Teens In Peril in Cinnaminson

Cinnaminson, New Jersey is a small town of about 15,000 people bordering the Delaware River and just outside of Philadelphia. Ninety-one percent white, Cinnaminson derives its' name from the Native American Lenni Lenape tribe which loosely translated meand "sweet water." The township itself is just 8 miles sqaure and claims the following, "The Township of Cinnaminson is a community of families, neighbors and businesses. Taking our name from the Lenni-Lenape Tribe, we are the place where fresh waters and fresh ideas flow. We pride ourselves on an effective education system, on neighbors who care about our homes and one another and a well-run local government dedicated to serving citizens fairly and economically." But there is trouble brewing in Cinnaminson these days and we hope they can get a handle on it.

Last week, two teenagers were arrested in Cinnaminson after it was discovered that they had tortured, shot, and buried a beautiful black Labrador. Upon investigation, the police found hate literature and the boys claimed to be members of the Aryan Nations. Charges brought against the young men include animal cruelty, weapons possession in connection with the killing, committing a crime on behalf of a criminal street gang and solicitation of another to join a criminal street gang.

According to the news report, there are other juveniles who are believed to be part of this gang and the police will be working with the local school district to identify and curtail their activities in that area.

Considering the fact that both New Jersey and Pennsylvania have become hotbeds for skinheads and other racist groups, it probably should not come as any big surprise that there are groups such as these operating in the suburbs of major cities. It is troubling, however, that these groups are recruiting children so young and gaining footholds with our schools.

Due to the many arrests and convictions of leaders within the White Supremacy Movement over the last few years, paranoia has caused many adherents to build small cell groups or engage in lone wolf type activities. Targeting our young people has always been at the top of their list. This is what makes it so necessary for educators, law-enforcement and parents to educate themselves on the signs to watch for and any effective tactics to use to prevent the hate-filled message of these groups from tainting the innocence of our children.

It's Spring, folks - and the activity of hate-groups promises to be heating up.