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