Headline: 6 Bodies Found in Memphis Home

I'm having a hard time concentrating on work today because I keep going back to read comments on the news stories about the four adults and two children killed in Memphis last night. Interestingly, comments on national news stories tend to argue about gun control, while the local stories focus on racism and the mayor's responsibility.

I live in one of the most violent cities in America. People say, "Crime is everywhere; you can't escape it." But the truth is, it is more rampant - and more violent - here. You could leave this city and live at less risk. Memphis has more than its share of problems - crime, corruption, racism, and yes, way too many guns. I do hold the local government at least partially responsible. Mayors have cleaned up worse crime than this in cities a lot bigger than Memphis, so it can be done. The Memphis mayor just got re-elected to his fifth consecutive term, so he's certainly had the chance to do something about the rampant crime. Yet things are far worse now than they were when I arrived here 20+ years ago.

There are all sorts of reasons for society's ills - drug addiction, poverty, unemployment, teenage pregnancy, single-parent households. But IMHO there is only one reason that people kill: because their lives feel worthless and so they no longer value life. Until we make their lives worth living again - by dealing with the drugs, poverty, unemployment etc etc etc - then the killing will continue with abandon.

In Memphis, the black population suffers from these ills at a disproportionately high number, so "black crime" results in most of the murders. Then white commenters on media web sites rant under the cover of anonymity about how horrible it is that blacks are killing each other, which only makes black commenters angry and causes them to blame white people and it's just the most ugly, vicious cycle.

I almost prefer the gun control arguments on USA Today.

While others seemed content to debate political arguments, my attention was drawn to one comment that seemed to really be inspired. Someone posting under the name OneReasonableMan made this comment:

Each of us who cares about solving these problems must find a way, even if it is a small one, to make an improvement to this earth each and every day. Commit to an organization that helps people. Show kindness when it is difficult and hate would be easier. And remember this quote from a vary influential thinker: "Only the weak are cruel. Gentleness can only be expected from the strong." So go and be strong. Spread gentleness. Try it.

There really is only one answer, isn't there? The government is not going to fix this for us. Commit to an organization that helps people, he says. Each one of us must find a way. What are you going to do today? What am I?