[FOX] As Chicago braces for another bloody weekend, Mayor Rahm Emanuel is once again coming under fire for blaming a lack of morals in predominantly black and Hispanic neighborhoods for the recent spate of violent crime.Emanuel, who has been mayor since 2011 and is facing growing calls to resign from members of his own party, urged locals to "be a neighbor" and "speak up" to help law enforcement pursue killers, gang members and drug dealers.
After one particularly violent weekend earlier this month when more than 70 people were shot, Emanuel deflected questions about police staffing and strategy. Instead, he ignited a firestorm when he said there needs to be a politically incorrect conversation about character and values.
"This may not be politically correct," he said, "but I know the power of what faith and family can do. ... Our kids need that structure. ... I am asking ... that we also don’t shy away from a full discussion about the importance of family and faith helping to develop and nurture character, self-respect, a value system and a moral compass that allows kids to know good from bad and right from wrong."
He added: "If we’re going to solve this ... we’ve got to have a real discussion. ... Parts of the conversation cannot be off-limits because it’s not politically comfortable. ... We are going to discuss issues that have been taboo in years past because they are part of the solution. ... We also have a responsibility to help nurture character. It plays a role. Our kids need that moral structure in their lives. And we cannot be scared to have this conversation."