The role of police officers is to protect and serve as law-abiding role models for citizens. But I’m not sure the right message is getting through.
I’ve longed wondered why Americans have little fear of the repercussions of their actions. Poor decisions are frivolously and carelessly made with little thought to the overall outcome or the possible consequences.
But I believe Americans are simply reacting to what is part of the reason why this nation struggles with accountability and credibility. In short, we see little reason to follow the rules when there doesn’t seem to be anyone in positions of power really applying or enforcing them.
Don’t worry, I have a good example.
More and more I keep seeing police officers driving on highways or down local streets in town texting. Yes you heard me correctly, those who are supposed to be enforcing the ban on texting while driving are in fact breaking the law themselves.
I wish I could say this was an isolated incident, but it’s not. From town to town, county to county, it seems as though our law enforcement officials are not practicing what they preach.
Now what message do you think that sends to everyday citizens? If it’s okay for the law to break the rules then why can’t I?
This is just one example of a growing problem in America where those who’ve created or are supposed to enforce the laws of this land are breaking them themselves. It happens in politics, large financial institutions and yes, even police officers.
Ivern Ball once said, “Most of us can read the writing on the wall; we just assume it’s addressed to someone else.”
If the powers that be in America want to know why so many people laugh in the face of rules and regulations, you have to look no further than the writing on the wall because many times they’re only copying you.
