On July 29, I wrote a Top of the Morning titled “Think about the future before you vote.”

I ended that article with this quote, “You can ignore the elephant in the room or prepare to build bigger jails.”

I had no clue that I’d be writing a follow-up to that article so soon. Well that elephant just got bigger in the last couple of weeks. I’m referring to the shooting at the Natchez Mall.

That shooting was the talk of the town the next day. It became an even bigger story when the victim died. Just out of curiosity I went online to see the comments on The Natchez Democrat’s story. What I read was appalling.

There were people actually joking about the whole incident. The loss of life is never a laughing matter, no matter who the victim is. That young man was somebody’s son, uncle, nephew or father.

Something happened inside me, and I immediately picked up the phone and called Sheriff Chuck Mayfield. He called me back within an hour and we set a date to meet.

I didn’t have a clue what I’d say to him, or what the outcome would be. I just let the Holy Spirit move me and relied on my faith. He and I have met on a few occasions, but I knew this time would be different. The meeting went better than I could’ve ever imagined. He listened to everything I had to say with great sincerity.

We discussed several ideas that we could implement to help the youth here.

We both agreed that creating a dialogue between the citizens was the most important first step. That thought led up the idea of maybe having a town hall meeting.

The next thing we spoke about was mentoring. That’s when I knew that I’d made the right call to come meet with him.

Listen people, pay close attention to what’s happening right before your eyes. That mall shooting was a very brazen crime.

In the two years since moving back here from Los Angeles, I’ve seen an escalation of crime here that should alarm everyone.

Another example of the problem is the armed robbery of the Grand Soleil Hotel in July. Those robbers wore ski masks.

What about the recent bank robberies? Yes times are hard.

Desperate men will do desperate things in desperate times. This beautiful little town is headed for darker days.

I came from a crime-ridden city. I used to be the guy that would follow your expensive car home, kick in your door, tie you up with a telephone cord, pistol-whip you and take all your valuables. So that makes me an expert on crime.

The economy is in bad shape, that’s no secret. But Natchez is too small of a town not to be able to come together.

We just have to work with what we have. We have to be innovative and creative. The churches have to stop competing and come together for a greater cause. We need to pool all our thoughts and ideas. We have to tear down that invisible wall and erase that anger and animosity that was caused by our forefathers.

This not about a black or white thing. This is a people problem. No one will be immune from this crisis. It’s only a matter of time before otherwise good children emulate what they see.

The last time I wrote an article for the newspaper I received plenty of praises, hugs and promises of participation.

I have yet to see one person act on a promise. Natchez needs action, not lip service. The elections are over now. It’s time to see what the newly elected officials will do.

I don’t have the answers for what we’re dealing with. I’m just one voice. But get two or more people talking and just watch what happens. Let’s not be afraid to address the tough and sensitive issues.

I’d love to see a town hall meeting happen. I’d love to see who shows up. Political, spiritual and community leaders should tear the door down. But more importantly, let’s see who doesn’t show up.

That elephant isn’t going to get any smaller.

Gregory Marshall is a Natchez resident.