WHERE WE STAND: Crosses illustrate that things must change - Cherry Hill Courier Post

Fighting over symbolism, is that really the issue in Camden?

The 58 hand-painted crosses in a park across from City Hall one for each homicide victim the city has seen this year should be removed, says Councilman Brian Coleman.

It sends a negative message, the councilman said Monday.

Indeed, it does, but that doesnt mean the crosses should be taken down. Coleman is wrong.

In fact, what more fitting place could there be for the visual reminder of Camdens constant bloodletting than in front of the building where the citys leaders are supposed to be doing something about the crisis.

And whats happening in Camden is, most certainly, a crisis.

Fifty-eight homicides ties the single-year record set in 1995. With more than six weeks left in 2012, no one knows how high the new mark will be set. There are gunshot victims in the hospital fighting to live right now. And, sadly, there are very likely more shootings to come. Thats the reality of Camden.

Despite the homicide record, Camdens plight does not seem to be getting the attention it should, even in our region, where the connections to the city run deep. Those who dont live in Camden now did years ago, or their parents did. They go to the city for school, concerts, ballgames, health care and court. Or maybe they once did but, because of the violence, they now avoid the city.

Thats just another way Camden suffers a collateral hit on its economy from the stain of violence. The primary suffering, of course, is borne by residents who must put bars on their windows, keep their children inside and never go out at night. Even those things arent enough to protect them sometimes from becoming the next crime victim.

Last month, Father Jeff Putthoff, executive director of the Hopeworks N Camden charity used comparative numbers to illustrate how appalling the level of violence should be by comparing Camden to New York City. The Big Apple population 8.2 million has about 500-some homicides in an average year. Camden population 77,000 has seen 58 homicides this year.