Sworn to protect and to serve. It is clear that some individuals in law enforcement have an agenda, that some individuals in law enforcement have a personality disorder.

It is hard to imagine what compels an individual to pursue a career in law enforcement. Increasingly it appears that a certain personality has taken dominance in the ranks. But I would suggest that it is a reflection of our society. Derisive, divisive, and hateful exacerbated by political agendas.

To be clear, there is a bias which negatively impacts minorities. Rightfully referred to as systemic racism. It is so hard wired into the culture of law enforcement that the only way to change it is to selectively weed out offenders. Like any other workplace, the craftier are effective at bullshitting management, so unless protections are put in place for individuals who cooperate by calling out racist comrades, there will be little appetite for honest reflection.

But, and this is crucial, no segment of civilian society is immune from police brutality. Lights in the rear view mirror is frightening for anyone. And cops are not a homogenous population. They each one bring their own set of prejudices and personality traits. And your day depends on how lucky you feel.

In this country increasingly your worth as a human being is directly correlated to your bank account. Trump views his target audience as something less than worthy of breathing. But, he is willing to strike a bargain. Votes for souls. When he says he will send in troops to dominate the streets, he does not exclude anyone. You’ve already surrendered your souls willingly, so a little militaristic domination should be easy to swallow.

Everyone thinks they’re in on the joke. But not so. The payoff is so enticing, but like the greyhounds chasing the rabbit, it’s always just a little out of reach.

We will make no progress in healing our fractured society until we realize that to be American does not require a genetic bond, but a human bond fostered by our desire to be free and to be united by the creed that all men are created equal.