Boston Blotter: Guardian Angels Coming to Town?

The Chiara Levin case has unleashed an outcry against the gun violence. People are fed up. Reverend Bruce Wall says he will post signs around the city warning tourists that they are not safe in Boston if the mayor doesn't act now and declare a state of emergency. Maybe that will get the mayor to stop talking about after-hours house parties and start talking about gangs and guns.

The Herald quotes what Wall plans to say: "You will take your life into your own hands if you travel to Boston. The city has lost the ability to stop the murders." Well, he's not exactly wrong, is he?

Wall's signs are a clever move. If city leaders realize that the violence affects the entire city and not just specific Boston neighborhoods, then maybe Dorchester will get a stronger police presence. The attitude of "It's not a problem in my neighborhood" or "It's not a problem at Faneuil Hall" is dangerous. (Just see the Fox Morning Crew's "Let It Rip" segment.) This violence affects Boston's national reputation, and it makes us look like a city that simply doesn't care about high crime rates as long as the crime takes place in a contained area.

We were happy when Commissioner Ed Davis started the foot patrols - but more needs to be done, especially when it comes to getting guns off the streets.

--Regarding said crime problem, Boston might get some help solving it. Whether Boston wants or needs that help is a matter of debate. The red-bereted Guardian Angels have said they're coming to the city to patrol the streets. Leader Curtis Sliwa told the Herald, "What’s going on in Boston reminds me of the bloody days of the 1970s and 1980s in New York. The city of Boston is under siege from armed teenage marauders and cretins with chromosome damage who have paralyzed Boston." The BPD is underwhelmed, but does Sliwa have a way with words or what?

But the arrival of the Guardian Angels suggests that the situation is turning more Dodge City by the minute. The solutions are clear. 1. We need more cops on the street. 2. We need more witness protection so "Stop Snitchin" loses its punch. 3. We need to get guns off the street. If the Guardian Angels can help with that, welcome, but it seems as if the city needs to step up.

All charges alleged until proven under law. Screengrab of Bruce Wall's warning to tourists from myfoxboston.com. We wanted you to see the warning yourself – and you might be seeing it around town soon.