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November 8, 2009

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Letter: Community activism works

Thursday, Dec. 20, 2001 | 10:04 a.m.

On Dec. 15, for the first time since Sept. 11, there were no drug dealers selling on the street at Stewart and Maryland. Perhaps it is too early to rejoice, but the Arbor Hill Neighborhood Association on the near east side of the city applauds Metro for splendid work.

Citizens sometimes groan that it is a waste of time to fight crime. They give up, and when they do, they defeat themselves. Through grit, persistence, and robust grass roots organization, however, neighborhoods can win. Once a blight is eliminated, it is a lot easier to keep it controlled.

The importance of this small success in working with the police extends beyond the boundaries of our humble neighborhood. The same tax-free principles of citizen involvement, civic responsibility and organized volunteerism provides a realistic model for an immaculate white fence of civil defense in an age of terrorism.

JAMES RICHARD LUCAS

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