Chicago- After calls from non-violence advocates in the city of Chicago, for President Obama address the violence in his home town. White House officials confirmed Thursday that First Lady Michelle Obama will indeed attend the funeral of slain 15 year old Chicago teen Hadiyah Pendleton on Saturday.
Pendleton, who was murdered about a mile away from the Obama's Chicago home, attened the presidential inauguration in January. The funeral is also expected to bring out several other political heavy weights, as Chicago attemps to come to grips with the culture of violence that has taken root in the city.
The First Lady's attendance will bring a national spot light to the city's epidemic. An epidemic that has claimed hundreds of young lives. City leaders are hoping that this will be the much needed turning point. Bringing tougher gun control legistaion and penalties for offenders.
The culture of violence in Chicago, coupled with a" No Snitch Code of the streets," has hindered the Chicago Police's efforts and ability to combat violent crime. " We have to let people know that they can come forward anonymously with the information, that they don't even have to contact the police but can contact us and their identity can be witheld," said Father Michael Pfleger, a Roman Catholic Priest and prominent peace activist in the city.http://crimeinchicago.blogspot.com
But rather or not the First Lady's attendance will have an immediate impact is the question. Will the First Lady's attendance change the attitudes of those offenders, who in many cases see violence as a way of life? Will another young life be lost in Chicago this weekend? Will law makers finally get it? An impatient and violence weary city waits for answers.
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