Pubdate: Tue, 09 Sep 2003 Source: Richmond Times-Dispatch (VA) Copyright: 2003 Richmond Newspapers Inc. Contact: http://www.timesdispatch.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/365 Author: Michael Allen CITY MIGHT LOSE RACE FOR NO. 1 Editor, Times-Dispatch: We're going to blow it. Our killers and drug dealers have worked hard all year to take our city to the top spot in the rankings. They've worked hard all year to get us to No. 1, and it looks as if we might blow it. It's September and we've only now broken 60 murders. How are we going to be the top murder capital at this rate? But there's still a chance! If everyone works together we can still be No. 1! Here's how. Those who have information on killings, don't tell the police. That'll help keep violent killers on the streets of our neighborhoods. Oh, and don't pass along information regarding drug dealers either, because the vast majority of the murders in Richmond are drug-related. And those who know where someone wanted in connection with a crime is hiding shouldn't tell the police that, either. These things will help keep more violent felons on the street. Members of the clergy shouldn't encourage their congregations to be bold and take a stand, to speak out. Community leaders: Don't encourage the community to become involved in neighborhood-watch programs. (Some are already doing these crazy things!) Oh, and let's blame the murders on guns in order to take the focus off drugs, violence, and the lack of cooperation by citizens. Now we went and hired a former Marine as Police Chief, and that's definitely not going to help us reach No. 1. Marines are bulldogs; they lock on and don't let go. The only way to keep the body count rising now is to keep information from Chief Andre Parker and his officers. Remember, if we help the police they're just going to get these violent killers off our streets, and we don't want that . . . do we? Now, where is my big foam finger that says "No. 1"? Michael Allen Richmond - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens