Item: A funeral was held this morning (Wednesday) for Christopher David Jones, age 14, who died after an attack by five to seven youths on a tree-lined street of townhouses in Crofton, Anne Arundel County. Two minors have been charged in the incident. A community meeting will be held at 7 this evening in Crofton.
Item: A young man in Baltimore, age 16, was assaulted at lunchtime yesterday (Tuesday) by a dozen or more males on Calvert Street, near the Maryland Science Center, in downtown Baltimore. The victim was treated and released at the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Item: Two young men, ages 16 and 15, were shot just after midnight this morning (Wednesday) in Southwest Baltimore. One was reported shot in the leg, the other in the stomach. They were being treated at an area hospital.
Just the facts, as reported by news media. Just another day in the lives of teen-agers in Maryland.
Conclusion: Young men and boys are never safe, at any time, on any public street, any place in Maryland. Young men and boys live in fear, and die at random.
The Crofton victim had recently been moved to a different Anne Arundel County school, in an effort to protect him from bullying, according to WBAL-TV. There was talk that his death was gang-related.
Gang activity is reported everywhere in Maryland. Responsible adults take steps to protect vulnerable children, but the streets remain dangerous. Being watchful and prudent does not ensure safety.
The downward spiral of decivilization continues. The fabric of society unravels. Those who can afford it retreat to private schools and gated enclaves. We become more and more divided, isolated in our densely populated cities and suburbs.
A friend recently recounted a quote from overseas: “In America, people are free to say whatever they want. In America, people don’t speak to their neighbors.”
“We have failed our children,” Pastor Dennis Gray said at Christopher Jones’ funeral service, according to the Baltimore Sun. “I’m asking the leaders in this room to guide our children.”
It’s not enough to try to protect a few young men. Responsible adults need to guide all young men.
If today’s adults cannot guide our children, what is the future of our society? — Bernie Hayden
Ocean City Blog 
Posted on June 3, 2009
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