ACT ON GANGS

To the editor:

I grew up in Fairbanks and now attend school in the Lower 48. I love
my home and remember it fondly as any city's son should. I was
recently informed of the gang shootings on College Road. These
individuals' actions are beyond despicable, and I only hope that the
violence is ceased before someone is hurt. However, there are some
things Fairbanksans must keep in mind, especially knowing that this
incident isn't the first.

It makes no sense for gangs to be in Fairbanks. Looking at the history
of gang activity, their origin is in decaying, heavily urbanized areas
where traditional law enforcement fails to provide protection for a
specific neighborhood. Fairbanksans as a whole are in no way as bad
off socio-economically as some areas of Los Angeles, Chicago or New
York that seem to require gang presence for safety.

Which brings me to a disturbing reality. Lt. Dan Welborn of the
Fairbanks Police Department's quote in the Saturday, Aug. 15, issue of
the News-Miner stated that this recent shooting is some "... turf
war." There is no need for gang protection in neighborhoods along
College Road, especially from the Bloods and the Crips. Everyone has
been safe until now.

The only reason for a nationwide gang to have a "turf war" in
Fairbanks is to protect a market for illegal narcotics sales. So Lt.
Welborn's "turf war" should be read "drug war." The only information
more disturbing is, as the News-Miner reported, the possibility that
some of the gang members are in the military. That's not the Fairbanks
I know.

If Fairbanks isn't at the beginnings of a war between rival drug
dealers, then I'm glad. But given the nature and history of gang
activity in America, it only makes sense. The residents of Fairbanks
have a responsibility now for the safety and health of their city to
pose questions and exact answers of our local government demanding an
immediate solution. Whatever the cause, my only fear is that too
little pressure will be forced on city lawmakers and law enforcement
to act before someone is killed.

CLAYTON MORY

San Rafael, Calif.