The Decay of Authority

Racism, discrimination and bigotry can be found the world over. No society, country or race itself are immune. However, the recent events involving police officers and black men are not the result of racism but rather the collateral damage that occurs when authority is disrespected, resisted and ignored.

Authority and respect are born within the nucleus of the family unit in which parents set the example that a child carries throughout life. Children learn deference for authority at school, in the work environment and within society as a whole.
But when authority is lacking because fathers are absent, parents act as poor role models or set bad examples, children rebel. Driven by ego and pride without any sense of guidance our youth behave, interact and dress as they wish. This scenario is a cocktail for juvenile crime and a mega social dilemma.

As we look a little closer, these same children defy the authority of teachers, disrespect bus drivers and treat classmates with impudence. Favorite pastimes involve drug abuse and reverence for music that praises rape and disrespect toward women, advocates alcohol and easy money. For some youngsters, these destructive encounters are the closest they will come with their ‘culture’.

The promoters of this counterculture don’t give a damn about the decay in the "hood" because they are making millions. That is the same case of state-licensed liquor stores surrounding volatile neighborhoods that sells alcohol with no regard for its customers. They are all motivated by greed for money. Do you think that politicians give a damn? Of course not. For them it is all about votes. During election season they are at the stage with rolled sleeves enchanting the audience with magical rhetoric that always includes the word "change"...sounds familiar?. They deliver nonsensical statements about jobs not created by companies but for them, the politicians and their government. Some verbally attack "evil, rich people" that have checking accounts overseas and fly private planes.
If a heckler tries to bring down their show, they respond by telling the audience how bad America has been to them because they are black. To maintain the happiness, these politicians issue false promises that can never be fulfilled. But since the elections charade must continue every two and four years, they will never fail to deliver junkie doses of welfare to keep the people calm, quiet and happy.

Meanwhile, who’s marching with a loud voice about raped black women, drug addition, pregnant teenagers, public schools filled with chaos and unqualified teachers in black neighborhoods? Who questions the daily harassment and hustling in the streets by thugs and constant shootings that sometimes kill innocent people? Who cares about the daily risk our police officers and investigators face in these deadly neighborhoods risking their lives to reduce crime and drug dealing? Who walked and protested for them? How about you, reader?

When a police officer approaches these men and asks them to stop, open the door or raise their hands, officers often met with resistance and therein lies the problem. Sgt Chris Reyka from Ft. Lauderdale, Sgts Tom Baitinger and Jeffrey Yaslowitz from St. Petersburg and Officer Cliffton Lewis from Chicago among others, did in fact faced that problem. As a result, they received bullets in their heads and are now dead. They never met the next day when they would have aspired to fulfill their duties. Now, their children are fatherless, their wives are widows and single mothers and society has lost one more servant. Who walked and protested their deaths? How about you, reader?

It is true that misconduct exists within the police force and there are corrupt politicians; it is true that some private companies fix prices; it is true that some financial entities mislead investors; it is true that bad things happen. But we as a society have the resources and appointees to correct our mistakes and related issues through the use of our legal system and respective authority. We are not perfect. Many innocent citizens have paid a price. It does not mean that our police men and women conspire to kill someone based on the color of their skin.
Yes, in the case of Mr. Gardner in Staten Island, excess force was used. But what happened first? What triggered this tragedy? The answer lies in the fact that Mr. Gardner a 300 pounds man refused to comply with authority and resisted arrest.

When you are signaled by a law enforcement officer to pull over, to open your car door, to raise your hand or commanded to do something, you must comply, period. Grief, complaints, pride or offense can be dealt with later or addressed through the proper channels. Just as civilians, police officers are also accountable for their actions. As a result, many are incarcerated or have been fired. If you don’t comply with the command of a police officer, he or she is obligated to stop you. If during that enforcement of the law you break your hand, bump your head, mess up your hairdo, derail or even perish, all are consequences of defying authority. Otherwise, you should also march, protest and rant for all those white men suspects, who defied authority and were arrested, hurt or killed by the police or simply pass laws to unauthorized law enforcement manhunts because it can stress out asthmatic suspects.

Take comfort knowing that in case of an emergency you call 911 and a police officer will be your door steps within minutes to defend, protect or assist you without caring about your race, sexual orientation, ethnicity or economic status. To all the police men and women, thank you for your service and thank you for protecting us.

Luis E Woolley. Vice President Scan Archives