A Panel of Insights

Before I attended the Panel of Writers event in McGuire Hall, I did not know what to expect. I understood that we had an event analysis approaching and it would be necessary to attend at least one event in order to reflect on how its relation with the Year of the City. However, how could what was perceivably a writer’s affair possibly relate to Loyola College’s initiative for the city of Baltimore? Whatever doubt and questioning I prematurely considered was quickly erased with the panel’s first speaker.

Mr. Gregory Kane of the Baltimore-Sun opened the forum with a vociferously powerful voice. He quickly delved into his recent stories for his column and the issues he was presented with. “I don’t agree with Mayor Dixon’s policy of lock as many people up as possible,” Mr. Kane refuted, “but I do agree that this city is troubled.” Continuing to share his distaste for Mayor Dixon’s policy, Mr. Kane shared a new story that he would be investigating for what he believes will be a long time. In this event, police officer’s arrested and handcuffed seven year old boy riding a dirt bike. It was quite evident of the enthusiasm Mr. Kane had over this event, “I’m not like other columnists. I will hunt you down. If you don’t want to answer my phone calls, I will go to your office and you can answer to my face. And if you still don’t want to do that, I will find people that will answer my questions.” The dislike that Mr. Kane displayed for the way public officials are not up front was quite evident. However, he never said that he did not have faith in public officials; he simply did not trust them. Mr. Kane continued about his research on the death of a correctional facility guard by an inmate. When the crime was first committed, no one would want to answer questions: “This was over seven months ago…” he stated with the story still hot in his mind. For over seven months, government and correctional facility workers have refused to speak of the incident and claim that “it’s still under investigation.” He assured us that he will find out what happened, and the ironic part was he received more truthful answers from inmates than officials.

Mr. Kane’s demeanor intrigued me for the duration of the assembly. Through his speech, one would perceive him a pessimist, but he would refute this by saying “I am a realist.” However, one could possibly challenge this self proclaimed label with the continuous bashing of government officials. It almost seemed as though he felt there was no hope for the city of Baltimore. Regardless of this, one would eventually believe that his self establishment of being a “realist” does not venture far from the truth. Mr. Kane shared his love for the city of Baltimore and what he believes needs to be done in order for it to raise from the ashes. He along with Jane Conly, Elizabeth Evitts, and Chezia Thompson shared their belief that Baltimore City needs something for the people to be proud of. In the past, people took pride in their stoops. This was a place that people would gather and hold their heads high because it was theirs. Now, with the way many buildings are cut off from the street, people can no longer show off their precious belongings. Mr. Kane and other panel members also agree that Baltimore needs a better public transportation system, and neighborhoods need supermarkets and coffee shops to gather. The little things that help build our neighborhoods that we often take for granted are not present in these troubled areas.

The Panel of Writers all had great insights about the city. Mr. Kane’s insights however, captured my attention the most. While we do need to help the direct city, and show that we care and love Baltimore, we cannot ignore the way city officials attempt the better the city. Often times we ignore the political issues and too quickly blame our fellow citizens for the issues that we are presented with.