(...) These gang numbers have been inflated for years (note the current quotes: 900 gang members and 7,000 associates) for funding purposes. It has been long known that the use of the term "associates" covered nearly everyone that looked cross-eyed at an individual who participated in some form of wrongdoings. There are hard-working individuals that are photographed and posted in the "gang book" that have never been affiliated with a gang – it is done simply because law enforcement "can," and they run unchecked by individuals, elected or appointed.

When Sen. Cantwell sponsored a bill (Gang Abatement and Prevention Act) authorizing in excess of $1 billion, local law enforcements were licking their chops. The Spokesman-Review finally stopped singing in the choir and investigated – great!

Edward Thomas Jr.
Spokane

Question: Do you think gang numbers are generally exaggerated? If so, do you think that worsens what gang problems there are?

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