http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/28/opinion/28sun2.html?n=Top/Opinion/Editorials%20and%20Op-Ed/Editorials&_r=1&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

The state of Missouri have found success in dealing with its juvenile criminal offenders. Now other states are looking at the Missouri model as a standard to base their juvenile treatment program. The author states "Missouri was working against its own nature when it embarked on this project about 25 years ago". To me that is saying quite a bit. States that employ this model are not going to achieve overnight success. That over time, they will start reaping the positive results of creating this type juvenile rehabilitation program. I feel there are three very important reasons why Missouri is so successful. First, they favor the small community based centers instead of mass kiddie prisons. Second, they keep the treatment close to the offender's home so the parents are involved in their treatment. And third, the case manager job does not end with the offenders release. The results have proven out and only about 10 percent are recommitted to the juvenile court system. To me this program show a positive commitment to solving a problem before it became a more serious issue. It is more effective to rehabitate a juvenile offender before they lead a life of adult crime.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/23/opinion/23tue3.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&ref=opinion&pagewanted=print

This article is about how a new law in California will require all semiautomatic weapons starting in 2010 to be equipped with new microstamping technology. I feel the writer is trying to say that any attempt to solve a crime is worth every effort. The author states "Like any other single attempt to get America's handgun crisis under control, is not a panacea." I agree with the author, that until lawmakers stand up and not be afraid to put teeth in Gun Enforcement Laws, I will settle for any temporary solution. I commend California's Governor for signing this microstamping bill. And I hope all legislators can learn from this courageous act.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/15/opinion/15mon3.html?n=Top/Opinion/Editorials%20and%20Op-Ed/Editorials

This article is about how Congress is taking a different approach to finding low income housing for the nation's neediest families. They will establish a National Housing Trust Fund. Developers that get their funding or grants from the government will be required to set aside a portionate number of units for low income families. What this program would do is help the needy families while they can help themselves. This program provides assistance before they become homeless and require even more public assistance such as Aid to Dependence Children, Welfare, or Medicare. The editorial states "This program would be a vibrant mixed income community," instead of just housing the poor among the poor. By housing the poor among other mixed income residents will demonstrate the difference of having an education, a skilled job or a real chance to excel. The continuation of mixing the poor with the poor have not been successful in the past because it did not provide the poor residents the kind of postive reenforcements they needed to make better lifestyle improvements and choices.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/nyregion/03boys.html?ref=opinion&pagewanted=print

Mayor Cory Booker is to be commended for being a Big Brother and father figure to three young delinquents. Even if they don't make changes in their character, the fact that the mayor cares enough to spend time with them is very commendable and courageous. The mayor is setting an excellent example for the community but still he has critics. Mrs. Johnson is quoted as saying "Our only concern was that he might be doing it for the publicity." This criticism is the exact reason why the majority of the concerned adults don't participate in programs like Big Brothers and Big Sisters. They are afraid of being labeled or having a hidden motive. I can feel the mayor's sincerity when he missed an opportunity to help the young man named Hassan, who was gunned down in his neighboorhood. After attending Hassan's funeral, Mayor Booker said "It was the first time I cried as mayor." When the mayor asked Anthony, "Where would he get $24,000 to move out on his own?" All the mayor got was a shoulder shrug from Anthony. For that moment the mayor made that young man think! Can you imagine how many lives could be influenced if everyone had a mentor that made a young person think first about life's consequences instead of reacting after a crime is commited?