Only in America could gang-bangers have a press conference and complain about police harassment.

That is exactly what several members of some of Chicago’s most violent gangs did yesterday.

On the same day that President Obama’s Justice Department sued an Arizona Sheriff for harassing illegal immigrants, gang kingpins met with the press to say that the cops don’t give them enough respect.

Here is what CBS news reported on the subject:

Self-identified gang leaders hold a news conference in Chicago, Sept. 2. 2010. (CBS)

“At a news conference organized by self-identified gang members Thursday morning, several speakers complained that police and city officials do not respect them, and that the only way to curb violence is to provide jobs and improve their community. The self-described current and former gang members held a news conference at the Columbus Park Refectory, at 5701 W. Jackson Blvd. on the city’s West Side.  “You say it’s gangs, drugs and guns. We say we need jobs, opportunities and contracts,” said Reginald Akeem Berry Sr., who identified himself as a former gang member. “That’s the resolution.”

But is that really the resolution?  How can jobs be created in parts of Chicago that are more violent that Baghdad or Kabul?  Read more...