LET'S GIVE MOMS A BREAK

A recent raid of a heroin operation in a Stockton Street neighborhood
incorporated law enforcement officers hailing from the FBI, Ewing
Township, Plumstead, Hamilton, Trenton and the Mercer County
Sheriff's Department.

The multi task force executed warrants at 18 city residences while
arresting 11 of 16 people involved in drug dealing.

Amazingly, the early morning law initiative called "Operation Old
City," went off without a hitch.

While one suspect arrested following a jump from a second-floor
window told police that he was sleepwalking, the most interesting
storyline involved Adrianne Spady.

In trouble with the law in 2005 for an alleged possession of drugs
for distribution, Spady stood on Stockton Street tied up with plastic
handcuffs then uttered words heard round the world: "Go get my mama,"
Spady told a young acquaintance.

Hearing the demand, the young girl with morning nap still in her
hair, did the one block sprint faster than Marion Jones.

Cost of a deck of heroin? $20. Hiring a lawyer for representation?
$1,000. Bail? $5,000. Connecting with your mother after being
arrested for dealing heroin? Priceless.

Mothers and mamas remain the most important people in our lives
whether we deal drugs, do drugs or prescribe drugs.

So despite police officers kicking in doors and pulling our numerous
drug dealing and other suspects this week (many of them African
American females), my heart warmed of Spady's heartfelt cry for "mama."

The Gamble and Huff tune "I'll Always Love My Mama" immediately came
to mind as Spady shuffled the sidewalk while Trenton Police Lt. Dan
Pagnotta sipped a cup of coffee.

In 1973, The Intruders turned that song into a memorable hit with lyrics like:

"I'll always love my mama

She's my favorite girl

I'll always love my mama

She brought me in this world."

There was a time when people involved in crimes or bad behavior would
not scream for mother.

In fact, mom would be the last person one would want around.

Not anymore. We call for mom for every reason under the sun.

Steal a car? Call mom. Kill a gang member? Phone mama. Stab a lover?
Mother. Deal Drugs? Mom. Mama. Mother.

Mothers, mamas and moms should begin a mission for time off but
unfortunately some insidious characteristic in many does not allow separation.

Moms need a break. Their days should not be filled with visits to
jails and prisons, hustling for bail money, speaking with funeral
directors and an assortment of other ills.

For whatever reason, the young girl sent away for mom's retrieval
rushed back less enthusiastically with a message.

"Mama said she can't come down here," heard Spady.