SALINAS, Calif- President Obama was in New Orleans talking about growing violence in our country. If you listened closely it's what he said about problems here on the Central Coast that had people talking.
"In cities like Detroit and Salinas, we're helping communities set up youth prevention and intervention programs that steer young people away from a life of gang violence, and towards the safety and promise of a classroom," said President Obama in a speech to the National Urban League in New Orleans.
Each year Salinas city and police officials head to a two day conference in DC where they meet with 5 other cities to discuss ways to battle youth violence. The president says its programs like this that are making the difference in our streets.
"But even though we've taken these actions, they're not enough. Other steps to reduce violence have been met with opposition in Congress," said President Obama. According to the president most of that opposition come from dealing with the issue of guns. "And I, like most Americans, believe that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual the right to bear arms. I believe the majority of gun owners would agree that we should do everything possible to prevent criminals and fugitives from purchasing weapons. These steps shouldn't be controversial."
The president also called on parents, neigbors, and teachers to help stop the rise in crime. "It's up to us to spend more time with them, to pay more attention to them, to show them more love so that they learn to love themselves."
__________________________________________________________________________
Do you think enough is being done to stop youth violence on the Central Coast? Have any of these programs helped you? We want to hear from you, Leave a comment below or find us on Facebook, here.
____________________________________________________________________________
