Violence becoming overwhelming: On 4-14, Milwaukee Day, which Milwaukee should be celebrated?

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- Tuesday, April 14th is "Milwaukee Day" -- a day when the calendar and the area code are aligned. It's a kitschy celebration of Milwaukee started by a very well-meaning group of people who love this city -- and it's a city in need of love right now.

But which Milwaukee should be celebrated? Surely not the one where a legitimate tragic accident ended in not on death but three -- thanks to ridiculous rage and violence.

And not the one where too many stolen cars become entertainment for teens, and sadly, weapons of death for innocent couples caught in the paths of those "joy rides."

There are those who are content to let the crime define the city. It gives them reason to make statement like "I'll never drive down a Milwaukee street -- ever," as if their absence fixes anything.

This city has, as we all do, serious flaws. But it also has people who love it unconditionally. It has billionaires wanting to invest in it. It has the energy, the will and the smarts to fix itself.

 

That is the city that deserves a toast on Tuesday.