Street organizations going political

[ChiefTiburon]

Has anybody else noticed a growing trend among strret organizations and gangs where members are becoming more politically aware and active as a result of their organizations policies? For example I've noticed more vice lords and GDs in my area becoming very active. They hand out fliers and talk ti people encouraging voter registration. I know that in the 60s this was the norm, but over time drug business became the focus. Are we seeing street organizations becoming grassroots political organizations once again?

[The Douche]

Has anybody else noticed a growing trend among strret organizations and gangs where members are becoming more politically aware and active as a result of their organizations policies? For example I've noticed more vice lords and GDs in my area becoming very active. They hand out fliers and talk ti people encouraging voter registration. I know that in the 60s this was the norm, but over time drug business became the focus. Are we seeing street organizations becoming grassroots political organizations once again?

Back in the 90s GD and other gangs (including the vice lords) started making alliances towards political goals. I'm also pretty sure the vice lords originally started as a political organization.

[A Revolutionary Tool]

I've never seen anything like that before.

[ChiefTiburon]

Back in the 90s GD and other gangs (including the vice lords) started making alliances towards political goals. I'm also pretty sure the vice lords originally started as a political organization.

It wouldn't suprise me. I knew GDs were originally connected to VLs before the folks and peoples nations came about, black p stones too i believe.

[rebelsdarklaughter]

I wouldn't put to much stock in gangs "going political." Gangs operate as businesses, and despite a few historical standouts, they have very little interest in the well-being of the people. Gangs exist to generate money, not to do community outreach.

If there is any growing political sentiment amongst gangs, it is because legitimate capital is starting to compete with them, especially in areas like marijuana sales, which is becoming a much more legit area to do business in. They simply want to appear to people as reputable businessmen, who care about the community, so that they can continue to profit...not unlike your average politician with one foot in capital, and the other in politics.

[cyu]

What is the NSA but just another street gang, now trying to put out a hit on one of their members-turned-informant?

...and they used to make a big fuss over how bad issuing a "fatwa" was.