Friday, February 10, 2006
The shooting on Massachusetts Street has sent bad vibes throughout the Lawrence and University communities. City commissioners have voiced their reactions to what they rightfully see as a serious problem. An unscientific online poll by The University Daily Kansan revealed that while half those polled felt no real concern after the incident, 34 percent felt less secure and 12 percent said the incidents would keep them from going out as much as before.
The early morning incident was a link in a long chain of events and problems during the past several years concerning violence and crime. Students and their parents should be concerned, but also should realize it’s not really a problem of the community itself.
As Lawrence has grown, it has become a hub of activity. There are frequent shows and concerts. This brings in people from outside the community who might not be the most courteous of visitors.
In early Oct. 2003, a man fired into a crowd outside It’s Brothers Bar & Grill, 1105 Massachusetts St. Ricocheting bullets and debris injured 11 people. A Topeka man pleaded guilty to the crime.
In March 2005, a convenience store on 23rd Street was looted by about 100 people, who were believed to have been at Last Call, 729 New Hampshire St., before the incident. Although no arrests were made, the clerk on duty noted that several of the looters’ cars bore Missouri license plates.
No arrests have been made in this week’s shooting, either, but the man who was killed was from Topeka. The other victim, who is hospitalized, is from Kansas City, Kan.
An unfortunate consequence of these crimes is that Lawrence may gain a bad reputation. The University’s image could suffer, too. Who wants to attend a school that is surrounded by violent crime? And who would send their child to such a place?
Many of those involved in the recent crimes are college-aged, even though few have been associated with the University. We are concerned that the demographics of age and culture would cause those outside the city to associate the crimes with the University.
People should realize that the people who committed these crimes are not the same people sitting next to them in class, cheering with them at a Jayhawk sporting event or walking down Jayhawk Boulevard. These individuals do not have the same ties to the community as the students.
The bottom line is that the city should welcome people who want to enjoy Lawrence and gain from what it has to offer, but there are visitors who cause problems and concern. For their own safety, students should know what surroundings they’re in and with whom, but they should not let these incidents get in the way of enjoying the local scene.
—Ty Beaver, for the editorial board
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