Let’s talk about police brutality

    I bet that got some people’s blood boiling just reading the headline. That wasn’t my intention; please hear me out.
    Let me start by saying that we are lucky to have the police that we do in Holyoke. They are good people who are good at their jobs, doing things regularly to make our community a better place. In case you missed it, two of them were even recognized recently for saving a life. I’m thankful for them and glad to know them.
    That does not, however, mean I’m willing to turn a blind eye to those officers and departments out there that aren’t doing such a great job. Calling them out doesn’t mean I hate the police. It doesn’t make me anti-law enforcement or un-American. In fact, I’d say the opposite is true. Holding law enforcement and the nation to a higher standard and expecting their best shows a vested interest in their success.
    Just like with everyday racism, just because we don’t see police brutality in our own community, doesn’t mean it’s not happening elsewhere. The stories of Eric Garner, Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown (and countless others)suggest that it is. Had you forgotten those names? It’s easy to move on and forget when you live in a different world, isn’t it?
    Personally, I take the Biblical stance that correction — though painful in the moment — ultimately leads to good. Think of a parent. Guiding a child toward better behavior doesn’t mean you hate the kid. On the contrary, it means that the parent cares for the child and wants them to do better.
    And like that child being disciplined, it can be hard to see correction as a positive thing when you’re in the heat of the moment. It’s not easy to hear criticism of people you support and care for. But if there is even a chance that there are police out there that are abusing their power, using undue force or being downright racist, then we should do everything in our power to put a stop to those things. We can do better.
    Sure, maybe it’s “a few bad apples,” but what are we doing to stop them? If we stand by and let the bad apples persist, we are a part of the problem.
    I know it might be hard to look past the NFL protests and people kneeling during the National Anthem, but put those thoughts on hold for just a moment. Do you approve of corrupt police officers? Do you condone racism? Are you OK with unchecked police brutality? If your answer is “no,” you are on the same side as those protestors. You want the same thing — for police to be held accountable.

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