Where have all the people gone? When Freddie Gray was killed, there was not enough space on the TV screen to fit the activists like the Rev. Al Sharpton, politicians including Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Rep. Elijah Cummings and ministers like the Rev. Jamal Bryant whose only solution was to paint the problem blue — as in all the fault of police.
Fast-forward to Baltimore in the end of May. There have been 43 murders, and those same TV screens are virtually empty — void of these people who were doing all of the finger-pointing just a few weeks ago. Now that the problem has gotten entirely out of hand, these "leaders" are back in their offices insinuating that it's the police who are not doing their jobs.
On May 30, there was a rally to support the Baltimore City Police Department ("Supporters of police rally in front of Baltimore City Hall," May 30). The absence of these leaders screamed loudly. Not even Mayor Rawlings-Blake attended. This would have been a perfect opportunity to show support for the police who are so desperately needed to put a stop to these senseless killings.
Baltimore's leaders have completely missed the opportunity to demonstrate true leadership and nurture what is necessary — police and community working together. Shame on these so-called leaders for not stepping up doing what is expected of them. The time has come and gone for these individuals to live up to the promises they made when they were running for election or serving as the voice of the communities they claim to represent.
Joe Droney, Bel Air