The following e mail came from Al Levin who was one of the producers of GANG WAR: BANGIN' IN LITTLE ROCK, the award winning documentary released in 1994. He and his son Marc have also worked on many other critically acclaimed investigative pieces. Having worked with journalists from all over the world about the juvenile violence issue, I can tell you that Al is one who really "got it" when it came to presenting this complex problem in a light all could understand.

Steve,

As a veteran print and tv journalist, I have met a broad range of people, and I know a little about the power of the media.

What you are doing with your website is ground-breaking, pioneering and visionary. It is also inspirational.

As a society we have to learn to use the media in a positive and constructive way. All of the channels, and satellites and PCs mean nothing unless the good folks get themselves tuned in to take action. You are blazing the trail.

If change comes in our society, it will be because the fair-minded millions of ordinary citizens move into the public affairs arena.

You have shown the way, year after year. And now with growing awareness of the Internet's connective and organizing potential, you are playing a national role.

Perhaps someday there will be a TV channel, or a collection of web sites that chronicle the lives and good deeds of the vast majority. We are a committed and compassionate society, despite the media distortions and the political misleaders.

Steve, your knowledge and devotion makes you a beacon for all of us.

Stay strong and we shall overcome.

Avanti!

Al