Where's the brotherly love?

Not a good weekend for the new Michael Nutter Administration in Philadelphia.

There’s no questioning the fact that there’s a new face and new attitude leading the city.

Unfortunately, the same old problems continue to plauge those trying to make a difference, as well as those simply trying to live in the city.

In less than 24 hours over the weekend, five people were killed and eight others wounded in a series of violent confrontations. The homicide rate for the year also went over the 100 mark.

Two teens were shot in the city’s Frankford section. One died. Sunday afternoon a 50-year-old man was shot in the back in his apartment. He was declared dead at the hospital. Late Saturday night a man was shot in the head in a bar in Logan. And a man in his 60s was beaten to death outside a gas station.

The good news? I’m not sure there is any at this point, but at this time last year the murder rate stood at 130.

Nutter and his new police commissioner, Charles Ramsey, have made it clear they want to make a difference.

Nutter went so far as to sign into law several gun control measures that were passed by City Council. Of course, they were immediately challenged by the National Rifle Association, which reminded Nutter and council that the authority to regulate guns in this state lies solely with the Legislature.

But something needs to be done. The weather is changing. It’s getting warmer. Things on the street no doubt will be heating up as well.

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