Governor Gregoire, Veto The Gang Bill!
Target:
Governor Christine Gregoire of Washington
Sponsored by:
We, the undersigned, contend it is imperative to the health, human rights and lives of all people of color and youth in Washington State that Legislative Bill 2712, An Act Relating to Criminal Street Gangs, is stopped immediately. Much of the bill is focused on enforcement and changing the laws to expand the penalties for actions that consist of what the bill defines as gang related activities. Increasing and harshening penalties is merely a symptomatic approach to the problem, and does not address the root causes of the disease of gang violence which includes:
- Poverty, lack of resources
- Racism, being physical, psychological, economic, etc., embedded into the institutions, systems and processes of this society
Stricter penalties will result in an increase in incarceration, putting the economic strain of funding more prisons and prisoners on all taxpayers. The bill is just another weapon that is being given to law enforcement to dominate and penalize the behavior of the oppressed and downtrodden.
We believe that the implications of this bill will be detrimental to the lives and health of our children. The money for social programs will be quickly exhausted, but the changes affecting law and enforcement may last for years to come. We ask that you veto bill 2712.
We, the undersigned, contend it is imperative to the health, human rights and lives of all people of color and youth in Washington State that Legislative Bill 2712, An Act Relating to Criminal Street Gangs, is stopped immediately. Much of the bill is focused on enforcement and changing the laws to expand the penalties for actions that consist of what the bill defines as gang related activities. Increasing and harshening penalties is merely a symptomatic approach to the problem, and does not address the root causes of the disease of gang violence which includes:
- Poverty, lack of resources
- Racism, being physical, psychological, economic, etc., embedded into the institutions, systems and processes of this society
Stricter penalties will result in an increase in incarceration, putting the economic strain of funding more prisons and prisoners on all taxpayers. The bill is just another weapon that is being given to law enforcement to dominate and penalize the behavior of the oppressed and downtrodden.
We believe that the implications of this bill will be detrimental to the lives and health of our children. The money for social programs will be quickly exhausted, but the changes affecting law and enforcement may last for years to come. We ask that you veto bill 2712.
We, the undersigned, contend it is imperative to the health, human rights and lives of all people of color and youth in Washington State that Legislative Bill 2712, An Act Relating to Criminal Street Gangs, is stopped immediately. Much of the bill is focused on enforcement and changing the laws to expand the penalties for actions that consist of what the bill defines as gang related activities. Increasing and harshening penalties is merely a symptomatic approach to the problem, and does not address the root causes of the disease of violence which includes:
- Proliferation of weapons of mass destruction on the streets
- Poverty, lack of resources
- An economically viable drug economy
Stricter penalties will result in an increase in incarceration, putting the economic strain of funding more prisons and prisoners on all taxpayers. The bill is just another weapon that is being given to law enforcement to dominate and penalize the behavior of the oppressed and downtrodden.
We believe that the implications of this bill will be detrimental to the lives and health of our children. The money for social programs will be quickly exhausted, but the changes affecting law and enforcement may last for years to come. We ask that you veto bill 2712.
We thank you for taking the time to read and consider this letter.
We signed the "Governor Gregoire, Veto The Gang Bill!" petition!
# 841:
10:14 am PDT, Mar 21,
Stacy Ricker, Washington
# 840:
9:01 am PDT, Mar 21,
Ann Bredice, Washington
I do not believe in this bill because it does not do anything for prevention. This bill is not addressing the whole picture. Job trainning and education are vital to our children who are at risk for a life of violence. pushiment is not the answer. In this country where 1 out of hundred people are incarcerated and more every day. I urge you Govener do not support this bill. We as country can waste money on war but not on education or prevention where is the justice for our kids.
I do not believe in this bill because it does not do anything for prevention. This bill is not addressing the whole picture. Job trainning and education are vital to our children who are at risk for a life of violence. pushiment is not the answer. In this country where 1 out of hundred people are incarcerated and more every day. I urge you Govener do not support this bill. We as country can waste money on war but not on education or prevention where is the justice for our kids.
# 839:
7:12 am PDT, Mar 21,
Gwendolyn Phillips Coates, Washington
THis is an unfair bill and biased toward students of color. Handcuffing is traumatic and the result is unresolved anger. There has to be another way to correct behavior.
