Bane Macleod

It's a Riot

I live in LA. Its an ok place. Really, I mean that. In the year that I've been living here I've only been in one small altercation, the police seem ok, no one is shooting at me or robbing me. Overall it's been pleasant. So why is it I'm ashamed to tell people where I live? I've lived in a host of other cities and really its not too much different. Lot of people, but same in New York. Lot of crime, but hell, you been to New Orleans? Gangs? Gangs are everywhere, remind me sometime to tell you about the West Amherst Street Posse that used to run in a small town in Massachusetts and all 3 of there members were feared cuz they had mad kung fu skills and one of them once threatened a movie store owner with a bright red BB gun.

I think I lost track of what I was talking about.. Oh, yeah, LA.. It's got culture, class, excitement and glamour. No matter what your interest, more than likely you can find a way to do it here. See the sights, go to Disney, whatever floats your boat.
The problem? Hmm.. Look at the Democratic Convention.. Nice huh? Pretty place.. Important people.. Thousands of rampaging idiots outside the doors.. I can't believe this many people showed up, not for the convention, but to advance a sick number of different causes. Animal rights, police brutality, save our shelters, abortion rights, stop abortion, legalize drugs, public transportation. There was some shit where bikers clogged up a street protesting for bike lanes.. Bike lanes? Even the one guy on the corner in the dirty clothes sporting the free 2Pac sign said they were fucking clueless.

What is it with this city? I mean, I'm aware that all these people aren't from LA, but its not like it would matter. The people here love to riot, they love to assemble in large groups and set shit on fire. Who scheduled something like this to happen in LA? 200 arrests so far and most of them having nothing really to do with the convention spare that its a good time for some exposure. Today there were signs protesting Police Brutality intermingled with banners demanding the execution of George Bush. A splendid sentiment but I don't really know what that has to do with the DEMOCRATIC convention..

All jokes aside, from all the bad things I've heard about the LAPD, they are doing a fantastic job. I just want to be the first to thank them, and I hope they can keep the city from going up in flames.