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We can call attention to the inconsistencies of Mosby’s policies and we can question the timing and even the data but articles like this help fucking no one and make plenty of people less safe https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/baltimore-crime-mosby-misdemeanors/2021/04/10/730a679c-9650-11eb-962b-78c1d8228819_story.html
Contempt for people who use drugs and sex work is just accepted in this piece. The idea that they aren't part of the community isn't questioned (they are part of the community!). We just accept this ridiculous idea that the sight of drug use or presence of sex workers is "bad"
"open air drug market" is also one of these phrases that when a journalist uses it, it is safe to just write them off as a moron
Veteran cop quoted in that piece does not understand even the basics of harm reduction https://twitter.com/LELDF_President/status/1380538070961905665?s=20
This is psychopathic: "if we can't arrest people who use drugs we can't force them to be snitches." One of the many many ways ppl who use drugs and sex workers are victimized is by being compelled to inform
And how police in Baltimore treat sex workers is reprehensible and well-documented by the DOJ: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/aug/11/baltimore-police-gender-bias-women-justice-department
I've spent a lot of the past two years talking to people who use drugs—on top of informants who were sources in "I Got a Monster"—and what's clear is police exploit their desperation and limited options and worse, put them in danger in the process
lastly, the concerns the first person quoted in this WaPo story says about Highlandtown has been being said for decades. I'd know, I lived there as a kid (421 N. Linwood)! So you have this thing where how things have been done is evidence for why we can't change them
I am so tired of explaining why this is disingenuous—mostly I think the explanation is simple and a lot of white libs just love to see Black people and poor people arrested—but if anyone else who sincerely cares about Baltimore wants to have at this awful convo please do
Just so this is clear: these big brains are suggesting violence is the result of drug possession, attempted distro, paraphernalia, sex work, trespassing, pissing in an alley, traffic offenses, and open container—and that NOT arresting people for this fuck shit leads to murders.
Lastly: These goofs are actually discussing homicides but they keep saying "violence" which is a nice way to make their point not seem as idiotic as it is
