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Memphians show up in force to demonstrate at state capitol WMCTV.com Memphians are sending a message to Tennessee lawmakers tonight. "Citizens Against Crime" want lawmakers to pass a bill to protect their families. They came to Nashville angry, but united in their war against crime. Citizens Against Crime stood outside the capitol where laws are passed. "I came up with the citizens of Memphis to represent the 16th largest city in America, the 19th largest police department in America. This bill is a precision laser to get the baddest of the bad off the streets," said Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin, who stood in solidarity with citizens and members of the Nashville police department, all in Nashville to lobby support for an $87 million anti-crime package. "We just need to crack down on repeat criminals and that's what this legislation would do," said Senator Mark Norris. The group made its plea to senators at a senate judiciary committee hearing. So many people showed up from Shelby County, the group had to sit out in the hall, where they watched on a monitor. "I just felt like it was important for our community to come out and show support for these bills that are coming up for vote for the senate committee, two very crucial bills to get crime off our streets. The only way they are going to do it is with stiffer penalties," said Krist Murray, who made the trip from Collierville. Memphian Catron Cohn says stiffer penalties will work. "I used to be a criminal and just by knowing if the law changes you have a better perspective of what you are doing cause if you think you are going to get away with something you might keep doing it, but if you know the law is stiffer you might quit doing it." If you want to join the Citizens against Crime group, call them at (901) 334-4185. |