THis is an unfair bill and biased toward students of color. Handcuffing is traumatic and the result is unresolved anger. There has to be another way to correct behavior.
# 838:
9:24 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Mona Baghdadi, Washington
I believe that this Bill will further dismantle the health and wellbeing of our at risk youth. By signing this Bill you are taking the easy way out to deal with the underline cause of gang affiliation. The truth is that the majority of gang members come from disadvantaged back grounds. We need to eliminate poverty and illiteracy in our State. Please do not sign this Bill! Sincerely, Mona Baghdadi
I believe that this Bill will further dismantle the health and wellbeing of our at risk youth. By signing this Bill you are taking the easy way out to deal with the underline cause of gang affiliation. The truth is that the majority of gang members come from disadvantaged back grounds. We need to eliminate poverty and illiteracy in our State. Please do not sign this Bill! Sincerely, Mona Baghdadi
# 837:
8:39 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Name not displayed, Washington
I am strongly against racism and police brutality, which will only increase with the passing of this bill.
I am strongly against racism and police brutality, which will only increase with the passing of this bill.
# 836:
6:10 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Chris Torres, Washington
Solutions Not Punishments!
Solutions Not Punishments!
# 835:
5:32 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Sarah Weigle, Washington
It is paramount that we use our resources wisely. In terms of youth incarceration and gang violence, PREVENTION is the name of the game. Think of how much time and money a bit of community based social programs could save in the long run. Please focus on this side of the equation. Sincerely, Sarah Weigle
It is paramount that we use our resources wisely. In terms of youth incarceration and gang violence, PREVENTION is the name of the game. Think of how much time and money a bit of community based social programs could save in the long run. Please focus on this side of the equation. Sincerely, Sarah Weigle
# 834:
3:47 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Erik Evenson, Washington
More programs for at-risk youth not punishments please veto this bill
More programs for at-risk youth not punishments please veto this bill
# 833:
3:35 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Thao Phan, Washington
# 832:
1:15 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Scott Brown, Washington
# 831:
12:47 pm PDT, Mar 20,
Melissa Moll-Nevins, Washington
Dear Governor Gregoire, punishment for crimes needs to be balanced by prevention of crimes - from the ground up. Funding for programs that are geared to help and guide youth who are at risk are necessary. That funding is not included in this bill, so I urge you to veto bill 2712 unless adequate funding for prevention programs is included.
Dear Governor Gregoire, punishment for crimes needs to be balanced by prevention of crimes - from the ground up. Funding for programs that are geared to help and guide youth who are at risk are necessary. That funding is not included in this bill, so I urge you to veto bill 2712 unless adequate funding for prevention programs is included.
# 830:
9:19 am PDT, Mar 20,
Kimberly Turpin, Washington
# 829:
8:24 am PDT, Mar 20,
Rhashida Brown, Washington
# 828:
2:25 am PDT, Mar 20,
Victoria Garrett, Washington
Gangs are not going to be prevented by putting kids in jail it will just crowd more jailsand not teach kids how to be.
Gangs are not going to be prevented by putting kids in jail it will just crowd more jailsand not teach kids how to be.
# 827:
9:40 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Matt Bauman, Washington
Prevention is more important than penalty. In order to effectively reduce crime and to improve the outlook for many at-risk youth in Washington State: community leaders, youth leaders, and those who work with at-risk youth need to be brought to the table to develop a bill that supports Washington's youth and does not stack the odds against them by adding harsher penalties. Please work to increase prevention methods including building up youth self-esteem in positive ways!
Prevention is more important than penalty. In order to effectively reduce crime and to improve the outlook for many at-risk youth in Washington State: community leaders, youth leaders, and those who work with at-risk youth need to be brought to the table to develop a bill that supports Washington's youth and does not stack the odds against them by adding harsher penalties. Please work to increase prevention methods including building up youth self-esteem in positive ways!
