Personal Reflections of a Middle-Aged Man

If I were a police officer right now, I’d be extremely embarrassed by my brothers and sisters in blue who have forgotten they are to serve and protect.

I’d be embarrassed for my brother who pushed a 75-year-old man in Buffalo.

I’d be embarrassed for my brother who pulled a fellow brother away from helping the man after he fell.

I’d be embarrassed for my brethren whom pepper-sprayed innocent protesters as they drove by them in Minneapolis.

I’d be embarrassed for my brother who beat a protester on a bicycle in New York who had not done anything to provoke such a response.

I’d be embarrassed for my brother who pointed a weapon at a little girl sitting on the shoulders of her father while non-violently protesting.

I’d be embarrassed for my brothers who are shooting rubber bullets and tear gas at journalists.

I’d be embarrassed for my brethren whom resigned from the SWAT Team in Florida.

I’d be embarrassed for my brethren whom made themselves at “home” in a Congressman’s office in Chicago rather than fulfilling their duties.

I’d be embarrassed for my brethren whom cheered and clapped for their brothers who pushed the older gentleman down.

I’d be embarrassed for my brother who pushed an older man with a cane down in Utah.

I’d be embarrassed for my brother who killed someone by shooting them in the back, even after the man volunteered to walk home and leave his car where it was for the night.

I’d be embarrassed for my brothers and sisters whom are calling in with the blue flu in Atlanta.

I’d be embarrassed for my brethren whom feel the need to use excessive force with people of color.

I’d be embarrassed for my brethren whom feel it is okay to put their knee on someone’s neck, ignoring pleas of not being able to breath.

I’d be embarrassed and would do anything and everything to restore the respect the police once had among most people. I’d support reforms, changes, and shifts, and getting my violent brothers and sisters off the force as quickly as possible. And, supporting their arrest for killing a person of color when a white person would have walked away unharmed (I might even call that a hate crime).

I’d be embarrassed.

Why aren’t you?