America shouldn't be 'us versus them'

First, with respect to the shooting of police officers in Dallas, as well as the many attacks on our country’s police officers, let us all pray for them and their families. Let us use this as a starting point to change the “us versus them” culture that has been created, by those who use political rhetoric to divide this country and further their own political or media careers.

It makes me very angry that both from the occupants of the White House, and too many members of Congress, most shooting incidents are used to attack legal, and law abiding, responsible ownership and handling of guns. Guns are not the problem in this country. Guns are inanimate objects that are incapable of acting on their own. Guns do not have a political agenda. Guns are perhaps one of the least dangerous items that could be used for terrorist attacks, home invasions, or any other criminal attack. Guns, however, may be needed by law-abiding citizens to protect themselves, their families, their property, or other members of the community.

Second, and even more important, it is time to change the culture of this country. Corrupt politicians, a corrupt media, and very wealthy corrupt people have been working for many decades to destroy our American culture (that is, respect and love for our Creator, respect and help to our neighbors, personal responsibility, hard work, independence, and the knowledge that our God-given rights come with the responsibility to carefully choose political leaders who have the highest moral integrity and intelligence). There was a time, probably long before the majority of us graduated from high schools, when moral responsibility, independence, respect for other people, and especially an excellent understanding of the United States Constitution (both original and “modified”) was taught in our public schools. People were taught to be as independent of the government as possible, and look to it only as a last resort.

People were taught that we are Americans. Yes, we have always had (and, unfortunately, will continue to have) some people who lack the mentality to understand the regardless of race or ethnic background, that we are all human beings. The proof that we are all fundamentally the same is that God created all people with the same color of blood, and it can be used to save lives essentially regardless of ethnicity of the donor or recipient. We should all think of ourselves as Americans, not xxx-Americans. When we are in need (fire, medical emergency, or law enforcement), we don’t question the person who answers the 911 call about their ethnicity. We don’t reject those who respond because they look different. We recognize those who provide the greatest service to our country for what they are — to wit, Americans.

Third, how can we change the “divided culture” that has been created by the corrupt politicians and media? I think the starting point must be in our schools. Start with teaching basic morality and respect, as well as the original United States Constitution versus what we have today. Bring large numbers of law enforcement officers into the schools to eliminate problems with gangs and drugs. Teach students at all grade levels that police officers are people interested in helping others. They could provide training in the safe handling of weapons, and proper respect for our Constitutional Right to bear arms. They could also train people in the way we should interact with police officers. It is a very dangerous job. If students get to personally know and respect the officers of their community as friends and mentors, we stand a good chance of destroying the “us versus them” mentality.

Fourth, this is not a call just to our political leaders or school boards, but to our entire country. Every person who is disgusted by the degree to which our country has been divided into ethnic groups, by multiple languages, by “hate” propaganda on social media, should be coming together to put an end to the way we are being manipulated. Start teaching your children to respect all other people, especially those who are in law enforcement, fire fighting, and medical professions. Contact your local school boards and demand that law enforcement be integrated into the education process to protect our schools, teach respect for the law, and respect for the people who protect our country.

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake