Cops Aren't Political Currency; Progress on Capitol Hill; a New Federal Bill
And great things happen when we collaborate
This past week, Senate Democrats introduced a resolution condemning the pardons of those found guilty of assaulting U.S. Capitol officers on January 6. I haven’t had the time to study every report from that day to determine if the punishment already meted out matches the severity of each given offense.
As someone who actively advocates for police officers, however, I believe that the offense of harming any officer should be penalized to the fullest extent allowed by law.
Regardless of the politics, ideologies, or opinions held by the suspected offender.
Politics should never, ever play even the slightest role in determining someone’s guilt or punishment. This is not just me saying this. The U.S. Constitution includes a clause that clearly states all citizens are entitled to equal treatment under the law. Subverting this damages the foundation of our country and breeds resentment.
With this in mind, what I’d ask the sponsor, co-sponsors, and supporters of this resolution is this:
Where has their righteous indignation been as a record number (in the tens of thousands annually) of state and local police officers have been shot at, ambushed, stabbed, punched, kicked, spit on, mowed over with cars, and attacked with chemical weaponry?
Police officers aren’t pawns to be propped up when it’s politically expedient to do so.
Some of the same elected officials decrying assaults on one set of officers have been party to demoralizing another set of officers, including via:
Not supporting key bills designed to support officers, like the Protect and Serve Act, Protect Local Law Enforcement Act, and Improving Law Enforcement Officer Safety and Wellness Through Data Act, to name just a few;
Supporting rogue district attorneys who wrongfully indict cops;
Publicly vilifying a police officer before the evidence has been studied;
Staying silent during -and even supporting- the defund the police movement.
(So you know, I’ve been quite critical of Republicans, too.)
These men and women are sworn to protect each of us, regardless of our politics and personal opinions.
We can, and should, return the favor by treating them with dignity and respect becoming of their role as representatives of the U.S. Constitution. Part of this means not using them as political currency because it’s expedient or beneficial.
The Thin Blue Line Act (S. 83) Has Been Re-introduced in the U.S. Senate
Earlier this year, Sen. Ted Cruz (TX) re-introduced the Thin Blue Line Act (S. 83), a bill that would amend Title 18 of the U.S. Code to make the murder or attempted murder of a local or state police officer an aggravating factor, eligible for the federal death penalty.
Under current law, the federal death penalty clause applies only in cases where an offender has killed or attempted to kill a federal law enforcement officer. The Thin Blue Line Act would expand this list to include state and local police officers, as well as local prosecutors and other first responders.
This bill is in response to the record number of assaults being perpetrated on police officers in recent years. Although policing is an inherently dangerous profession, officers are now being targeted simply for wearing a uniform.
The Thin Blue Line Act is a powerful bill that sends a resounding message, and the National Police Association supports it. You can read more about this bill here.
Progress Being Made on the Hill
Much of my advocacy time is spent lobbying for law enforcement and public safety bills at the federal level. Because, as I’ve mentioned in previous posts, we have two years or less to get solid bills in place, so there’s a sense of urgency.
We’re fortunate to have a solid, new partner with Bert Eyler and his organizations, one of which is the National Center for Police Defense. Because Bert is based near D.C., he has an opportunity to meet with federal legislators on a regular basis.
He supports many of the same bills we support. One of these is the National Police Association-proposed bill called the Police Officer Self-Defense Protection Act, which would protect officers from rogue prosecutions while preserving accountability.
I’ve been in communication with a U.S. senator’s office who has shown interest in this (and other) key bills, and Bert will be meeting with them next week.
Beautiful things happen for law enforcement and public safety when we work together towards a common goal. This is most definitely a team effort.
Progress Being Made on the Ground
In the past, I’ve told you about some of the partnerships I’ve been working to establish, including with Independent Women’s Network (I helped found their police and public safety action center) and the Gianno Caldwell Institute for Public Safety.
The beauty of networking is that with each new relationship formed, you have an opportunity to meet even more groups and individuals with similar priorities. I met two such people this morning during a Zoom call that I’m quite excited about, especially given that one of these women helps lead a national organization with a large following.
One thing I’ll be discussing with my new and established partners is a proposed event I’m hoping to host later this year. Once plans have been confirmed, you’ll be among the first to know. : )
Life is Fleeting
There has been so much tragedy in our collective lives as of late, most recently with news of the horrific air crash near Reagan Airport. During my Zoom call this morning I learned that a woman in my network knew one of the passengers. It’s surreal.
All of these lives, all this potential, were gone in an instant. No advanced notice, no opportunity to say their good-byes. Their families and loved ones will forever be scarred. And the first responders -human beings with human emotions- who are picking up the pieces, are undoubtedly profoundly affected.
None of us are immune from demise, and it’s something I try to keep in front of me, especially now that I’m in my 60s. (Where has the time gone?)
While this may seem like a morbid thought, it also serves as a reminder -at least to me- of how fleeting life is.
We’re here, in large part, to serve others, to leave this planet better than how we entered it, and to grow as individuals.
Spending one’s days with a chip on one’s shoulder, in a perpetual state of bitterness, engaging in petty fights, and trying to control things that are out of our hands seems like such a waste.
A much more effective strategy that works well for me (mind you, I’m an imperfect human being) has been to try to create positive change where and when I have the opportunity. That’s really the most any one of us can do.
I love hearing from you. Let me know what you’re thinking, whether or not you agree or have something more to add. : )
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.
Amazing expose! Thanks Paula!