Crystal Blue Persuasion - When the Law Walks

 'Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness... ' Inalienable rights of the American citizen defined in the Declaration of Independence. Entrenched it is in the memory of impossible dreams that became a reality as a fledgling, cold and ill-equipped army stood with God and faced the most powerful military force on the planet, and won. It was the humble beginning of the city on the hill whose beckoning light would shine for more than 240 years, penetrating the darkness of humanity through the will, strength and faith of her people. This is America... the champion, the defender, the caregiver to those who cannot see the light. God's hands reach out through the touch of America; it is the land of the free, the hope of humanity, still. Liberty is precious and walks hand in hand with law enforcement.

America became a beacon of hope around the world through her law and order foundation. This example created an environment that announces to all who reach her shores that this land is not only a free land but a safe harbor for all who gather to support her. It is the home of the brave through the efforts of her military abroad and law enforcement at home. Her citizens depend on them; so deeply is this entrenched in the minds of Americans that rarely a thought is given to how they will perform or if they will win. They will be the best that is possible as they always have. They are the first response that protect the freedom of a nation like none other.

Why then have her people turned their backs on those who willingly gave all, who knowingly donned a mantle that may require them to trade their own personal dreams for the safety and security of strangers who may never appreciate their sacrifice? How did confusion detour her people and their perception that the world they lived in was an opportunity to be an exceptional example that still lights the darkest path? What was it that allowed the darkness of bitterness and hatred to be extended to those who serve to protect the liberty they love? There is a profound loss of respect for one another and the value of human life that permeates that darkness.

It is impossible to discern which came first; did the people disrespect the law of the land and those who uphold it or did the purveyors of justice disrespect the people who then rose up and defied their laws? It is a worthy pursuit for the historians to define. Meanwhile, our law enforcement has been handcuffed.

They stand trained and prepared to do their duty while fearing to do so lest they cross some imaginary boundary of correctness or become the victim of someone's ill trained camera phone that selectively records a story they wish to promote. Body cameras have become the best opportunity for these public servants who are now required to defend every action taken. For the most part, they take the right best actions. When they don't, those same laws that protect us convict them, as they should.

Worse still are the enormous sums of money that one can earn by posting the murder of police officers on public media sites that 'go viral.' This invites gangs and even terrorist organizations to set these murders into motion as a fundraiser. America needs a new law; one that makes it a felony offense to reward anyone who posts the murder of any law enforcement officer onto any media site. These are the kinds of actions that restore order.

We must take the cuffs off our law enforcement who maintain order in our streets. When they are afraid to act they have effectively walked; when they walk, liberty walks with them.