Action Alert, Upcoming Holiday Gift Guide, and My New Role

And a sobering message from a veteran

Thanking our military veterans for their selflessness is always the right thing to do. On Veterans Day and every day. Another solid way to show our gratitude for their sacrifice? Demonstrating love for our country.

Tragically, patriotism remains at a record low, especially among younger Americans. This is a problem going forward. If you don’t love something, you don’t care about it and are disinclined to fight for it. At a time when we’re facing a growing number of global threats we need more patriots, not fewer.

(The image above was taken at the WWII Memorial in Washington, D.C.)

In a recent video of a WWII veteran expressing his thoughts on the current state of our country, Rob Smith (veteran, patriot, author, and news commentator) had this to say:

“This 100-year-old WWII Veteran has a sobering message for the state of America today. We are in trouble. America is in need of a national revival. We need more patriotism, more love of country, and fewer imports who despise this country and its values.”

The truth is, the United State has become unrecognizable to many of us.

Take what happened in New York City last evening, as rioters were able to close down Grand Central without much pushback. It speaks to our nation’s brokenness. In a healthy, functioning country that values the rule of law and the well-being of its citizens, this would never be allowed to happen.

Taken at the opulent Grand Central in NYC. As recently as a few years ago, I was comfortable walking around Manhattan, even in the evenings.

The following are insights from law enforcement professionals, including veterans of NYPD. Note that I crossed out the profanity for anyone who may be sensitive to it.

“Spitting on Cops and 0 Enforcement. Yet in Staten Island, residents protesting illegal immigration shelters are arrested for jaywalking.” —John Macari, retired NYPD lieutenant

“NYPD learned from 2020 that if they arrest rioters they'll be internally investigated and punished while the City gives the rioters big checks. This is what leadership wants.” —National Police Association

“Where. The. Fxxx. Is. The. NYPD???? How the hell is this sxxx allowed? What am I missing?? I don’t care how much cops have their hands tied by politicians. Do your job! Take back the streets! This is a riot!!” —Angel Maysonet, retired NYPD detective

When we give in to (and even reward) the whims and demands of rioters and criminal offenders, we betray the citizenry and the U.S. Constitution and cease to be a nation of laws. When that happens, we’re no longer free.

My New Role

A few weeks ago, the National Police Association (NPA) asked if I’d be willing to research and write press releases and testimonial briefs for them on a freelance basis. I leapt at the opportunity!

While I’m not looking for a career at this stage of my life, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to something important. And it gives me an upfront view to the legislation impacting police officers at both the federal and state levels.

Given that I have zero legal experience, I’m hoping I can do justice with the briefs, some of which will be used in place of oral testimony in state legislative hearings. No pressure there!

The first bill I wrote about for NPA is H.R. 5885, Honoring Police Officer and K9 Service Act of 2023. It’s a federal bill, that if enacted, would create a grant to help offset the cost of vet care for retired K9s. As an avowed animal lover, I was thrilled to write this. Police dogs, like their human counterparts, deserve the very best.

Action Alert! Legislation to Protect Our Police Officers

At the federal level, I’m focused on lobbying to get the Protect & Serve Act of 2023 (H.R. 743) passed. It’s a bill that creates a new crime for knowingly assaulting a police officer. Of the similar federal bills that have been introduced in the 118th Congress, H.R. 743 is gaining the most momentum and has the most realistic chance of passage.

If you haven’t already, please contact your U.S. representative urging action on this bill. You can use FOP’s handy online form to send a quick note. Though it takes a few moments to sign, it will make a huge different for our cops.

Pro-Police Legislation in Wisconsin

In my state of Wisconsin, I’m lobbying for a bill to increase (and preferably mandate) sentencing for assaulting a police officer. The bill I’m proposing is similar to Florida’s Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act (HB1), which was created as a preemptive response to the riots that were occurring across the country in 2020.

Earlier this year I drafted a proposal which was met with approval from Ryan Windorff, president of the Wisconsin Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). I also met with Wisconsin Senator Jesse James, who’s a retired police officer. The Senator, though receptive, said that since his colleague, Senator Van Wanggaard had introduced similar legislation in the past, that he would be the person to proceed with this type of bill going forward.

Last week I called Senator Wanggaard’s office (spoke with a staffer) to follow up. As I await a response, it would be amazing for other supporters to encourage the Senator.

If you live in Wisconsin (or know anyone who does), would you be please help? You can customize your own letter or if preferred, copy and paste the following.

Dear Senator Wanggaard,

As you know, attacking a policer officer in our state, per Wisconsin 940.203, is a Class H felony. If convicted, offenders face a maximum of six years in prison (three years of those are extended supervision), a $10 thousand dollar fine, or both. This sentencing is inadequate given the seriousness of the crime. And because of the politicization of some district attorneys’ offices, crimes against police officers are even being ignored, as we witnessed in Madison during the summer of 2020.

It’s why I urge you to consider authoring a bill similar to Florida’s Combatting Violence, Disorder and Looting and Law Enforcement Protection Act (HB1), enacted in 2021. One of the components of this law is mandatory sentencing for striking a police officer. At a time when violence directed at police officers continues to rise, we need laws that will create penalties to match the severity of these crimes; and that will send a resounding message that crimes against our defenders will not be tolerated.  

I look forward to hearing back. Thank you for your time.

I’m working on a petition to make it easier for people to participate. For now, please send a polite and factual email to Senator Wanggaard at Sen.Wanggaard@legis.wisconsin.gov.

Want to Be Included in My Holiday Gift Guide?

I’m curating a law enforcement holiday gift-giving guide to help support those who, in some way, give back to policing. It will include businesses and organizations that either support law enforcement or are managed by law enforcement.

Here’s who’s eligible to be included:

• Current and retired police officers who offer wares or giftable services (they don’t have to be law enforcement-themed).

• Family and loved ones of current or retired police officers who offer giftable wares or services. Again, they don’t have to be police-related.

• Businesses not run by current or retired police officers that offer law enforcement-themed wares or services and who give back to policing; for example, via donations to police charities.

• Non-profit (501(c)(3) organizations that serve police officers (human or animal) and that offer a way for people to gift memberships.

Know anyone who fits this list? Inclusion is completely free (I don’t make a dime from my police advocacy or this newsletter) so there’s no risk involved.

If interested, just send me an email at fortheblue@substack.com.

Keep the faith. There’s still goodness in the world. : )

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For the Blue is a solutions-based initiative. I’m just an American patriot asking questions. I don’t work with any political party and I answer to nobody. For me, the health of the nation, due process (including for police officers), the rule of law, and respect for individual liberties, will always transcend party affiliation. I welcome your thoughts, even if you disagree; though personal attacks will be ignored. You can reach me at fortheblue@substack.com.