Kansas City Shooting Mayhem

3 teens shot near mayor during late-night mayhem in Kansas City; officials call for 9 pm teen curfew

I did a double take on this story when I realized that this was a seriously upscale lifestyle center. From first glance, you are tempted to assume yet another shooting between gangs until you realize where it is. This is the story:

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/2011/08/15/2011-08-15_3_teens_shot_near_mayor_during_latenight_mayhem_in_kansas_city_officials_call_fo.html

Now, this is the shopping center:

http://www.countryclubplaza.com/Index.htm

The official response seems to be police with pepper spray and large horses and the mayor talking to the community. Perhaps instead of continuing to spend money on fighting the crime, incarcerating the teens and continuing the cycle, we should instead sentence them to trade schools and turn out the next generation of welders, plumbers and masons. I really don't have the answer but my gut is that unless we address the reason why these kids have no stake in their community, the options become very limited and uncomfortable.