In recent years, support for law enforcement tragically declined. With this decline has come a rise in animosity towards police officers and others in similar professions.
The negative ramifications of anti-law enforcement sentiment are now fully ingratiated into society. Crime rates are up, for starters. Businesses are shutting down in certain communities and offenders are emboldened to violently break the law.
While some communities have walked back their prior decisions to defund law enforcement, anti-police sentiment is not yet done.
In Los Angeles, California, the police department just announced a prohibition of the pro-police Thin Blue Line flag, according to The Blaze.
A Close Look at the LAPD’s Decision
Michel Moore, the chief of the Los Angeles Police Department, explained the reasoning behind the ban via email.
According to Moore, far-right organizations and radicals have managed to “hijack” the flag that represents police being the blue line separating chaos from law and order.
The Los Angeles Chief of Police has removed all thin blue line flags from stations in public view. Who the hell wants to work for a guy like this one.
— Marcelo (@MarceloArrue) January 13, 2023
The chief of the Los Angeles Police Department also alleged that a community member submitted a formal complaint about a Thin Blue Line flag being displayed in the police station’s lobby.
Therefore, the newly enacted ban will bar the Thin Blue Line flag from being shown on property of law enforcement that is also public.
In additional remarks to Fox News, Moore claimed that he personally views the flag as a symbol of law enforcement’s honor, sacrifice, and valor. Nevertheless, the police chief is still of the view that racists and extremists have distorted what the flag truly stands for.
Backlash From the Public
Many Americans across the nation support the Thin Blue Line flag, viewing it as a symbol of the hard work of law enforcement to keep society safe. Despite Moore’s explanations, he still faced a degree of backlash.
Folks who disagree with the Los Angeles police chief took to various social media platforms to weigh in with their thoughts on the matter. Common lines of criticism asserted that Moore gave in to the anti-police crowds.
The Los Angeles Police Department has banned the 'Thin Blue Line Flag', saying that it, "represents racist, bigoted, violent and extremist views".
My comment…2 words…HORSE SHIT. 🤬
— BigDaddy G 🇺🇲 (@OSUBuckeyes3) January 14, 2023
Others claimed that Moore’s decision was a slap in the face to the good members of law enforcement who work hard to keep society free of chaos.
The banning of the Thin Blue Line flag by the Los Angeles Police Department also raises concerns about larger impacts and attitudes towards police. Some critics also opined via social media that Moore’s decision only serves to embolden those who hate police officers.
What do you think about the Los Angeles Police Department choosing to ban the Thin Blue Line flag from being displayed on public sites of police property? Do you think this decision was motivated by politics?
You’re welcome to let us know in the comments area what you make of all this.
This article appeared in The Record Daily and has been published here with permission.
