his creative initiative, which launched this week, is in response to the prevalence of illegal firearms and rising rates of homicides. The small South American nation, known for its quaintness, ranks 9th in number of guns per capita in the world. More than a million firearms are in the hands of the country’s 3.3 million residents, and half of those are unregistered.

treehugger, 06.02.13.

hmm would new bikes persuade oakland gunowners to turn in their guns?

I’m not writing this to place blame. I’m writing this to say that we have a violence problem in this city. It’s devastating that another young person was killed tonight, but it’s also troubling that before the weekend is over another young person will probably meet the same fate, albeit with much less fanfare. If you want to live in this city, then you have to help us deal with this dilemma. You can’t ignore this away. You can’t gentrify it away. We have a crisis on our hands. “Wake up Oakland, we have an epidemic going on,” Kev Choice said. “It cant be covered up by new fancy restaurants, trendy new bars, or sports stories. Sadly, this happens damn near everyday in East, West, or North Oakland. We have to face the harsh reality, and not continue to ignore the issue. It’s an EPIDEMIC.”

…In parting, I want to shout out my friend Jesus El who was grazed by a bullet tonight in a seperate incident at First Friday. There was a drive-by shooting at 14th and Webster in which a gunman opened fire hitting Jesus, as he stepped outside Disco Volante, and a 19 year old Laney student as he ran away from the shooting.

read more, and the excellent poem by the same author: 38th note, 02.02.13.

I had left telegraph before ten and only learned about the shooting this morning. but that shooting at 14th/webster was the one I heard from my apt.

just heard 5 or 6 gunshots outside, maybe about a block away.

looked out my window, saw a young black guy holding his girlfriend’s hand running away. not tryna get shot tonight.

owning a gun

• is a right

having healthcare

• is a privilege

(Source: dannybriereisaliferuiner, via 122782)