We're All Just Trying to Survive

Dear MPD:

I get that being a police officer is hard work - I'm pretty sure we can all agree on that. I also believe that most officers do the best they can with what they have. I think that is true for all of us. 

Here's the thing:
You make mistakes, just like the rest of us. 
You have implicit bias, just like the rest of us.
You are trying to survive, just like the rest of us.

But here's the part that's different:
You. Have. Power.
You have the kind of power that stresses me out (and my skin tone gets the V.I.P. treatment).
You have the kind of power that isn't questioned, but should be.
You have the kind of power that can kill someone. Has killed someone. Lot's of someones.
With power comes great responsibility.

There's hard work ahead to right the ship and move the needle on systemic oppression. I hope you will join us as humans, as community members, as fellow seekers of peace.

Be challenged. Look inward. Offer solutions. Don't point guns.

And, please remember, we are all just trying to survive.