To the Editor:
Krista Monique Clouse, a talented and award-winning opera singer, has been singing on the streets of Old Town Alexandria for the past six years. Throughout this time frame, many people have had the opportunity to hear her melodious voice and she has, undoubtedly brought pleasure to many. Focused on her singing, Ms. Clouse has caused no problems during her performances.
It all changed on Friday, Sept. 3, however, when, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Ms. Clouse was approached by police and suddenly asked to shut off her Bluetooth speaker that provided orchestral accompaniment to her singing and was told she was in violation of a city ordinance. Ms. Clouse refused more than once and explained to officers it was a vital component of her performance.
Subsequently, Ms. Clouse was placed under arrest, handcuffed and taken to the station where she was booked and charged with a noise violation under the city code and was given a date for a court appearance later in September.
This whole episode has caused significant public and international attention. News of her arrest has reached far and wide — from the White House to the United Kingdom to Brazil and other faraway places. Though the police were doing their job and following the law, this sudden enforcement of this ordinance leads one to pause and ponder.
Ms. Clouse has been singing for years without a problem, and the police have passed her by on numerous occasions. So, why now do the police confront her? Why is this ordinance suddenly being enforced?
If the former mayor, Vola Lawson, were alive today, she assuredly would be unhappy with the negative press that this incident has brought to the City of Alexandria. Moreover, she would likely have had some compassion regarding Ms. Clouse’s performance and would probably have preferred a more amenable resolution to the evening — the culmination of which has certainly put the City of Alexandria on the world map and not at all in a good way.
Karen L. Bune
Arlington