Brawl at the Inner Harbor

I was walking around downtown Saturday night enjoying the mild weather and the many bars and restaurants that dot Pratt Street in the Inner Harbor.  I was pleased to see that the Baltimore Police Department got a jump on the summer by deploying many officers to patrol the harbor. I talked with the Mounted Unit Officers, an officer from the Marine Unit and several others from various units. I also saw several motorcycle officers riding around.  It made me feel good to see that the BPD had learned from last years violence and wanted to establish their presence early.  So kudos to the Police Commissioner and his staff for making this downtown resident happy. 

However, as I was returning home at about 11:30 I saw an ugly sight ...a huge brawl among about 30 teenagers.  Punches were thrown, kicks were delivered to those unlucky enough to have fallen to the ground and much more violent behavior.  This all took place between kids who obviously saw the same police presence that I did downtown yet were nonplussed. If a massive showing of the flag isn't going to deter this conduct then I'm starting to understand the Commissioner's frustration.  I don't know quite what to say at this point except to encourage those who were appalled at the comments made about some folks here who were called "idiots" .  Take a walk downtown around midnight on a Friday or Saturday and maybe you'll see what Fred was talking about.  They are idiots and destroying the quality of life in our city.  If you don't want aggressive police action and are offended by rough talk I'm open to your suggestions....idiots.