The Protesters and Police, Part Two

Last week I wrote that we need not believe that we must choose to support either the protesters or the police, that such a choice is not necessary, and such a choice is not helpful. Now I add a few words that I should have included then, a few words of appreciation for the protesters and the police.

I appreciate our police force, the men and women of the LPD, for the strength, understanding, and compassion they have been displaying in the face of potentially volatile situations during these ongoing protests. The protests have not been easy on anyone, but they have been hardest on our police for reasons I believe are obvious to everyone. The care they are taking in the face of the strain they are under reflects our community’s values and the training our police force relies on to advance those values. The calm presence and protection our police force has been providing helps those who have gathered achieve their goal of assembling peacefully to call for needed change. I salute them, and I salute all those who preceded them in establishing the sound practices their recent actions reflect.

At the same time, I appreciate the many people who have protested peacefully to call for needed change, and who have worked to keep those protests peaceful. They build on a long legacy of speaking the truth to power and petitioning for the redress of grievances. I hear their voices. I recognize the source of their grievances. I will work to address their concerns.