During a family discussion on the silence of President Obama about the subject of the recent execution-style killing of two NYPD officers, we recalled how he weighed-in when the victims were black.
Where is the president when the nation needs a civil response to the blue on black controversy? (biostate.blogspot.com)
Remember how he said the Cambridge, MA police “acted stupidly” in the Louis Gates arrest, and how if he had a son, he would have looked like Trayvon Martin? Following the shooting of Michael Brown, he said “too many young men of color feel targeted by law enforcement,” while directing AG Eric Holder to conduct an investigation.
Most recently he commented on the grand jury decision in the Eric Garner death in New York, saying, “minority communities feel that law enforcement is not working with them and dealing with them in a fair way.” During that same appearance – unbelievably – he said, “My tradition is not to remark on cases where there still may be an investigation …”
Following the Garner verdict, New York Mayor Bill deBlasio encouraged public protesting, but failed to allow the NYPD keep it under control and, as was the case in the Brown shooting, opportunist Al Sharpton was there to inflame them. Day by day, the gulf between the mayor’s office and the NYPD has widened.
Last night, an armed black was killed by the police in St. Louis, which will surely add to the blue on black controversy.
Our family discussion concluded with the thought that it would be the perfect time for someone like Mitt Romney or Jeb Bush to “act presidential,” and civilly address the issue, while the president seems to believe golfing in Hawaii is more important. It wouldn’t get through to those marching in the streets of New York. I’ve heard their incoherent remarks while being interviewed on TV.
What is needed is a calming talk with fellow Americans about common sense solutions that support law enforcement while providing minorities with a belief that they will be heard. Not more DOJ investigations. Not more funds for body cameras. Not more training for the police.
