The Young Criminal Mind

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

The Young Criminal Mind

As I left the East Cleveland court, after a long day on the bench, I walked out of City Hall and noticed two young men handcuffed and being led by police officers into the City Jail.  I paused and took a long look at the guys. Everything about them screamed “young,” their clothes, their look, their demeanor all telling me that these were young men or boys.  I thought to myself “these young men are not supposed to be criminals.  They are supposed to be preparing themselves for college, a job or the rest of their lives.”  Then the question came to my mind, “do they really know what they are doing?” “Do they really have the mental desire to commit the crimes that we hear about on the daily basis?”  Now of course I know that anyone can commit a crime.  Young people, teens, adults, there is no age requirement to the commission of a crime,  instead what I mean is that I believe most young people have not developed into hardened criminals.  The youth who commit crimes are just like our little brothers, our nephews and other relatives. They want to have fun, they want structure and they dream of having a good life.  However, something in their lives caused them to choose crime. It could be the environment that they were raised in.  It could be the generational curses that they were exposed to.  It could even be the medical and scientific reasons that I’ve spent years studying.  Regardless of the reasons for crime, my position is that most people, especially young people, don't want to go to jail.  My Cycle Breaker Movement works to change the pathway to jail.  Being a Cycle Breaker is about changing negative and unproductive activities, that are keeping us from living our best lives, into positive ones.   

Here is the tale of two lives in contrast.  As of March 2014, the East Cleveland Police were looking for a 21 year old man with an extensive record for violence. He was also wanted in the City of Cleveland Heights.  Its’ believed that the young man has been assaulting, shooting and robbing people for as little as $15.  The other sad part of the story is that this 21 year old has a 1 year old child, indicating the strong likelihood that the child will grow up with the disadvantage of at least one negative role model.  

On the other end of the spectrum, through my research I discovered the life of Salvatore Ferragamo (the shoe designer made famous to us because O.J. Simpson wore his shoes when accused of murdering his wife and her friend).  As a young child, Ferragamo fell in love with the ideal of making shoes.  The story is that this boy, born as the eleventh of fourteen children made his first pair of shoes for his sisters to wear. He then sought out an apprenticeship, we call it an internship, so he could learn more about the art of shoe making.  As they say, the rest is history.  

I find the contrasting paths of these young men a fascinating lesson.  One story is depressing while the other is inspiring.  One similarity in these two lives is the focus that had and the path they took.  When you focus on crime you commit crime.  When you focus on success you will be successful. 

As a community, we must influence our youth to focus on a positive and productive future instead of the life of crime.  Here is what we can do to help turn the young criminal mind into a positive and productive mind.  1. Take time to positively motivate our youth.  Stop talking street and trash in front of them.  Stop condoning the nasty and negative music.  Stop allowing them to make adult decisions.  The life of Ferragamo shows the success our young people can achieve when properly motivated.  2. Invest in our youth.  Money donated to positive programs help.  However, money is not the only investment that you can make. Your time and attention is more important.  Show up at youth activities.  Stop by the park while they play.  Talk to our youth while on their way to school.  When we positively invest in young people we can help them shape their dreams. We can help them see the positive possibilities.  We can help our youth create a masterpiece life.

As Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court, I don’t just talk the talk, I walk the walk.  I am dedicated to changing lives from destructive to outstanding!  Along with my fantastic team of Cycle Breakers, we have programs that fill in the gap for leadership training in our community.  Our newest program: “Cycle Breakers, An Urban Model For Success” is a leadership and development support group for men 18-25.  

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  ALSO, on May 19, 2014 at 5:30 pm, join us for a forum on “How to Get a Job.” East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Drugs Take Another Life

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

It was a normal morning at the East Cleveland Court.  I walked into my chambers with the intention of doing my daily planning and meditation. These are just two of the daily disciplines I use so that I stay focused on my purpose as a Judge.  When I finished my meditation, I opened the door and went to greet my personal bailiff.  After our initial hello he began to tell me about another death by drug overdose that happened that weekend.  It always saddens my heart to hear about a life lost to drug abuse.  In this particular case, the drug of choice was heroin.  My bailiff described the pictures of the victim as a women who was unrecognizable.  Her face was discolored and she was foaming at the mouth.

