In a recent interview on CNN's "The Lead," Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) addressed the concerns of Baltimore residents who are living in neighborhoods overrun by drug trafficking.
The mayor's comments were in response to a Baltimore Sun article that highlighted the plight of these residents, many of whom feel trapped and fear for their safety.
According to Breitbart, the host of the show, Jake Tapper, brought up the Baltimore Sun article, stating, "Im sure you read the article in The Baltimore Sun yesterday talking about how so many Baltimore residents dont recognize their neighborhoods anymore, and theyre also stuck, they cant leave."
Tapper then quoted a 77-year-old woman from Curtis Bay who compared the morning drug traffic to a fast-food drive-thru and expressed her fear of getting hurt one day.
In response, Mayor Scott stated, Yeah, so we dont were only having that discussion because the presidents having that discussion. And I want to be very clear. I didnt read The Baltimore Sun article. I dont read it because theyre a part of the presidents propaganda machine."
He continued to assert his commitment to addressing the issue, stating, "But what I will say to the residents is very clear, Jake. They know me very well. And you know me. You met me as a young city councilman who was leading the largest anti-violence movement in this city, and, before Freddie Gray in 2015. I am someone who, its different for me. Ive had the gun in my face. Ive lost friends. This isnt just talking about or talking points. This is actually a life that I have lived."
The mayor further emphasized his dedication to the city and its residents, acknowledging that the problem of drug trafficking is not one that can be solved overnight.
He said, "We will not stop until we remove all of those people. But thats not going to happen overnight, Jake, and why we have to continue this partnership and why its important that we acknowledge where we were, right? When you think about Baltimore in 2015 or 1993, when I was nine years old, and where we are today, we have made significant progress."
Tapper, however, took issue with the mayor's dismissal of The Baltimore Sun, stating, "I am going to take issue with your description of The Baltimore Sun and my brethren and sister reporters at The Baltimore Sun. I understand that the editorial board might have a more conservative bent than you, but the news stories, I think, are reliable."
The mayor's comments underscore the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Baltimore, a city that has been grappling with this issue for decades. Despite the challenges, Mayor Scott remains committed to making progress, even as he faces criticism for his approach.
His personal experiences and dedication to the city underscore his determination to address this issue head-on, even as he acknowledges the complexity and longevity of the problem.
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