Soon…
The fifth of our brothers was laid to rest today.
Soon, the mourning bands will be removed.
Soon, flags will return to full staff.
Soon, the public will return to mumbling under their breath when they see us on a stop.
Soon, the thank you’s and the stay safe’s will be replaced with “Don’t you have better things to do?”
Soon, some officers will return to being complacent.
Soon, the brotherhood and camaraderie will be replaced with the whispered rumors and backbiting that is plaguing our profession.
Soon, we’ll forget that death brought us together, and life will will year us apart.
Soon, more police will be put in a situation to make a choice to take a life.
Soon, that decision may come after hesitation.
Soon, we’ll have to bury another brother or sister because they had to second guess their use of force decision.
Soon, departmental policy will encroach further into our realm and make it almost impossible to for us to effectively do our jobs.
Soon, the media will lead the sheep down another avenue of hate.
Soon, there will be renewed cries for justice among minorities, where no injustice exists.
Soon, the crime rates will rise.
Soon, there will be more wolves knocking on the door as the media emboldens them.
Soon, this country will reap what it is sowing.
Soon, the civilized portion of civilization will collapse.
Soon, one more creature will be extinct.
Soon, there will be no sheepdog left.
Soon, they will be replaced by the neutered more politically correct version, a shell of its former self.
Soon…
Eric Haskins is a police officer with the Choctaw (OK) Police Department.