World Police Indeed

Years ago a friend of mine was seeking refuge.  He had gotten into a very heated argument with his live-in girlfriend and was taking what he believed (and we did too) the proper steps to avoid anything physical.  She had already gotten physical; and when he arrived to where we were he played the message of her saying she would do it again with her male family members...classic stuff.  Anyway he was ready to leave her and needed to get some of his things for work the next day.  He knew however, that stepping in that apartment without police presence would cause another exchange that he couldn't trust himself handling well.  So we went to the police operations station who did receive us.  But when he told the story, the officer shrugged it off and told us to beat it.  He further expressed the need have an escort, which the officer replied to saying "if something violent happens, call us."

This isn't the first time I've witnessed police being negligent from a proactive perspective.  In fact, when most of us started to attempt to utilize the law, we were in one way or another refused help, services, etc.  The legal system also acted in this way; as in one instance when the police attack me and a group of friends the legal advice we sought told us the don't "go to war" with the cops.  One must understand that many of my generational and cultural background cannot understand the concept of police protection; because we've only experienced police neglect at a minimum....and police aggression to an extreme.

These thoughts circle my mind as I watch the immigration situation in Africa, Asia, and Europe; as well as the one here in the U.S.  Today, there are a few factions that is increasing the pressure on the Obama Administration to be more active in handling the order...frankly, providing accommodations for Syrian refugees (which seems to be moving forward, in some ways).  Yet there is a huge conservative sentiment that is being firm in not making any space; and another that doesn't even want to address the issue.  To the humanitarian that sounds extremely cold.  But when I read and hear these things, I'm reminded of an American principle that fits.  It's the thought of America being the world's policeman.

Again, the general thought of the police is they are a complex organization of people who are assigned to adhere to the welfare of others, while preparing and practicing to only work towards their interests.  A tough job without a doubt, but there is a line drawn that determines where and how help arrives.  In my mind, this is the ideal that views immigration from the Middle East.

Not long ago, U.S. contribution to Arab Spring set all of these revolts and overthrowing governments in place.  But similar to how police will raid a neighborhood area known for drug trafficking, while not providing any safe solution for the community members living in fear there; the U.S. infiltrated the communities of Syria, Egypt, Iraq, and others without offering any real help.  And now, when it's time to help the citizens, the U.S. tells them to call back if something really happens.  These are the police I'm familiar with.  This is the America the world is coming to know.

Perhaps it would be advantageous to look deeper into what can be done to help these people fleeing oppression.  The American spirit was nurtured in a group of people escaping what they perceived to be tyrannical.  The Church was also formed in this way, and depending on where in the world you live, this issue continues.  Knowing this, it's imperative the United States finds a way.  It may not be fully in accepting refugees, while I'm also sure it's not in creating conflict.  But regardless, if as a nation we are talking being a beacon of light for the world to follow, that cannot just include reprimand.  It must also include selfless sacrifice.

Peace