Progress is Being Made for Cops, a Renewed Sense of Hope + Other Thoughts

What's on YOUR mind?

A lot of us are on edge these days, deeply concerned about the trajectory of our nation. If you have kids, this feeling is likely amplified. You have a right to be concerned. Our country is most certainly not in a healthy place and the path we’re on is unsustainable.

As desperate as the situation is, I do believe there’s hope for us yet. I’ll explain why in a second, plus share some other thoughts on my mind.

What are you thinking? I opened up discussion for this post because I’d love to know, even if we happen to disagree. I respect all ideas that come from a place of sincerity.

All Americans Deserve Equal Protection

While the details surrounding the attack on Paul Pelosi are still in question (fellow Substack writer offers an even-handed summary on this case), it illustrates the uneven application of the law.

Pelosi’s alleged attacker is being held without bail pending hearing. As it should be for anyone who commits a serious crime.

Yet ordinary Americans are being victimized every day, in large part, because violent suspects are released onto the streets, free to re-offend without fear of consequence. Incidentally, the Illinois SAFE-T Act, which in part, ends cash bail, goes into effect in January. While I’ve heard the arguments for ending cash bail, I also wonder how many more crime victims this will create.

When it comes to public safety and application of the law, we all deserve equal protection, regardless of our backgrounds, status, or personal likeability. It’s the only way the system can work. We live in the United States of America, not a monarchy.

The False “Crime is Down” Narrative

I stumbled upon the following Tweet yesterday.

Mona Charen @monacharen

Other than murder, violent crime is not up. Did you know that? Violent crime is a key midterm voting issue, but what does the data say?

pewrsr.chViolent crime is a key midterm voting issue, but what does the data say?With Election Day approaching, here’s a closer look at voter attitudes on violent crime and an analysis of the nation’s violent crime rate.

Here’s my reply:

For the Blue @FortheBlue1

@monacharen A couple things. Not all crime is being recorded. In Chicago, for example, about 52% of high priority calls were not answered in 2021. Second, these ratings are based on national scores. Crime has surged in cities like Chicago, Milwaukee, & NYC.

Though statistics are useful in identifying trends and patterns, they’re also one-dimensional.

And given that not all crimes are being reported, these statistics are likely incomplete. In Chicago, for example, Wirepoints found that due to crushing police staffing issues, officers were unavailable to respond to about 52 percent of the high-priority calls dispatched in 2021. Yes, you read that number correctly.

These approximate 407,000 callers may have never made it onto a statistics log, but they are still likely victims of crime.

Taken at the Independent Women’s Network annual gala in October. (I’m the taller one. : )

Making Progress for Police Officers: Women Will Be a Driving Force

An opinion piece I penned for the Independent Women’s Network (more op-eds for other pubs are in the works!) went live yesterday. This piece encourages women to take the lead in supporting law enforcement, and offers meaningful ways to do this.

After all,

“As a group, women are more vulnerable to certain types of violent crimes, including domestic abuse, human trafficking, stalking, and rape. Without a solid blue line comprised of men and women who are supported by elected officials and the public they serve, women risk becoming victimized in greater numbers.”

Collectively, women have a strong voice, which up to now has not been well expressed on issues of policing and public safety. Which is why I look forward to forging partnerships with other women on these issues.

In fact, as a result of this piece, a Wisconsin state senator reached out to me with interest in the law & order bill I’ll be meeting with another senator about in a couple weeks. (Can’t wait to tell you all about it!)

A Renewed Sense of Hope?

The past couple of years have taken a toll on most of us - and it’s weakened our country. Between the ongoing riots; cops being told to stand down (leaving us feeling abandoned and betrayed); a wide open border; an opioid crisis; growing threats to our country; Big Tech interference; and a festering civil war, it’s easy to feel distraught. And when you’re in the midst of such a crisis, it’s difficult to see a silver lining.

Despite all of this, I sense something great evolving in this country: American patriots of all ethnicities and backgrounds uniting for the good of the country.

Because regardless of our backgrounds and differences, many of us value the freedoms that the United States offers - the freedom to speak and think freely without harm or repercussions; the freedom to live our lives peacefully as we each determine without government interference; and the freedom to walk on our own streets without fear of being assaulted, raped, robbed, or killed.

We can’t experience these freedoms without a strong, well-trained police presence. It’s why I advocate for law enforcement.

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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.