Always respect the Badge!
Not sure how that got lost in translation over the generations. If you do not like what's going on, respect the badge first, then sort out what you do not like using the proper channels. I do not agree with everything the police did, or did not do..... People are so naive like not knowing that police are just people working within a system. Not robots, but people, some members of the community they work in. Also I believe since they are people it is not going to be perfect, and there are flaws, abuses, and humanity will happen. There needs to be accountability for those carrying out this public service, just as we have for being responsible citizens. There is some checks and balances and more may be needed, and public outcry holds a lot of weight. It is our responsibility as free people to be involved in a positive way and teach the next generation that there is a greater community of good in most places, if not then start one or move. My Dad was a single parent in Chicago in the 70's and I was the oldest, talk about getting your arse kicked by gangs, police, schools, and everyone. He moved us to the suburbs, Glendale Heights, commuted 80 miles each day basically saving me from a fallen life when I was in the 4th grade. My Dad had my back, RIP Pops, It would have been a different story for me, not a good one if my Dad was not involved in my life very Early on. We need to be alert about what is happening in our communities, and react in a positive way to make a difference, just like riding a motorcycle. Heard a stat that there is more than 100,000 identified gang members in Chicago that deal heroin, I think that is more people than in any single branch of our military? Just think about all the other cities & how many other's are in gangs as well as the addicted that are a slave to a life of crime. The police are not the answer, we are, and it starts with respecting the badge and setting the example for doing the right thing and being accountable for when we mess up no matter who we are or the circumstance. It does suck to be on the receiving end of a Police action, especially if un-justified, but that is no excuse for you to run or ignore an officer when asked to show your ID, treat the badge with a high respect and usually it is returned in kind. If not, then a non-threatening act of self-respect usually will have a better outcome in my experience.
