Opinion
Be safe. Stay Strong.
June 4, 2020 • THE VILLAGER | PAGE 5
OPINION
complaints against department police officers. The study was for the Criminal Justice Department of the U of M. After analyzing over 650 specific complaints, a significant finding was that over 30% of the complaints were against two officers in a police force of over 2200 police officers. The study appears to confirm the bad apple theory. I did not, at that time, understand the deep-seeded code of silence conduct or the ramifications of this conduct. It is imperative that police officers begin to understand that their systemic bias toward black
citizens, or any citizen of color or low socio-economic status is contributing to the discourse of this country. True reform on policing procedures require better and more comprehensive screening of police applicants, better training practices and improved accountability of police department leadership and government officials who have the ultimate authority over law enforcement. Racism, economic prejudice, and selective enforcement within this nation’s law enforcement community can no longer be tolerated. Justice for all is not a hollow principle.
You want to riot? I’ll give you something to riot about!
our dollars. What are the odds this will be done? How about 100,000 to 1? Past that, we need to reconsider those whom we elect to public office. We should favor candidates who favor America—at all levels of government. You get the idea. Good luck!
A murder in Minneapolis
In the last several weeks, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, have died by the hands of law enforcement. These examples of police brutality to primarily African Americans have brought together a multi-racial coalition of concerned citizens demanding justice and reform within the ranks of law enforcement professionals. I support these protests. I do not support the violence or de-
BY ROBERT WALLACE MEYER
Must we torch and loot a couple of great American cities each time a black person is killed by police, or even by another citizen in self- defense? Over that same Memorial Day weekend, folks shot over thirty, killing ten, in Chicago as reported. No outrage there, so just what exactly is to be gained by destroying yet another city before the wheels of justice have even begun to turn? Worse yet, the latest corona virus statistics indicate that over one-hundred thousand Americans have died in the past several months from that dread disease. Is it safe to say that most, if not all, who died in this way suffered a more lengthy and painful death than the man killed by police? Perhaps not, but that would be a pretty safe bet for the most part. It is reported that one’s lungs fill with fluid and the result is similar to drowning for several days. Which fate would you pick? Well, neither, willingly. But the one would seem to be much, much worse if we have to think about it. And think about it, we should, though nothing we can do or not do will ever bring Mr. Floyd back among us. No burning buildings, looted stores, or angry chanting will do one single thing to bring him back. We may only hope and pray that whatever we do will help prevent future occurrences of this nature. The four officers responsible for Mr. Floyd’s death should pay a price. That price should reflect a sober, measured evaluation of our laws rather than a rabid, destructive lust for vengeance. That is the way of our great country and I would not have it otherwise. What, then must we do with the whole country of China? The actions of their leaders in not permitting travel within their own country showed that they knew and realized the deadly effects of their virus. The fact that they allowed outgoing flights to Europe, (esp. Italy) America, and other destinations showed a callous disregard for human life that cries out for a re-
struction of property which are becoming all too prevalent. As a Viet Nam veteran, I fought to protect the freedom to protest. I too, participated in protests. But NOT the destruction of property. The increased availability of cell phones has allowed citizens to record the actions of police officers who overstep the legal constraints that protect citizens’ constitutional rights when confronted by the police.
sponse. Over 100,000 lives lost so far. Over sixteen times the losses at Pearl Harbor and 9-11 combined! And the beat goes on, as we shall certainly lose far more than that. Moreover, our skies now have less
While most law enforcement officers adhere to the rules and procedures established by their departments, there are some who slip through the cracks and abuse their powers. One of the reasons that these law enforcement officers can avoid being held accountable for their abusive behaviors is the fact that they are protected by fellow officers who adhere to a code of silence. As a student at the University of Minnesota in 1970, I was allowed unfettered access to the Internal Affairs Department of the Minneapolis Police Department to study the police brutality
airplanes, our roads less cars, our businesses less customers—while our government incurs more liabilities and debt. What can we as observant Americans hope to do in response? We may elect to purchase
nothing made in China. NO—thing! Try for “Made in America”. Failing that, find another country to favor with our business. Failing that, consider doing without. We may thusly, peacefully, reflect our concerns by voting with
Safer at Home COUNTY FACILITIES HAVE BEGUN REOPENING Arapahoe County buildings and departments are continuing to reopen to the public. Most services are available by appointment only, and new health and safety practices are being deployed at all facilities. Visit arapahoegov.com/covid19 Telephone Town Hall Thursday, June 4 @ 7 p.m. Ask questions and get updates on COVID-19 and other developments in Arapahoe County. Visit arapahoegov.com/townhall
6ft Find Open Spaces Near You Get outdoors, recreate responsibly, and enjoy the spaces that you make possible with the one-quarter cent Sales and Use Tax. Visit arapahoegov.com/openspaces
Colorado PEAK If you need financial or benefits assistance during this crisis, Arapahoe County Human Services and Colorado PEAK can help. Visit Colorado.gov/PEAK A/D Works! Let Arapahoe/Douglas Works! work for you. Access COVID-19 resources for jobs, housing, businesses and more. Visit ADWorks.org or call 303-636-1160
arapahoegov.com