# 826:
5:35 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Katy Mullen, Washington
This bill is misguided and will be ineffective. A "gang database" will not deter crime or change behaviors - databases only collect and catalog information, nothing more (and their data are subject to interpretation and manipulation). Creating safer and better communities will not result from a focus on stats, or lists - these divide, categorize and alienate. The issues our communities are facing require involvement and REAL WORK - becoming involved in and listening to communities that need to be raised up and understanding the pressures and challenges (and discrimination) that society/government/geography imposes on them to keep them down. Our legislators need to stop being lazy and stop looking for the easy fix, there isn't one. We all need to do the work: get involved and model the society we want to live in and fight the good fight for positive and productive change - when I see a bill that does that, I'll support it, this one does not.
This bill is misguided and will be ineffective. A "gang database" will not deter crime or change behaviors - databases only collect and catalog information, nothing more (and their data are subject to interpretation and manipulation). Creating safer and better communities will not result from a focus on stats, or lists - these divide, categorize and alienate. The issues our communities are facing require involvement and REAL WORK - becoming involved in and listening to communities that need to be raised up and understanding the pressures and challenges (and discrimination) that society/government/geography imposes on them to keep them down. Our legislators need to stop being lazy and stop looking for the easy fix, there isn't one. We all need to do the work: get involved and model the society we want to live in and fight the good fight for positive and productive change - when I see a bill that does that, I'll support it, this one does not.
# 825:
4:40 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Karen VDay, Indiana
# 824:
3:15 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Shalom Cook, Washington
I feel compelled to speak out on behalf of the many that have no idea that this bill is even on the table. I have dedicated my life’s work to enhancing the lives of youth who are at risk and who face numerous challenges due to the environment that they are raised in and around. When I read through this bill it was evident to me that the intent was to target these same youth. To demonize a youth culture that the government is growing increasingly ill equipped to protect and serve because of their own bias and unchecked bigotry. Seattle is fast becoming one of the most notorious places for police brutality and racial profiling. In communities of color it is well known that although much of the racism goes under the radar of the larger public eye, it is still rampant in our city. This bill is overwhelming evidence that there is an abundance of policies and practices to support such claims. I feel deeply saddened that this bill has been proposed lead alone pushed forward with open enthusiasm that it has. This bill will not solve problems with youth. It will however confirm the fear and distrust many youth already have for our law enforcement and the abuse of authority that is a constant issue in communities of color across this nation. We must ask ourselves who benefits from such policies and why we aren’t implementing strategies that affect the greater good of the community. The community I speak of shouldn’t just hold value when their economic status and skin color are in accordance with the privileged and the powerful. Shalom Cook
I feel compelled to speak out on behalf of the many that have no idea that this bill is even on the table. I have dedicated my life’s work to enhancing the lives of youth who are at risk and who face numerous challenges due to the environment that they are raised in and around. When I read through this bill it was evident to me that the intent was to target these same youth. To demonize a youth culture that the government is growing increasingly ill equipped to protect and serve because of their own bias and unchecked bigotry. Seattle is fast becoming one of the most notorious places for police brutality and racial profiling. In communities of color it is well known that although much of the racism goes under the radar of the larger public eye, it is still rampant in our city. This bill is overwhelming evidence that there is an abundance of policies and practices to support such claims. I feel deeply saddened that this bill has been proposed lead alone pushed forward with open enthusiasm that it has. This bill will not solve problems with youth. It will however confirm the fear and distrust many youth already have for our law enforcement and the abuse of authority that is a constant issue in communities of color across this nation. We must ask ourselves who benefits from such policies and why we aren’t implementing strategies that affect the greater good of the community. The community I speak of shouldn’t just hold value when their economic status and skin color are in accordance with the privileged and the powerful. Shalom Cook
# 823:
1:39 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Molly Downes, Washington
This is sponsered racism under the gossamer veil of "public service." Do the public a better service and raise up the poor who are only in these situations because they had no other choice.
This is sponsered racism under the gossamer veil of "public service." Do the public a better service and raise up the poor who are only in these situations because they had no other choice.
