Open Letter to President Barack Obama
Mr. President, our country is broken. I am not referring to our decrepit infrastructure, a fragile dollar, not our judicial system, nor our porous borders. No, though these and many other challenges arguably portend our demise, I reference a brokenness of far greater consequence. We, as a people, a society, have become so deeply divided – broken – the damage is, quite conceivably, irreparable. Given this, I call on you, and others in leadership positions, to do exactly that – lead.
Now, before you say, “I have led!” you have been afforded – as unfortunate as it may be – countless opportunities to take the high road on divisive issues. Yet, rather than seizing on crises as opportunities to draw citizens together in our commonalities, to calm fears and tensions, and promote unity, you have highlighted our differences. Rather than addressing citizens’ concerns with objectivity, reason, empathy, and resolve, you have recklessly stoked the fires of discontent – some might argue, intentionally.
Why, sir, have you not taken to the podium to address the sudden, stark rise in felonious, fatal assaults on law enforcement officers? As of the posting of this letter, nine police officers have been gunned down in the line of duty in 2016, a 900% increase over 2015. That is not a “typo,” sir – 900%! In all, 11 officers have died in the line of duty since January 17 of this year. What would be the harm in stepping to the podium and acknowledging these nine, senseless killings? Does this not concern you in the least?
Why, sir, do you not draw more attention to the astounding murder rates in our inner cities. Together, we could make a difference. Is that not our goal? Why are we not working together to rout out gang violence, to ensure member prospects have attainable opportunities to contribute to our society in a positive way? Why are we not promoting these opportunities, so they appeal to these citizens who might otherwise resort to robbery, drug trafficking, etc., as means by which to live? Is it so essential to maintain a voting block, that it is better our young men, women, even innocent bystanders bleed out on our city streets? How many must die? I, personally, do not want to read one more story about a 9-year-old girl being killed by a stray bullet while she is sitting on her bed – in the sanctity of her home. Simply search the internet for “drive-by shooting.” The results are startling.
Mr. President, you simply have not led. No, you are not the only one to have disappointed in this regard, but your platform is broader than that of any other. By no means am I suggesting we citizens should look solely to a president for such leadership, but many do. The presidency is a place of refuge for seekers of truth and justice, for leadership. And, the fact is, on matters such as these, we have seen no leadership. Consequently, we have not locked arm-in-arm to address, head-on, the core issues. Sir, without true leadership at all levels, we never will.
A true leader, in my opinion, is one who, by only the sincerest and most honorable means, influences people in such a way as to earn their trust, respect and, consequently, followership. One may call himself or herself a leader, but ultimately, a leader is defined by the means he or she uses to earn followers and by who those followers are. And, while no respectable citizen would, nor should expect a leader to intercede on his or her behalf without fail, and whereas it be preferable we, the people, resolve our own affairs, there is most certainly a time and place for leaders to step forth. When these opportunities are presented, the leader must welcome them with zeal and set out to inspire others to seek common ground, to join us in building the strong foundation and set the stage for sober, productive debate. The leader must be sincere in providing encouragement to all citizens in times that try our souls.
So, to all current and would-be leaders, I say check yourself. Do you earn followers by deception? Do you command their 'followership' by oppressive means? Do you employ scare tactics, distort the truth for personal gain? How do you achieve 'followership'? Are you honored and inspired by those who follow you? Are they, your followers, of good character? Are they prepared to succeed you when your time has passed? Or, is it all about you, all about power, all about ideology, and nothing about the common good?
So deep and wide is the rift in our midst, I fear only divine intervention by the God I serve may heal us. But through whom shall God work to bring about this healing?
I leave you with this. What follows is a list of some of those who have needlessly lost their lives, not because we lack sufficient gun control measures, but because we lack the courage to set aside our political motivations and simply do what is right – confront the darkness – evil – which is bleeding the life out of our country. We could do this, with strong leadership.
- Jamyla Bolden, 9-year-old female, fatally shot while sitting on her bed, 8/8/15.
- Officer Thomas Cottrell, Jr., 34, fatally shot in an ambush, 1/17/16.
- Sgt. Jason Goodding, 39, fatally shot during a warrant service, 2/5/16.
- Kenniec Smith, 13, killed in a drive-by shooting while visiting with friends, 12/5/15.
- Deputy Derek Geer, 40, fatally shot responding to an armed subject call, 2/10/16.
- Senior deputies Patrick Dailey, 52, and Mark Logsdon, 43, shot and killed responding to a complaint about a disruptive person, 2/10/16.
- Nancy Mata, 17, killed in a drive-by shooting, 1/12/15.
- Officer Jason Moszer, 33, fatally shot responding to a domestic violence call, 2/11/16.
- Major Gregory E. Barney, 51, shot and killed assisting with warrant service, 2/11/16.
- Donta Parker, 16, and Sakinah Reed, 17, killed by 16-year-old gunman, 1/5/16.
- Special Agent Lee Tartt, 44, killed by a gunman who was holding his wife and child hostage, 2/20/16.
Sincerely,
K. B. Thiele
Marine Corps veteran and former police chief
P.S. All – and I mean ALL – lives matter. Each of these persons left behind loved ones.