GINGHAS GANG

In an effort to curb violence and illegal immigration, the United States could deem it a felony to belong to a gang engaging in criminal conduct: for example, the Crips, Bloods, and MS 13. Under this proposal, gang members would be subject to arrest. Currently, membership in a gang is not a crime; a gang member must actually participate in a crime.

Since criminal undertakings sustain gangs, gang membership should be a crime. The proposed law would not only serve to curtail illegal immigration (illegal aliens could no longer count on gangs to train, house, and conceal them), it would also provide law enforcement agents with a powerful new weapon to combat violent gangs.

Common sense and logic dictate that gang membership is criminal conduct warranting prosecution. Displaying a tattoo or wearing the "colors" of a criminal gang is synonymous with pointing a loaded gun at innocent civilians. Gang tattoos are equivalent to serving notice on innocent civilians that criminal conduct is about to commence. Considering gangs sustain themselves through criminal activity, why must citizens wait for an injury? Are there any socially redeeming qualities of gangs and gang members?

Opponents complain that gangs will move further underground, rendering them more difficult to investigate. However, it would also force gang members to conceal their membership from one-another. This could be a positive change because gang members would not draw strength knowing their fellows were nearby. Members of one gang would not inadvertently offend members of rival gangs by wearing their “colors” on “enemy turf.” How often do we hear about attacks on a gang member who was wearing gang colors in the “wrong” neighborhood (or even in school)? Ultimately, this law will discourage gang membership. The benefit to society would clearly outweigh any prejudice to civil rights.

TRUTHTALE †¥♠....