Cincy Enquirer: Billboards against street violence

Community activists Monday introduced the second phase of their Peace Down the Way Project, a campaign to stop the bloodshed on Cincinnati's streets. Beginning Sunday, billboards will be posted in Cincinnati neighborhoods calling for a moratorium on violence. They will read:

"... too many tears. Promote Peace. Moratorium on Violence. Peace Down the Way. 751-2332."

Click on the "Read More..." link below for more of the story, and OFCC PAC Commentary.

In addition to the billboards, similar public service announcements will be played on area radio stations, while campaigns to increase self-esteem among school-age children will begin.

Mark Gable, assistant marketing director for the Peace Down the Way campaign, said the quote was inspired by "So Many Tears," a song by slain rap artist Tupac Shakur about the people he had known who had been killed.

On Jan. 1, on the heels of 2002's near record-setting 65 Cincinnati homicides, the campaign was introduced by a collaboration of about 60 community-based organizations, including social service, religious and civil rights groups.

OFCC PAC Commentary:
It is more than a bit ironic that Tupac Shakur, himself associated with gang-related activity, is quoted in this campaign.

Does anyone really believe this campaign will have the slightest impact to deter drug and gang-related shootings in Cincinnati?

Does anyone really think that Cincinnati substitute teacher Major Wright's killer would have decided not to commit his heinous crime if he had seen such a billboard?

Isn't Hal McKinney's experience proof reveal that the best way to slow the violent crime rampage in Cincinnati, and to protect the innocent when an attack does occur, is to arm the defenseless and law-abiding?

Click here to read the entire story in the Cincinnati Enquirer.