# 822:
1:17 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Nicholas Drummond, Washington
# 821:
1:01 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Earnest Bruner, Oklahoma
This issue is extremely important to me because I am a young black man in Oklahoma City where they claim is part of the "Bible Belt". It is one of the most racists places a person could live. The police and politicians there too say that passing anti gang laws and no sagging laws will stop gang violence, yet they put no money in the public school systems or youth programs etc, they just want to lock all young black men away in a cages. In my 24 years of living the police have never protected or served myself or anyone I know. I want to do everything I can to stop the savage injustice that continues to reign supreme in this country. Even though its 2008 and we have many black politcians, business moguls etc, racisim is still alive and well.
This issue is extremely important to me because I am a young black man in Oklahoma City where they claim is part of the "Bible Belt". It is one of the most racists places a person could live. The police and politicians there too say that passing anti gang laws and no sagging laws will stop gang violence, yet they put no money in the public school systems or youth programs etc, they just want to lock all young black men away in a cages. In my 24 years of living the police have never protected or served myself or anyone I know. I want to do everything I can to stop the savage injustice that continues to reign supreme in this country. Even though its 2008 and we have many black politcians, business moguls etc, racisim is still alive and well.
# 820:
12:57 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Retha Wright, Washington
This is not how to deal with the issue of racism. Racism was created and it can be dismantled--but this is not how to do it. Please. We can do better.
This is not how to deal with the issue of racism. Racism was created and it can be dismantled--but this is not how to do it. Please. We can do better.
# 819:
12:20 pm PDT, Mar 19,
Helen Silvis, Oregon
Dear Gov. Gregoire, I realize it is difficult to take a stand on a bill that is popularly viewed simply as an anti-crime bill. But with one in nine young african american men in jail because of disparities in the justice system, and in society in general, with racial profiling targeting communities of color, please be brave. I have a 13-year-old Black son. I don't want him to be at risk. Thanks Helen Silvis
Dear Gov. Gregoire, I realize it is difficult to take a stand on a bill that is popularly viewed simply as an anti-crime bill. But with one in nine young african american men in jail because of disparities in the justice system, and in society in general, with racial profiling targeting communities of color, please be brave. I have a 13-year-old Black son. I don't want him to be at risk. Thanks Helen Silvis
# 818:
10:56 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Adam Christopulos, Washington
As a youth mentor, the most concerning portion of this bill is the “Statewide Gang Information Database.” The database allows law enforcement to input anyone 12 years of age or older regardless of whether or not they have committed a crime: “Data on individuals may be entered only based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or actual criminal activity and must be supported by documentation, where documentation is available.” Allowing youth to be labeled and catalogued as gang-associated based only on suspicion is essentially a preemptive assignment of guilt. The obvious downfall of this database is its ability to be manipulated by overtly racist and bigoted people who would deliberately abuse their power and position, and would result in racial profiling and other dehumanizing practices. However, I believe there is an even more dangerous component of this system. Governor Gregoire and the drafters of this bill (many of whom probably believe they are helping alleviate problems in our society) need to realize the real vulnerability of this database is that it will be used by honest people whose prejudices and stereotyping will cause them to unfairly profile, discriminate, and make false assumptions of others (shortcomings that we all have to varying degrees). This bill provides the framework for further institutionalized discrimination and oppression. Our human fallibility will do the rest.
As a youth mentor, the most concerning portion of this bill is the “Statewide Gang Information Database.” The database allows law enforcement to input anyone 12 years of age or older regardless of whether or not they have committed a crime: “Data on individuals may be entered only based on reasonable suspicion of criminal activity or actual criminal activity and must be supported by documentation, where documentation is available.” Allowing youth to be labeled and catalogued as gang-associated based only on suspicion is essentially a preemptive assignment of guilt. The obvious downfall of this database is its ability to be manipulated by overtly racist and bigoted people who would deliberately abuse their power and position, and would result in racial profiling and other dehumanizing practices. However, I believe there is an even more dangerous component of this system. Governor Gregoire and the drafters of this bill (many of whom probably believe they are helping alleviate problems in our society) need to realize the real vulnerability of this database is that it will be used by honest people whose prejudices and stereotyping will cause them to unfairly profile, discriminate, and make false assumptions of others (shortcomings that we all have to varying degrees). This bill provides the framework for further institutionalized discrimination and oppression. Our human fallibility will do the rest.
