Defunding the police

Morning Briefing

Wednesday, March 3, 2021

We have become a headline culture, seemingly unable to process anything beyond a 20-second sound bite.

One of the more unfortunate things to come out of the “Black Lives Matter” movement was its slogan to “Defund the Police.” It was taken literally by far too many and weaponized politically during last year’s election.

I don’t know of anyone that is against the police.

The essence of “Defunding the Police” was to repurpose resources and training so that the police were better equipped to handle those suffering from addiction and mental illness. And hopefully, save some lives.

It makes sense.

For months, local police agencies have been working on their own ways to repurpose their own resources. Glens Falls has a 10-page report that is open to public viewing. The city is looking for public feedback. 

One of the initiatives includes hiring a social worker who would refer individuals suffering from addiction and mental health issues to resources within the community.

Another good idea. City residents will be better served and that will make it a better community. 

We’re not as smart as we think we are. Watching a couple cable opinion shows is not going to make you smarter. It is not going to make you a better citizen.

Read a newspaper.

Read a respected digital website.

And stop watching the cable opinion shows. They are just going to tell you what you want to hear. 

Get informed.

We all have opinions, but if they are based on faulty logic and information then those opinions aren’t worth much.

Getting the vaccine

We got our vaccine day moved up from March 17 to March 5 after a bevy of new appointments popped up on the Plattsburgh vaccine site on Sunday. We’re looking forward to the drive north. 

Unmasking Texas

With my son living in Texas, it was of some concern to his parents that the governor there has announced that no one has to wear a mask starting next week and that all business will be open without limitations, despite the fact that the daily average number of cases is higher than it was during Texas’ first big spike last July. Its daily average is also higher than the state of New York.

I wish someone would remind Gov. Abbott of this statement from last June: “If I could go back and redo anything, it probably would have been to slow down the opening of bars."

Bars in Texas will be reopening next week. Approximately, 7 percent of the people in the state have been vaccinated.

Quote of the day

From one of my favorite old movies from 1966, this is a quote to ponder:

“When statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties, they lead their country by a short route to chaos.”

• Sir Thomas More in “A Man for all Seasons.

It seems apropos to the current state of our country.