Pastor Corey Brooks, a well-known advocate for community reform in Chicago’s South Side, has recently criticized the Illinois Democrats’ strategies to combat the city’s rampant crime. He refers to their efforts as “leftist foolishness,” highlighting the inadequacies of the proposed House Bill 4409.
The bill proposes a change in the Illinois Crime Reduction Act of 2009 by replacing the term “offenders” with “justice-impacted individuals.” However, Brooks, who is deeply engaged with Project H.O.O.D., an initiative that aims to reclaim neighborhoods from criminal elements, expresses his frustration over such superficial solutions. “I wish I could laugh at this foolishness, but I can’t,” he says, emphasizing that merely changing terminology won’t tackle the root causes of Chicago’s crime crisis.
Brooks’ argument is simple yet compelling: Changing words doesn’t change reality. He argues that referring to criminals as “justice-impacted individuals” understates their actions and neglects the real victims—the residents living under the constant threat of crime in Chicago’s neighborhoods. “Every single offender that I have encountered on the streets or in my church broke the law…they crossed the line anyway,” he points out, stressing on how futile it is to use cosmetic changes for systemic issues.
Brooks also criticizes welfare policies that have weakened family structures and educational systems that have failed to provide adequate resources. He recalls politicians promising quick fixes only to sprinkle what he calls “magic dust” on problems requiring significant long-term investment and effort.
Furthermore, Brooks criticizes recent decisions by Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who shut down some of the city’s top-performing high schools in the name of equity. He views these actions as symbolic of misguided policies that have left communities struggling. “You can’t erase these consequences with a turn of a phrase,” he asserts, emphasizing that real change requires addressing the human aspect in crime and reform.
Despite his criticisms, Brooks remains committed to the challenging task of transformation. Through Project H.O.O.D., he aims to rehabilitate criminals and reintegrate them into society as productive citizens. This process, he insists, begins with acknowledging their past actions. “What I believe in my heart is that you can reform a criminal into a law-abiding citizen…The first step begins with finding the individual hiding under that criminal armor,” he explains.
Look at history from around the world. especially Russa from the 1900 and modern Iran & CCP. They both failed to educate there children. Failed is the wrong word here. This was the planned. The plan to only teach what they want you to learn. Hate of others and teach just enough to make sure your obedient to the government and good workers. The Democrats & the nations education system is turning out the same children that Russia did and what Iran & CCP is doing today. Educated people know what they are lies too. The inner cities are the breading ground for it