Defund the police movement is a dangerous one
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and 16 other attorneys generals sent the following letter dated June 24 to President Trump and congressional leaders. An except of the letter shared with the editor is printed below.
The American people are yearning for safety, stability, and security during these difficult times. Our nation is being torn between those who respect the rule of law and those who rationalize the lawless, tragic burning of our communities while rallying behind the “defund the police” movement. We must defeat the notion that defunding the police will make America safer and focus on what we can do to rebuild trust between law enforcement and our communities.
The American people are yearning for safety, stability, and security during these difficult times. Our nation is being torn between those who respect the rule of law and those who rationalize the lawless, tragic burning of our communities while rallying behind the “defund the police” movement. We must defeat the notion that defunding the police will make America safer and focus on what we can do to rebuild trust between law enforcement and our communities.
Elected officials who say “defund” doesn’t mean “defund” choose to ignore the consequences of their statements and the public safety risk posed to their communities. To “defund the police” would mean to turn our backs on victims of domestic violence, children being bought and sold for sex, or the elderly being physically and emotionally abused. Creative parsing of the word “defund” is at best an attempt to pacify the loud, lawless few, and at worst, an attempt to vilify a noble profession.
It is also tragic to see so many elected officials cave to the political agenda of certain radical groups within our cities, letting chaos and disorder reign supreme, while putting the safety of so many at risk. Americans deserve better than this kind of capitulation. They deserve to have their lives and property protected by the law.
The vast majority of law enforcement officers are underpaid and overworked public servants who adhere to the notion that “with great power comes great responsibility.” Defunding the police will not protect one single American, but will undoubtedly lead to reduced community safety...
The law enforcement profession continues to evolve as the men and women on the frontlines regularly receive advanced certifications and degrees, use new equipment and technology, and engage in regular trainings. We know this because many of our states oversee law enforcement training and enforce these high standards statewide. Many law enforcement agencies have taken great strides to diversify their forces, institute policies that build trust and encourage problem solving.
Our goal should be to empower law enforcement to legally and ethically fulfill their duties, not restrict their ability to protect us all. We need to give law enforcement the tools and support they need to help people, not take them away. Ultimately, providing support for police and restoring trust between law enforcement and our communities will make all Americans safer.
Editor’s note: comments from eight local residents critical of Sen. Steve Huffman, R-Tipp City, appeared in this space June 20. Huffman drew fire after asking if “the colored population” is hit harder by the coronavirus because perhaps they don’t wash their hands as well as other groups.
Here is Deborah A. Moore of Harrison Twp. response to the controversy: If (Huffman) resigns it is his choice, but if I want to change government my vote is at the polls. Yes, gerrymandering must be changed. Now we are a republic.
As offensive as the comment was, it is defensible. June 2020 issue of AARP Bulletin states African Americans have been hit harder by COVID-19. While it may be genetic susceptibility, what other reasons specifically must be addressed? The question can’t be answered unless it’s asked. It was only one patient, not “a whole culture.”