CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Gangs of youth in cities such as Chattanooga organize for turf protection, illicit profit from contraband, masculinity, racial identity, financial liquidity (cash), youthful thrill at danger and resistance to “the man” who has a stake in continuing warfare and enforcement action. Private gangs are increased and fed by conflict with police. Police don’t cause gangs, but nourish and enliven gangs in their close attention and harassment of gang members, which since January has intensified in Chattanooga. Judge Barry Steelman of Hamilton County criminal court last week rejected a petition for injunction from district attorney Neal PInkston, who … Continue reading By teaching rights vs. cops, city wins gang recruits to civil order, capitalism