Getting tough on gangs

I agree with The House of Delegates' effort to go after gangs ("House and a Senate panel vote for tougher gang law," April 7).

It's time to take action because of the amount of crime gangs commit. The gang population is increasing. Statistics show that Maryland has more than 200 gangs with more than 1,000 gang members. Naming a few, Bloods, Crips and MS-13 have been around for many years and have been taking part to some vicious, cruel and ruthless crimes, sometimes costing innocent people their lives.

Yes, the First Amendment protects the freedom of speech, press, religion, assembly and petition, which gives people the right to belong to any organization (or gang). Being a gang member is not illegal, but the crimes committed by gangs are. Gangs are terrorizing our community and neighborhoods, and they need to be stopped. I thank the state for wanting to do something about this.

Rosalie Nunez