Blue Lives Need to Protect Black Lives
Black People can’t appreciate law enforcement when they’re killing us.
Today is Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Bullshit. This is one day I can’t get behind.
The history of law enforcement began with men chasing after enslaved Africans escaping the shackles of an abhorrent system. After the end of slavery, white men became police officers encharged with keeping newly freed enslaved in line. This included beating Blacks with batons, abusing them in jail, and shooting them if they resisted. This abuse has lasted till the present day.
In 2022, police officers are upset that Black Americans are protesting against their centuries-old abuse. It’s like we have the nerve to be upset over the thousands of men, women, and children murdered by their hands. Remember Tamir Rice? Michael Brown? Both boys were shot and killed by the police. Generations upon generations of Black, Brown, and Indigenous people have died due to police brutality.
Blue Lives Matter only to Blue Lives. This was evident during the January 6th insurrection. Hundreds of officers were attacked and injured at the hands of Trump supporters. White men and women kicked, punched, and yelled at officers who tried to prevent them from entering the Capitol Building. Some of the officers were beaten by American, Confederate, and Trump flags. Blue lives only matter to Blue lives.
So forgive me if I don’t have a love for law enforcement. They only exist to protect White interests and property. The rest of us have to watch our steps around the police. If we make a move, gesture, or facial expression — we may be beaten and/or killed. Remember Sandra Bland? She spoke up for herself and was murdered in a jail cell. We know she didn’t commit suicide. Sandra was murdered.
Don’t forget about George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. Both were killed by arrogant police officers who had no regard for their lives. Black people are beyond sick and tired of being sick and tired. Our grandparents were sick and tired in the 60s — we have their rage added to our own. Too much anger built up for decades. We’re ready to explode.
If you or someone you know is in law enforcement, you have my sympathy. Being a police officer is not an easy job. Those officers who are doing the right thing have to fight against the entrenched attitudes of racist colleagues. If you’re an officer who does the right thing, please continue to do so. We need you to change policing in America. A war is coming and we need law enforcement on the side of the people — all people.
