Staff ReportsThe nation’s capital, Washington D.C., often revered as a beacon of democracy and hope, is grappling with a sobering reality that threatens its very foundation: crime. The city, famous for its iconic monuments and political prowess, has come under fire for a crime rate that’s anything but picturesque. Residents like the mother of Bernard “BJ” Hodges are all too familiar with this grim landscape. She painfully shares her story, living with the tragic loss of her son who was shot and killed senselessly in the very heart of this great nation.
Despite attempts by some Democrats to downplay the gravity of crime in the city, people like Bernard’s mother, who’ve lived in D.C. their whole lives, know the grim reality. It’s an everyday battle to feel safe when stepping outside your home. You don’t want to just close your curtains and pray, hoping crime won’t come knocking at your door. But in D.C., the almighty prayer seems more about survival than peace of mind.
It’s particularly poignant when Bernard’s mother recounts the day her son was taken from her. Bernard had left for work wearing his uniform, symbolizing the dedication of many hardworking Americans, only never to return home. The irony is striking. In a city where the nation’s leaders are entrusted with making laws to protect citizens, a hard-working man, simply heading to work, became another crime statistic. One wonders if the officials are too busy congratulating themselves on dry policies while the real issues are literally killing their constituents.
Bernard was the kind of individual every community needs. A man who worked three jobs, not for luxury but to make ends meet. He wasn’t just about self-preservation; he was a pillar who helped others. He tried to solve problems, not just in his life but in the lives of others in his community. Yet, the city he loved and contributed to couldn’t protect him. This pattern of neglect is frustratingly familiar and exhausts those who continuously work for positive change, only to find themselves ignored by a government intent on downplaying the reality citizens face.
There might be some flicker of hope as the presence of the National Guard and increased efforts by local police show some promise in curbing crime. But one can only hope it’s more than intimidating window dressing. Residents like Bernard’s loved ones dream of one day going to the grocery store or out to dinner without clutching onto their handphones, ready to dial for help. Unfortunately, those in power are busy playing house with politics while real people lose their loved ones and the community loses its pillars — one precious life at a time.
