(Los Angeles) Citing a recent dramatic spike in gas prices, leaders of several Los Angles Crips and Bloods sets say they will now share rides for some gang related activities, including drive bys. ‘We might not follow the law in many cases, but we are subject to economic laws just like everyone else,’ said Leeron “Li’l Money’ Waters, an economic advisor for the Crips.
Many Bloods agree. ‘Affordability is real; the struggle is real,” said a Bloods member on the condition of anonymity.’ The Straits of Hormuz is real.’ Both gangs said there are times when their interests coincide and carpooling is a great way to keep down costs. ‘Have you seen the price of ammo for Tec-9s and Mac-10s? Bustin’ caps ain’t cheap,’ said Waters.
Both gangs blamed the Trump administration for the high price of gas and other staples of gang life. ‘He said he was going to bring down the cost of living for families, but he hasn’t done shit,’ complained another Crips member. Inflation hits smaller businesses harder according to James Busfield of the Small Business Administration. ‘Economies of scale are not always possible for some organizations and fixed costs are hard reduce otherwise.’
Carpooling is not popular with some gang members, but many realize it is a necessary evil, at least for now. ‘We don’t like it, but in these difficult times, you gotta do what you gotta do,’ Waters said.