Another

There is no excuse. None.  For any form, in any way, at any time. 

I do realize that I live out in a country area, sheltered somewhat on a one lane, dead end, dirt road. I say somewhat because there have been issues over the course of time. I also know that the possibility of more happening is there, simply because people live and visit here. I grew up on this road, I have spent the better part of my life on this road, I know the history, no one human knows the future.

 Growing up here gave us a special sort of protected peace. During our childhood there was only four houses on this road. We had the run of it. There was no reason to fear anything other than the occasional snake, or not coming when called. That was a long time ago. Now there are many more homes and even a few apartments on this road. Things have been stolen. People have had disagreements. The police have been called many times. Yet, we are still somewhat safe, somewhat protected. There is still a lot of family here, and family looks out for each other. Okay, we have the protected thing explained , what is that all about? What does that have to do with the no excuse comment? 

Early today, I saw where another local police officer was killed in the line of duty. That makes two in less than a week. Two officers, both young at twenty-five, who will forever be, twenty-five. Both, doing what they had been hired to do, uphold the law. Both, with the belief that this was their calling. The thing they were meant to be doing, protecting citizens from those who seek to do harm. Both, have had their lives cut short.

There is no excuse.

 We seem to have become a society which does not hold life precious. All life, any life. It seems as if it has become very easy to bring harm even unto death, to others. We forget, that other person, that living, breathing, thinking, person, has a life. They have a family, parents, friends, coworkers. They have a purpose. Some may not be following the road that would be best for them, but it is a life. We forget that every life, born and not yet born, have a right to exist and live to see their life through to a ripe old age.

 Just because a person wears a police uniform, that does not make them less. They are not less than human. They are not less important. They are not less, they are more.

More, because they do put on that uniform and go out knowing that they may not go home that night. They put on that uniform after having gone through extensive training on how to protect civilians and how to protect themselves. Yes, some do go bad or have faults that cause issues. Those are few and the “good” officers dislike the bad as much as we do.  Just putting on that uniform though, does not make them bad. 

It doesn’t matter the department either. From the sheriff and deputies, to the city, county, state, all are important. All have a purpose and they work hard to carry them out. They are here, for us. Trying to protect and defend. Trying to help when the bad guys have decided that they need your stuff more than you do. Trying to respectfully direct traffic as you take a loved one to a final resting place. There for the domestic disputes, the club brawls, the wrecks on the highway. And..yes..tickets. (That one is for you son)

Its so simple. If you don’t do the crime, you shouldn’t be bothered. And yes, I do know of the term profiling. I know it happens, you know it happens, its wrong, but it happens. There are also the times when innocent person A, looks exactly like bad person B. The police don’t know person A is innocent until they talk to them, check out their story. Innocent person A, understand, stay calm, act like a rational, intelligent person and all will be settled.

Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot. Don’t shoot. 

So you’re someone who has done something not so smart. You broke into a home, you beat up a stranger, you drove intoxicated. You see the police coming. I know, it is impossible or near impossible to think rationally, but try. An assault charge, a burglary charge is a lot shorter than a murder charge. Or, as in the case of the second incident, death. If you shoot at a police officer, they are going to shoot back.

 Now, after this last week, two young officers are dead. Their lives cut short. The good things they could have-should have, done for their communities ended. Their family and friends will forever mourn the loss. There will always be that empty spot at the table. How many times, will they stand and stare off into space, wishing beyond wishing they could see them, talk to them one more time? How often will they think of the possibilities of the good things, these two men could have brought to their community? Not just as police officers, but as men.

 One man is in jail waiting trial for murder. One man is dead. He not only shot and killed one officer and wounded another, he opened fire on other officers on the scene.

There is no excuse. None. 

Yes, there are those who are homeless and seek to provide for themselves through thievery. Not all mind you.

There are those who have addictions to chemical substances. So they steal to feed the habit.

There are those, who see an easy target and a fast buck.

The list is endless. All are wrong, none should happen.

A home or business owner is going to try and protect what is theirs. What they have worked so hard to accomplish for so long. As a society, as a people, we need to seek out ways to help the addicted and homeless. As family, we need to teach our children respect. Not just for the law, but for other people. Respect the property of others. We can stop this, if and when we find ways to work together. When we stop seeing life as disposable. When we learn respect.

As it is, two young officers are dead. Lost to this life. Lost to their families. Because someone chose to shoot, another life, is lost. We need to find a way to stop this, before we lose yet another.