The 22nd of each month is now a "No Violence Day in Detroit," following a proclamation by Mayor Dave Bing.

Naturally I’m skeptical. Why the 22^nd? Why not the 21^st? Hizzoner Bing’s number was 21 when he played for the Pistons.

Why not the 17^th? Some bars, including Dooley’s in Macomb County, celebrate the 17th of each month in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Maybe the 22nd has proven to be Detroit’s most crime-ridden date. Maybe thugs say: “Heck, I’ve behaved for the first three weeks of this month -- now I’m going to cut loose.”

I’m afraid this new idea will turn out to be like Devil’s Night, which Detroit’s amateur arsonists celebrated on Oct. 30.

If Devil’s Night was a spin-off of Halloween, I’m afraid of what might be spun off the day before No Violence Day.

I’m thinking the 21^st of each month might be a good night to stay home, or play some midnight basketball with the mayor.

The 22nd of each month is now a "No Violence Day in Detroit," following a proclamation by Mayor Dave Bing.

Naturally I’m skeptical. Why the 22^nd? Why not the 21^st? Hizzoner Bing’s number was 21 when he played for the Pistons.

Why not the 17^th? Some bars, including Dooley’s in Macomb County, celebrate the 17th of each month in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Maybe the 22nd has proven to be Detroit’s most crime-ridden date. Maybe thugs say: “Heck, I’ve behaved for the first three weeks of this month -- now I’m going to cut loose.”

I’m afraid this new idea will turn out to be like Devil’s Night, which Detroit’s amateur arsonists celebrated on Oct. 30.

If Devil’s Night was a spin-off of Halloween, I’m afraid of what might be spun off the day before No Violence Day.

I’m thinking the 21^st of each month might be a good night to stay home, or play some midnight basketball with the mayor.