January: Appreciate, Respect and Thank Law Enforcement

Here’s a great way to start off the new year: Let’s declare January as Appreciate, Respect and Thank our Local Law Enforcement Month. It’s an easy thing to do.

First, turn off your TV. If all you do is listen to the TV and radio news reports showcasing and spotlighting “grievous industry” provocateurs like Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, Eric Holder and Rev. Jeremiah Wright, as they provoke racial disharmony and serve up that noxious and incessant conspiracy theory that law enforcement nationally, our cops, are out to harass, harm, destroy and eradicate then you are going to stay in a state of anger. My advice is unplug the TV, turn off the radio and tune out these hate mongers who monetize and capitalize on the sad, unfortunate and heartbreaking situations like that of Michael Brown and Eric Garner.

I suggest that every American just look around and believe in what you actually see and experience every day. Notice the makeup of your friends, co-workers and business associates. Diverse? Absolutely. Confrontational? Absolutely not! Every day we live and work in harmony with our ethnically diverse friends and neighbors. Black, White, Asian Hispanic, etc. We shop together, play together, eat together in local restaurants, stand in line together at hockey games and movie theaters — we even worship together. So where is the problem? Answer: There is none except in the darkened, exploitative hearts and minds of racial provocateurs.

No one needs to buy into this. Instead, we should focus on and recognize how fortunate we are to live in such a free, respectful and civilized society; while contemplating on how we have maintained and achieved such an accomplishment.

This being said, again, I can’t think of a better way to start off 2015 than to personally walk up to any law enforcement officer and thank them for unselfishly putting themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis so we may confidently and peacefully go about enjoying our families, lifestyles and quality of life.

How could we exist in a dangerous, crime-ridden and lawless community? Answer: We can’t. So, let’s thank law enforcement officers today and, every day for putting their lives on the line to serve and protect us, our families and our property.

To this end, Up & Coming Weekly is declaring January as Appreciate, Respect and Thank our Local Law Enforcement Month.

This is not to infer that January is the only month we want to show our appreciation; however, it is said that if you can do something repeatedly and consistently at least 21 times it will become a habit. Well, I can’t think of a better habit to develop. Today is Jan. 7 and you will be reading this edition until at least Jan. 13. If you begin right now there is a very good chance, that with just a little bit of dedicated effort, you can be first among tens of thousands of local residents who actively and habitually participate in this massive practice.

This past Sunday there were two Fayetteville Police Officer’s having breakfast at the Cracker Barrel on Skibo Road. On my way out I made it a point to stop by to tell them that I appreciated their service and to keep up the good work. The smile on their faces made the experience worthwhile. I discreetly asked the server to give me their check but she responded, “Too late. Someone has already treated them to breakfast.” Now, that’s the Fayetteville I know. I love this town!

Thank you for reading Up & Coming Weekly.