Log in Subscribe

A few of our stories and columns are now in front of the paywall. We at The Chief-Leader remain committed to independent reporting on labor and civil service. It's been our mission since 1897. You can have a hand in ensuring that our reporting remains relevant in the decades to come. Consider supporting The Chief, which you can do for as little as $3.20 a month.

You must remember this

Posted

To the editor:

On Jan. 20, Donald Trump pardoned all persons convicted of attacking police officers during the January 6 insurrection and is even considering meeting with them at the White House.

Trump routinely promised pardons on “Day One” of his presidency to those he encouraged to go to the Capitol and “fight like hell,” so no one should be surprised.

Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick was sprayed with a chemical irritant by a rioter, suffered a stroke and died, 140 officers were injured, some permanently, and four committed suicide within days and months.  

After endorsing Trump, now the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Police Chiefs want you to believe they are “deeply discouraged” by pardons granted by both Trump and Biden. I suspect Biden was named only to mitigate their apprehensive criticism of Trump. 

Did the FOP forget that on Jan. 19, 2021, Trump commuted the life sentence of Jaime Davidson, a drug dealer convicted of orchestrating the murder of Syracuse Police Officer Wallie Howard Jr.?

And are police chiefs shocked at Trump’s pardons as Police Chief Louis Renault was in the classic film “Casablanca” when he ordered Rick’s Cafe closed due to illegal gambling declaring, “I’m shocked, shocked to find gambling is going on in here,” just as a croupier hands him a stack of cash he won from gambling?  

By endorsing Trump, the FOP and IAPC disrespected the memory of Officers Wallie Howard Jr., Brian Sicknick and every other police officer killed in the line of duty. And Trump slights the service of every hero that wears a police uniform to protect and serve.

The pardons erase the criminal liability on the rioters but leave an indelible stain of betrayal on the badge.

However, potential clemency can be “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Marc Bullaro

Comments

No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here