Tick, Tock. Tick, Tock. Tick, Tock. While growing up in Annapolis, Maryland, youngsters used to play games like , "Cops and Robbers".
These games were designed to distinguished the "good" guys from the "bad" guys. Then something happened. The lines between the "good" guys and the "bad" guys became blurred.
One could go to the movies and see the "good" guys doing "bad" things. Police officers violating the very laws they were suppose to uphold.
Police officers taking the law into their own hands were cheered in the movies. Who can ever forget the "Dirty Harry Callahan" character played by Clint Eastwood and those memorable lines, "Make my day" or " Punk do you feel lucky..."
Art has a way of imitating real life. I thought about that the other day, when I read that another homicide had occurred in Annapolis on a street called "Pleasant".
The street's name and the event was not missed by me.Ironically it perfectly summed up, what is really happening.
The media reported the details. Man shot in broad daylight. Police ask the residents to assist in the investigation.
People who do not live in distressed communities often wonder why people seem reluctant to help. I have long advocated that people pay attention.
There are two undeniable facts that exist in the world we live. "Good" guys and "bad" guys are not necessarily determined by the uniforms they wear.
Here is what I mean. When is the last time you have read about a police officer "snitching" on another police officer?
How many times have you seen videos of police officers clearly stepping across the line and other police officers who are on the scene say nothing?
There is a well rehearsed saying, "If you see something, say something". I believe the police would get a lot more cooperation if they practice what they preached when it comes to their fellow officers.
The "Blue Code of Silence" practice daily by some police officers have been in existence for a long time.
I believe that in order for police and community relations to improve, we have to have a frank and open discussion about what really happens in the community.
Here is an example of something that happened recently in Annapolis.
An African-American alderman at the Annapolis Police Station said to a white police officer "Good morning" in the presence of witnesses and the police officer refused to speak to the alderman.
Now, think about that for a minute. If he would do that to an elected official in the presence of a witness and knowing that the lobby have a camera that records what goes on, imagine what he might be doing in a black community?
As we watch nationwide the deterioration of police and community relations, it is imperative that people speak truth to power.
Blaring newspaper headlines sometimes miss the real "story". Now, here is the second undeniable fact.
No one will do for you, those things that you must do for yourself. It is our responsibility to raise our children. In some cases parents have not provided the guidance and leadership that is needed.
However, lets not get it twisted, both the police and the community have to "improve", if we are to have real systemic change in America.
Information is power. Justice is indivisible. Truth is revealing and if we are to have real change "cops" and "robbers" need to understand recess is over. Keeping it real.
A Luta Continua!
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