In the last few weeks we’ve witnessed an outpouring of emotions in our country: sadness, anger, pain, and mourning. The result may be a hopeful one, but to do so we must not lose our sense of identity and deep-rooted values.
Over the last 2,500 years of western civilization, and more specifically the last 244 years of our American Experiment, we have worked to create a civil, lawful society – based on classical liberal values, a shared belief that all are created equal, and unapologetic faith in the natural rights of the individual over the collective state. It’s a continuing work in progress, but one that respects order while still giving the opportunity to protest in a nonviolent way. Today we are instead witnessing forces who wish to destroy all of western society. The deconstruction of those values is taking place before our very eyes.
There is a vast difference between the peaceful protests happening all across the country and the unacceptable acts of terror and violence that are lurking in the shadows. Radical forces seek only to wreak havoc in our community by looting struggling small businesses and vandalizing everything in sight. These criminal actions cannot be tolerated, and should be rejected by all.
We have seen a glimpse of what the radical woke mob is demanding throughout this country: an abolishment of law enforcement, releasing criminals from prisons, the redistribution and government control of private property, indoctrination of radical anti-western education curriculum, and declaring all of our institutions, values, and traditions illegitimate.
Thankfully I believe the voices of the mob are but a small minority. I still believe the vast, more silent majority believes in the rule of law and our Constitution – “created to form a more perfect union, establish justice, and insure domestic tranquility.”
The fundamental truth enshrined in the Declaration of Independence states that all are created equal – regardless of race, color, or creed. I want to be absolutely clear, black lives matter, equally. On that point there should be no debate or qualification. If a member of our community is murdered like George Floyd, we should not stand for it and seek to hold those individuals accountable.
But in the midst of rightfully condemning the actions of a few, some have denigrated the reputations of all law enforcement everywhere. Now more than ever we must recognize how much we ask of these public servants –including putting their lives on the line each and every day for us.
These officers are our first responders who we call in times of need. We rightfully lauded them as heroes after 9/11, expected them on the front lines when COVID-19 began, and honored officers who paid the ultimate price just last month.
It’s heart wrenching to watch videos of people spitting on police officers, throwing rocks at them, screaming vile things, and putting their lives in danger. Several officers have been killed in the line of duty during the last two weeks, yet their names have gone unmentioned and their stories unreported.
Today our society is filled with much hostility when what is needed is more empathy. Casting aspersions on groups of people – whether race, gender, political affiliation, or chosen profession – must end in order for all of us to move forward.
Now is an opportunity to listen to those who have been wronged for too long, evaluate current practices and make rational, vetted proposals. But let me again be absolutely clear: that will not include dismantling or defunding police departments.
As a legislator, and as a member of our community, I firmly stand by our police officers and I will never abandon them.
Let us not blame or hate the men and women who put on the uniform and badge each and every day when what they seek is only what is best for their communities. Let us not shrink from supporting them, like the Mayor of Madison did publicly last week, just after privately offering her token support. Let’s be strong and firm in our support of the law enforcement and not surrender our values to a vocal, radical mob. Only together can we ever hope to make our nation a more perfect union.
Thank you law enforcement officers for assisting in providing that common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the precious blessings of liberty we all call freedom.
