Thanks to PD for removing Blue Line flags

I thank the Middletown Police Department for removing the “Thin Blue Line” flags from their entire building. By listening to those who signed the change.org petition asking that they take down the flags, the Middletown PD made a small but meaningful step toward community healing.

While there are many who believe the Blue Lives Matter movement is simply an expression of support for police officers, that movement cannot be separated from white supremacy. It was created in response to the Black Lives Matter movement, and from its co-opting of the language of Black Lives Matter to its use as a response to the protests against police brutality across the country right now, Blue Lives Matter and accompanying Thin Blue Line flag state that the lives of police officers are more important than the lives of black people.

I know that there are people angry about the decision to remove the flags. There’s a petition to put the flags back up, and there are people from out of town planning to protest here. Chief McKenna and the Middletown Police Department: You made the correct decision to remove the flags, and the community stands by you and your decision.

The policing system in this country is broken, and police departments, including Middletown’s, are going to have to work hard to create a culture of trust and mutual respect. By removing the flags, Middletown PD, you have shown your willingness to put in that work, and I thank you for it.

Vickey Allen, Middletown