CMV: We need state sanctioned vigilantes like that of Daredevil and Frank Castle.

First let me apply some context. I’m an immigrant living in the USA. 25yr, M. I grew up here for the most part. It’s my home. It’s my culture. And as a New Yorker, I’m proud of my city and I desire all those who live in it to be safe.

As a kid growing up in Brooklyn, I was always told by my mom, a single parent, to come back home before dinner. No sleep overs. I understood why. The gang violence and just the sheer number of gang member presence was too scary for my poor mom.

Here’s the problem: gang members often get snatched by the police, the DA use them to get info on the bigger fish by cutting them a deal and let them go a year, months sometimes even a week later.

Prosecutors would then get the bigger fish, rarely. But they’d be replaced the next hour. And the cycle goes on and on.

For me, enough was enough when my best friend OD. He and I were homeschooled together. We were brothers.

So here’s my argument:

State sanctioned vigilantes would be folks with secret identities, with special skill sets and government backing to find and get rid of known gang members who pose a significant threat to citizens and law enforcement.

I say Daredevil and Frank Castle because one needs to be the guy who doesn’t kill. The other needs to be merciless. As a marvel fan of anti heroes, I think the pairing of two such vigilantes in one city will work. Good cop bad cop approach.

The common folks wouldn’t need to know they are state sanctioned. I feel as though neighborhoods with high crime rates and low police presence would be appreciative of someone doing the dirty work to keep the streets clean.

No rules to hold them back. Find the gang member, arrest them, or take them out. If you’re in a gang, tough luck. No sob stories, just cruel justice.

I know this may sound childish, and perhaps it does. I grew up with the comics in my bedroom and reality outside where no superheroes came to save anyone’s day. No cops were ever around unless someone got shot, and that was quite often. My mom got mugged by some junkies and the police showed up several hours after she called 911.

The justice system is meant to catch the bigger fish. It’s about the medals that prosecutors want on their belt. The little guy getting beat up by the gang member they released - what about him?

And yes, I know. State sanctioned vigilantes means state sanctioned violence against civilians. Honestly, I’d be glad to see some violence against people who rape and steal. I’m tired of being a brown guy who is seen as a threat. I’m tired of the white gangs that call me a terrorist. I’m tired of all of it.