Time to stop assaults on law enforcement

Let's get real. Not all African American men are criminals. Politicians need to stop targeting black Americans using tactics appealing to ignorance and fear. Police brutality exists and needs to be answered.

That being said, first, stop the cultural assault on the police. The police have a duty to every American: ensuring public safety and enforcing the law. If you don't like the laws, here's an idea: change the law. Run for office, or petition public officials. The police don't make the laws, they enforce the law.

Second, it's irrational and racist to assume all black men are criminals. It's just as irrational to assume all cops are racist and in need of 'reform” and sensitivity training. I'm sick and tired of the anti-police language. These are good people who put their lives on the line. I understand anti-police rhetoric isn't the goal of Black Lives Matter. However, radicals exist. My uncle is a cop, he's a good and honest man.

Third, being pro-police during this debate isn't racist, it's just common sense. Pitting the police and African Americans against each other in a culture war is dangerous. How can police ensure public safety when the black community is distrustful? I understand distrust comes from real and egregious tragedies. However, this Black Lives Matter versus Blue Lives Matter debate has exasperated any possibility for rational and reasonable debate.

End the assault on the police, and then we can talk reform.

Matthew Haile

Cedar Rapids