Although the panic button has not been pushed, many residents are becoming angry and deeply disturbed over this ceaseless gun activity, with lives being lost, and the community waiting with bated breath, wondering where, and when, a gunman will strike next.When a trigger is pulled that bullet has no sense of what the target is, and it must be only a matter of time before an innocent child falls victim. This happens frequently in crime riddled areas in larger countries. The worst thing that can happen, is that Bermudians become numb to gun murders with a, “I don’t think there is much anyone can do about it” attitude.Police know most of the shootings are gang related, and this has been going on for years. Through diligent work a number of culprits have been brought to justice, and placed behind bars, but the nightmare of brutal killings has not ended.What remains shocking to most peace loving Bermudians is that on this small island, vicious gangs can exist as though our constitution gives them a right to wage an endless feud with each other, with deadly consequences, while many who perhaps know who, and where, they are, remain silent out of fear for their lives.It is a very sad situation when gangs, no matter what they call themselves, are able to hold parts of our Island hostage.What will it take for the community to rise up and demand stronger laws from our legislators? Laws that would make any gang member tremble at being caught, and even more terrified at being convicted of taking someone’s life to settle scores.We have many important issues to sort out, but this one just rumbles on, with some just giving a sigh, and a gesture of, ‘oh well, here we go again’.Unless Bermudians who really care are prepared to press our leaders for dramatic action to stop this madness, one day we will wake up to something far more tragic, and it could be too late to simply talk about a cease fire, or plead with gangsters to refrain from using weapons during their disputes.Members of these gangs do not live in an isolated part of Bermuda, with no contact with family members or friends. Their power comes from keeping others in utter fear, and they have succeeded in boldly operating in certain areas, leaving countless residents in a hostage state on a daily basis.Sometime soon a clear message has to be sent that the day of the vicious criminal is over, and that no longer will people, out of fear, remain silent over senseless killings that shatter many families.Many thousands of innocent people were slaughtered in Syria, by both sides, before the world finally said, enough is enough.US President Barack Obama, knows he faces a mountain of criticism from many in America, at the slightest hint of further military action abroad, after Iraq and Afghanistan, but he also knows that to do nothing holds the potential for greater disaster.The final straw was the apparent killing of so many children through use of chemical weapons with what America claims said was clear proof that only the Syrian Government could have launched such an attack.Although the Syrian Government was quick to deny these claims, even Russia, a faithful ally to Syria is having second thoughts about that incident. If President Obama gets full approval from the Senate and Congress, to carry out precise military strikes, on specific targets for a limited time, Britain might review its stance not to be involved.Gang activity will continue to exist in Bermuda as long as we are afraid to send that warning shot across their bow that the game is over. These shots can come in the form of new powerful gun laws, that will result in criminals having second thoughts before carrying out their version of underworld justice.The question is whether legislators have the guts to draft new gun laws without loopholes that clever lawyers can use to defend what should be the indefensible.Bermuda needs to rise up with a loud shout, that our beautiful Island will not accept being held hostage by gang warfare. The police have their hands full, and do great work, but without full support from the public, even they can only do so much to bring this nightmare to a close.Let’s hope it will not take that stray bullet ending the life of an innocent child, to bring the Island to its senses. We hope that never happens, but if we do nothing except talk after each tragedy, we could be leaving ourselves open to the incomprehensible.Time is running out to act, but it is not too late. Our future safety will depend on whether we choose fear, or have the courage to send that warning that no longer will we remain hostages.In some places in America, children go to school wondering if they will reach, or even return, home, as a result of gang wars that leave bodies on the side walk on a weekly basis.Our children could face a similar experience, if gang activity continues while we fiddle away with words.