What happened in Minneapolis is shameful, and heart-breaking. And worse, there won’t be enough in number, or in volume of voice, to speak out in the defense of those left to protect. That, too, is important to consider.
I want every conscientious law enforcement officer – city, sheriff, or state patrol – that reads Press Pros to know…that we deeply regret the events of this week in Minneapolis that once again left our country, and our system of law enforcement wounded.
For the fact is…that the overwhelming majority of our peace officers are good cops – conscientious, professional, humane, and respectful to the lives and rights of all they serve, regardless of color or background.
I want every one of you to know, like Old Testament Joshua, that most appreciate and respect you, and understand the complexities of your job. I want you to know that we understand that it’s a job made worse by the pressure from those who want you to exhaust every other illogical option…before being protectant of your own lives. Or so it seems!
I want you to know that we understand that law enforcement is not cut and dry anymore; and that you’re expected to always turn the other cheek, and disregard your self respect and the respect for your position of authority. We understand that you’re asked to do this in order that some may act foolishly, disrespectfully, and recklessly and still live…while you might die defending their right to disregard and disrespect you.
I want you to know that we understand that our leaders said all the politically correct words…to reinforce the familiar arguments and appropriate words of remorse for the families of the fallen. That our national leaders quote empty rhetoric for peace and unity…but never, ever, say a word about a priority towards sensible, sensitive law enforcement across the country at the most dangerous time for officer safety in the past hundred years.
I want you to know that a lot of us understand that our leaders’ words of questioning have apparently emboldened others to disrespect law enforcement and the system for justice…and put your very lives in jeopardy. And that we understand that many of those who railed against you in Minneapolis, Atlanta, Columbus, and Cincinnati weren’t even from those cities. They were there from outside just to create anarchy.
I want you to understand that we understand…that the deck is stacked AGAINST you.
And still…you should know, the uniformed men and women of Miami, Shelby, Champaign, Montgomery, Darke, Clark, Mercer, Auglaize and Franklin Counties who might read this, that 95% of us, regardless of color, nationality, or socio-economic perspective, value your commitment to your jobs, your judgment, and your LOYALTY to the citizens you serve. We want you to understand that a lot of us know to turn away from trouble when it breaks, rather than escalate it in order to make your job that much more complex, confusing, and dangerous.
I want you to know that few media sources of any kind are apt to come forth in this manner with words of such public support, for fear of being out of step with the political mainstream opinion that’s brought us to this point. But we felt it more than necessary that you know there are those who actually love and appreciate what you do for us.
I seldom do rewrites, but I want you to know that I’ve rewritten this a half dozen times to best express our sincerity and gratitude…so that you know that you have our support. I want you to know that we will always have your back, because…we depend on you to have ours.
You always have!