Keep Talkin'

EVERYBODY'S getting into the act.

To counter a popular bootleg DVD that warned folks to stop snitching, Baltimore police put out their hip-hop version promoting crimefighting. Now, NBA star Carmelo Anthony, whose brief appearance in the homemade "Stop Snitchin'" DVD caused an uproar, is trying to make amends for his cameo and the feeble excuses he gave for how he made it on the small screen. It's kind of late to get in the game, Mr. Denver Nuggets. When the DVD first hit the streets, it appeared that Mr. Anthony was more worried about his image (and possibly his endorsement potential) than the intimidating message relayed by his friends. Any apology was an afterthought. It's been five months since then. Now he's got something to say?

Absent Mr. Anthony's newfound interest in a series of state-sponsored public service announcements on violence in Baltimore, the homicide crisis and the complicating factor of witness intimidation demand action from all segments of the community, not just law enforcement. If Mr. Anthony's voice can counter the lure of the drug culture and reach those most susceptible to it, he should speak out loudly. But he should do so because he believes it is the right thing to do for his hometown and his homeboys.

His decision to team up with Dr. Edward E. Cornell III, a John Hopkins trauma surgeon, to promote violence prevention will provide a heaping dose of reality to the hype and glitz associated with the drug trade.