Bootlicker? No, Concerned American.

Plus a new pro-police bill

Law enforcement is not a cause you take on to maintain the status quo or to be universally admired. Quite the contrary. Like others who speak out truthfully about controversial issues, I’ve been harassed, marginalized, and have lost friends. In fact, staff members at a wildlife rescue I’d been fundraising for on a volunteer basis had disassociated with me because of my dedication to this issue. (That one hurt.)

And I can’t count the number of times I’ve been called a bootlicker . . . and worse. Umm, no. My first priorities are to my country, my Creator, and my conscience.

This is not a profit center for me; I’m completely self-funded. I’m not looking for fame, wealth, to be an influencer, or for the promise of a career.

Defending police officers has been, for me, the right thing to do. I started on this road back in 2015 when my local police department and its chief were unfairly under fire. The officers I had gotten to know, mostly via community meetings (my husband, Steve, ran the most successful neighborhood watch in the city), were nothing like what the critics, demonstrators, elected officials, and media were portraying.

I felt compelled to say something . . . and do something. I still feel this way. Because I believe most police officers are decent men and women who want to make a difference for their communities. It’s also difficult to see how we move forward as a civilized nation without a solid blue line - especially given the new threats facing our nation.

Cops have one of the most demanding, stressful, thankless jobs in the country. They’re dehumanized and face unchecked hostility on the regular. Like the rest of us, they’re human. They get sad and grumpy, have bad days, and are subject to making good-faith mistakes.

This is why it’s essential to be empathetic to their situation and to cut them some slack, when appropriate. We should also push back when good officers are attacked or zealously indicted for enforcing the law when it’s performed in line with their training and the U.S. Constitution.

What I will never support, however, is the politicization of the badge, abuse of power, or the selective enforcement of laws.

Couldn’t have stated it better than retired law enforcement officer, Paul Manicone.

Nothing, I repeat, nothing will alienate the law-abiding public more quickly than these types of displays. That, and making excuses for lawbreakers because it’s perceived as the popular thing to say.

Bottom line: If you place politics or career advancement before your oath or otherwise discredit the badge, you’re on your own. I advocate solely for the men and women of law enforcement who do their jobs in good faith. If this describes you, I’ve got your six.

At the National Law Enforcement Memorial, Washington, D.C.

New Legislative Alert!

Two U.S. representatives introduced a bill to Congress to fund community memorials honoring police officers, firefighters, and members of the U.S. military. It’s called the Remembering Our Local Heroes Act (H.R. 5318).

Law enforcement memorials provide a meaningful and lasting way to honor police officers and demonstrate support, which is especially critical in this environment. Building and maintaining these memorials, however, can be cost-prohibitive, especially for smaller organizations. This bill, if enacted, will help close that gap.

Please see my presser on behalf of the National Police Association for more information about this bill.

The Protect & Serve Act Continues to Gain Momentum!

The Protect & Serve Act (H.R. 743) gained a new co-sponsor this past week with Rep. Brendan F. Boyle (PA-1), for a total of 91 signatures!

A huge shout-out to those of you who’ve called and written to your congressperson. It really is making a difference! Please contact your congressperson if you haven’t already, urging co-sponsorship of this bill. If short on time, you can use FOP’s convenient form.

I also just penned a piece for my women’s network urging members to take action. Here’s an excerpt:

“This bill isn’t a panacea, and it will take more than a signature to reverse all the damage that’s been done to policing. It does, however, send an unequivocal message that attacks on officers of the law won’t be tolerated. When police officers are safe and supported, they’re in a better position to keep us free from harm and to protect our civil liberties.”

This bill is a priority for For the Blue. I’m monitoring it closely and am actively working to see that it gets passed.

See you next time. Best. : )

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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.