We recently witnessed what can best be described as a whirlwind period in American political history.
Following some anxious moments at some polling places, nationally, the GOP has managed to take back the U.S. House of Representatives, though by a slim margin.
House Speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is working towards riding off into the sunset.
Rep. Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., could very well lead Congress, and do so taking it and our nation where they exactly need to go.
However, it would be naive to ignore the presence of new Democratic leadership in the form of Hakeem Jeffries, who may well have Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as an ally.
That could mean new bills.
Obviously, the House won’t reconvene for major business until January 2023, but by that time, if not sooner, we must start thinking about what ideas both McCarthy and his colleagues have for right-siding America — hopefully on a massive scale, inclusive of significant aid to law enforcement.
That means taking care of those who serve and protect — in blue, green, and other colors — on our nation's streets, day and night.
They make our lives so much safer and so much better in countless ways.
Yet, our officers are having the hardest of times.
Thousands are leaving their posts for the sake of preserving what’s left of their mental health, and that of their families.
An appreciable number have committed suicide because the pressure of their job is too much to bear.
Concurrently, crime is at an all-time high in several cities, while local governments continue to point fingers at who’s to blame, rather than taking a good, long look at themselves in the mirror.
After squabbling for what feels like an eternity, stubborn Democrats finally agreed to a "fund the police" bill currently making its way through the U.S. Senate.
Those Democrats only did so after they found certain incentives in the bill that will serve their own interests.
Nevermind taking care of officers who still walk and drive their beats in turbulent times.
Beginning in January 2023, will a closer look be taken at what’s happening with our officers and their incredibly stressful daily existences?
In decency’s name, we should hope so.
McCarthy, as do other pols on Capitol Hill, need to clearly see what’s happening in Seattle, Chicago, New York, and other troubled cities, put together a bill; one that’s set to make a real difference.
Such legislation must provide proper funding to law enforcement - nationally.
Such funding must translate to new gear, welcoming new candidates and recruits to police work; providing needed support and protection in a most comprehensive sense.
The need is urgent, now more than ever, especially so, given the recent incident of a driver plowing into police recruits in Whittier, California.
Nothing could stop him.
"Refunding police" must mean money for mental health support.
There is only so much a police sergeant, captain, or major can do, in terms of listening to their subordinate officers.
A variety of mental health clinicians and experts (on-call) are an absolute must.
Next year, will Capitol Hill Democrats begin asking why police deserve this type of support? Will they do so while turning blind eyes to what’s currently happening in a world of anarchy?
If recession strikes, our level of anarchy — nationally — is only going to worsen; with that scenario looming, and it likely becoming reality, invariably criminal activity will follow.
Mr. McCarthy, and your colleagues, let's not repeat the shame and violence of 2020-2022.
Let's start bolstering law enforcement — now.
Let officers professionally, (unhindered) serve the cities and smaller communities they love, doing so with far less concern for their own welfare, so they can wholly concentrate on citizen safety.
Let's loudly admit "defund the police" is a shameful, abject failure; a stain on our nation's history. We’ve seen the turmoil emanating from "defund the police."
Now is the time to "fund the police," and not do so with smoke and mirrors and/or token gestures — but with bona fide, tangible congressional action in the form of comprehensive, efficient legislation.
Bring back the good in 2023. It can be done.
Michael Letts is the Founder and CEO of In-Vest USA, a national grassroots nonprofit organization helping to re-fund police by contributing thousands of bulletproof vests for police forces through educational, public relations, sponsorship, and fundraising programs. He also has over 30 years of law enforcement experience. Read More Michael Letts reports — Here.
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