What is the legislator's legal response to the gang problem?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

From a most naive perspective, legislative bodies act on the sentiment of society. Of course, most people 1) recognize that they are completely ignorant of legislation passed at the state and federal levels or 2) find that their representative voted contrary to what the constituents wanted or what their representative promised during the election cycle. This is probably best referred to as politics—supporting a candidate who supports legislation contrary to what he or she claimed to support during an election campaign. What is most interesting about this phenomenon is that the same people return to the polls and reelect their "nonrepresentatives.". Political actors often wrap themselves around platforms that draw attention to episodes of youth gang activities. The validity and extent of these indictments make little difference. Rarely do these actors address economic, social, and political factors that have a contributing causal link to delinquent behavior among many of society's youths (e.g., poverty, unemployment, discrimination in school funding, absence of constructive activities for youths, etc.). In fact, laws that govern political campaigns do little to discourage or
restrict false information (this holds true for arguments between opposing candidates and for their distortions of social issues).

In their attempt to resolve the youth gang dilemma and appease disgruntled constituents, legislators across America have enacted new laws and revisions to existing ones. Frequently, their legislation begins with a consideration of the feasibility of existing laws. Legislators struggle with the troublesome question "What constitutes a gang?" Armed with arrogance, ignorance, and indifference, legislative bodies (federal, state, and local) spend much of their time reacting to the gang dilemma, preferring creative sanctions rather than a subscription to social justice or considering the social realities of youth gang members or affiliates and their families. In the process, many legislators believe it is necessary to fracture the U.S. Constitution; they begin by undoing many of the tenets set forth by the Founding Fathers, particularly in the area of due process. The concept of toughness stands in the way of more tolerant concepts such as individual rights, human rights, dignity, and compassion, which could be used to direct legislation.