and where the people being
effect does not even have a say in it?
There is not a definite answer as to "why" there is such a
fear. This fear is caused partially because of misunderstanding of other cultures, another
major factor is media. This youth movement will continue until the youth gain back their
rights, justice, and equality in this community.
(This article was written based on the youth prespective.)
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Last update: March 20, 2000