The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) considers Capitol Hill residents potential terrorists. This is what I learned today when I opened the March Hill Rag, “Police Say No Parked Cars Along Marathon Routes.”
An unnamed MPD spokesperson, explaining why all cars parked along East Capitol Street, North Carolina Avenue NE and adjoining streets must be removed or towed for the running of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon said, “with the advent of vehicular attacks that we have seen in the United States and around the world there is a necessity to implement parking restrictions which include removing all vehicles along special event routes, particularly during races and parades.”
Uttered no less in the passive voice, “there is a necessity.”
If the MPD is worried about vehicular threats, order the marathon to run around a cordoned-off RFK stadium 26 times. Or, better yet, cancel rush hour, a weekday event that constitutes a far larger threat to public safety.
I’m not sure which is more appalling that the MPD issued the fiat or that the city council and the mayor are powerless to do anything about it.
This letter was originally sent to Ward 6 Councilman Allen (D). Daniel Buck can be reached at djbuckdc@cs.com