# 817:
9:47 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Marianne Tassone, Washington
Another outstanding example of the way in which a privileged minority builds up institutions to silence and disenfranchise a specific sector of the population, thereby exacerbating the very situation they are purporting to address.
Another outstanding example of the way in which a privileged minority builds up institutions to silence and disenfranchise a specific sector of the population, thereby exacerbating the very situation they are purporting to address.
# 816:
9:11 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Thon S., Washington
This issue is important to me because I'm Asian and almost everywhere I walk in the Southend I walk with three or more people. So, that means I will get searched by the cops just for walking with this many people.
This issue is important to me because I'm Asian and almost everywhere I walk in the Southend I walk with three or more people. So, that means I will get searched by the cops just for walking with this many people.
# 815:
5:03 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Korrinna Jordan, Washington
# 814:
4:38 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Eric Bennett, Washington
# 813:
3:53 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Claire Schroeder, Washington
I think it is important to remember the reasons that youth turn to gangs and the power and recognition they find their when no other institutions are acknowledging their presence, their voice and their power. What we need is more activities, programs and funding in existing effective youth empowerment rather then enforcing laws and building walls to access for all our young people.
I think it is important to remember the reasons that youth turn to gangs and the power and recognition they find their when no other institutions are acknowledging their presence, their voice and their power. What we need is more activities, programs and funding in existing effective youth empowerment rather then enforcing laws and building walls to access for all our young people.
# 812:
2:52 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Denise Donavon, Oregon
# 811:
1:38 pm PDT, Mar 18,
Nicole Kofidis, New Hampshire
# 810:
10:47 am PDT, Mar 18,
Tamara Johnson, Washington
Dear Governor, Thank you for the response to Youth 'N Action and I around HB 2552 involuntary treatment for minors. Our group is very proud our voices were heard. I once heard a legislature say, "legislatures are like Children, they are supposed to be seen not heard", this was a thank you for listening to him at a public forum, after a great discussion with the crowd, it was light hearted. I know he didn't mean any harm, but the significance is that has been true for a very long time, and now a days legislatures and even the Governor are listening to the voices of youth, and I can't tell you how much we appreciate it. Governor Gregoire, the same way we need education and prevention services for youth with mental health needs, instead of forced treament, is the same thing we need for youth who are involved in street gang criminal activity instead of longer jail sentences and stricter guidelines. I am referring to HB 2712 concerning criminal street gangs. Some of the same traumatic situations that cause mental illness in youth are the same things that cause them to join gangs. Youth 'N Action serves At Risk youth many of us have been affected by gangs and mental illness, in order to better the lives of the youth we serve, we did not "combat" them, we empowered them and educated, we gave them opportunities to be involved in something positive, we encouraged them to make positive choices in their life and for themselves, and they do make those choices. This bill proposes to ask 5 communities to come up with pilot projects to "combat criminal gangs and street gang violence". I do not think a combat approach is the best approach to end violence as a community and the youth we are trying to save. I think as a community we need to create education and prevention services for these youth, instead of trying to create more characteristics to identify them as criminals. A better option would be to replace "combat" with "Educate and prevent" such as "Calls for the governor's juvenile justice advisory committee to issue a request for proposal to implement five pilot projects throughout the state that focus on the education and prevention of criminal street gangs and violence". To me that is proactive, the goal would not be to try to hunt out every youth who committs crimes, but to create preventitive services so that they won't want to committ the crimes in the first place. Such as more job trainings, family therapy and rehablitation, more and better community centers and activities for youth, more services that support youth through their transition to adulthood and less discrimination and more understanding. This simple word change can change the whole dynamic of the RFP and the proposals submitted, and I believe it could change the lives of the youth and make our communities safer. It's not about race, gender, sex, age or preference, its about us as people and a community. Longer jail sentences and more police have never made us safer, as the epidemic continues, it's going to take changing minds and approaches. It's time to get some real services for these youth, better mental health education, and better opportunities. The wars on Gangs have only led to bigger prisons and bigger bills, it has not stopped the 13 and 14 year olds that join gangs everyday and create new generations of gangs, violence and poverty. I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hope