Archive: Opinions

To The PointPresident Barak Obama learned firsthand why politicians, especially presidents, do not get involved in local issues until all the facts are in.  Each day, thousands of calls are received by emergency responders.   Many of these calls involve traffic accidents, medical emergencies, criminal activity, and other matters that need professional responders.  Within minutes of their arrival, firefighters, EMT’s, and law enforcement officials respond to any crisis with their expertise and dedication that all of us have come to rely on at some time in our lives.

Some of the emergencies are reported by well intentioned citizens who notice suspicious behavior.  The definition, and thereby the law, regarding suspicious behavior is subjective.  The individual reporting such an incident believes that he or she is witness to a potential crime. There may or may not be any sound or hard evidence, but the caller feels that something illegal or potentially harmful may be in progress.  It is what many refer to as a “gut feeling.”  Sometimes it is on the mark, but more often than not, it misses the mark.

Unfortunately, the emergency responder, whether an EMT or police officer, enters the scene with the caller’s subjective knowledge.   Often, there are few hard facts.  In our post 9-11 Era, many of us are on guard for suspicious behavior.  Any strange activity triggers some response, and we feel compelled to take some action. 

 This was certainly the case between the professor and the policeman.   The facts of the case are becoming quite clear with the release of the 911 phone conversation and statements from both men.   These are individuals who are in positions of authority.  They both possess knowledge and skills in their respective fields that set them apart from others.  When challenged, they may act in ways that seem quite normal at the time, but inappropriate in hindsight.  Clear minds, level thinking, and caution go a long way in a potentially volatile situation.  It was a shame that these two men failed to demonstrate these traits.

After his ill-planned remarks at last Wednesday’s Presidential Press Conference, President Obama made a conciliatory phone call to both men and invited them to join him for a beer at the White House.  Like Presidents before him, Obama is relying upon the tried and true method of diplomacy.  President Nixon used his famous “Ping-Pong” diplomacy with China in the 1970’s and succeeded in tearing down the Bamboo Curtain that once isolated China from the West.  Other Presidents have used diplomacy as well to diffuse potentially volatile situations and affect real change, peace and stability in our world.

It is my sincere hope that President Obama’s “Bud-Lite” diplomacy will mark a new start in race relations in this country.  Perhaps we will no longer judge a person by the color of their skin or their ethnic identity, but by the beer they drink.  Whether the President, Professor and Police officer agree upon “Tastes Great” or “Less Filling”, one thing is for certain-Budweiser will be grateful for this lighter moment.  And that is too the point.

----
v5i30