So I happened upon an article today from CBS News by Manuel Bojorquez. It spoke of a young man who nearly lost his life and the fight his mother is helping him take.
In light of the current events that are occurring in Ferguson, MO it tells of a young man who is damn near beaten to a pulp by police officers. A chill runs up my spine when I read "the only thing worse than the beating itself was that of his mother's screams when she saw him". As a mother my heart instantly hurt for her. I couldn't imagine what she saw when she saw him or how she felt. This woman quit her job to fight a fight that has been raging on in America since before most of us were ever born or thought of.
This article spoke of a conversation that African American parents have with their children and how this white mother didn't have one thought to have with him. Not because she overlooked it but just simply because she was uneducated in regards to what is truly happening in America. I also am a white mother to a bi-racial child. And although she is only five years old right now the article put into perspective that this is a conversation that I also need to prepare to have with my daughter one day.
As a mother the last thing I ever thought I would have to warn my child about are the very people who took a solemn oath to protect her. PROTECT not HARM!!!! The "Law Enforcement Oath of Honor" states "On my honor, I will never betray my badge, my integrity, my character, or the public trust. I will always have the courage to hold myself and others accountable for our actions. I will always uphold the Constitution my community and the agency I serve."
Since when did the "Code of Silence" become more important than that of another human life? I know that there are officers in America who uphold this oath. But the moment you turn on the "Code of Silence" then not only have you allowed that person think that what they did is acceptable but you have become just as guilty. How can you allow one of your own to hurt you? I think there is an old saying that you sometimes have to cut off your own nose to sin spite of your face. Stop turning a blind eye. Hold your fellow officer accountable. Do not become a coward. We the American public need to be able to trust the fact that you are out here for us not out here against us.
Father I pray to You that you give me the wisdom and to give my child the knowledge in which she needs. I pray that You wrap Your arms around her and keep her protected. Not only her but all our children.
