Greeley’s got gangs. The two major ones are the southside Surenos and the northside Nortenios. Police say there are about 25 sub-gangs. Membership estimates range between 400 and 500 in the Greeley-Evans area. This year has been a record-breaker in Greely for homicides. Five so far, and all are believed to be tied to gangs. Sgt. Keith Olson, the head of Greeley’s three-man gang unit, says the violence is not due to a gang war — there is none in Greeley — but to the availability of guns.

Olson said, “They have more guns now. Before the gangs might fight with fists or bottles or knives. Now, they’re carrying guns, and they shoot each other.” … Although some use high-powered handguns and automatic weapons, the weapon of choice for gang members is a sawed-off shotgun.

Greeley authorities also attribute the rise in gang violence to drugs, particularly meth. The articles don’t address what Rep. Marilyn Musgrave, who represents Greeley in Congress, is doing to alleviate the problem. Where does Rep. Musgrave stand on gun control? She opposes it, and has an A rating from the National Rifle Association. Where does she stand on crime? Apparently, nowhere. Drugs? The same. Maybe she should spend a little less time focused on banning gay marriage and a little more on the problems in her home district. There are five grieving families who might appreciate it. Just a suggestion.