As I write these words, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake is out on yet another "safety walk" in the community. Her second one in as many days. In all honesty, I've lost track of how many walks, vigils and rallies the mayor has shown up at within the last couple weeks.
We're now seeing operation overdrive damage control to make up for a lack of response when the city needed it most.
It's not certain how much more is being done by the mayor, Police Commissioner Anthony Batts or State's Attorney Gregg Bernstein, who've all been showing at these events. But one things clear, it's going to take more than marching to move us forward.
In a piece at The Baltimore Spectator, I liken the mayor's sudden, here, there and everywhere appearances to a walk-on part in a Hollywood drama. It looks good, and perhaps even boosts her ratings, but what's the reality at the end of the day?
Just a few hours ago, four young men were shot in the same area the mayor, police commissioner and state's attorney all "safety walked." I wonder how much safer those people feel right about now.
Is this how we get "a safer Baltimore?" Substantive action, based on sound strategy seems sorely lacking in the knee-jerk, damage control, PR package appearances.