Drugs and Cops

I have become acutely aware in the past couple weeks of the prevalence of drugs in my neighborhood...or at least my block. My roommates and I are all convinced that our next-door neighbors (not Mama D and her family, but the other side) are selling drugs. A group of young men hangs out on the front step alot. They often have black bags filled with something, which are handed off to visitors. We wouldn't be so suspicious if we also didn't see them with HUGE wads of cash. I've seen them exchange larges sums of money (they do it strangely, by throwing it down on the ground, instead of simply handing it to the other person). The also make a point of counting it, quite dramatically, whenever they see me nearby. I think it's their way of telling me that they are the powers that be in the neighborhood...it's their sign of strength.

The cops must have caught on to the drug trade on our block, as they are seemingly constantly cruising up and down the street, often arresting people. I hear sirens and voices speaking through bullhorns to "put your hands on your head". I've looked out the window on more than one occasion to see young men leaned against a cop car, handcuffed, being searched and then being put in the back seat (they don't do the whole hand on the head to make sure it doesn't hit the door thing, like they do on TV).

After seeing these young men with their wads of cash I can understand how that lifestyle might appeal to a child growing up in Anacostia. While other people are scraping by on low-paying jobs that take them away from home at all hours, the drug dealers are hanging out at home, demanding respect, and earning (well, not really earning, but you know what I mean) more money than I would guess most Anacostia residents see in a month.

We need to pray for the neighborhood, and especially for the children. Pray that they are encouraged by their families, teachers, and friends to believe that they can be successful and happy pursuing a legitimate career path. Pray also that the schools they attend prepare them for a meaningful - and legal - career. As it is, DC public schools allow kids to continue through the system even if they don't know how to read or do basic mathematics. How can we expect them to become anything other than criminals if we do not give them the tools to succeed in other endeavors?

I was at my neighbors house with G - my 10 year old goddaughter - today. She was totally into a book of word puzzles that she had gotten for Christmas. I was thrilled to see how good she was at them, and how much she enjoyed stimulating her brain. She has a chance to be something, but it's going to take support from the adults and the systems that surround her.