Keeping the focus on what matters...

Over the past week, like so many other Richmonders who were struggling to process the terrible events unfolding in their city, I found myself spending way too much time reading commentary on internet message sites. Some of it was interesting, some of it was disturbing, and some of it was very touching. A lot of it was pretty pointless.

What I found most curious was the tendency of some commenters to link the murders committed by Dandridge and Grey to Richmond itself, as a reflection of our city's high murder rate.

That really bugged me. The two alleged killers weren't from Richmond. They came here from somewhere else to commit their crimes. Richmonders were shocked and bewildered by these murders.

I think it's worthwhile to point out that Richmond's homicide rate was down in 2005, by nearly 10%, from the previous year. If you've lived here long enough you know that parts of our city that once seemed hopelessly troubled with crime and decay are in the process of improving. Jackson Ward, Highland Park, the section of Woodland Heights south of Semmes Ave., the Carver neighborhood, etc are all experiencing renewal. Even our once desolate downtown area seems poised for a new life.

So enough already with beating up on Richmond.

I have a better idea. Do something positive in your community to make it a better place. Organize a neighborhood clean-up. Start a 'get to know your neighbors' social group. Volunteer some time tutoring kids in public schools. Have a fundraiser to raise cash for community projects. Everything someone does, big or small, that sends out a positive vibe can really add up.