Unemployment is hitting home and hurting the livelihood of many families. In some areas the loss of certain jobs are affecting not only the pockets of the unemployed, but the safety of the residents involved. On Tuesday, January 18th, the City of Camden, NJ laid off approximately 335 workers. Nearly half of its police force lost their jobs, as well as fire fighters and local government administrative workers.
Is this really a big deal? Well let’s look at a few facts about Camden, NJ: Camden has been known to rank in the top 3 of the most dangerous cities in the US; Most of its residents are living below the national poverty line; As for local government, how about 3 recent mayors have been jailed for corruption. So in short, yes- losing half of the police force is a very big deal. Now despite these crime stats, everyone from Camden is not a gang member or a drug dealer. We cannot forget the innocent children, senior citizens, and mentally ill. There are also many people living in this city who are earnestly involved in trying to bring Camden back to the thriving business center it once was before its downfall. These people chose to come to this city to build businesses, hospitals, and schools, offering residents help and employment. Taking away these service-related jobs is just another slap in the face to the efforts of community advancement.
Instead of community re-development people are mourning the death of their beloved city. I have even come across a Facebook page with over 4000 “friends” calling for Camden to Rest in Peace. This is truly a sad event to have taken place. I’m praying for the underserved and underprivileged, as well as the men and women who honestly put their lives on the line to protect and serve this community.
Sources and Links:
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local-beat/Camden-Layoffs-Begin.html
http://www.courierpostonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011101180357
Wikipedia
The sad & unfortunate demise of Camden really lies with people in higher places. Just like the cigarette company who used to come into Centerville when my mother was a child & gave out cigarettes to the kids in the projects (Branch Village). It’s people with money trying to keep people without money down & in need of a fix…SMH. With the amount of drugs that flow through the streets of Camden do you honestly think it’s coming from within??? These drug dealers can’t afford to purchase the large quantities of dope that flows through there on a daily basis. It’s all politically led and as soon as an election rolls around they act like they’re cleaning up the streets when they’re the ones who are pushing this mess in the 1st place. It’s sad that so many police & fire fighters lost their job, but what’s more disturbing is to watch so many police ride by the drug dealers everyday & act like they don’t see what’s goin on, and if you call to report suspicious activity it takes so long for them to respond. Unfortunately you have bad apples mixed in with the good ones & they spoil the whole bunch. So, while I would not want to see anyone lose their job, I don’t think many of them deserve to be in a position to protect & serve when all their doing is driving with blinders on & getting paid. As far as the fire dept is concerned…I don’t think any of them should ever be let go…..I believe they go above & beyond the call of duty & my hat goes off to them. My prayers go out to all though
You are so right and I agree some of those police officers sitting on their do nothings Camden can do without but for those who care about the people my heart goes out to them and their families. It’s sad that so many people act like they are going to help turn Camden around when they intend to do the city more harm. I would have liked to see the days when Broadway was a fun place to see stars and thriving businesses instead of prostitutes and drug busts.
I would like to have seen that myself…..lol….but there was a time when we could walk from Pollock Town to Broadway to catch a karate flick at the movie theater & not worry about getting mugged….now days u gotta worry about getting shot……..SMH
Tru Dat. Dem CMD Zombies ain’t never scared now! Best get yo gat strapped befo u get yo wig capped. Dem Ignit CMDs wit dem t-shirts of the 1/18/11 date should be stripped of all of their civil and human rights. Like dey bout to plot on somethin. Trust, dey not smart enuff. Just dumb ignit CMDs.
SP fo life son!!! I ain’t neva scurred! Take that, Take that!
@FE smh