Law and Order is Making a Comeback. That Doesn't Mean We Can Get Complacent

Plus new legislation (one state, one federal) and a free online course you might like

This election was in part, a referendum on public safety. In deep blue California, voters resoundingly passed Prop. 36, which restores tough penalties for drug crimes and theft. Across the country, the electorate rejected 12 of the 25 Soros-backed district attorneys running for office.

One of those who lost his re-election bid is Los Angeles district attorney George Gascón, whose policy directives included prohibiting prosecutors from filing sentence enhancements or requesting cash bail for misdemeanors and “non-serious” felonies, even for defendants with lengthy criminal records.

The law-abiding of this nation have had enough.

At the Federal Level

Republicans regained all three branches of federal government. To me, this means we have an opportunity to get some solid pro-police and -public safety legislation passed.

My focus at the federal level is on bills that do the following:

• Penalize crimes committed against police officers;

• Promote officer well-being;

• Protect qualified immunity;

• Incentivize district attorneys to prosecute actual crimes.

Bills were introduced for each of these areas in the 118th Congress, but with the exception of the Protect and Serve Act H.R. 743 / S. 4258), they failed to gain traction.

Tempering our Expectations

Generally speaking, Republicans are more pro-law enforcement than Democrats. This is not a subjective, political, or judgment statement. Most every pro-law enforcement and public safety bill in Congress in recent years has been introduced by a Republican.

Conversely, bills seeking to do things like limit qualified immunity protections and lower the criminal intent standard (the result being that officers could be prosecuted for making good faith mistakes) have originated from Democrats.

There are, of course, exceptions in both groups, and I will work with any legislator who wants to advance public safety in good faith, regardless of their politics.

While I’m feeling optimistic heading into 2025, I also keep in front of me that Republican support for pro- law and order bills has not been unequivocal. Last year, for example, Rep. Jim Jordan, House Judiciary Committee chair, was forced to table H.R. 743 because a “group of Republicans on the committee told him they would oppose the legislation.”

It’s a mistake, IMO, to think our journey forward will be a breeze. We may be on a better path than we have been, but we’re still a long way from returning to a place where officer morale has been restored, good men and women feel comfortable embracing law enforcement as a profession, and law-abiding citizens feel confident that the justice system is working on their behalf.

You’ll be a vital part of making this happen.

New Legislation

New York State Bill: Peanut’s Law

You’ve undoubtedly read about P’Nut the squirrel and Fred the raccoon, who were euthanized in New York by government officials. Even the Wall Street Journal penned a piece about it.

“New York can’t keep the subways safe, the mentally ill attack random pedestrians on the streets, and the Manhattan district attorney won’t prosecute many nonviolent crimes. But house a pet squirrel, and the state’s bureaucrats will come down on you like you’re a menace to society.”

I’m appalled not just as a life-long animal lover, but as someone who is concerned about government overreach and the tyranny of the majority.

It’s why I was pleased to see that a New York assemblyman introduced Peanut’s Law: Humane Animal Protection Act. Though I’m still in the process of gaining intel on this bill, it would essentially ensure due process for wildlife sanctuary owners and humane treatment for rescued animals.

Trooper Werner Foerster, photo from National Police Association

The Frank Connor and Trooper Werner Foerster Justice Act (S. 5117)

This bill was crafted by Sen. Marco Rubio (FL), our next Secretary of State, and I suspect it will be re-introduced in the next Congress.

It mandates that fugitives who’ve committed crimes in the U.S. and have since been granted asylum in Cuba, be deported here to face justice.

There are reportedly more than 90 fugitives thought to be receiving asylum in Cuba, including Joanne Chesimard, who was convicted of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster, and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Another victim was Frank Connor, who was killed in a bomb attack by William “Guillermo” Morales, who is also a suspect in other bomb-related attacks on American soil.

I’ve spoken with Frank Connor’s son, Joe, who has remained steadfast in his fight to find justice for his father and other victims. He has a riveting new documentary, which will soon be streaming on Newsmax (You can watch the trailer here).

He has also co-written a book called Shattered Lives: Overcoming the Fraunces Tavern Terror, which as of this writing is free with Kindle Unlimited.

Joe is someone who has turned his profound grief into making a real difference. He’s a true inspiration to us all.

Free Online Course: Marxism, Socialism, and Communism

Despite what elitists in government and the halls of academia may say, there is nothing redeemable about socialism or its counterparts: communism and Marxism. They try to sell it as some sort of Camelot, where everyone is provided for. Oh so bohemian.

What these forms of government really do is breed oppression, poverty, fear, paranoia, subservience to the government, and conformity. As someone whose grandparents immigrated from eastern Europe to escape communist rule (and who’s been to Poland when it was still occupied by the then-USSR) I can attest to this.

If you find this topic intriguing, you might be interested in Hillsdale College’s new self-paced, completely free, online course: Marxism, Socialism, and Communism. Their other courses have been top-notch, IMO, and I expect this one to be of similar quality. Now I just need to pencil in time to take the course. : )

Note: I get absolutely nothing for sharing this link with you.

Parting Thoughts

We’re in a much better starting position than we were at this time last year, and not just because of the political realignment. Given the crime surges, I think at least some Americans have a new-found interest in public safety issues.

Plus our network has expanded to include Independent Woman (one of the nation’s leading women’s organizations) and other groups.

That said, we still need more people willing to get involved in our arduous fight to support police officers and restore public safety.

We launched the new Independent Women’s police and public safety action center this past year!

In the coming year, I will be calling on you to lobby your legislators, write op-eds, make phone calls, help with tabling at events, and such.

Although the majority of the country rejected lawlessness this past election, sentiments are subject to change with time. We need to get solid legislation passed now, so that it’ll be in place regardless of which way the pendulum swings.

Thanks for your support!

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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.