The unofficial start of summer, Memorial Day Weekend, has been marked by a surge of violence in the Windy City. According to a report in the Daily Wire, as of early Sunday morning, 34 individuals had been shot with eight fatalities in Chicago.

This surge of violent crime is particularly alarming considering the safety measures that were supposed to be in place. The city's mayor, Brandon Johnson, has been vocal about his intentions to implement a new safety program in the city. The initiative includes increased police presence.

This was achieved by cancelling days off for law enforcement personnel, leading to more officers on the streets.

Mayor's Efforts and Public Response

The safety program also involves the introduction of more peace safety officers, events, and programs intended to engage Chicago's youth. "It's going to take all of us, not just the police, not just city government, to ensure that our communities can live and thrive in peace and safety," Johnson said earlier this week. He further emphasized, "Your safety is my top priority."

Yet despite these reassurances, the numbers tell a different story.

Last year, Chicago recorded its deadliest Memorial Day in half a decade, with over 50 individuals shot and nine fatalities. Comparing these numbers with this year's statistics raises questions about the effectiveness of Johnson's strategies in reducing crime.

At time of writing, the numbers from the long weekend were not yet in, and Monday’s Memorial Day events may have resulted in an escalation in violence.

Are Policies Enough?

Johnson's lenient stance on crime may not be instilling the necessary fear or respect for law and order among potential wrongdoers in Chicago.

Readers might recall an incident in April when hordes of teenagers rampaged the streets, leapt on cars, and attacked at least one innocent couple. The Mayor's reaction was perceived as dismissive, as he likened their actions to “child's play.”

Such responses may inadvertently signal a tolerance for delinquency.

In defense of his policies, Johnson expressed, "Have you ever taught middle school? I have. Have you ever raised young people? Do you understand the risk that young people take just because they’re young? Do you know that home plate is at the bottom of my stairs? I found that out when my son was sliding down those stairs trying to score."

He further pointed out that youngsters "make silly decisions! They do,” and adding, “So we have to make sure that we are investing to make sure that young people know that they are supported."

Addressing Root Causes

Despite the crime surge, Mayor Johnson's proposed solutions seem to favor increased government funding for programs often unrelated to law enforcement.

Some critics argue that more focus should be placed on supporting the police, providing them with the resources and backing they need to maintain law and order effectively.

The law enforcement community requires the confidence that they have the necessary backing and authority to enforce the law effectively.

However, the true solution to the chaos in Chicago will likely need more than just government funding or improved policing. It has been observed that advocating for stable family structures can have a profound impact on crime rates.

A Long Road Ahead

Addressing the root causes of crime is a complex task, requiring both immediate and long-term strategies. Unless there is a substantial shift toward focusing on family, Chicago might continue to see more deadly summers.

Mayor Johnson and his administration must balance their efforts between immediate law enforcement and long-term solutions that address the root causes of the city's violent crime problem. Without a comprehensive and well-thought-out approach, the cycle of violence may continue unabated.