Such intemperate comments suggest that outlying communities deliberately shipped the kids here to create chaos or that they came intent on destruction. Drunken kids get out of control and that's what happened. The issue is why and what can be done to prevent it from happening again, not whether the rioters share our zip code. A big city ought to be able to welcome everyone who's willing to behave - and control those who can't. We can't boast about the excitement and fun a city has to offer and then bemoan that kids come here to enjoy it.
Someone is to blame.
Fortunately, Mayor Street reacted with the same calming rationality he did when the Thomas Jones beating threatened to polarize the city last summer. He was angry but not rash, and resisted the urge to point fingers and prohibit the festivities. Some things are clear. The bar owners who sold liquor to underage kids should be prosecuted harshly. If they want the party next year, they should be required to kick into a fund to cover the costs of additional security.