that this change can be made. Sincerely, Tamara Johnson YOUTH 'N ACTION! *******PREVIOUS YOUTH LEGISLATION ISSUE... YOUTH VOICE CAN BE HEARD********** > From: Governor.Gregoire@Governor.wa.gov > To: YOUTHNACTIONTAMARA@HOTMAIL.COM > Subject: Governor's Response > Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 11:11:13 -0800 > > Dear Tamara: > > Governor Gregoire thanks you for your e-mail about House Bill 2552 to change the current provisions regulating voluntary mental health treatment for minors. > > The Governor appreciates knowing your concerns, especially with regard to youth having a say in changes that are proposed and an understanding about what those changes will mean if the bill is passed. She encourages you to keep in contact with legislators, including bill sponsors. This will help you to stay informed while also helping to ensure that your views are represented throughout the legislative process. > > Nearly always, bills are revised countless times as they make their way through the legislative process. And, any bill that comes to Governor Gregoire for final action must first be passed by both the House and Senate. Be assured that the Governor will keep your comments in mind, should House Bill 2552 make its way to her desk this session. > > The Governor appreciates your efforts to coordinate the voices of youth through your Youth 'N Action network. She also applauds your proactive approach to being involved in the debate around this important legislation. > > Again, thanks for your message, on behalf of the youth your organization represents. > > Sincerely, > > Gary Fugere > Constituent Services Manager > Christine O. Gregoire > Governor
Dear Governor, Thank you for the response to Youth 'N Action and I around HB 2552 involuntary treatment for minors. Our group is very proud our voices were heard. I once heard a legislature say, "legislatures are like Children, they are supposed to be seen not heard", this was a thank you for listening to him at a public forum, after a great discussion with the crowd, it was light hearted. I know he didn't mean any harm, but the significance is that has been true for a very long time, and now a days legislatures and even the Governor are listening to the voices of youth, and I can't tell you how much we appreciate it. Governor Gregoire, the same way we need education and prevention services for youth with mental health needs, instead of forced treament, is the same thing we need for youth who are involved in street gang criminal activity instead of longer jail sentences and stricter guidelines. I am referring to HB 2712 concerning criminal street gangs. Some of the same traumatic situations that cause mental illness in youth are the same things that cause them to join gangs. Youth 'N Action serves At Risk youth many of us have been affected by gangs and mental illness, in order to better the lives of the youth we serve, we did not "combat" them, we empowered them and educated, we gave them opportunities to be involved in something positive, we encouraged them to make positive choices in their life and for themselves, and they do make those choices. This bill proposes to ask 5 communities to come up with pilot projects to "combat criminal gangs and street gang violence". I do not think a combat approach is the best approach to end violence as a community and the youth we are trying to save. I think as a community we need to create education and prevention services for these youth, instead of trying to create more characteristics to identify them as criminals. A better option would be to replace "combat" with "Educate and prevent" such as "Calls for the governor's juvenile justice advisory committee to issue a request for proposal to implement five pilot projects throughout the state that focus on the education and prevention of criminal street gangs and violence". To me that is proactive, the goal would not be to try to hunt out every youth who committs crimes, but to create preventitive services so that they won't want to committ the crimes in the first place. Such as more job trainings, family therapy and rehablitation, more and better community centers and activities for youth, more services that support youth through their transition to adulthood and less discrimination and more understanding. This simple word change can change the whole dynamic of the RFP and the proposals submitted, and I believe it could change the lives of the youth and make our communities safer. It's not about race, gender, sex, age or preference, its about us as people and a community. Longer jail sentences and more police have never made us safer, as the epidemic continues, it's going to take changing minds and approaches. It's time to get some real services for these youth, better mental health education, and better opportunities. The wars on Gangs have only led to bigger prisons and bigger bills, it has not stopped the 13 and 14 year olds that join gangs everyday and create new generations of gangs, violence and poverty. I thank you for taking the time to read my letter and hope that this change can be made. Sincerely, Tamara Johnson YOUTH 'N ACTION! *******PREVIOUS YOUTH LEGISLATION ISSUE... YOUTH VOICE CAN BE HEARD********** > From: Governor.Gregoire@Governor.wa.gov > To: YOUTHNACTIONTAMARA@HOTMAIL.COM > Subject: Governor's Response > Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 11:11:13 -0800 > > Dear Tamara: > > Governor Gregoire thanks you for your e-mail about House Bill 2552 to change the current provisions regulating voluntary mental health treatment for minors. > > The Governor appreciates knowing your concerns, especially with regard to youth having a say in changes