In The News

---

BLACK AND BLUE

Our attention has recently been drawn to two black youths killed by police officers. Then subsequently the shooting of two policemen. These are high profile instances of a continuing violent confrontation.
This situation recalls when serving in the military during World War II. I was on guard duty at a rail head, with the instruction not to allow anyone entrance unless duly authorized. It was late at night, when I saw a person walking toward me. I called out, "Advance and be recognized." He continued as if oblivious to my challenge. I called out again, and he failed to answer. At this, I clicked the safety on my firearm. It could be heard in the still of the night. At which, the intruded pleaded that I not shoot him, and then complied with my instruction.
Thus primed, several observations seem in order. (1) We should respect the sanctity of life. On the one hand, not to provoke those entrusted with providing security. On the other,practice restraint in dealing with perceived offenders.
(2) The police are often under duress in discharging their duties. Qualifications aside, they should receive the appreciation and support of the general public.
(3) While the perceived offender may be struggling with problems unknown to those observing them. So that we attempt to deal with symptoms rather than the underlying problems. As when we fail to recognize the critical importance of the family.
(4) We would do better to play the race card on relatively rare occasions. It is better to emphasize the gains we have made rather than that which remains to be accomplished.
(5) The issue over just compensation for past injustice is very difficult to assess. In any case, a person should be judged on his or her individual merits.
(6) Finally, the black and blue issue (color of the police uniform) calls for us to employ creative means to bring about constructive solutions. Such as may be attributed to our being created in God's image. Or so it seem to one now far removed from his World War II recollections.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE