Rein on All Fronts
By Charles Rein
With today's fatal shooting by an ICE agent in Minneapolis, we realize that neither the conservative right nor the liberal left are in trusting mode right now. Both sides see themselves as the victim and the other side to blame. Pointing fingers reminds me of John Burrough's quote, "A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else."
This is a precarious place to be in America. Here are two perspectives.
Some Republicans do not trust the Minnestota government because they view it as corrupt or as Democrat led. Therefore these leaning right may choose to hold ICE unaccountable RE: the Rules of Engagement (ROE). Those backing law enforcement may excuse ICE's actions RE: the fatal shooting. "She had it coming by attempting to escape" some may say.
On the other hand many Democrats have a bias against ICE. They mayor and governor have wanted to rid their city and state of ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. This may give those leaning left a convenient reason to blame ICE and attempt to eject them from Minnesota. Those on the left may declare, "She was killed and it is law enforcement's fault." Their side may demand tossing out ALL ICE agents out of Minnesota even though we know that there will always a few bad apples in any profession prone to mistakes.
These people who make huge mistakes should never be law enforcement in the first place. You need a certain temperment. You need training. The majority of ICE agents are not out shooting people. These type of immigration enforcement arrests can be life or death for either side. All it takes is for one wrong move or one mistake and someone loses their life.
In the end, each sides blame the other. Both play the victim. Neither side is seeking factual evidence, especially if it makes their side look guilty. The shooting will likely result in protests (mostly peaceful protests) but there may be riots too. We should not blame the peaceful demonstrators. However we should hold rioting protestors accountable.
We need to be able to differentiate. That is what Americans are losing the ability to do. We need to calm ourselves down and take an emotional break. Why not work on our empathy and put ourselves in the other person's shoes? Understand law enforcement occationally make mistakes. They are human. We need to use our mind to wait until further evidence is gathered, rather than simply getting riled up and protesting.
I reached out to a retired law enforcement friend and former advisor for my police group. He wrote, "I would include additional discussion RE: responsible comments from elected officials and community leaders." (Their words and actions) "rather than emotional or ignorant assumptions based upon biases or political posturing." (from either side)
He contined, "I'd consider reminding all of us of the importance to leave our biases out of commentary and to let experts examine the facts before we express our opinions. I'd mention the danger of demonizing the people involved before an investigation."
All welcome suggestions, my retired friend.
What is ironic, is that this Friday- January 9th- is National Law Enforcement Day. I have known law enforcenent officers as a young man. As a teenager, I went on police ride alongs. Our Police Explorer Post volunteered at community events. I relish those days even though I did not pursue a career in law enforcement. We should not lose sight that the majority of the officers on the streets are doing their job and putting their life on the line. Many are dads and moms who just want to come safely.
Along those same lines, those people being detained or arrested by ICE are fellow human beings. We should not lump all of them in the same box as criminals. Some of these people may be here illegally, yet they should still be treated with respect.
Respect and the ability to emphasize are two morals that many Americans are rapidly losing. Rarely are issues in America strictly black or white. We are rarely right and everyone else is wrong. Let's remind ourselves of that in these perilous times.
Finally, please remember to treat others, as we ourselves wish to be treated. Remember that law enforcement put themselves in almost daily, extremely dangerous situations. I ask these law enforement men and women to also be mindful of their power they yield.
Some Americans grew up reading the Amazing Spider-Man comics. I was one of them. Peter Parker (AKA Spiderman) grasped a dear lesson after his Uncle Ben was shot and killed. "Peter, with great power comes great responsibility." Let us all remember that well-known axiom and take it to heart this new year.
