By early Monday morning, national news outlets had picked up the story about the mass shootings in Valdosta, an embarrassment for our community. Is this what we want Valdosta to be known for?

With all sympathy to the families of the deceased and the wounded, this type of violence is becoming far too common in our city and it needs to stop.

Simply put, it needs to stop, now, before any more lives are lost.

It’s out of control, more than a dozen violent deaths in six months should not be tolerated by anyone, and it’s got to be stopped, put down, hard and fast.

Police presence in areas known for violence, whether it’s politically correct or not. Neighborhood watches to take back our streets. Increased security required at hot spots for violence. One shooting at a business should require a police presence from that point on or their business license/ liquor license should be pulled.

Law enforcement has proven themselves very adept at catching those who commit these crimes, but they need help. They need more officers, they need more citizen involvement and they need the community’s help to shut this violence down.

We should not be afraid any longer as a community to admit we have a problem. We have gangs in Valdosta, in our neighborhoods and in our schools. We have thugs with guns who try to solve all of their disputes through violence. We have places where criminals hang out and do business.

Let’s take back Valdosta from those who want to ruin a wonderful community.

Stop the violence, now.