Kyle's Corner- July 13 (Early Edition)
The night of July 7 and the preceding events were a tough pill to swallow for North Texans and most Americans. The brutal assassinations against Dallas law enforcement officers were committed by those filled with unbridled rage. Hate and anger continues to increase within the nation, and as individuals, we must do all that we can to battle back with faith, hope and love.
The night started with peaceful protests in downtown Dallas. The Dallas Police Department had a heavy presence, but for the most part, those involved in the protest were executing their constitutional right to protest, and the DPD had their backs and protected that very right.
Police officers from both DPD and DART were targeted as the protest was wrapping up. The night was full of angst as most of us watched from the safety of our homes, feeling helpless while watching the horror unfold. The information came in staggeredly and constantly changed as the night progressed. By midnight, some of the angst was removed as we heard that the “suspects” were apprehended and the active shooter situation was coming to a close.
In the aftermath, we have seen the best and the worst of humanity. Most of us have banded together showing their support for law enforcement. Others are speechless and are without words to describe the state of affairs in our nation. No matter the circumstance, it is a time for peace, prayers, and reflection.
There is no doubt that there have been some recently publicized run-ins with law enforcement that seem to deprive the affected citizens their most basic of civil rights. However, to claim that all of law enforcement is out to get their fellow citizens in the community, and that police officers in Dallas are responsible for situations in Baton Rouge or Minnesota, is wrong.
As members of the press, the rhetoric used in defining and relaying times of crisis must be careful and unbiased. Some of the rhetoric we have seen unfold on cable news has sought to incite people to violence and that is never the answer.
Martin Luther King said, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Those words remain true and should serve as a rallying cry to unite all faiths, races, nationalities and professions together to the service of mankind in love to defend the American republic.
We have came a long way in the United States, and it would be sad to see it all undone. We as individuals have moved past some of the nation’s darkest times, and moved on to an era where a man is not judged by the color of their skin, but only by the content of their character.
The police are not perfect. Civilians are not perfect. As a society, we can’t fault everyone with a badge for the actions of a few. I hope and pray that the actions of a few journalists will not define myself in the eyes of public perception.
Love really truly is the only way. Liberty for all is the path and a return to divinely inspired principles is the only way.
As individuals, we must work together to exemplify and show this love on a daily basis. Person to person, and citizen to officer. Our interactions with law enforcement, through supporting and seeking understanding will greatly benefit society as a whole. Police officers can help as well, by seeking understanding through community engagement. Through these forms of communication, understanding and love will blossom within our communities. When individuals personalize things, perspectives begin to change. That is how we truly come to love one another.
Martin Luther King fought for civil rights through the principle of non-violence. His words echo right now in a healing voice and offer a necessary kind of optimism.
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
I believe we can achieve these things, but it starts with us as individuals. Father’s, protect your families with all of your might and instill in your children the values of peace and morality. Mothers, nurture your children with all of your heart and soul and show them what love really is. Together, with the help of all individuals, we can instill a better tomorrow for future generations. We can all inherit a nation that stands as a bastion of liberty and as a symbol of peace to the world. It starts with an individual and the time is now. Never again is now.
I hope, with one community at a time, we can offer healing, build others up, and add a new sense of strength that will buoy up future generations. We all are our brothers (and sisters) keeper. Buoy up thy brother and always seek the light.