I have to admit I read an idea by a democrat that was really good. In an effort to reduce gun violence in the city of Baltimore, Mayor Bernard "Jack" Young advocated two people having a beef with each other put their weapons down and jump into a boxing ring to decide the dispute. A unique way to solve the problem.
What I really like about the solution is that it doesn't blame the gun or the NRA for the problem. It places the responsibility for the problem exactly where it belongs, at the feet of the people committing the violence.
The usual response to gun violence from the left is to make it harder for law abiding citizens to purchase or maintain weapons. This type of solution, not being focused on those causing the violence, essentially reinforces those about to commit a crime of violence that it's not their fault. The amounts to an enabling effect similar to someone making excuses for a drug addict versus getting them some help.
Mayor Young's solution easily works with two individuals having a dispute, since there are normally two combatants in a boxing match at one point. Extending it to gang violence would require the warring gangs to select a person to represent them in the match.
Boxing has long been viewed as having the potential to curb street violence because of the skills that have to be learned to box effectively. Boxing teaches anger management, self-control, and discipline at the same time the training time takes the individual out of their current environment of street violence.
There was once a young kid that had is bike stolen. The kid expressed a desire to beat up the thief to a police officer. The officer suggested to the young man that he learn to box first. Years later, Mohammad Ali became one of the greatest boxers the world has ever seen.
This is the type of solution we need to resolve gun violence. Imagine if gangs took up this method of resolving disputes and organized members to learn and train for boxing rather than spending their time on the streets. It could dramatically change many urban areas. It's also much better than my solution of a secluded area (protecting innocent bystanders) for these people to be placed in with all the weapons and ammunition they need.
