I attended today's noon o'clock event in front of City Hall. Turnout was modest in terms of sheer numbers but I was heartened to see so many great neighborhood leaders, activists, and writers. It was a who's-who of people who walk the walk.
At this event, the names of all 183 victims murdered since last year were read aloud. It was gut-wrenching. It's one thing to read all these names online, it's another to hear them because of the time it takes to get through them all. It's a tale of tears.
David Winkler-Schmit brings us the story of Belinda Henderson, the mother of a victim. She's still waiting to see her son's murderer to be identified, captured, and convicted. She also wondering where our elected leaders have been,
“The mayor and the chief of police aren’t out here. Where are they?”
In fact, there was not a single representative from the NOPD present. Not even to make platitudes about the ongoing progress. More specifically, there were only three elected officials present, Councilors James Carter, Arnie Fielkow, and newly elected District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro.
Hats off to them.But that they were the only three to grace us with their presence is absolutely shameful.
Council President Jackie Clarkson wears that same red blazer almost every day, and the one time it would have been particularly appropriate, she's a no-show.
It must have been at the cleaners.
Update:
An anonymous friend remarks:
No ribbons
No scissors
No Jackie
Ha ha! But there were cameras.
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