Drowning in lies

"Dope on the damn table."
-Cedric Daniels

I was a willing participant in a complete sham. It was fun. The other day a shitload of cops conducted raids in Coatesville (Chester County's only city!) and all the law and order big wigs held a press conference to announce "a new beginning" in fighting the increasing levels of crime there. Now the streets have been cleaned, they said. People can leave their homes and walk around without fearing for their lives.

But don't be so quick with your front door lock, elderly black people, because despite the show of force of 120 cops running around being cowboys -- the pushers are going to be back on the corner by tomorrow. The cops confiscated all of 200 crack vials, a couple ounces of brick weed, three handguns and what looked like a bolt-action rifle from World War I. And don't forget the 20-some people arrested, all of whom were street level hustlers and users. Which by my estimation means a loss of a couple grand at most for the Stringer Bells of the operation.



Never mind all that though, because it was time to send a message. Everyone gets to be on TV, or in my case, the internet. Seeing the reactions of the arrested as they made their "perp walk" was the best part for me. One guy actually exclaimed "Daaaaaammmmmnnnn" when he saw all the TV cameras set up on him. Then he strutted, Smoky style. I also enjoyed the lady who asked if she was going to be on the news. Only if the cameraman likes the shot honey.

Clearly this drug bust doesn't mean much when it comes to getting dope off the streets. The only people arrested were low-level dealers, which are easily replaced by new, younger blood that's even more ruthless. Even if it has to be imported from Philly for a while until some young ins can get trained.

I guess my larger point is that it's easy to sink into routine, even if you see the pointlessness and absurdity of it all. The cops get to kick in some doors, and we media-types eat it up cause it is good for ratings. My smirk at the hilarious criminals clowning for the TV cameras doesn't mean shit. When it's over, the drug demand is still there and the vacuum will be filled by something or someone. The game stays the game, and we're all players whether or not we like to play. Don't forget to smile for the camera.