A few months ago I could have agreed with Dan Rodricks' call for building a facility for dirt bike riders ("Time to push again for a Baltimore dirt bike park," July 9).
But now have absolutely zero belief that a park would do anything to resolve our dangerous dirt biker problem in Baltimore. On the contrary it would be a waste of already stressed city and taxpayer dollars.
The very essence of the dirt biker mentality is to show blatant disregard for laws and public safety, knowing there will be no retaliation. It's a "we own the streets" mentality and a display of power — over the police, the city and predominantly white neighborhoods.
The riders' demonstrations' are not simply for the joy of riding, which could indeed be satisfied in a dirt bike park. But that is secondary to the ego and power plays the sport projects.
I find the statements of long-time dirt biker Steven Burden to be ludicrous. He says "I don't sugarcoat, dirt bike riding is illegal; it's wrong. But it's better than what these kids could be doing." He's basically saying that we should be happy with a dangerous, unlawful and unsafe gang activity because otherwise something worse would replace it. It's a threat, pure and simple.
While I am somewhat encouraged by Police Commissioner Kevin Davis' recent announcement of increased police action targeting the dirt bikers, I have no confidence it will stop the activity. No doubt a few gun-related arrests will be made, but without a high-priority, tangible plan to stop the terrorism on our streets, it will not stop.
We cannot give lawlessness a free pass in response to threats. The law is the law and there must be clear, swift and direct consequences for those who break it.
Baltimore, a truly beautiful city, is nevertheless frequently mentioned among the "don't move there" urban areas. Allowing the bikers' lawless and life-threatening behavior to continue while offering mere hand-wringing solutions will only reinforce that image.
Jerry Cothran, Baltimore