that are proposed and an understanding about what those changes will mean if the bill is passed. She encourages you to keep in contact with legislators, including bill sponsors. This will help you to stay informed while also helping to ensure that your views are represented throughout the legislative process. > > Nearly always, bills are revised countless times as they make their way through the legislative process. And, any bill that comes to Governor Gregoire for final action must first be passed by both the House and Senate. Be assured that the Governor will keep your comments in mind, should House Bill 2552 make its way to her desk this session. > > The Governor appreciates your efforts to coordinate the voices of youth through your Youth 'N Action network. She also applauds your proactive approach to being involved in the debate around this important legislation. > > Again, thanks for your message, on behalf of the youth your organization represents. > > Sincerely, > > Gary Fugere > Constituent Services Manager > Christine O. Gregoire > Governor
# 809:
7:27 am PDT, Mar 18,
Zachary Walen, Washington
I teach middle school Science here in Seattle on Beacon Hill. This bill directly affects the community I am trying to educate. Increasing arrests and eliminating early intevention is not the solution to gang activity.
I teach middle school Science here in Seattle on Beacon Hill. This bill directly affects the community I am trying to educate. Increasing arrests and eliminating early intevention is not the solution to gang activity.
# 808:
11:59 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Stephany Inman, Washington
Youth should not be suspect for walking down the streets. Worry more about improving education instead of locking up our children.
Youth should not be suspect for walking down the streets. Worry more about improving education instead of locking up our children.
# 807:
9:58 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Kyla Crawford, Washington
I read a blog from a retired police officer on a website encouraging people to believe that this bill is actually beneficial, and he said that the rise of gang violence is something he hasn't seen in seattle since the 1980's when gangs brought their cocain and heroine dealing north to seattle and started committing acts of senseless violence. The first thing that came to my mind was, the fact that he was an outsider, another brain-washed American looking into the community with the eyes of the "brave founding fathers" telling those people what's wrong with those people. The next two things that came to mind were 1) What about before the 1980's, you know, the senseless acts of violence committed by the thieves who stole land from the NATIVE Americans and devastatingly demolished an entire people with cruel and inhumane tactics and then journaled abut it. The 1980's couldn't have been the first time he truely believed senseless acts of violence had occured in the Pacific Northwest. 2)Let's remind people of who supplied the "gangs" of the 1980's with the cocaine and heroine. And after the remark of that police officer, publicly endorsing Bill 2712, on a webpage created by the state government, I knew that this Bill was not designed to empower our communities, but rather to, once again, steal any power we have gained. Just like the "No Child Left Behind Act" and many others before, this will not strengthen our communities. Black, white, blue, red or purple, no one will benefit from more generations of Post-traumatic-stress disordered Black men being institutionalized and brain-washed into condensed angry people and then sent back into their communities to act out what our "rehabilitation centers" (dehumanizing, anger-inducing agencies) have taught them. Always look deeper into what you are told. Always deep-think and use discrenment.
I read a blog from a retired police officer on a website encouraging people to believe that this bill is actually beneficial, and he said that the rise of gang violence is something he hasn't seen in seattle since the 1980's when gangs brought their cocain and heroine dealing north to seattle and started committing acts of senseless violence. The first thing that came to my mind was, the fact that he was an outsider, another brain-washed American looking into the community with the eyes of the "brave founding fathers" telling those people what's wrong with those people. The next two things that came to mind were 1) What about before the 1980's, you know, the senseless acts of violence committed by the thieves who stole land from the NATIVE Americans and devastatingly demolished an entire people with cruel and inhumane tactics and then journaled abut it. The 1980's couldn't have been the first time he truely believed senseless acts of violence had occured in the Pacific Northwest. 2)Let's remind people of who supplied the "gangs" of the 1980's with the cocaine and heroine. And after the remark of that police officer, publicly endorsing Bill 2712, on a webpage created by the state government, I knew that this Bill was not designed to empower our communities, but rather to, once again, steal any power we have gained. Just like the "No Child Left Behind Act" and many others before, this will not strengthen our communities. Black, white, blue, red or purple, no one will benefit from more generations of Post-traumatic-stress disordered Black men being institutionalized and brain-washed into condensed angry people and then sent back into their communities to act out what our "rehabilitation centers" (dehumanizing, anger-inducing agencies) have taught them. Always look deeper into what you are told. Always deep-think and use discrenment.