Drugs have always played a major part in American culture.  There have been a lot of debates, writings and arguments about the origins and causes of drug use.  For instance, many theories have been expressed and explored on the subject of how cocaine made its way into this country and into the inner cities or ghettos specifically.  That being said, people have different views on drugs, the laws, legalization etc. but one thing we all have in common is the sad feeling when we hear of an overdose. 

Today, heroin is making a big come back.  It is available in every city.  When you add its availability to the fact that many people are either selling it in its purest form or adding “extras” to the drug, the combination is deadly. 

There was a time when African Americans believed that heroin was a thing of the past or, at least, that only Caucasians used the drug.  That is not true.  People are constantly finding new ways and reinventing old ways to get high and heroin is on the rise.  As reported by the Associated press on April 6, 2014 “in and around Cleveland, heroin-related overdoses killed 195 people last year, shattering the previous record. Some Ohio police chiefs say heroin is easier for kids to get than beer.”  Further, “in Ohio, the number of heroin-related overdose deaths went to 426 in 2011, up from 338 the previous year, part of a trend that police and counseling agencies have been warning about it for several years. In 2004, 5.8 percent of Ohio drug users named heroin as their drug of choice; that rose to 12.5 percent in 2011.”  Additionally, the average age of new heroin users is 22 years old.

These statistics outline the obvious victims to drug use.  However, there are also other victims to drug use. Families who are affect and sometimes destroyed.  Communities that lose value and prestige and people who are incarcerated based on the the use or sell of drugs.  The DEA reports that there are over 30,000 arrests every year for drug related offenses.  Those numbers are just from the DEA, they don’t include the local level arrests that we see in our communities.  

We have to take action.  As I conducted my research I noticed that many online comments to these facts and statistics called for the government to stay out of the business of citizens.  Some people even stated that we have a human right to be able to drug ourselves to any extent that we want.  To some that position may seem unlikely or extreme, but I have actually had those exact conversations with people asserting their right to use drugs.  Understand, I am not here to debate the issue of government involvement in the lives of people.  However, I do feel that we are born with the seeds of greatness inside of us.  These seeds are waiting to be birthed.  Putting drugs in your body not only has the ability to destroy your seed but can ruin your life.  

So what are we going to do about it?  On April 21, 2014 at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Public Library Judge Michael Astrab will be discussing heroin use and solutions to stop the spread of its violent and deadly effects.  Join us for a Cycle Breaker conversation.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  April 21, 2014 at 5:30 pm, join us for a forum on “HEROIN IN THE SUBURBS” with Judge Michael Astrab of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas!  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

The Ignorance of Arrogance

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

The Ignorance of Arrogance

I am completely fed up with the arrogance displayed in this world.  On every level we witness people making moves and taking action that lead to an end result of nothing more than the fulfillment of person objectives.  It has become obvious that too many people are only concerned with their own personal interests.  I have discovered that much of this desire to fulfill person interest comes from a spirit of arrogance.  

My years as an elected official have revealed to me that many of our leaders are arrogant.  When I say leaders I am speaking local, statewide and even nationwide.  I can give you several examples of leaders being arrogant but let me mention one close to home.  I started a movement called “Adopt-a-Block in 2013 which has my staff, community service workers and myself volunteering our time to clean up the City of East Cleveland.  Out of all the business people, community organizations, organizers etc… no one has offered to help the clean up effort.  In fact, this past weekend many people stopped in amazement when they were driving down the street and saw Judge Dawson walking with a team picking up bottles and debris.  If more leaders actually lead by example the entire community in Cleveland, East Cleveland and the world would be transformed.  

