This is the epidemic no one is talking about.
There are now 17 presumed cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus in Pennsylvania. That includes one here in Delaware County. There have been zero deaths.
In the city of Chester, since Jan. 1 11 people have died as a result of gun violence.
The latest victims were teenagers - kids, really, both all of 15 years old.
Edward Harmon Jr. was a member of the Chester High School basketball team. Tayvonne Avery also was 15.
They were the 10th and 11th victims gunned down in the city so far this year.
Police are investigating two other shootings in the city. All of this occurred in a 24-hour period.
In this job, it's easy to develop a fairly cynical attitude. We use it as a defense mechanism. You work on a crusty, gruff exterior, or you usually find another line of work.
But make one thing clear.
This is not normal. No one should consider it "the new normal."
Chester is not the only area with a problem with gun violence. But it is acute there.
City officials gathered Wednesday night to discuss the latest rash of shootings.
They once again asked for the public's help, urging anyone with any information on the recent shootings to come forward.
"Simply put, we're all in this together," said Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland. "I wish I had a magic wand. I'd wave it and remove every gun from my community ... I wish we had 200 mroe police officers patrolling our streets so criminal might think twice before pulling the trigger."
The region, state and nation are dealing with "the new normal" of a pandemic virus that is sickening millions and killing thousands.
There is no new normal in Chester. There is only an old nemesis. There are too many guns in the hands of too many people who should not possess them.
That should never be considered normal.
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