When I enlisted in the United States?Army I took an oath. In that oath, I swore to support and defend the Constitution of The United States against all enemies. Foreign and Domestic. As it stands now, law enforcement officers are getting away with violating the rights of young men of color as well as others everyday. They are treading closer to becoming that domestic enemy my Oath of Enlistment warned me and all armed service members about.
Every time police officers?act as an invading army in our streets or get away with abuse and murder with impunity, we watch the fabric of our democracy tear at the seam and the foundation of the?principles of our nation crumble. I implore everyone to stand for justice. We cannot go on with business as usual anymore.
However, rioting and chaos for the sake of chaos is NOT the answer. Though rage is an understandable reaction, it is what we do with such rage that determines what we can achieve. If we respond with violence, we open a door that lets cops justify what they have been getting away with. For that reason cops will try to provoke peaceful protestors. Do not let them. Be strong and remember to have faith that eventually those who fight on the side of justice win.
The murders of Eric Garner and Mike Brown have shown us that those who hide behind a badge will not be held accountable. Unless we make a stand. I know I will. Though I no longer deploy or wear the uniform,?my oath still stands. I hope you will join me in this fight.
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David Christopher is a veteran, proud liberal, and a New Jersey native. He served as an Infantryman in the U.S. Army and is a PTS and MST survivor. David is a devout Episcopal, a feminist, sex positive, and a strong supporter of LGBT rights. The only strong hatreds he has are toward the Boston Red Sox, The New England Patriots, and The New York Rangers.