Even beyond helping with community clean up efforts, another place where arrogance must disappear is in the attitudes of our leaders.  Today’s leaders are too arrogant to talk to the “opposition,” too arrogant to seek knowledge of successful people, too arrogant to ask for help in time of need and too arrogant to look at their current situation and identify if the house is burning down.  Leaders and people who are arrogant are not aware that arrogance can be a form of ignorance.  

Arrogance is defined as an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter or more important than other people.

Ignorance is defined as a lack of knowledge or information.

Unfortunately, most don’t understand that if you are arrogant, (thinking or behaving as if you are better, smarter or more important than other people) you are ignorance (having a lack of knowledge).  

All of my training, workshops and articles come from the stand point of being a “Cycle Breaker” meaning, I want us to all perform and live out the best version of ourselves.  However, when you combine those two definitions, finding yourself so arrogant to be ignorant, you are far from being a “Cycle Breaker.”  

When a person acts in a manner suggesting that they are smarter or more important than other people they are ignorant to the fact that no one is more important than anyone.  Though you may have a title, and I wrote about the respect that is due to a person with a title, that title does not make you better than anyone.  Instead, with a title, you are trusted to take on very specific responsibilities that “entitle” you to support and respect.  It’s not that you are better than anyone.  The problem is that when people have titles they get to the point where no one can tell them anything. When no one can tell you anything you are approaching destruction.  

When I was elected to the position of Judge of the East Cleveland Municipal Court I reached out to many people to get their wisdom, advise and assistance.  It was not beneath me to seek support.  However, today most elected officials, businessmen and leaders are so caught up on being “the man” that they never seek the wisdom of other people.  In the greater Cleveland area, which includes the surrounding suburbs, there are cities in trouble, not just the City of East Cleveland.  If, instead of being caught up on being “the man,” we all decided to work together, this entire region could be transformed.  Working together doesn’t mean criticizing others, speaking out on issues just to get a rise from your constituents or bullying others.  Instead, real leaders try to seek the greatest good for all people concerned and that means being able to work without arrogance.   

When it’s all said and done and we reach the end of our road, arrogant people wont’ have much to look back on.  They may have a legacy of being shrewd and hard core but you can’t bully your way into heaven.  Instead of being arrogant and ignorant, seek cooperation and seek to do what’s best and what’s right.  When we work together with knowledge and a spirit of cooperation we can make this world a better place.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  ALSO, on April 21, 2014 at 5:30 pm, join us for a forum on “HEROIN IN THE SUBURBS” with Judge Michael Astrab of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas!  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

          Social Media @JudgeDawson

American Dream in the Hood

“Cycle Breaking” w/ Judge Dawson

ARE YOU TRYING TO LIVE 

THE AMERICAN DREAM?

I really don’t like to send people to jail, but sometimes I have no choice.  In fact, I always tell the people in my Court that “I’m not the cause” of them going to jail but its their decisions that put them there. For many diverse reasons people are constantly making bad decisions, exposing themselves to unhealthy situations and breaking the law.  We all start off with the goal to avoid a major derailment like jail, in fact there’s no difference between the desire for success of an inner city high school graduate or a wall street investment banker, everyone wants to live the American Dream.  For some that means making a lot of money, for others that means helping people in need and, believe it or not, for some people it means staying out of jail long enough to run the next hustle and get rich.  

Choosing the illegal road leads to a dead end, so let’s turn it around by analyzing and dispelling a common “hood” view of the American Dream as defined by the iconic hustler turned philanthropist millionaire Shawn Carter.  These lyrics describe the mentality of some people I encounter daily in the East Cleveland Court.

THE AMERICAN DREAM ,lyrics by Jay-Z

“We need a place to pitch, we need a mound  / For now, I’m just a lazy boy / Big dreaming in my La-Z-Boy / In the clouds of smoke, been playin this Marvin  / Mama forgive me, should be thinkin bout Harvard / But that’s too far away, niggas are starving / Ain’t nothin wrong with aim, just gotta change the target….…”

Playing the Game Will Keep You Out of Jail.

“We need a place to pitch..we need a mound.” 

