Is it possible – the Rev. Al Sharpton’s actually focusing attention on a critical problem within the black community?

Sharpton last week decried black-on-black violence in Harlem, where one recent shootout killed two people; another wounded seven.

“Shootings and violence within our community by one of our own is an outrage and an issue that we must confront as diligently and as passionately as a sensational case of police misconduct or brutality,” said Sharpton.

But if that’s true, where was the anger over the last decade, as murder took a hugely disproportionate toll in the black community?

As Sharpton says: “Last year alone, nearly one black child a day under the age of 17 was shot and killed in New York City, shot mostly by other black city residents.” He’s calling for a “community summit” to address the violence issue.

But what exactly does that mean?

If the problem is deadly violence in a given neighborhood, well, the criminal-justice system exists to deal with that.

Even better: If Sharpton wants to get behind strong enforcement of illegal-gun laws, excellent.

If he’s prepared to fight the viral strain in the community that glorifies social dysfunction, and gun violence in particular – even better.

But if this is just another vehicle for the Rev to promote himself – well, then, to hell with it.

New York’s been there, done that.

And the dying continues.