Crucial Topic I think our city should support building a recreation center rather than a detention center to reduce gang violence. The opportunity to save troubled youth should not be overlooked simply because we chose one structure over another. The development of a detention center will exacerbate the problem of gang violence here in this city. Our young people will benefit more from a recreation center where they will have the opportunity to use their energy in a positive way. The recreation center will create a socially stable environment in which to grow. And it is reasonable to argue that a recreation center is a much friendlier place than a detention center. Opening This may sound a little cliché, but my intentions are good. I have seen this mistake made too many times for me to allow it again. I am confident that raising our city's problem today will lead to a solution tomorrow. Growing up, I came from the type of family that literally moved every six months. This exposed me to the variation of our troubled youth that I talk about today, Neighborhood after neighborhood, I saw many dying, Neighborhood after neighborhood I saw kids split up on the street for no real reason, neighborhood after neighborhood I was confused by the need to point to a color red or blue. Either the presences or the blood, it was the violence of the gangs, which dictated the lives of our young people, devouring their innocence, devouring the good of our youth. I've seen this happen too often for me to let it happen again. I refuse to believe that there is no alternative to detention centers that only reinforce gang violence generation after generation. I refuse to raise my children in this violent environment; I refuse to allow all of you to make...... middle of paper ......home, an environment that promotes well-being not only for yourself but also for the community as a whole. Young people will recognize our commitment to engaging them in a recreational center that includes sports, hobbies, tutors, mentors and fun activities that will keep them coming back. Secondary benefits include some peace of mind for all of us and a tighter, tighter community. What else do we need? Prolepsis I know you may still be reluctant to agree that a leisure center is the solution. So let me just tell you this. You're probably thinking not! “If you do the crime, you pay for the time” But these criminals were children! They deserve a second chance, they deserve an alternative to the streets, and recreation does none of that. On the contrary, it pisses off kids, you mix problem kids with other problem kids, boy! It's an endless cycle.