To live the American dream we all need a place to belong, develop and show our ability. While in school this environment is available if you take advantage of it.  However, after finishing school it takes your own effort to make connections to be successful.  Instead of doing this, too many people sit on the sidelines of life, operating in the back alleys. I personally believe the most at risk group for unproductively and crime is the 18 to 25 year olds.  I suggest, instead of risking going to jail, get prepare and get in the game of life with positive pursuits.  

2. Being Productive Will Keep You Out of Jail

“For now, I’m just a lazy boy, big dreaming in my La-Z-Boy.”  

I ask almost every young person in my Court “where do you work?” I’ve found that over 65% of the people I see don’t work at all.  Instead of seeking a job many are dreaming about success while chilling at home.  My experience shows that the chances of making bad decisions, breaking the law or ending up in jail increase for people who have no job. Recently, there were three men in my court who, because they were not working, decided to commit a robbery. Of course there are many reasons that people are unemployed, the economy is one of them but the statistics are indicating that under-education or the total lack of education is the biggest factor to unemployment.  My advise is to get productive. Being productive and positive decreases the temptation to commit crimes.

3. Shooting For the Stars Is Better Than Sitting in the Clouds

“In the clouds of smoke, been playing this Marvin, Mama forgive me I should be thinking of Harvard, “But that’s too far ways, niggas are starving.”  

That’s the story of our youth. Smoking weed, playing playstation or X-Box, sitting around listening to music instead of activity developing their minds to either further their education or positively contribute to our community.  If you smoke weed but can’t get a job, you need to quit. If smoke weed and keep catching cases you need to quit.  Shoot for the stars instead of floating on the clouds.  

Ain’t nothing wrong with aim, just gotta change the target.” 

To be a Cycle Breaker, better than your past, more successful than others around you, aim high but aim at a productive, positive and legal target. 

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights, 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  ALSO, FORUM ON “HEROIN IN THE SUBURBS”: Monday, April 21 @ 5:30pm East Cleveland Library.       w/Judge Michael Astrab.  Stay in touch: 

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media: @judgedawson

This Generation Has a Lack of Respect!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

THIS GENERATION HAS A LACK OF RESPECT!

“All Rise,” is the way that the court staff notifies the public that a Judge has entered the room and that court is about to start.  After being a Judge for a while I have become used to people rising and then sitting once I acknowledge the beginning of our proceedings.  Every now and then there is a person who fails to get up.  When its noticed either my bailiffs or I make sure that the person understands the proper expectation.  On one particular day there was a young man, who after rising when I came in, decided to sit slouching down in his chair with his head hanging down.  I asked the young man to sit up. When he did, I asked was anything wrong. His response was that nothing was wrong. I continued to hear my cases when I realized that the young man, who I addressed earlier, was not in court for his own case but was attending the hearing with his girlfriend.  As he walked out the door he mumbled something under his breath.  It wasn't loud enough for me to hear yet I knew that something was said.  I asked my bailiff to make sure the young man wasn't being disrespectful to the court or city hall.  Later that morning it came to my attention that the young man said he "shouldn't have to stand up when the Judge walks in the room because the Judge is just a man like me." 

That seems to be the attitude of this current generation. There is a lack of respect for Authority, each other and themselves.

Lack of Respect For Authority

The lack of respect for authority is running rampant.  Everyone wants to be in power but not everyone has respect for power.  Take for example people who run for office.  While running to be elected they talk about change and respect for people.  Once they fail to get in office or feel that they were wronged, they are the first to disrespect those in power. There are people who refuse to call a Judge, Mayor or any other elected official by their earned title.  Here is a rule of thumb, if you are not a current close friend of the elected official, call them by the title that they worked years to earn.  You may be surprised, or maybe not, at the number of people who come to City Hall to see me, people I haven't talked to in years, and walk up asking to see Will, not Judge Dawson but Will.  I believe it's based on a lack of respect for authority, conscious or unconscious.  My closest friends call me Judge so why would a person I haven't seen since childhood think it's ok to come to my court room and call me a Will?

