Letter: Nothing positive about gang life

The Crips have already corrupted the life of a very dear friend of mine. I pray every day that his parents will be able to get a few things through that thick skull of his. I can't anymore. He'll barely talk to me, let alone listen to me.

We used to be very close. But, ever since he got mixed up with that group it seems that he doesn't even want anything to do with me.

That's what gangs do to people. They take them away from their friends and family. They make them believe that they are their only family, and their only friends. That's wrong. We all know that. But, do they? They're just looking for someone to accept them.

Who knows what goes through people's minds when they join a gang. Maybe they want to feel wanted. Maybe they think that they will be considered one of the "cool ones." We don't know. But, we do know that they are bad. Gangs are wrong. Sit your kids down, talk to them and tell them how bad gangs really are.

I just wish that it wasn't too late for my friend, Jason. But, maybe it's not. Maybe good people can help him through this rough time.

Jason, used to live in a small town outside of Vegas. We grew up together there. He had everything there. He had friends and family who loved him. He was going to a great school.

But then one day his family picked up and moved to Vegas. Then he started running around with the "wrong crowd."

After that I completely lost him. Now, he'll lose his family and maybe even his life, if he doesn't straighten up.

Please teach your kids the dangers and wrongs of gangs. Please don't let what happened to Jason happen to your kids too. I love you Jason.

Amanda J. Hall Columbia, Tenn.

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