Teenagers cursing at swimming pool around small children

[Anonymous]

In a situation like that described by the OP, I would call the police. I have in similar situations, even when a law hasn't been broken, and they have been able to resolve the issue 100 percent of the time. To me that's less of a waste of taxpayer money than paying for a pool that no one wants to use because they feel uncomfortable. And, frankly, I don't have the patience for the one-on-one counseling sessions some of you propose. The police are able to address these issues because ... (wait for it) ... that's actually part of their job.

It doesn't bother me that some of you think this is an overly aggressive approach. To me, it's recognizing failure and trying to remedy it, rather than making excuses for it. Living in a city does not mean that you have to cede all rights to complain about inappropriate behavior. In fact, you can actually do something to fix it, and you don't have to feel guilty about it either.

(I will now gird myself for the inevitable flaming from the crowds that either think I am afraid of black people or should try to engage in snack-bar psychoanalysis sessions with these kids).

[Anonymous]

It's sad, but I would just leave. The free speech argument is dumb. Public pools are not a right, they are a nice amenity. Teens should realize they are lucky to have so many of them in the city and behave appropriately. But I would be scared of any repercussions so would stay silent and leave.

[Anonymous]

So if you're in the District, it's either the country club pool (should you have the bucks) or some public pool where some mouthy kids can hang out?

Those are your choices?

the two extremes?

I go to the public pools at least once a week, and have NEVER encountered a situation that made me uncomfortable. So no, those are not your choices.