I think the thing people ignore about the long term solution of education is that the current drug dealers and thugs will also be working on the youth for the next 25 years also. You have to get this folks off the streets and away from the kids as you provide alternatives. Make these areas like militarized zones for a couple years and the thugs will leave and disburse. Increase education and recreation for decent folks at the same time. It's going to take a massive effort. education alone "ain't going get it done. People's in those neighborhoods are going to have to welcome and work with police and they are going to have to accept extreme measures and a few police incidedents as they clear this mess up. Or they can just keep killing each other and blaming everyone else for their problems.