I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Virginia Beach Police Benevolent Association. Thank you to those brave men and women for your confidence and support!
Citizens from every race, religion and creed represent our country’s courageous law enforcement officers. They are a rare bread that runs to the sound of danger on our behalf. Our law enforcement is part of the very fabric of this nation. Without their and their family’s sacrifices, our society would most certainly be torn apart with the darkest of our human impulses.
Their higher purpose and profession has been questioned and invaded by politics. There are bad apples - and they must be weeded out with accountability in an imperfect system. Accountability it crucial - this is true for every profession in every industry.
Our law enforcement agencies can always achieve better understanding of cultures and common worries of the communities they serve. We must create more bonds, build more trust, and teach more communication - and not blow up relationships that matter - for ourselves, for our safety, and for our security.
I know that there is much concern and divide in our country right now on this topic. But if we choose to move in that dangerous direction as a nation, we will be divided into our respective camps. Some of us may be filled with bitterness, fear, or even hatred. We can follow in the footsteps of other parts of the world and of some of our own episodes in the past, with both sides contributing to people fearing for their safety, causing unnecessary injuries, or even death.
Or... we can realize we are all on the same side as Americans and engage in civil conversations, express our concerns and questions without the stain of ugliness that is now too common. Never should one feel scared of those in uniform because of the color of their skin, the style of their clothes, or what side of town they from. And… never should one of the 99.9% of law enforcement officers in good standing be subjected to disrespect, non-cooperation, or unnecessary fear for their own lives.
Let us unite as Americans around our shared beliefs to support the rule of law, and that each of us truly cares about our causes, our communities, and our country.
We have faced difficult times in our past and there will be difficult times in our future.
But I believe in the resiliency of this nation.
I believe in the everlasting 'checks and balances' of the American system and in its ability to realign our country.
Most of all I believe in our people - that ultimately the push and pull of free ideas, debate, and democracy are what strengthens us, our culture, and our society.
Let us choose to engage as one team.
Let us always be calm - for calm is contagious and will allow us to better serve one another, to build relationships, and to understand one another.
