National Guard Urged to Quell Chicago Violence

(AP)  Two lawmakers say violence has become so rampant in Chicago that the National Guard must be called in to help.

State Democratic Reps. John Fritchey and LaShawn Ford made a public plea to Gov. Pat Quinn on Sunday to deploy troops.

The request comes amid a recent surge in violent crime, including a night last week that saw seven people killed and 18 wounded, mostly by gunfire.

Fritchey says Chicago has had 113 homicide victims this year. He says the police department has done a commendable job, but its resources are stretched thin.

Chicago Police Supt. Jody Weis says he appreciates the lawmakers' frustration and willingness to help, but doubts the National Guard is the best answer.

A message left for Quinn wasn't returned Sunday.

[willcorde]

i forgot ,,,,,,pull the police out of chicago and who ever is left standing put them in jail ,,,,,i have no love or respect for black people who live this life style ,,,,,the education available is free to you ,,take it and get an education so you can be productive ,,,,

[willcorde]

only in a country where you pay a lower class of people to not work will you also find a race with no respect ,,,,,,,cut welfare and watch them work ,,,,,,

[excop1949]

Maybe they could have a beer summit...

[larry0304]

Just more proof of how the strictest gun control laws in the country have been an absolute FAILURE. Of course it does'nt matter to the democrats in charge cause they all have round the clock protection so why would they care about the law abiding citizens they are paid to represent? It's long past a time for change in Illinois!

[czhnder]

Maybe it's time for Chicago and Illinois to recognize that an armed citizenry would diminish this wanton killing. They've outlawed guns, violating the Second Ammendment, and are reaping their reward.

[sandyinohio]

Also, it may be time for Chicagoans to realize that decades of Dem. control hasn't solved their inner city problems, now has it? Same with all the big cities, big govt., big programs! But they won't learn so there you have it. No, the govt will continue to tax more & explain away how they are "helping with that". Shameful communists all of them.

[larry0304]

sandyinohio- You've hit the nail on the head. We have the highest taxes and highest crime courtesy of the Democrats in charge yet the idiots in this state will keep putting the same party in charge. It's stupidity at it's finest!

[porcine_aviator]

Wouldn't it just be cheaper to run a few dozen B-52 carpetbombing sorties and just start over?

[TVO1CITW]

If the Federal Government was going to take over anything it should be Chicago.

[porcine_aviator]

The best thing the feds can do is back away and just let the place implode.

[TVO1CITW]

Then again, you are probably right porcine_aviator.

[BigMykul]

I thought that POSSE COMITATUS (sp) forbid the use of american troops for domestic law-enforcement, except in cases of insurrection. Of course that doesn't apply anymore after Waco.

[porcine_aviator]

If the South side of Chicago doesn't count as insurrection, I don't know what would.

[Archie_Clement]

I think the United States should immediately withdraw from Chicago.

[berlinfoto-2009]

Fritchey says Chicago has had 113 homicide victims this year. That is almost a murder a day, that is close to some of the high rates of earlier years. This is a waste, tough economic times. I do not think that the National Guard can help. The National Guard may even make things worse in this sort of situation.
Social Programs, help for drug users, take the profit away form the drug dealers, take the power away form the drug dealers, legalize all illegal drugs.

[notdoneyet]

who pays

[patocc123]

ok of all the social programs that are in place which are not working and what needs to be implemented. Plus do you really want to legalize cocaine, meth and perscription drugs. I can understand why people want dope legalized but are you suggesting the others need to be as well.