Abraham Galvan: All lives matter, but not all lives are in danger
Re “Obey police if your life matters” (Letters, Aug. 31): I was upset by the statement that if all people followed police orders, they wouldn’t be perceived as “combative” – as if people are immediately ready to fight a police officer who is most likely carrying a firearm. How many times have unarmed individuals been killed by police officers, yet the officer has no sign of injury? How many people have lost brothers, sisters, friends? Many individuals of color are detained and do not resist. But if they ask why they’re being detained, for some reason a lot of police officers consider that resistance.
The question “Don’t all lives matter?” was asked. Yes, all lives have equal value. But if you see a house burning, do you expect firefighters to pour water on all the houses in the neighborhood? Even though all the houses have equal value, it’s important to focus on the one that’s burning.
Why aren’t we asking why most mass shootings have been caused by white shooters, who are most often portrayed as “troubled kids.” Members of the black community – detained for much less, and sometimes ending up dead – are portrayed as “thugs,” no matter their social status or education.
Abraham Galvan, Ballico
This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Abraham Galvan: All lives matter, but not all lives are in danger."