Work against violence must be constant
The double murder of two young men rocked the Delaware Cape Region community this week. While police are working to piece together what happened so they can take care of the urgent work of catching those responsible, families and friends of the young men killed are reeling from their loss and its violent manner. The senselessness of such murders stokes great frustration and anger, causing people to lash out though Facebook and email, making them search to say or write something that will be meaningful and somehow make a difference. All the while, rumors fly around in every direction about possible scenarios that could have led to the murders.
The Cape community is a deeply connected community, often involving many generations of families and friends. There is knowledge in the community that can help those investigating this crime get closer to a solution. It takes an entire community working together to get murderers off the streets. There is a way for people to help. Those who have any information can call the anonymous Crime Stoppers tip line at 1-800-847-3333. The line has no caller ID and no conversations are recorded, so people can offer their knowledge and assistance without fear of retribution.
One great concern is that these murders will lead to even more violence, and we all know we can’t solve violence with violence. That’s why it’s so important to let professional law enforcement personnel do their jobs.
As a community, a double murder punches us so hard because it is so out of keeping with who we are and what we do. Nonetheless, it’s a deeply painful reminder that such violence does threaten us and we must always be vigilant in that knowledge.
On this eve of a holiday honoring the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, who worked tirelessly and nonviolently for justice and its close cousin peace, it’s vital that we not forget that the path he showed us is nowhere near its end. To progress toward a more peaceful world it’s going to take all of us leaning patiently and persistently away from violence and divisiveness, and solidly toward justice and unity.