People, it's not about the titles, but it's about being prepared for success.  When you begin to redevelop respect for yourself, others and authority you will see just how many doors will open for you.

Lack of Respect For Others

The lack of respect for others is displayed everyday when we hear about people committing assaults, rapes and killings.  Though these acts have been committed for centuries, one would expect that, with all of our technological advancements, we would have reached a point of disturbance and intolerance with such behavior.  Instead, the number of offenses continue to grow and we continue to glorify these acts in the media.

Lack of Respect For Self

This generation’s lack of respect for themselves is displayed in the music and arts.  I had a conversation with my brother Wayne Dawson, who is a local television news anchor, and he mentioned that today's music is so dirty that you can hardly play it in public.  I had to agree with that statement.  Over time our music and artistic displays have become graphic and even down right nasty.  The things that were merely suggested years ago, things that are improper for the public ears, are now revealed boldly and unapologetically.  It is apparent that people who drive around listing to the music of today are not in the least bit bothered by the lyrics.  Many people blast music with sexual and violent lyrics in the same car where their toddler is sitting, thereby creating the next generation of people who lack and may not even know how to respect authority, others or themselves.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  ALSO, on April 21, 2014 at 5:30 pm, join us for a forum on “HEROIN IN THE SUBURBS” with Judge Michael Astrab of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas!  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

          Social Media @JudgeDawson

Mothers and Their Sons!!!!!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

MOTHERS AND THEIR SONS:  Are Mothers Destroying Young Boys? 

As I write this article I am sure that it'll be the first installment of what will be a very interesting analysis of the relationship between mothers and their sons.  Obviously this topic could span a wide variety of directions but for the purposes of what I see as a Judge, and what I intend to be as a Cycle Breaker, I will address avoiding negative interaction with the legal system and how mother/son relationships play into this necessary ability.

Recently there was a young man in my court charged with several marijuana offenses and a charge for carrying a concealed weapon.  I went through my normal procedure of reading him his rights and informing him of the fact that in the East Cleveland Court, if you carry a gun illegally or commit any gun involved offense there will be jail time.  For clarity, understand that Ohio and East Cleveland is very serious about gun offenses, however some people commit these offenses and walk away with very little consequences.  My position of giving out mandatory jail time is based on my concern and exhaustion with the volume of people carrying guns and committing crimes in our communities. It's almost to the point where I have to assume that if I'm in a specific location during specific times, there might be a person carrying a concealed weapon.  This is evidence that our society, our generation is losing control and changing for the worst. We've gone all the way from neighborhoods where the front door could remained unlocked to a community full of guns. 

While listening to the facts of this case my disappointment turned to frustration when the young man's mother asked could she speak.  I normally don't let anyone but the defendant speak, but I agreed to hear the mother’s story.  After a while it became clear that her only concern was with the money that was forfeited to the police and to tell me that her son was not selling marijuana.  The mother had no concern about her son having a gun. This scenario exemplifies conduct that happens too often in the lives of young men. Mothers, some of whom are raising their boys alone, turn the other cheek and ignore the bad behavior that some of their sons are involved in.  It goes without saying that being a single mother is very hard. As I watch my wife with my two kids, I can't imagine her having to raise my children on her own. That's why I commend, support and salute all single mothers.  On the flip side, mother's who are raising their boys alone must take on the added responsibility of being  serious disciplinarians.  My mother, Annie L. Dawson, raised me and my brother Wayne as a single mother so I understand the challenges. Annie Dawson made sure that my brother and I understood that she was not going to tolerate nonsense and she disciplined us swiftly when we got out of line.  

