A disturbing trend in recent weeks has convinced Americans that an all-out assault is being waged on our men and women in uniform. From a gas station murder in Houston, to a shooting ambush in New York City and a slaying in Illinois, police officers across the country are afraid to do their jobs because it is apparent that the people they pledged to protect are turning on them.
The majority of Americans are not blind to the new dangers police face. A Rasmussen Reports survey reveals that 58 percent would agree a war on police is being waged in the country today.
The poll probed for answers, asking respondents whether politicians' critical comments of cops is putting the latter further in harm's way. Sixty percent said 'yes.'
In other words, leaders like Mayor Bill de Blasio need to temper their rhetoric.
Another interesting takeaway from the survey was the racial breakdown:
While there is usually a wide racial difference of opinion on questions related to the police, most black voters (54%) agree with the majority of white (60%) and other minority voters (56%) that there is a war on police underway.
The poll's findings are not to suggest the animosity between police and the black community has subsided. Another survey indicates that's far from the truth.
Eighty-two percent (82%) of black voters think most black Americans receive unfair treatment from the police.
Polls can only tell us so much. The tension between cops and citizens is perhaps most clearly–and sadly–displayed by the violent protests and cold blooded murders staining the nation. Last week in Baltimore, angry protesters picked up where they left off in April to block traffic and demand justice for Freddie Gray, a young African-American male who died in police custody. While the day did not end in any casualties, it is demonstrations like these that have led to an escalation of racial tension and the tragedies like those we witnessed in Houston, New York, and Illinois.
What "justice" for these demonstrators actually looks like remains to be seen. The protests and murders suggests they are not interested in peaceful solutions. If Rasmussen's polling is any indication, however, these hate-filled activists are the minority.
Police officers make mistakes, but they shouldn't have to fear wearing their badges.