Thomas Phinemann, Contributor

The headline of the lead story in THE STAR, Thursday, May 8, 'Eight most deadly men', screamed at me. I thought, men at it again.

When will brothers stop killing brothers, sisters and children? Although some women are involved in criminal activities, men are the main perpetrators and the main victims. Crime and violence will be reduced when enough of us take a stand against it.

Brothers, will we continue to kill each other? Who or what gives us the right to wantonly take human life?

This is not just a matter for the Government and the security forces. We are either part of the problem or part of the solution. There is no middle ground. We are fast becoming an endangered species. The pathetic thing is that we are responsible for reducing our numbers.

We are not helpless

First of all, we need to accept the fact that we are not helpless. I don't believe that criminals outnumber law-abiding citizens but law-abiding Jamaicans are too quick to cower in fear. Where are the criminals? They are among us. They are in our homes, and in our communities. They drive fear into us so much that we imprison ourselves behind bars and pay exorbitant fees to security companies.

Second, talking and writing our opinions about what needs to be done to make a difference has not changed the crime situation. Playing the blame game hasn't helped either. Those of us who have a heart denounce the heartless among us. We repudiate violence and the violent in our island. We need to stand up and be counted.

Respect for life

We can learn from our politicians. Political rallies are held to drum up support for parties. This is why numbers are important and no effort is spared in organising mass gatherings at strategic points.

It is time to start identifying those of us who are willing to take a stand against crime and violence. There are only two sides: Those for crime and violence and those against it. Identifying those against is step one. Step two is getting together as a group and making our presence felt in the short, medium and long term.

As men, we have to be bold in our stance against wrongdoing.

We have to demonstrate our respect for life and play our part in making Jamaica a safe place. If we cannot do this as men, no one can. Sometimes, we are expected to be tough and pretend that we are not afraid.

Create a lead story

Weapons do not kill people. People use weapons to kill other people. Think about the 'eight most deadly men'. Eight is a small number. There are thousands of men of all ages who believe in protecting and preserving life. It is time for us as men to create a lead story '800,000 men stand together against crime and violence'.

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