# 806:
7:27 pm PDT, Mar 17,
TAKISHA LOCKRIDGE, Washington
# 805:
7:08 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Mel Fisher, Washington
# 804:
7:03 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Name not displayed, Washington
We don't need stronger punishments - it doesn't deter. We need more prevention and treatment programs.
We don't need stronger punishments - it doesn't deter. We need more prevention and treatment programs.
# 803:
6:40 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Name not displayed, Washington
Better shoools not bigger prisons! we need more money for after school programs like art and music you want folks to get involved then provid money for after and during school programs and before school.. get ride of gangs the money will be going to prisons from my tax which frankly this country needs to focus on are we doing more harm then good look at all aspects and if you htink you have then inviate that population your targiting to come talk to you and there be more doors that you'd never would of come up with!
Better shoools not bigger prisons! we need more money for after school programs like art and music you want folks to get involved then provid money for after and during school programs and before school.. get ride of gangs the money will be going to prisons from my tax which frankly this country needs to focus on are we doing more harm then good look at all aspects and if you htink you have then inviate that population your targiting to come talk to you and there be more doors that you'd never would of come up with!
# 802:
6:01 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Name not displayed, Washington
Dear Governor Gregoire, Please Veto the Gang Bill. I believe more funding should go towards sending our youth in a positive direction rather that criminalizing them for being a product of their environment. We don't choose the families we were born into, and most troubled youth come from troubled homes. I am a street outreach worker for homeless youth in Seattle, and I see, everyday, the results of unwanted children, and they are not bad people. I was homeless off and on for a few years, but someone reached out to me and gave me an opportunity that has changed the direction my life was going. Now I am in a place where I can do the same. We need to give these kids the chance to be the best that they can be. They are our Future. I've been behind bars, as a teenager and as an adult, and I can tell you, it didn't make me want to obey the law, it only made me not wanna get arrested and thrown in jail again. That is not Justice. So please, I urge you, fund more arts and after school programs, education, parks, playgrounds, better health care, youth drop-in centers... and not just in rich white suburbs. If the kids can't go home because of bad family situations, where do you expect them to go? Gangs give youth a sense of belonging, and it's the only "family" some of them will ever know. So, again, I ask that you Veto the Gang Bill, because I will never support my tax-dollars going towards criminalizing our most vulnerable citizens: the children. Thank you. Sincerely, Rosco Kickingstone
Dear Governor Gregoire, Please Veto the Gang Bill. I believe more funding should go towards sending our youth in a positive direction rather that criminalizing them for being a product of their environment. We don't choose the families we were born into, and most troubled youth come from troubled homes. I am a street outreach worker for homeless youth in Seattle, and I see, everyday, the results of unwanted children, and they are not bad people. I was homeless off and on for a few years, but someone reached out to me and gave me an opportunity that has changed the direction my life was going. Now I am in a place where I can do the same. We need to give these kids the chance to be the best that they can be. They are our Future. I've been behind bars, as a teenager and as an adult, and I can tell you, it didn't make me want to obey the law, it only made me not wanna get arrested and thrown in jail again. That is not Justice. So please, I urge you, fund more arts and after school programs, education, parks, playgrounds, better health care, youth drop-in centers... and not just in rich white suburbs. If the kids can't go home because of bad family situations, where do you expect them to go? Gangs give youth a sense of belonging, and it's the only "family" some of them will ever know. So, again, I ask that you Veto the Gang Bill, because I will never support my tax-dollars going towards criminalizing our most vulnerable citizens: the children. Thank you. Sincerely, Rosco Kickingstone
# 801:
5:40 pm PDT, Mar 17,
Andrew J. Miller Miller, Washington
there is a better way to balance this issue.
there is a better way to balance this issue.
