Thoughts on “cop bashing”
Lately I’ve noticed a tendency on certain internet communities to bash all law enforcement officers for the actions of some. This is a worrisome trend and although I understand WHY folks distrust people in uniform it is something that needs to be addressed. It does not behoove a fair man to use of a broad brush in characterizing any group of people. Yes, there is a disturbing trend in our law enforcement circles to take upon themselves powers not granted to them by the US Constitution. And yes there is a disturbing trend towards militarization of our police forces. And yes there is a disturbing trend towards an “Us vs Them” attitude amongst those who are charged with enforcing our society’s laws. However, there are also many good men who wear the uniform and who put their lives on the line daily in an attempt to reign in the criminal element that lives amongst us.
Over the years I’ve seen abuses committed by people in other walks of life as well. The priest, preacher or other religious figure who abuses his position for personal gain or sexual gratification is beneath contempt. The teacher or professor who hands out good grades in exchange for sexual favors is likewise the scum of the earth. And yet we realize that these are the exceptions to the rule. In the same way, the person who utilizes a firearm to commit a crime is despicable – but in no way is he representative of the majority of the gun owning public.
Just as in any profession, the bad apple gets the press. Those who use a badge to bully and intimidate are the ones who get all the attention. What about those who are doing their best to do the right thing?
The old adage of “walk a mile in their shoes” is one that we should take into consideration. When the cop pulls over a vehicle he doesn’t know if he’s going to find a parish priest late to mass, a soccer mom talking on a phone or a serial killer with a gun in hand and a corpse in the trunk – or just John Q. Public with a chip on his shoulder and disdain for the man behind the badge. The cop, by the very nature of his job, gets to focus in on the seamier side of life. His job is to deal with those who break the law. And since that is what he sees the most, he may very well begin to believe that ALL people are that way. This does not excuse him, but it does help one to understand WHY he has become what he has become.
Some of my friends are either currently serving in law enforcement or have been in law enforcement. To a man they are honest citizens who’s only concern is to do a good job and get home at night to the wife and kids – alive. I believe they are representative of the majority of law enforcement. And my friends are NOT the ones who will kick down doors to enforce anti-constitutional laws and mandates. However, they are also members of smaller town and city departments where folks still have the basic values upon which our nation was founded.
We are at a critical time in our nation’s history. For too long we have sought to improve our society via human philosophies rather than solid Godly principles. And we are reaping the results thereof. We’ve taught folks that there is no personal responsibility and then wonder why our corts are clogged with “not my fault” suits. We have taught that criminals have more rights than tax paying citizens and then wonder why our streets run red with blood. We turn repeat violent offenders out on the streets and punish the law abiding for the crimes the perps commit.
In other words, the perceived problems in law enforcement circles are mere symptoms of the greater ills suffered throughout our entire society. Rather than bashing all police officers for the actions of the over zealous and overbearing jack booted thugs that some are, why not seek positive steps to turn our nation back to a better time? We need good men to step up and fill the ranks of our legislative, executive and judicial branches of government on all levels. We need good men to step forward and fill the ranks of law enforcement and military positions. We need good men to step forward and fill the ranks of our educational establishments. The problem is that there are fewer and fewer good men because too many have taken the position that there’s no such thing as good and bad.
The problem is that we bash law enforcement for the ills that our entire society are guilty of. Instead of scapegoating all cops for the actions of those who abuse their position, why don’t we take responsibility for the changes that we as individuals can make in society – and make a difference by our example?
Posted in