Where is the outrage for the 200-plus violent murders that take place in Baltimore City year in and year out? Where is the national discourse on this crisis? Why don't we have a national moment of silence for each and every victim of these endless, senseless murders? Why doesn't the president of United States give nationally televised speeches for each one of these individuals and their families?

Are the victims in Baltimore City and their families not as important as those that were struck down in Tucson, Ariz.? Are not the words that President Obama spoke in Tucson, relevant to our community, "The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better in our private lives — to be better friends and neighbors, co-workers and parents?"

Mike Sneeringer Jr., Catonsville