While this topic has been discussed I am writing from a somewhat different and hopefully "fresh" perspective that really relates to why this has struck a nerve in a very bad way for me. This was originally posted on Blue Commonwealth and felt that I could provide a different perspective given the amount of attention it has received
The other day, while following Ben Tribbet's (Not Larry Sabato) tweet's regarding this video I was very curious to see who exactly would make a comment like this. I'll be honest I haven't really followed that race much but given the comments she made I plan on doing so a great deal. While I don't want to make this a partisan diary, I wanted to provide my thoughts on the matter from a different vantage point that my fellow readers may not have and the potential threats they pose.
Police officers, deputy sheriff's and state troopers are a select profession in our society sworn to protect our fellow citizens from crime and violence. It is evident that they have a very difficult and demanding job and often times it is thankless. These men and women who serve our communities act on behalf of the governments in which employ them (County of Fairfax, City of Fall Church, Commonwealth of Virginia, etc) and are correctly viewed as agents of the government. Here is where her comments really strike a nerve with me, from not only being one of these professionals but having many close and dear friends in uniform.
The statement made by Crabill is without a doubt an open invitation to anyone who follows her train of thought to take action against a "tyrannical" government when their efforts at the ballot box fail. For this candidate to attempt to compare it to the days of our founding fathers is absolutely ridiculous and a disgrace to those who fought against an actual tyrannical government. Our governments, whether it be federal, state or local has a responsibility to protect their citizens and those who do that on behalf of those government entities are our public safety agencies. The fact that a candidate is encouraging citizens to stand up and fight against the government that is supposedly wronging them. (Examples are provided teacherken's diary)
On April 4th, 2009 three City of Pittsburgh police officers were killed in the line of duty after they responded to a disturbance call at a residence of a suspect who planned on killing even more police officers than he did that day. http://bit.ly/... A quick read of that article will provide an insight into the type of individual who committed these henious acts against our protectors. Crabill's speech and referencing the 2nd amendment and how it really should be used is strikingly similar to a quote from that article
Mr. Perkovic and other former classmates said they were surprised by this morning's events. Mr. Perkovic said Mr. Poplawski was opposed to "Zionist propaganda" and was fearful that his right to own weapons would be taken away but he wasn't a member of an organized group or militia.
"He always said that if someone tried to take his weapons away he would do what his forefathers told him to do and defend himself."
The idea behind Crabill's mindset and Poplawski's belief that the government (In this case, Pittsburgh Police) were going to take away his rights (To keep and bear arms) is a very scary proposition. This type of individual is the exact same one that Crabill's is speaking to and as a deputy, that scares me. I understand in my line of work there is a threat of serious physical injury and possibly death but to hear a candidate advocate and support such violent action really hits me the wrong way. There are countless examples of how our men and women in public safety have ran towards gunfire and violence (and always will) while many others were running away as fast as they could. I have no doubt that if Ms. Crabill was in any government building under attack by a gunman who was following her mentality would be looking for any police officer to protect her.
Any attack on a government is an attack on our society and the way we know it. If it were not for a strong, democratically elected government out society would unimaginable. Follow an election, whether it be a primary or general we as citizens should take comfort in knowing that we were able to be part of a political process that gives us the option of choosing our leaders through peaceful means. Whether our candidates have won or loss we accept the results because that is what makes our democracy so great and then come together. Sadly, candidates like Cathrine Crabill advocate the exact opposite, especially if they are defeated by using other, possibly violent means to get their way. While the day after an election is one where we can say proudly we participate in a society that allows us to pick our own leaders now will mean something different for me. As I go into work, put on my uniform and perform my duties I will stop and think about my brothers and sisters in uniform who are serving as our society's protectors and wonder if Crabill was able to influence just one individual to stand up and use their 2nd amendment rights and fight against the "tyrannical government" that is supposedly abridging their constitutional rights.
Finally, Crabill referred to our government as "domestic terrorists." If a government is a "domestic terrorist" then clearly those who work for the government, any government is also a terrorist and that, disgusts me beyond belief. While she is more likely referring to the federal government it is hard for me to overlook this statement as her view towards any level of government. It is an absolute slap in the face to every officer, deputy or trooper who has died in the line of duty and their families who have to live knowing the ultimate sacrifice they made on behalf of others in our communities.
I've provided a link to information about the three fallen police officers from the Pittsburgh incident for anyone interested http://bit.ly/... http://bit.ly/... http://bit.ly/...