Our View

Our View

The right way to address community, law enforcement relations

From the illegal blocking of our Interstate 40 Memphis-Arkansas bridge by a uncontrolled mass of protesters, to the looting, vandalism and civil disobedience by angry mobs rallying for the cause of “Black Lives Matter,” the liberal media wastes no effort in exposing such behavior, instigating their actions in every way possible.

On the other hand, you won’t see this slanted and biased television media (CNN, MSNBC, ABC, and CBS) or the major print media cover the more civil, unified and positive events designed to bring about peace and harmony within our communities, such as the recent forum the local Evening Times newspaper spread across its front page on Wednesday, July 27.

Unlike most of the ugly public display of anger and hatred by radical group organizers there was one concerned West Memphis man, who, disturbed by the horrific deaths of unarmed men and the record number of deadly attacks on police officers around the country, decided to organize what he called a Community and Police forum, a one-day gathering of community residents and local law enforcement officers.

Cortez Washington, “Tez” to his friends, made sure what he wanted to do was a positive gathering, with positive results, and an event that proved, beyond expectations, how communities such as our can come together in a highly productive and friendly environment.

Oh, but you see, the mainstream liberal media shies away from such non-controversial events, especially when their liberal and biased commentators have nothing negative to editorialize on.

For those who missed the event or failed to see the front page feature story with several photographs of children, families and police officers mixing it up together, the event was at the Boys & Girls Club in West Memphis on Friday evening, July 22.

The forum included such topics such as “How police should treat citizens and how citizens should treat police,” as well as “What to do when approached or pulled over by a police officer. Oh, there were plenty of other friendly and informative topics discussed but the impressive aspect of the event was how everyone, children and adult alike, acted as if it was somewhat of a family renunion.

What Washington was able to accomplish was much more than what the radical organizers have done, not only in Memphis recently, but also throughout the country.

It is only appropriate that we also recognize and commend the West Memphis Police Department, Capt. Joe Baker and particularly the many West Memphis police officers who took the time to participate in this very worthwhile community event.

What Washington was able to pull off shows just how a community can come together in a positive manner and make tremendous strides in cementing community relations.

We’d also like to commend West Memphis Police Chief Donald Oakes for instilling in his men and women professionalism, demanding a high level of training and being good examples of the profession they serve.