Editorial: We need law enforcement and I’m thankful that we have it

*This editorial is dedicated to the hardworking officers in Charles City, New Kent, and across the nation.

There are many things in this country that need to be reworked, but one of those things is policing in the United States.

I understand that we have had bad apples. I have been pulled over before. I have been discriminated against. I have seen the bad when it comes to the police. But when it comes to law enforcement in this county, it is needed and will always be needed. We have bad people who have evil intentions.

I am sure many of you have seen those movies where crime is basically legal, and it is a free for all. I want you to really imagine living in a world where someone armed with a gun breaks into your home and you have no way to call for help. When it comes to evil and crime, there is no income level or status that can save you from the pure hated that some people walk around with. It happens in the worst and the best neighborhoods.

We need the police along with fire and emergency services to live our daily lives. I really want some of you who say negative things about the police to think what would happen if you have a family member who is killed. Who will you call?

We must start having more respect for these men and women who are faithful and do their job righteously. Imagine walking up to a car or into a home not knowing if you will go home that same night. I am not here telling you that the police are perfect, but as an African American man who has been through some questionable experiences, I understand that saying that is ridiculous. My point is that we must come to a realistic conclusion, and we need law enforcement.

There have been many good men and women in uniform that have died while in uniform. They had pure hearts and served faithfully. We need to come together and need to have more National Night Outs in America.

We need to build trust when it comes to the communities across the board. These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day to make sure that we as a whole nation stay safe.

Thank you to those who go through the stress day-by-day trying to protect all Americans. I appreciate everything that you do.