Boys will go astray. Boys will challenge their mothers and sometimes defy the system, but that's when mothers have to be strong and demand respect! Respect to her for her position as mom, respect for the family name and respect for the legal system.  One of my mother's famous lines was that, "I brought you in this world and I'll take you out." You may have heard that one too. For the most part, especially while I was younger, I truly believed that statement. I believed that if I embarrassed her, or did something wrong she would "take me out."  Another line was, "if you are doing illegal things, the police won't have to catch you because I'll turn you in!" Imagine that. My mother would snitch on me? Absolutely right. I was convinced that she was the prosecutor, jury and judge. That's the way parents have to be today. Don't come to court or run to the police car yelling how innocent your son is. Instead be the first to discipline him and maybe my courtroom won't be full of gun toting men and women who are in trouble with the law. 

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court.  ALSO, on April 21, 2014 at 5:30 pm, join us for a forum on “HEROIN IN THE SUBURBS” with Judge Michael Astrab of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas!  East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!  

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com

www.teamfinishfirst.com

www.Judgedawson.com

Social Media @JudgeDawson

Guns in the Hood!

Real Talk with Judge Dawson

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are among the most active places that Americans, especially American youth, are speeding their time. It could be argued that so much time is spent on social media that its’ overall influence is greater than parents and even schools. In this day and age we must be fearful or at least careful about the far-reaching influence of social media, and we must be diligent in monitoring its use and influence over our lives.

Violence through social media is a growing trend. We have cyber bullying, arguments, and fights breaking out over things revealed on social media. Yes I said fights. There are people who post certain things on social media and then meet in person to fight over the dispute. That is an example of how social media in blurring the lines between what happens online and what happens in our physical reality. Another area where this blurring of lines is occurring is in the access and sales of weapons. There is a growing ability to have access to the purchase of guns by way of social media sources through advertisement and posts. However, Facebook is cracking down on gun-related posts. The social media giant is taking measures to block minors from seeing postings about gun sales and will take down sales ads from vendors who don't require a background check for the purchases. The change is a win for groups like “Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America” and “Mayors Against Illegal Guns,” which have lobbied for more restrictive gun policies at businesses including Starbucks, Staples and Facebook. If you don’t believe there is a problem, imagine that your child can go to a site and see information about a friend's birthday party and at the same time, catch a glimpse of a location to buy an AK-47.

To be totally clear, until now, Facebook regulated only paid ads and sponsored stories, which could not promote weapons of any kind. Images of weapons are generally acceptable as long as the weapon is not pointed directly at the viewer. User posts could say almost anything. Although the focus is on gun sales, eventually the new changes will apply to the promotion of other restricted items like alcohol or adult products.

Over the next few weeks, Facebook will begin deleting gun sale posts that are flagged by users, indicating that the post is against Facebook policy.

The changes will extend to Instagram, where someone searching for a hashtag, another way to find a specific post, related to gun sales will get a pop-up requiring them to acknowledge the relevant laws that apply to them before they can see search results. It’s important to note that these changes are not taking place without objection. There has been a bit of backlash from the American public who feel that restrictions on the sale of guns, in any way, are restrictions on their liberties. It’s likely that those people don’t see as many fatalities and gun related crimes as I do in the courtroom. They don’t see the violence in our streets. They don’t see the destruction of our youth. They don’t experience the robberies and drive-by shootings.

When a 15-year-old boy was caught with a 9mm handgun at school in Kentucky, he told investigators he had arranged the purchase through the "Portsmouth Pickers" Facebook group."It's not just giving criminals access to guns, it's giving our children access to guns," says Shannon Watts, founder of “Moms Demand Action.” As a Judge I am the first to acknowledge that everyone has rights and whatever the laws in the United States permit or prohibits I am obligated to uphold those laws. However, when it comes to unfettered access to the tools of violence and destruction, I am in favor of keeping our communities safe.

For more discussion on this subject or others, join Judge Dawson’s Cycle Breaker/Finish First program on Monday nights at 5:30pm at the East Cleveland Municipal Court. East Cleveland Municipal Court’s Judge William L. Dawson is on a mission to help people to Finish First, live their best lives and be Cycle Breakers!

judgewilliamdawson@gmail.com
www.teamfinishfirst.com
www.Judgedawson.com
Social Media @JudgeDawson