Make the thugs get the message
On Saturday evening (Sept. 17), my wife and I were traveling through downtown Chattanooga southward on Market Street; there were many people out and about town. We stopped for a traffic light at Third Street. When the signal turned green, people continued to stream across Market Street blocking us from proceeding. We tolerated this for a time and then gently tooted the horn to signal it was our turn.
Hostile thugs, waving their arms wildly, with splayed fingers, shouting “Hit one of us,” began surrounding our vehicle. Fortunately there was enough room to turn right just prior to being surrounded.
Mr. Mayor, please acknowledge we have a serious problem downtown. If people do not feel safe they will not return. All the effort and money spent to make Chattanooga a better place will have been wasted.
Crime was lowered in New York City by strict enforcement of all laws, including jaywalking. The thugs got the message. Crime will not be tolerated. Let’s send them that message. If we tolerate this behavior we will surrender our city to the worst and lowest element.