Working Together Hands and Hearts
                                                                             By  Karah Raphaelita​ Newton
                                                                                    February 14, 2016

For the past fifteen years, since the events of 9/11, America has been highly successful in defending itself against terrorism from external forces.  Meanwhile, internal forces are threatening to destroy the peace of this beautiful country.  I refer to the growing divide between the minority communities and law enforcement. 

 

Here is a fact: law enforcement and the minority communities need each other.  In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We can learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools”.  Achieving social harmony is a collective effort that requires that each of us lend a hand. Where do we begin?  We begin by treating our fellow Americans with respect, regardless of their heritage, economic bracket, level of education, age, occupation, sexual orientation or spectrum of religious views.  

 
Minority communities and law enforcement share a common goal: safety.  The public depends on law enforcement in times of emergency and crisis.  These men and women daily place their lives on the line for the protection and safety of the public. Let’s show them gratitude for their selfless service.  What about the few law enforcement agents who treat members of the public disrespectfully?  There are indeed problems in the relationship between minority communities and law enforcement that need to be addressed. It would not be justice to turn a blind eye to these problems.  Even in the midst of conflict let’s handle our differences with respect for each other.  An individual who has respect for his fellowman will not steal, sell drugs, kill, or destroy other people’s property.  But what if I am wronged?   It is highly unlikely that an encounter between law enforcement and a member of the public will escalate to bodily harm or homicide if respect is being shown on the part of both parties.  
 
There is a place for citizens’ protest, but even in protest, respect must be maintained.  We have a wonderful example of respectful protest during the civil rights movement led by Dr. King. In our daily interactions with each other, let’s remember to demonstrate a heart of love.  Dr. King famously proclaimed:  “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend”.  By no means am I implying that law enforcement agents are our enemies. The disrespectful attitude shown by a few law enforcement officers is the real enemy.