Chicago's gun violence is a frustrating, ongoing problem. As noted in the Tribune (“Frustration all around with city's gun violence,” Dec. 30), the clearance rate for most shootings is dismally low. According to the Tribune, of 13 dead and 62 others wounded during the first weekend of August, charges had been brought in four cases!

Perhaps part of the problem is some community leaders who brush aside shootings. Each incident is dismissed as a "young man who stupidly discharged a gun." Former Chicago Police Department Superintendent Garry McCarthy is condemned for wanting to bring federal charges against the individual who discharged a gun near South Side railroad tracks, leading to the deaths of two CPD officers. I'm speaking specifically of Rev. Michael Pfleger, who in his Wednesday Dec. 26 Facebook post seemed to condemn McCarthy ("SHAME on Garry McCarthy") for calling for felony charges against the gunman, but seemed to view the gunman discharging the gun as "stupidly discharging a gun."

If Chicago is going to make a dent in the violent crime rate, there can be no doubt Chicago gun victims want to fully prosecute criminals who recklessly and viciously use guns on our streets. It’s a shame Father Pfleger can’t understand that.

—Tony LaMantia, Chicago

Peace in the neighborhoods

What can we do to bring peace and a reduction in violence to gang infested neighborhoods? The first thing is to get away from the notion that guns are the main cause of the problem. No doubt guns play a major role in gang violence but it’s much more than a gun problem, it’s a gang problem.

Our country is saturated with guns, yet no other group commits as many shootings and killings as street gangs do. Waiting for gun laws to solve the problem means the problem will not be solved in our lifetime. Thus, the carnage will continue unabated.

We have a situation in areas of the West and South sides where gangs of teenagers and young adults are able to outthink and outgun all levels of law enforcement, thumbing their noses at society. What can that say about the level of competence of law enforcement and local officials when young thugs control the neighborhood instead of the police? For a gang to maintain control of territories mean that it wields more power than the citizens, the schools, the businesses, the churches, the politicians and the police. And these are young people.

And just who are these young people who have given Chicago a national reputation for violence? They are the product of an environment and upbringing that has so traumatized, dehumanized and desensitized them that they can snuff out God’s greatest creation without batting an eye. Many of these gang members with blood on their hands are beyond counseling, schooling and jobs. They are a menace to society and must be treated harshly. Known gang leaders and members must be constantly harassed, picked up and questioned about their gang involvement and livelihood. One goal would be to get them to publicly disavow allegiance to the gangs. Since gangs do much of their deadly work from cars, random roadblocks should be set up in selected neighborhoods. Who owns the cars they are using, and are they properly licensed?

Law abiding citizens in these neighborhoods would probably welcome these measures. The bottom line: Stop treating gangs with kid gloves.

—Ned L. McCray, Tinley Park

Invest for the long haul

Columnist Steve Chapman wrote in his Dec. 27 column about President Donald Trump being his own worst enemy on the economy. Take a step back, Steve. Most analysts have been telling us for months that the markets could not sustain the high peaks they have enjoyed in the last 18 to 20 months. Everyone who has any sense should have anticipated the December Dive investors just experienced. Furthermore, a close look at the year-to-date performance of the Dow Jones index on the morning of Dec. 26 indicated it was down only a wee bit more than one half of 1 percent and still much higher than at the beginning of 2017.

The sound bites of “the worst December since 1931” and the declarations of the sky is falling were countered a bit by investors who seized on the buying opportunities out there in the market.

At 70 years old, and having been through so many ups and downs but living comfortably, I offer this: Do your research, find a trustworthy adviser, be vigilant and remember the old axiom of being in it for the long haul. Your patience will pay off and things will be just fine.

—George Weiler, Randall, Wis.

Drug testing for marijuana

It appears that all politicians are in favor of legalizing marijuana to raise revenue. Do they realize that many fields require drug testing before an individual is hired? Health, construction and police are among them. If someone is already employed, how could his or her usage ever be controlled? Please ask your representatives to explain their positions.

—John Miller, Crete