In addition to starting the day with news of the terrorist attack at one of Moscow's airports, CNN says today that 11, that's right eleven police officers have been shot in the line of duty across this nation in the past 24 hours.
Everytime we lose a police officer in this nation, we lose a protector of freedom. A protector of the people. And the thin blue line between us and anarchy grows a little bit thinner.
No matter that the crime is a capital murder when a police officer is killed. No matter if the offender is caught and if millions are spent to prosecute and ultimately (at least in Texas) execute the bastard. It seems like there are plenty willing to stand up and take the places of the killers when they go down or go to jail.
Lives ruined. Children left without mothers and fathers. Friends left without friends. Spouses and families left without their protector. Parents whose children die before they do.
Two deputies shot in Washington State at a Wal Mart yesterday. An officer in a coma in Indiana from a traffic stop yesterday. An officer in Oregon shot yesterday, again on a traffic stop. Four officers shot in a Detroit police station. Two Florida officers killed today and a Federal Marshal wounded.
Here's a quote that says it all.
“It is a very disturbing trend for all of us,” said Hal Johnson, general counsel for the Florida Police Benevolent Association. “Florida has never seen a streak like this. I don’t think anybody has.”
It is natural to search for answers, Johnson said, even if there aren’t any. The shootings do not appear to be related, and the motives may never be known. Declaring it to be open season against police officers seems dangerously simplistic, he added.
He sees the shootings more as acts of desperation.
“They are shooting at people they know have guns,” Johnson said. “I don’t know what’s going on out there, but I’ve never seen it like this. I do see the developing of a callousness. It’s almost as if shooting a police officer has lost its shock effect.”
The article is here http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/01/24/tough-times-for-men-and-women-in-blue/?hpt=C1.
It's a good time for prayers for the injured and their families and co-workers of these fallen and injured officers. Sometimes, prayers are not enough. Give to your local police benefit support organization or find a way to support them with your time if you don't have much spare money.
And for all the officers who happen by this blog, please, wear your vests and be careful out there!
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