I have wanted to write this post for several weeks but hoped that the anarchy would subside; in fact, it has escalated. Two of New York City’s finest were murdered. They were shot execution style, while sitting in their patrol car. An obviously disturbed person believed that killing policemen is the kind of dissent encouraged by Al Sharpton, and by extension, the President of the United States. It seems that he was right in his assumption because the president has been slow to respond to this tragedy; yet he is swift and quite vocal in expressing his opinion when it comes to defending those who break the law. What kind of leader defends lawlessness? One, who, himself is lawless.

There are plenty of world situations that the president should be considering but he prefers to insert himself into city and state law enforcement. The inference is that local law enforcement is incapable. In my opinion he is the one who is incapable of being the leader of the free world, of taking action on any global issues. His abilities seem to lie in presenting false narratives in order to arouse the domestic population. It is a tragedy that his rhetoric is creating division among the citizens of this great country.
Without dissecting each of the incidents where police were involved, one more tragic than the other, resisting arrest was at the root of the problems which incited a backlash. Neither the president, Al Sharpton, nor the mayor of New York has spoken about respecting the law. It appears they want special consideration given to black lawbreakers, just because they are black. That attitude gives that community permission to commit crime without fear of retribution. Who, then, will maintain the peace? Or is utter chaos the goal of this administration?
I was taught to “respect your elders” and elders included those in authority. The thing about respect is: if you have no self respect, then you cannot teach respect to your children. And how can a person have self respect when they are fed by entitlements? When they disrespect their own bodies? When they fail to see the benefit of learning and achieving even small goals?
After Michael Brown was shot in Ferguson, the entitlement brigade descended on the town and stoked the fires of racial unrest until the ugly crowds looted and burned their own community’s businesses. I find it curious that major cities across the nation had protests which erupted simultaneously. Are they all part of the Sharpton network?
When the New York City policemen were unjustifiably assassinated, their families mourned and even extended forgiveness for the heinous act of murder. No violence, no looting, no burning down businesses. Can you see the difference between self respect and disrespect?
The changes these protestors demand has to start with themselves. All of the laws in the world cannot change an attitude that must begin within each individual. Demanding respect is not the answer when what they really want is submission. Self respect cannot be given. It is a personal achievement that is attained by acting responsibly; and when you respect yourself, you will have earned the respect of others and you will respect the law.