So today I attended a reception for the new NOLA Patrol,
a group of new police officers who will patrol the
Quarter on foot. There were various types of police
present, plus community and business leaders,
as well as street performers and musicians. I spoke
about the hopes that the NOLA Patrol will be sensitive
to street performers, protecting them and viewing them
as a cultural treasure, and not as panhandlers.
The Commander spoke at length about my comments,
assuring everyone that these officers have no intention
of stopping street performance or violating anyone's
rights to free speech. That's one thing that New Orleans'
messed up government gets right: it recognizes street
performance as a constitutional right, unlike many
American cities that have outlawed it or require
complicated permits (I'm looking at you, CHARLESTON).
Afterward I met many of the officers, and they were
exceedingly friendly. Upon walking out, I saw this young man
playing buckets outside. I see him a lot and he's got skills.
This kid right here...this is why I said what I said.
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