Peace on Earth Goodwill To All

Waiting 

Christmas Eve and it seems elusive, i.e., peace and goodwill.

Did you hear?  The Mayor of New York City, in a TV interview, told the world he and his wife, essentially caution their son to be careful if he experiences an unexpected encounter with a police officer.  It pleased me that NYC’s Mayor shared their parenting truth.  I’m thinking Mayor and Mrs. de Blasio do what all black parents I know see as necessary. I did it.

A leader of one of the city’s police unions essentially judged the Mayor’s words demeaning to the New York City police force.  Mr. Union Leader took to the microphones to let everyone know his anger – emotionally said, essentially the Mayor was not welcome at future funerals of fallen police personnel.  I was shocked to hear such a divisive outburst from one entrusted with the unbiased, thoughtful leadership of police department personnel who daily put their individual and collective lives on the line to protect the city.    So now, fiery debate centers on considering the Mayor was inappropriate with his statement.   A headline asks the Mayor to resign.   Actually it seems, as I write this, the major concern is how to satisfactorily appease the police union leader.

Well, I applaud Mayor de Blasio for the truth he shared.  Elected the political leader of the city, he’s in a perfect place to confirm just how frightening it is for those of us with black sons.   Mayor de Blasio is not black; his wife, the mother of their son (and daughter) is black.  The children are black.   His personal account is important information if there is ever to be dialogue amongst leaders responsible for bringing critically needed change to law enforcement attitudes and practices.   I am so very, very sorry for the union leaders volatile response that appears to have closed the door on such a dialogue.  

I once attended a seminar in my community, crammed to standing room only.   Parents, guardians and youngsters, middle school through high school and college age were the invited audience.  Speakers leading the program were law enforcement personnel including members of the local police force and lawyers and elected leaders.  Graduate chapter fraternity members, youth counselors, and religious leaders, also brought information to the group, responded to comments, and answered questions.  It was a successful learning session.

The basic instruction given our children is to do exactly as you are told when you are stopped by the police; be and look respectful; answer every question; don’t make any quick moves while retrieving drivers license etc., and don’t resist arrest.   Maintain a patient demeanor for as long as you must, no matter if you feel mistreated.  As a child, I was taught the mantra, “sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you”.   I taught my children the officer is in charge; no matter how insulted and wronged you might feel.  Respect that fact.

In closing, I’m thinking peace and good will is neither offered nor encouraged when it’s only heated rhetoric that begs our attention.  When it is heated rhetoric that keeps our attention it’s surely a smoke screen smothering constructive conversation about an issue that continues to demean the lives of innocent people who want police protection also.

I will continue to wait for the world to change.*

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*Note:  “Waiting on the World To Change” is a song written by John Mayer.  Anita Antoinette beautifully performed it on The Voice.  The song speaks to me.