Ken Schram: Tuba Man's death brings hurt, anger

Ken Schram: Tuba Man's death brings hurt, anger

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By Ken Schram

He deserves more than just a heartfelt goodbye.

The outpouring of community sadness over the death of "Tuba Man" has also been tinged with anger over how he died.

Ed McMichael's life was taken in one more senseless act of violence that has become all too common on Seattle’s streets.

In a flurry of fists and feet, Tuba Man fell victim to a roving pack of marauders who personify what's gone wrong here.

Seattle’s sidewalks and streets are being surrendered to predators searching for prey.

Gunshots in Belltown and a body falls.

The glint of steel on Capitol Hill and blood stains the concrete.

Ask yourself this question: When was the last time that you left a club, or a theater in the late hours of a Seattle night and walked to your car without wondering who might be lurking in a doorway, or if those loud voices around the corner were coming from a group of fun lovers or fiends?

"Tuba Man's" death hurt because it was so personal.

But there have been so many others whose names we just didn't recognize.

I have 2 questions for Seattle’s mayor and city council: What are your going to do, and when are you going to get it done?

Because "Tuba Man" deserves more than just a heartfelt goodbye.

Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com.


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