I could not agree with Dan more on this issue. Just this morning, as I was doing my usual run through the Inner Harbor, I was 'charmed' by the pale purple lights that have suddenly appeared everywhere downtown. Meanwhile, I was fretting over the city homicide rate that has now surpassed the number of days of this new year. When will people of this city wake up and take notice of the violent crime issue? It seems to me that people of this city are more interested in seeing the Raven's go to the Super Bowl than they are to see a reduction in violent crime. A Super Bowl championship, as exciting as it may be, is fleeting. Another senseless murder is forever! Wake up Baltimore!

Dan,

I just read your column and again, I agree with you and wish there were thousands more people like you in Baltimore. I was asked to relay this information to you, emailed to me by someone who wishes to remain anonymous:

My rant for today. In the past 3 1/2 years, 60 Marylanders have been killed in Iraq. In 2006, 275 homicides were recorded in Baltimore City (how many were not recorded?) As of January 10, 2007, according to the Baltimore Sun, there have been "at least 15" homicides in Baltimore City. Here's what is so interesting to me - once November ended, I no longer had to search for the murder rate - now The Sun is happy to print it on the front page!

Now, back to my thoughts...

I'm spending a lot of time in L.A. these days and the running joke whenever I come back home to Baltimore is "don't get shot." This is L.A., home of the bloods and the crips, with millions more people than Bodymore and they're worried about me getting shot when I go back to Baltimore! The person who wishes to remain anonymous is someone who has tried to get a lot done and has faced a sea of red tape in Baltimore. I think most people who want to make a difference there just get fed up and quit. Or worse, they die. It's a shame. The city should be ashamed of itself. I remember when Baltimore was truly Charm City. That memory is fading fast. Maybe if someone finds oil in Sandtown, the calvary will be sent in to clean things up. Or maybe if white people start getting killed at the same rate black people are getting killed more people will actually care. Fact is, our society, especially in Baltimore, places a different worth on different people based on the color of their skin or their zip code. I know based on good solid information that Maryland's own Lt. Gov. Michael Steele threw someone out of his office when that person suggested that more be done for Baltimore's poorest. That person was told by the L.G. to get the hell out of his office because those people don't vote and they're a waste of his time. That says everything. That and the murder rate, of course. Don't bother asking me who my source was because in the true spirit of Bodymore, I won't snitch. Congratulations, Baltimore! You're voted in the Top 10 of cities a young black male is most likely to die of a gunshot wound! Keep up the good work!

Ajom H. Ali
CEO
Eclipse Sports & Entertainment, LLC

Dear Dan,

You wrote a very good column yesterday and you're really geting this city to think about the violence. I don't know if you have a strong belief in God, but one other phone number you should give the guys coming out of prison is one of a pastor or priest. They really need to hear from the clergy to set them on the right path. As far as what one person can do to stop the violence, what do you suggest? Donate money or volunteer at a non-profit? I have been giving this some thought. Maybe we need to start by writing to the head of the city jail to see how much exposure the prisoners are getting to God. I understand that churches have prison ministries, but is it an everyday occurence or just sporadic? One suggestion I would make is that it ought to be a requirement for every prisoner before he is released to have a couple of counseling sessions with a pastor.

Dan --

I was so frustrated and disgusted after reading your column last night. Thanks -- you ruined my dinner!

A month ago, I moved back to my hometown of Baltimore. I moved out 15 years ago, but I missed this town and slowly realized I wanted to live and work here as an adult. It meant a lot to me. So I'm back.

Needless to say, it's been a bittersweet experience so far. Every day I see things that amaze me and make me proud to call Baltimore home again.

But the crime is hearbreaking. It's stunning. It's wasting so many lives, it's killing our city, and it's crippling our state. I don't have immediate personal experience with the violence, but I take it personally. I realize this has been going on for years now, but -- still -- 15 murders in the last ten days???
So, yes, I agree with you. Every one of us who cares needs to help to try and end the cycle of poverty and despair.

And I wanted to ask you, or your readers, for a some suggestions on realistic actions for us to take. A lot of regular folks, including myself, probably don't have the time and the skill to personally organize a march on City Hall or to overhaul the city's school system. I'm not an aspiring politician or a social worker, or even a parent (yet), but I care about this community and I'm willing to pitch in to help turn this city around, in whatever way I can.

Maybe this is a recommendation for a column. I'm not sure. "10 ways you can pitch in to heal Baltimore." Something like that. What are the best organizations in the city that are working effectively toward stemming the poverty and the crime? Whether they be social organizations like soup kitchens or drug treatment centers, or political action groups, or simply groups that are trying to bring in more jobs and residents? Or maybe other creative ways to help? (Sorry if you already wrote the column I'm pining for, multiple times -- I probably missed it.)

I realize that this sickness has been going on for more than a generation. And that this is an immensely complex and deep-rooted problem, half a century in the making. It won't be going away anytime soon. But I can't think of anything that makes me sadder than this city still mired in violence in another generation.

Bad as things are, this old town is worth saving -- all of it. That's why I -- as I suspect you and many of your readers do -- still have this crazy vision of a happy, healed, growing Baltimore, and I can't seem to get it out of my head.

Please keep those outraged columns coming,

Grant

Dan,

In response to your column Divided City Waits.... I have a few things to say.

You have got such a clear understanding of the complexities that have led Baltimore to become a violent, dispiriting hellhole for so many of our residents. You report on this subject from every imaginable perspective and yet, you are practically alone in the media struggling to stir the consciences of the people of Baltimore to insist that something concrete be done about it. Why do you think this is? And why does the message seem to fall on deaf ears?

I know you hear from people seeking help, by the hundreds. How often do you hear from Baltimore's more prosperous, capable citizens seeking direction on how they can help change this picture? It strikes me that the simplest, and perhaps most effective thing voters can do is to put constant pressure on their elected representatives to BRING THIS TO A STOP.

There are many capable organizations working every day, on the ground and behind the scenes with strategic, well-developed approaches to turning this tide but the commitment from the elected leadership of our city and state has not been forthcoming in a sustained or strategic way. Taking on drug addiction, meaningful educational reform, astronomical homicide rates among young black men (kids, really) requires political courage, smart investments, and strategic patience--all perceived to be political losers for career pols who are forever operating with one eye on the next rung of their career ladders.

No one, it seems, has been successful composing a compelling enough rallying cry to light a fire under taxpaying, property-owning, potentially influential citizens to make the call. Elected leadership will NEVER commit to SOLVE these problems if they don't believe they are a priority for the people who vote them into office. Aside from true leadership (which is in alarmingly short supply) why would they risk their political capital on this stuff?

How do you think we can get Baltimore voters to MAKE THE CALL?