Cruz Likes Cops

All the talk about Ferguson, and who did what, and who was wrong, and what should happen, and everyone writting in CAPS and posting propaganda has driven me nuts. I will be honest, regardless of who you are, I probably didn't read your stuff if came from anger. Everything has either been too extremely left, or too extremely right... its pretty much what is wrong with all political discourse lately. We argue extremes and then everyone walks away pissed with no solution.

So cops, gun control, race and profiling... yeah this one is a big can of worms. I have a lot of interesting intersecting experiences.

I grew in Saginaw, MI, still on the FBI top ten list of most dangerous US Cities. A highly segregated city, with a lot of racial tension. I get it.

I married into a family of police officers. My wife grew up the daughter of an officer, my brother in-law wears a badge daily trying to protect the streets where he lives. I understand the risk they are under daily and the choice they made to go into that line of work.

So what is my stance? Do I have a point to make? Interestingly something came up when D and I were talking about these issues and our son Cruz.

Cruz loves cop cars, he owns several, he plays with them. He points out cop cars excitedly on the street when we see one. When we hear sirens he runs to window to watch the car fly by on its way to fight crime.

It is little things like that which make all the difference in our society. My son is growing up with no fear, no negative perception... he is growing up with an admiration of police officers. He isn't taught to fear them, he is taught that they help.

So maybe during your arguments think about that... and reflect on how you were raised to view the police. In the hood you won't find many cop car toys, or boys like Cruz wearing a toy badge while they play. I also think between all the rants I have read, I have seen little ideas or ways to help... how are you helping?

Last night I attend a violence intervention program... I sat behind the chief of police and we worked to make our city safer. Sometimes I know it can be scary to put yourself out there, but it is less scary than living in a world of fear.