I would like to ask every state trooper, sheriff’s deputy, police officer and all others who take an oath to uphold the Constitution and dedicate their professional lives to protect and serve the public what they think of the presidential pardons and commutations for the Jan. 6, 2021, convicted criminals.
Rioters injured 140 police officers that day. Officers were assaulted, harmed and hurt with bear spray, flag poles and other instruments. Rioters committed violent felonies. There were 629 guilty pleas. Others were found guilty by a jury of their peers.
President Donald Trump offered excuses and misinformation, referring to the convicted rioters as hostages and saying there were very minor incidents against law enforcement officers.
Trump has doubled down on disrespecting the uniform. He has called those in the military who die for their country losers. He called Sen. John McCain, a Vietnam War prisoner of war, a loser for being captured. Now he has symbolically spit on the law enforcement officers who daily risk their lives to uphold the Constitution and protect and serve the citizens of this country.
What do the men and women in law enforcement think about Trump’s decision?
Thomas Gery
Lower Alsace Township
