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Health & Fitness

Mayor Rawlings-Blake Handles Occupy Baltimore Protest Superbly

Rawlings-Blake shows steady and calm leadership and avoids with McKeldin Square protesters.

Let's face it, the Occupy Baltimore capture of McK­eldin Square was going to end sooner or later.  And it was going to end peacefully or by force.  Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake made sure it ended with as little fanfare as possible.  In fact, the occupation was broken up so quietly and in such a way that there was not very much press about the breakup.

Rawlings-Blake should be commended for how she handled the entire situation, from start to finish.  She was adamant that the encampment must be broken up sooner or later and she drew soft lines in the sand that were neither confrontational or too objectionable by the protesters.  Rawlings-Blake showed empathy with the movement's core message while always advocating for law and order. 

Had she misstepped along the way, as other big city mayors have, she would have given the demonstrators the one thing they seemed to thrive on most, confrontation with police. 

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It seems like those who occupied the downtown square aren't even that upset by the way police cleared the public space.  Some have voiced "free speech" concerns, but Rawlings-Blake continuously reminded everyone that McKeldin Square is a public place and permits are necessary for any type of prolonged protest.

Rawlings-Blake as been accused of not leading with much emotion.  I have said she lacks fire in the belly.  But in this instance, her calm, steady leadership has paid off.  I commend her.  

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