Kansas City News Blog

Dear Pitch: Thanks, as always, for keeping the city informed of the crime situation. Not looking good for cowtown: We already have one unwanted national distinction: We are one of the very few cities in the country to have had more homicides in both 2008 and 2009 than in 2007--around the country homicides are at record low levels in most cities--but not in KCMO/KCK. In KCMO we may achieve another, quite special and totally unique (and most unwanted) national distinction: There is a very real chance that we may be the only city of any size in the country to have more homicides in 2009 than in 2008. So, fearless prediction: Momentarily the KCMO establishment will force the KCPD to release a statement: "Homicides may be up in 2008 and 2009, but other forms of violent crime are down sharply." Cities with exploding homicide rates always "push" this line: As former DC Mayor Marion Barry used to say: "Aside from the homicides, Washington is one of the safest cities in the country." ("Aside from that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you enjoy the play?") Sincerely and Respectfully, Ernest Evans