Letters: Take time to thank police officers; Looking for an honest politician
Take time to thank police officers
The statistics are devastating: In 2019, more than 260 officers were shot in the line of duty, and more than 40 officers made the ultimate sacrifice — which is why on Thursday, the Fraternal Order of Police Pennsylvania State Lodge is encouraging you to take the time to say thank you in honor of National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day.
Law enforcement officers are husbands, wives, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers. Every day, these individuals leave their homes and loved ones to uphold the oath they took to protect and serve their communities, not knowing what will happen during the course of their shift.
In a time when officers are victims of the false narrative spread by some, we need to rally around our brave men and women in uniform. Millions of people appreciate law enforcement, but it’s important use Thursday to recognize their courage, dedication and sacrifice.
On National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, you can show your support for Pennsylvania’s law enforcement community by: changing your social media profile picture; sending a card of support; wearing blue clothing; or simply saying “thank you.” No sign of gratitude is too little.
Every day, we should thank our dedicated men and women, but I would ask that on Thursday, you take a few extra minutes out of your day to say “thank you.”
On behalf of all Pennsylvania law enforcement officers and their families, thank you for your support.
Looking for an honest politician
I used to like and respect Republicans and Democrats. What happened to them?
They were fine people with strong American values and were willing to listen to others’ points of view. They looked at truth as something to be followed and examined facts as evidence. They were even bold enough to draw logical conclusions from those facts. I miss them.
Once in a while I find one or two who quietly admit they are still believers in democracy, discussion and compromise without hiding behind slogans and biases. They actually believe that there are politicians who reject: gerrymandering, obligation to “repaying” large political contributors, enlarging government, name-calling, disrespect to women, ridiculing people with handicaps, voting as a block, appeasing hypocritical religious “leaders,” dismantling public education, ignoring the Constitution and oaths of office, as well as other historical American values.
Where are the elected officials who believed that honesty is the best policy rather than “what do I need to do to get elected” attitude? When was the last time you knew someone who was elected to a state or national legislature without becoming much better off economically than when they were elected?
Am I becoming jaded? Yes, I am afraid I am, and am willing to work to change the system as it exists regardless of party affiliation. I am adopting Diogenes’ practice of carrying a lantern and looking for an honest politician.