Earlier today I posted Nolan Finley’s editorial on Facebook. I am also posting it here on my blog because I think it expresses what so many of us are thinking. As a parent of a federal agent, my heart goes out to the families and friends of anyone who has lost a law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty. In this case it was a cold-blooded murder. Here is Nolan Finley’s editorial in its entirety.
The cold-blooded murder of Ella French should be to Blue Lives Matter what the senseless slaying of George Floyd was to Black Lives Matter: a killing so offensive to the national conscience that it challenges us to pour into the streets and demand justice — not just for the victim, but for all like her.
French was the 29-year-old Chicago police officer who was gunned down in a traffic stop last Saturday night. Her 39-year-old partner was also shot and remains hospitalized.
She became the 46th officer feloniously killed in 2021, a 41.9% increase over the same period in 2020.
It’s a slaughter occurring in all regions of the country, and in city, suburban and rural communities.
Every cop is walking around with a target on his or her back, one that has grown bigger and brighter since the murder of Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis policeman in May of 2020.
The outrage over Floyd’s slaying was justified; the broad demonization of police officers it generated was not.
Across the country, cops were disinvited from career fairs. The social media mob pressured Hollywood to erase positive portrayals of police from cartoons and TV shows . Protesters taunted and physically abused them on the streets. Politicians scapegoated them and stripped away their numbers and funding. The message has been clear: Police are not your friend.
The tangible result of this wave of disrespect is an increase in suspects resisting arrest, fleeing and fighting with cops. That’s heightened the unpredictability of encounters between police and suspects, and upped the fear factor on both sides of the badge.
French died carrying out the most common police duty — a traffic stop. She and her partner pulled over a car carrying three men, and one of them opened fire as they approached.
Such stops are becoming increasingly deadly, for both cops and suspects. The stress is driving more cops out of the profession. They’re retiring early or searching for jobs in lower-crime communities. Fewer young people are choosing a career in law enforcement.
Make sure you thank the next law enforcement officer the next time you see one. They are putting their lives on the line every day to protect us.
Stay safe. Social distance. Wear your mask. Wash your hands regularly. Get your vaccine.
Orchid of the Day: Miguel Cabrera for hitting his 499th homerun last night
Onion of the Day: Mother Nature for the havoc she is creating with her weather throughout Michigan and the country. Send some of this rain to the west coast forest fires.
Quote of the Day: “At the end of my term, whenever it ends, no one will ever describe my administration as a toxic work environment,” NY Governor in Waiting, Kathy Hochul