Allentown's problems far exceed policing policies. The city and school district are facing massive revenue shortfalls. Future revenues to each will not have enough money to fully fund not just police but nearly every other aspect of the residents living in Allentown. Rather then dealing with these massive tax shortfalls some local leaders choose rather to go after low hanging fruit. Ones which enrage people rather then engage people.
Meanwhile the school district and city is headed towards bankruptcy.
It seems to me if we really care about black lives (or white ones for that matter) we'd be focused on what inevitably is going to happen. Things like program cuts, layoffs and without a doubt a urgent need to raise taxes substantively. Things that will far more affect each and everyone's lives directly. None of which can be solved by inciting further division by some of our local so-called social justice leaders. A few which are demanding more money for themselves promising more disruptions if they don't receive it.
What we need now more then ever are those who have ideas to come up with city and school funding fixes. What we have instead are flame throwers unable or unwilling to solve the truly tough problems our schools and city faces in the coming days. Either we can continue banging on doors and windows while running around shouting on city streets or chose to actually solve the greatest needs this city faces. Things like housing, education, continued city services at the present level, more jobs to provide decent income. To name a few.
We need to get our priorities straight. The greatest challenge we are facing is to make our city a more peaceful, desirable, financially viable place in which people seek to live. Can anyone honestly say these protests move us closer to these goals?
Excellent observation.
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