Trades for all Jacks

This article outlines the truth, the whole truth, and nothin but the truth so help us $$

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/21/opinion/21friedman.html?_r=1

In the world of the 4th Ward, ATL, Ga I have seen what Mr. Friedmen is talkin about in the decline of skills. Decades go by and kids have kids who are taught the only trade they know. Slingin' drugs. I had watched them from my upstairs porch and seen the elaborate dance of purchace, drop off, hand out, decoy, buyer, side man, sucker.....
It works. As much as the law says they are fighting it, it works and is thriving and will continued to be passed on to the child on the block who is old enough to count $20s.

Lets ponder a moment about the possiblity of these kids engaging in a different trade. Someone happened to teach them to build a chair, or sew a dress, or paint a picture. And caught in that wild idea of encouragement, these kids might actually continue to foster their newly found skills. The boy who stands on the corner in freezing temperature for the dope boys is now secure in a job that will be useful to him forever. Skills are jobs which cannot be outsourced. You need your plumbing fixed? Haircut? They didnt send those jobs to India.

This is an organization in LA that helps to re-habilitate former gang members into usful memebers of the community.
http://www.homeboy-industries.org/index.php
instilling a sense of  pride in the workmanship of trades is equally as important as the knowledge itself.
Friends of mine I hold in the highest of respect are ones who uses and utilizes the trade skills they have.  its godddamn upstanding!


Now, some photos of children in the neighborhood who are tragically close to learning the slingin trade. if only there is a way to intercept.........