As Baltimore burned, the mayor fiddled
To the editor:
The citizens of Baltimore are unprotected. This is not a result of the police not doing their job but rather one of the populations saying that they can do it differently. Where now are Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson?
The City of Baltimore is convulsing with chaos from within. The number of arrests by police is plunging. The number of shooting reveal a death total so far this month to number 38, with non-lethal shooting hovering around 91.
Already there are voices saying perhaps the police should be welcomed back. But I suspect it is the law-abiding people who voice such a desire. The lawless elements are having a banner season running rampant in the streets terrorizing their own neighborhoods. Officers that respond to a need find themselves surrounded by a mob of 30 to 40. This mob action does nothing but to exacerbate any situation. Who would feel comfortable working within such an environment?
What is the cure for this erosion of civility within this city? At the moment this is a cultural reflection. A citizen, Ms. Veronica Edmonds remarked, “She wishes the police would return and focus on violent crime instead of minor drug offenses.” In other words, a little crime is acceptable. If so, this is a serious cultural aberration! Let’s put this in perspective. Can one be a little bit pregnant? One is either law-abiding or they are not.
This recent uptick in crime shows that it is not a result of police actions but rather a continuing breakdown of what the community regards as acceptable behavior.
The community must admit to themselves that they have a problem and that they are the only ones who can administer the required prescription. This cure is cultural determination, a social rehab if you will. This must be administered from within the community. Outside help would not be welcomed or effective. This is a city that is bleeding but the bandages that are needed are in their possession.
Many times, it is the viewpoint of outsiders that may better pinpoint the problem because there is no emotional component affecting their evaluation.
The present city administration has not shown that it has the needed ingredients to provide to their citizens. A determined new administration would go a long way in bringing a new dawn to a very dark night.
Joseph L. Kibitlewski, PhD.
Cape Coral