Browse published articles attributed to Stephanie Mann, with full-archive search.
For decades, politicians have tried to break the cycle of violence by hiring more police and implementing new laws. Those strategies and other penalties, however, have limitations because they do little to prevent the next generation from following the same destructive path. City officials ...
Millions of people enjoyed Michael Jackson’s genius as a showman, however, his legacy is even greater if we learn from his life story. During a TV interview, “Living with Michael Jackson,” Michael stated he was beaten by his father. He was so terrified he became physically ill when he saw him. When asked about his mother, he said he could hear her screaming, “Stop you’re going to kill him.” Physical, mental and sexual child abuse is a family secret that must be exposed. All forms of abuse leave life long scars on victims.
The headline from Pinole, Califo ia read: “The killer showed no remorse.” A 28- year-old man was sentenced for killing two young teens by mistake because they wore red (the gang color of his enemies). At the hearing, he turned to the sobbing parents and said, “Get over it!” Criminal gangs in ...
LOSS OF FAMILY 1. 50% of marriages end in divorce which cuts a child’s support system in half – 1 in 4 women in abusive relationships. 2. Adult bullies: Mental abuse with put downs, insults, belittling, cursing, screaming and controlling without listening or guiding. 3. Physical abuse: hitting, whipping, slapping, kicking or sexual abuse of a child. 4. Bio-parents have authority to discipline and guide, not a stepparent, boyfriend or girlfriend. 5. Overly emotional women (crying, pleading, begging) lose their authority with teens, especially boys.
America slowly evolved from “In God we trust” to the “me generation” demanding rights without a sense of responsibility to neighbors or community. The loss of community involvement has contributed to the growth of criminal gangs. When families break down, children can become angry. They can find comfort and support through gangs, sex and drugs. The FBI reports the peak age for burglary is 16 and violence, age 18. Without correction, children fill the void with a false sense of power. Without responsible adults, a teen can steal or assault another child without guilt.
The murder of 12 and wounding of 58 people at a theater in Aurora, CO is another national tragedy sparking debate on gun control. Based on my experience as a crime and violence prevention consultant, over the past 35 years, I see a need to share what I have learned about violence.
Penn State and Syracuse University are facing national scandals! At Penn State in 2002, an assistant coach witnessed a sexual assault of a child, told administrators and no one reported it to police. Seven more assaults have now been reported.
Americans hear tragic stories every day involving guns! However, we must discuss community change if we are going to stop violent behavior! Government, police, schools and nonprofit groups work to reduce violence with educational programs on child abuse, bullying, drug abuse, domestic violence and gangs. Political leaders write new gun control laws to stop gun violence. However, citizens need a multifaceted approach to break the cycle of violence. We need to address, America's spiritual crisis and strengthening families.
I read with great interest the article "Despair is up — so why isn't crime?" (Dec.
Twenty-two year old Jared Loughner killed six and wounded 14 innocent people in Tucson. The public reaction; a “deranged monster.” Others blame angry political speeches. Loughner’s friends called him a “social outcast.” This tragic event is a wake up call to focus on mental health and how to stay safe. We need to identify root causes and examine solutions for violent behavior. Human beings have the power to make choices for good or evil regardless of what has happened in the past.
U.S. Special Forces killed Osama Bin Laden one year ago. As the 1st anniversary approaches, Americans are being warned to stay alert as terrorists may be planning violent acts of revenge. Brave American soldiers removed this ego-driven man, however, his behavior should be a wake up call for everyone. Bin Laden was part of a very dangerous worldwide movement.
Do you remember when neighbors knew every child on the block and they called parents if they misbehaved? At that time, neighbors knew how important it was to correct children before destructive behavior got out of control. As a crime and violence prevention consultant for 36 years, I saw a gradual change as citizens became dependent on the police to control neighborhood issues including loud music, young vandals and bullies on the block. Neighbors no longer knew each other.
George Will’s national editorial, “Should U.S. legalize drugs?” needs discussion. Will states, “20 percent of all prisoners – 500,000 - are incarcerated for dealing illegal drugs, but alcohol causes as much as half of America’s criminal violence and vehicular fatalities.” Interdiction and incarceration cost billions, so some say, “Let’s just try legalization.”
America’s budget crisis and economic downtu has experts writing articles and wondering why crime has gone down. A former Los Angeles police chief gives credit to tracking, analyzing numbers and quick responses. Richard Rosenfeld, a sociologist who studies crime trends states, "a remarkable decline." He suggests possible explanations include, extended benefits, food stamps and other government-driven economic stimulus "have cushioned and delayed for many people the big blows that come from a recession."
“Must stay on guard,” (Bay Area News Group Editorial 5-2-11), is a message for all citizens. However, Americans need to know what they can do to reduce this dangerous threat to our safety. Terrorism is an unholy war with evil leaders spreading fear to promote their agenda. Terrorists want to rule the world and convince followers to sacrifice themselves for heavenly rewards. Naïve followers don’t question and become extremely dangerous. For centuries, charismatic men have twisted religion for their own purpose. American examples include:r
Childhood obesity has reached epidemic proportions and health care costs to address this issue have now reached $14 billion a year. But ordinary citizens have discovered an unexpected solution to this national problem: walkable neighborhoods. By forming walking clubs, Americans are not only ...
The Internet discussion reminded me, neighbors must be involved. The blog centered around a seven-year-old boy who broke into four homes, trashed houses and abused neighbor’s pets. The question was, “What should neighbors do?” I read 27 responses without one suggestion about helping this ...