Gangstas hate classical, at least in Tacoma, Washington, where city police and Pierce Transit officials are mounting a classical attack on a growing problem of street gangs at bus stops.
Speakers are being installed to transmit classical music at the Tacoma Mall Transit Center, a tactic designed to get rid of the gangstas who’ve been buying/dealing drugs at the bus stop.
“We want to create an atmosphere that is safe for our passengers,” said Rod Baker, the transit agency’s chief of public safety. “If this has an impact on encouraging people to move elsewhere instead of hanging around and loitering around an area, then why not?”
It sounds like Tacoma’s finest haven’t seen A Clockwork Orange.
Skeptics of the plan include Tony Wilson, a Pierce Transit bus driver for 18 years.
“It could do one of two things: It could calm the beast, or it could just stir things up,” Wilson said. “I think the reason we don’t have music on the buses is that you can’t please everyone. It would just cause drama.”
Nick Kennedy, a 17-year-old bus rider, said others beside gang members might take direct action against a steady stream of divertimentos, scherzos and polonaises.
“So many people who hang around here don’t listen to that kind of music,” Kennedy said. “They won’t like it - any of them.”
Rate This Post: 
Bookmarking links:
