On Tuesday, Aug. 14, on Fox’s Good Day, Chicago, Hermene Hartman, founder of N’DIGO, “Magapaper for the Urbane,” suggested the most unthinkable alternatives to deal with crime in the African-American community.

I say “our community” because that’s where the problem originates. This same request came in 2010 from State Rep. La Shawn K. Ford and fellow Democrat and Cook County Commissioner John Fritchey (12th), causing an uproar in the Austin community.

Their suggestion: Put the National Guard in our community to control the problem.

If it looks like a duck, and walk like a duck, it is a duck. But a duck by any other name is called martial law!

Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis – (usually) only temporary – when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively (i.e., maintain order and security and provide essential services), when there are extensive riots and protests, or when disobedience of the law becomes widespread.

In most cases, military forces are deployed to subdue crowds, secure government buildings and key or sensitive locations, and maintain order. Generally, military personnel replace civil authorities and perform some or all of their functions. In full-scale martial law, the highest-ranking military officer would take over, or be installed, as the military governor or as head of local government, thus removing all power from the previous executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.

Solution: Occupy/Co-op!

Our communities have been overrun by drugs, gangs, disrespect, poverty, unemployment and low self esteem. A house divided against itself, cannot stand. We have become hostages of our communities and our children!

The West Side Historical Society is asking for a co-op of all religious leaders, political leaders, social groups/organization, gang leaders, Masonic lodges/OES chapters, community papers and any leadership to begin to occupy our communities. Not for a photo op, but for a Community Op – i.e. an opportunity to save ourselves.

Occupy our corners, neighborhoods, parks, schools, wherever there is a threat against our community. Be there, and stay there until we fix our neighborhoods. We need to stop looking for Superman to save us and invoke the community to take back its right not live in fear.

Plan: In our homes, we must discontinue the use of violent music, lyrics, games, movies, toys and improper clothing. We must begin to rebuild family values, morals and ethics. We must reconnect with our children and act like – no, be – parents.

Demand: Better social services, social centers for our children, after-school programs, jobs, better public transportation, better education, trade schools and workshops, better health services and proper police protection.

Weapon: To get this done and force the powers-that-be to respond, we need to stop paying tithes and demand that ministers take a stand. Stop supporting community leaders whose organizations don’t demand better services for the community. Stop allowing leaders to show up only when there is a chance for a photo op. Demand that political officials do what they promised or they will not get another term or be recalled. And most importantly – Vote!

Goal: A safer and productive community.

Drastic situations demand drastic measures!