With all the various non-profit programs in Lynn and educational programs focusing on youth council, youth violence, gang preventions, drugs and alcohol, teen pregnancy, parenting class, etc. I'm not certain why Lynn still has such a bad reputation.  Our youth of today do not understand the fundamentals of life. Life is what you make of it; your decisions impact your life. So do the right thing and be different!!!  If you don't try to change things within yourself and your life then you cannot complain about your life. Before you join a gang, do some homework on the history of gangs. Life of a gangster...leads to either death or prison. You decide how you want to live your life. Dead or behind bars....something to think about. You have a choice. Stop the violence!!!