To say the very least, the past month has been tough for Americans. Terrorist attacks flooding news feeds and endless “breaking news” days are all too common. Among these heartbreaking events are the senseless acts that left five police officers dead in Dallas on last Thursday night. I am always cautious to express my views on certain issues -- however, this is one I feel simply cannot be ignored and should be read.
In the midst of all the chaos and investigations taking place after the events in Dallas, Police Chief David Brown said something that really struck me.
Brown said, “We don’t feel much support most days. Let’s not make today most days.”
How have we gotten to this point in our country, where the police chief of a major U.S. city is sincerely asking for support from its citizens? This should never be the case in our society. Where we have lost so much respect for some of the most unselfish people to ever reside in our great country.
It’s time to stop the negative rhetoric towards police, especially in the media. Through these recent events, I have unfortunately found that this only fuels the violence and divides in our country. I cannot imagine a day in this country without the protection of police officers. A police officer should never have to ask for support from their citizens, ever.
Furthermore, it’s time to stop the labeling and criticizing of these incredibly brave human beings. Next time you find yourself stamping this group as a whole, please refrain. You, nor I, will never understand what its like to be involved in such situations with lives on the line on a daily basis.
In times like these, it’s extremely easy to get political. However, please keep some basic understandings in mind before you start your next Facebook rant. For one, keep in mind that these officers don’t have an agenda to kill without reason. It seems so ridiculous to state this, but I’ve seen it firsthand on my social media. The respect for these officers has been lost significantly. Recognize that you do not have a complete account of a situation through a hashtag circulating on Twitter or biased media outlets. The only ones that have the full story are the officers involved and their department investigating.
Secondly, these innocent men and women were protecting those that, quite honestly, had a very negative opinion of them. That is simply their duty. They serve citizens every day that will never recognize the courageousness that it takes to protect them. Yet, we are so quick to criticize them as a whole when other senseless acts occur.
In conclusion, the divides in this country and loss of respect for those that serve us on a daily basis has led us to this point. There is no way to deny or cover up this matter of fact. We have simply lost focus of these core issues. Instead, we push personal and political agendas to further fuel the fire. Next time you see a police officer out at lunch, buy their meal. If you see them at your neighborhood gas station, thank them. Let’s build a better understanding and respect for law enforcement and the sacrifices they make every day.
