May 4, 2011Dear Sir,Please do not be blindsided by the tragedies that have plagued our society, the sad truth is we live in a small society, our children have played and/or gone school together, been in and out of each other's homes by way of either family ties or friendships, and because of our small but close society our children are being targeted through either association or affiliation.There is a distinct difference between the two and should be duly noted, here are some of the FYI's on association and affiliation:Association: (This is probably one of the saddest reasons our children are targeted)l Close to a relative that is affiliated with a gang member (knows or doesn't know)l Close to a friend that is affiliated with a gang member (knows or doesn't know)l A gang member hangs out in a neighbourhood hangout area or house where our children also hangout (knows or doesn't know)l Mistaken identity (this being the saddest area of association)Affiliated:l Claims affiliation with a gangl Pledged with a gangl Informant of a gang (the most dangerous affiliation with a gang for the innocent and unsuspecting)How our children fit into the two are not always our children's fault, and neither should we as a society point fingers or create damaging slander about someone's child without the facts and take responsibility for the damage our slander can create both before and after tragedy, because our tongues are sometimes sharper than the sword, and in some instances more damaging than the act itself.These are sad times and as a community we never thought that we would be in combat zone, but the unfortunate truth is we are and if we can save our children from senseless acts then we must do what we can, no child deserves to die by the hands of another, if we don't try and stop it now, soon the innocent and unsuspecting will be targeted, remember our community is small and our children know, hangout and associate with each other sometimes unknowing and innocently, don't be blinded we can't control all our young men and women's decisions or company, but we can show our love and support to help keep them alive.Here are some things we as a society and our children can consider to protect themselves, family and friends against these acts of senseless tragedies:l Create a buddy system (two or more), maybe even sleep over/out, be prepared to do things differentlyl Never take the same route home in a row and try not to let too many people know where you live if it can be helped (change your route regularly)l If you are out alone, don't over drink, once we are intoxicated we let our barriers down and people will observe that.l Store telephone numbers of family, friends or loved ones, (put them on a speed dial system) when all else fails, talk about this system with those people ahead of time so everybody is in agreement, once all have agreed don't let those people down when called upon, your action could save somebody's life.l When you feel like you have to call those people and it is agreed that they will pick you up, leave swiftly and discreetly (tell nobody of your intentions to leave and with whom), maybe even spend the night elsewhere for the night.l And never remain in a parked car at any length of time that makes you an easy target, get out if you are waiting and keep to the inside of the car, so you can see anything oncoming.l Try to always be aware if your surroundings, if unsure look for safety in your surroundings or look for safety elsewhere i.e. a neighbour, a friend, a relative or the police.l Keep your phone available in case you need it, don't be afraid to use it, whatever time, it may save your life or someone else's! And folks, if you are called time becomes irrelevant, act fast our young need us. Maybe even start a call system where you call in and report your whereabouts, your condition if you have been out on the town and who you are with (buddy system).l And of course, if you should have concerns beyond all of the above, call 911, and the police should act promptly and accordingly and attend all matters with discretion and in the interest of your safely.AND PARENTS STOP PROTECTING YOUR CHILDREN IF YOU KNOW OR SUSPECT THEY ARE THE PERPETRATORSThese are some changes that will not change every senseless act, but they will definitely give the perpetrator more challenges to contend with, and may deter their intent at the time. Good luck to all our young people, be safe at all times and be confident knowing that no act of wrongdoing goes without penalty and that vengeance belongs to our maker, who will see all matters dealt with accordingly.For those persons at fault for these tragedies you should know this, the sins of the forefathers shall befall upon their children, (children meaning blood line), and if you're not religious there is “karma”, drop your guns and ask for forgiveness, or will you stand responsible for what will befall upon your blood line for your transgressions, or how “karma” will come back to you.GO IN PEACE AND LIVE “RIGHT” SO THAT “RIGHT” WILL FOLLOW YOU!!!P.s. A note to the public if you should have any further ideas that you feel would help our children stay safe, please add it to the list we are in this together it can only help!ANONYMOUSPembroke