In my opinion, the timing of Mayor Bill DeBlasio's sentiments couldn't have been worse. In particular, I don't think he should have mentioned how he "had to train his son" how to "take special care in any encounter he has with the police officers who are there to protect him." As I see it that's a back-handed slight towards the police officers who try to uphold the peace every day, as if they're out there to kill young black men. When you speak about officers in general as if they are people to watch out for. I agree with Mr. Lynch in that it does come off as throwing police officers under the bus. Do note that DeBlasio failed to qualify his sentiments in that bit of his. What he should have done is speak of some police officers, and not negatively about them in general terms.
Maybe he should have spoken with his son about how some other young black men kill other young black men far more often than some truly corrupt police officers kill some young black men. He is a politician, and is apt to speak during times that suit him. Instead of that way of speaking our police force, he should of simply said that he taught his son to respect people in general. How many people who truly respect others in general get in trouble with the police—sans truly corrupt cop cases—to the extent of getting shot?
He knew exactly what he was doing when he spoke so carefully on the matter. That he uses his biracial son as a weight on this political issue I find rather distasteful. Others may find it inspiring to bring in and utilize their family members in sensitive political discussions. I do think many of our young people wouldn't have much to fear if they were raised properly, in that they should respect people and others, and not try to break the law, or physically attack people, or point things that look exactly like deadly weapons at others for fun. I respect people. I don't put my hands on others or break the law, because my parents disciplined me and got it through my head that I need to treat each and every one of you with respect.
What many young, decent and law-abiding black men should fear are other young black men who don't respect others and the value of life itself. That is what you should worry about. Is my loved one safe at night from them? While there is some just cause to worry about certain police officers, you have far more to worry about when it comes to some other young black men and, quite frankly, the statistics do speak for themselves.
So please forgive me when I feel sympathy for so many of our good police officers who feel as if they were thrown under the rug. In fact, no, don't forgive me. It is you I forgive for having such disdain for those who put their lives on the line to protect us while keeping the peace. I have no issue with our police officers turning their backs to this one toadish little mayor in a big city, and I certainly don't think they deserve to be punished, be castigated, or lose their jobs. Instead of acting like a political lackey in support of a rather disingenuous politician, I suggest people in general should start having more respect for our police force. That you can metaphorically spit on them with your words—whether in anonymity or not—doesn't mean you should.
Let's see just how much DeBlasio will back-track over the messages he has sent, whether some acknowledge it or not.