TRUMP: Pardons damage the Thin Blue Line
This week a U.S. president made it ACCEPTABLE to brutally attack the police. No one can EVER convince me that Donald Trump is now or ever was the law and order president. I watched the attack on the Capitol with my own eyes. I watched TV for hours on multiple TV stations as police officers were beaten with flag poles, fire extinguishers, metal barriers, clubs and then repeatedly tased. One of the pardoned individuals, Daniel Rodriguez pled guilty and was sentenced to over 12 years. The Metropolitan Police Officer that Rodriguez repeatedly tased was Michael Fanone. Consequently, Officer Fanone suffered cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injury from the beating he received from Rodriguez and five other pardoned individuals. Over 130 police officers were injured that day. The president put those officers in harms way and watched the attack on TV while they were beaten. That’s not only unpresidential, it’s inhumane. I apologize to every Police Officer on duty that day. This country betrayed you and I am ashamed. You showed up for work and did your job while in fear for your own life. What happened to you Jan. 6 was unconscionable and inexcusable. This week America abandoned you. If readers truly stand with the thin blue line, call the White House and register your complaint. Call your elected officials. Show your support.
BARBARA OSTIPWKO
Coeur d’Alene