In an Age Of Zero Tolerance. Inside the Quality Of Life Wars. It is nearing midnight, Saturday, and Times Square is pulsating, with mostly positive energy. Tourists and locals seeking to extend the night flock to the glittering lights blazing Broadway. Sailors in crisp uniforms rollick among vendors of love potions and three-card monte players.
Lovers lock lips under the flashing neon signs.
Some scurry around, enticing passers-by with samples of their work. Robbyn Hasberry needs so such encouragement. After a quick survey of the different styles, she sits in front of Ylli Harunj, her lips parted in a slight grin, her face turned three quarters to him. But before Mr. Haruni can contour Ms. Hasberry's cheeks or pencil in a sparkle in her eyes, a police officer moves in. In a New York minute, the artists scatter, leaving Ms. Hasberry and other customers scrambling in confusion like a flock of sheep without a shepherd.