THE FREEDOM TO DREAM

What happens to a dream deferred? 

Does is dry up like a raisin in the sun? 

Or does it explode?

                               --Langston Hughes

Can we all agree that those who have the freedom to dream often get discouraged? Millions who share the American Dream, a smaller number who wish to get a job which pays a sustainable wage, or fewer who hope to find a better life when they return from fighting overseas have become discouraged. The disappointment--when these people can't make enough money to buy a car, home or better life can gnaw at their souls, induce melancholy.

If we were to include those who because of their skin color can't live life without dread that they will be overlooked, beaten or killed when they step out their door, the disillusionment would rise exponentially. 

In contrast, take your average law enforcer who from the late seventies until 9/11, in particular, left their home expecting to return--though the possibility of death hung over them like Damocles's Sword. Some adhered to honor and duty while some did not. Inured officers and ill-trained, first-year recruits became more and more trigger happy. Overlooked for too long in this country, police brutality wielded its ugly head. 

Then after 9/11, the responsibility of protecting the public increased significantly. Terror threats; justifiable vocal backlash against those who abused their power; every move thrust in the public eye via the Internet, cell phones, dashboard cameras, etc. added to an already overstretched police force and each cops daily stress. They at least have the right to dream of a better life for their families, but has that dream died, too? 

The tragedies we've seen in Orlando, the killings of black men in Baton Rouge and Minneapolis, and this week's murder of five police officers in Dallas must be on the minds of those who want to serve in law enforcement. Will the pressure to do what they must to protect and do what is right to serve dissuade would-be-rookies from entering the field? 

Men and women representing the diversity of the community should continue to be recruited to protect the public. However, with the understanding that those who serve, no matter their income-level, race or creed, need to have a semblance of humanity to perform their duties. Also, these recruits need mental health support and community involvement to help ease the ever-increasing pressures put on the police. More so, stopping easy access to assault weapons would help protect law officers.

Let's think before we act, put ourselves in others' shoes, unite to end gun violence in communities and from law enforcers. For in the end, we all have the right to dream. 

All we are saying...is give peace a chance.

                                          --John Lennon