Let's be honest: you're probably tired of me writing about the curfew. And I'm tired of writing about it, too.
Much as I think it's ineffective and a way for Ike Leggett to appear "tough on crime" without actually doing anything (except for providing more cops in downtown Silver Spring, which not surprisingly is very effective), I know people have their reasons for supporting a curfew, even people I like a lot. Of course nobody wants to go out and worry that they're going to get stabbed. I certainly don't.
A few months ago, I was arguing with Reemberto Rodriguez about the curfew and he gently reminded me that people naturally get upset about the topic because they were "speaking from emotion." I've been to meetings and seen that emotion coming from curfew supporters, but I see it in myself as well, and I don't think I do my argument any good when I call people names.
After all, there are so many actual facts why curfews don't work. In theory, that should be enough to convince most people without attacking them.
I'd like to do my part and use this space to talk about this very emotional issue in a civil, constructive manner. I'd also like to spare y'all and try to find other things to write about, of which there are plenty. Come back next week and we'll talk about something else for the first time in three months.
Much as I think it's ineffective and a way for Ike Leggett to appear "tough on crime" without actually doing anything (except for providing more cops in downtown Silver Spring, which not surprisingly is very effective), I know people have their reasons for supporting a curfew, even people I like a lot. Of course nobody wants to go out and worry that they're going to get stabbed. I certainly don't.
A few months ago, I was arguing with Reemberto Rodriguez about the curfew and he gently reminded me that people naturally get upset about the topic because they were "speaking from emotion." I've been to meetings and seen that emotion coming from curfew supporters, but I see it in myself as well, and I don't think I do my argument any good when I call people names.
After all, there are so many actual facts why curfews don't work. In theory, that should be enough to convince most people without attacking them.
I'd like to do my part and use this space to talk about this very emotional issue in a civil, constructive manner. I'd also like to spare y'all and try to find other things to write about, of which there are plenty. Come back next week and we'll talk about something else for the first time in three months.
3 comments:
Good call. Try to avoid skateboarding, too. There are far more important issues on which you can opine.
I haven't gotten too involved on this one as I'm operating out of Howard county for the moment. That said I'll continue to read what you write on this issue as well as any others.
I actually should have a post that I might want your opinion on before too long. I finally got around to reading Harry's copy of 'the failures of integration' and am now about two thirds of the way through. I think you'd specifically recommended that book when seeing it on a shelf and it has been a great read. It's also particularly disturbing to read it while checking out housing options, I knew about many of these issues but even so I feel like Morpheus has just told me about the Matrix or something.
@David
Skateboarding is important to some people and not others. My goal is to write about the interests of both groups.
@Greg
I'd be happy to talk to you about that book (and I'm not surprised Harry had a copy!) Sheryll Cashin does a really great job talking about the intersection of race and class in both housing policy and how communities are formed. If MoCo had a countywide book club I'd make everyone read it.
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