The United States has recently faced large scale anti-police rhetoric and protests as almost every single shooting involving a law enforcement officer is sensationalized and scrutinized by the media. Before any facts can even be released, regarding these usually high profile cases, the conversation shifts to anger. As such, it has become taboo to publicly show support to law enforcement.
For a woman in Florida, her support has created a huge problem. She had a Blue Lives Matter flag displayed on her property for years in support of her entire family, who are members of law enforcement, which earned her a nasty note from the Homeowners Association and a request to take the flag down.
According to the Florida woman—who requested to remain anonymous out of fear that she would face backlash—the HOA contacted her and said they had received complains that the flag was viewed as racist. Apparently, it’s somehow presenting a derogatory statement towards the Black Lives Matter movement. In any case, it seems highly inappropriate that a citizen of the United States isn’t free to display a flag that has absolutely no negative connotation except for groups of hostile people. The woman had been flying the flag for years and the fact that is has just now posed an issue is absolutely ludicrous.
When she put in a formal request for the flag, it was denied by the HOA. According to the association, only American and military-themed flag are allowed to be flown in the neighborhood. Yet there are other flags that fly in the same neighborhood that are neither. The woman and her family have said that the flag is simply to show support to law enforcement and they plan to appeal the decision at the next homeowners association meeting.
These members of law enforcement that she supports face incredibly difficult times. With large numbers of people becoming increasingly hostile towards police officers, they face dangers even during the most routine of tasks. They’ve been threatened and even executed out of hatred for their profession. While all of the criticism takes place, these officers must then take to the road to serve and protect. Most are dedicated to their jobs and to the mission that they carry out.
In response, portions of the US population have shown support and solidarity with law enforcement after they’ve been hammered with scrutiny and animosity by many people who claim that the police are the enemy. This culture of hatred and fear towards police officers needs to stop. Never being certain what’s just around the corner waiting to greet them as they serve and protect, Police officers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. They put their lives on the line daily and many are killed in the line of fire. They shouldn’t have to worry about being associated with racism and stigmatized, nor should supporters of our men and women in blue face backlash for flying a flag to express their gratitude.
Angelina Newsom is an OpsLens Contributor and U.S. Army Veteran. She has ten years experience in the military, including a deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She studies Criminal Justice and is still active within the military community.
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