It’s easy to understand the widespread frustration in the Windy City.
Teenagers roam the streets, committing crimes with few repercussions.
But street takeover teens just sparked one jaw-droppingly laughable response.
Back in April, teenagers rampaged through downtown Chicago.
Hundreds of teenagers smashed car windows, prompting a major police response.
One person in a car was attacked and two teenagers were wounded by gunfire in the crowds.
A woman saw her car smashed by people jumping on the windshield and her husband was beaten as he sat in the driver’s seat.
Police escorted tourists back to their cars amidst the chaos.
The scene was so out of control that the local FOX TV news crew left the scene when a decision was made that conditions were too unsafe for the reporters.
Instead of offering a single word of criticism, then mayor-elect (now current mayor) Brandon Johnson defended the lawbreakers.
Excuses for acts of crime by out-of-control kids
Johnson said at the time, “Demonizing children is wrong. We have to keep them safe as well. They’re young. Sometimes they make silly decisions. They do. And so we have to make sure that we’re investing so that young people know they’re supported. And we also have to make sure that police officers who put their lives on the line have the resources that they need to keep us safe.”
That would be silly decisions that led to serious injury and property destruction.
With Johnson as mayor, word has gotten out that teenagers have little to fear for brazen lawlessness and the situation has gone from bad to worse.
Just this past weekend a group of teens was involved in another chaotic street takeover.
Now, one Chicago Councilman has had enough.
But the “family counseling” thrust of his plan strikes many as completely laughable.
Ray Lopez introduced an ordinance at a City Council meeting on Monday that would fine parents up to $5,000 for “out of control” children.
The ordinance would further ensure that parents and unruly teenagers be required to attend “licensed family counseling.”
Banning teens’ access to social media would likely be far more effective
Lopez told the Chicago Sun-Times, “We have children who are out of control, causing 90% of the problems, particularly as it relates to street takeovers, drag racing, and all of the other illegal activities. This isn’t just to fine parents — it’s to change behavior and to help parents so they raise better children.”
Lopez introduced the bill after a video surfaced that showed teenagers attacking a Tesla driver last weekend.
His proposal would mandate that any legal guardian who “willfully and/or knowingly” allows their child “to engage in a host of offenses wreaking havoc on the quality of life in Chicago neighborhoods” would be subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
Will teen thugs’ parents actually pay fines or attend counseling sessions?
It remains to be seen whether Lopez’ plans will ever come to fruition but many likely see it as just another example of politicians trying to use a crisis to funnel taxpayer dollars to political cronies instead of actually fixing problems.
Unless or until Chicago officials show that there are real consequences for bad behavior – like extended stays in juvie hall – the cycle of teenage crime will only continue.
Stay tuned to Blue State Blues for any updates to this ongoing story.
