A proposed resolution declaring support for Madison County law enforcement was sent back to the Public Safety Committee for further discussion despite no questions or comments being raised when it was before the committee earlier this month.
The “Resolution Declaring Madison County’s Support of our Police by Stating ‘Blue Lives Matter’ was initiated by board member Don Moore, who said it came about after an unnamed board member said months ago that he believes there's “systematic racism in police departments across this country.”
Moore said he disagreed with the statement and wanted to present a resolution declaring support for the police.
During a Nov. 18 Madison County board meeting, board member Gussie Glasper asked to return the resolution to the Public Safety Committee, which she chairs.
The resolution passed the Public Safety Committee on Nov. 9, with committee member Eric Foster making the motion to present it to the full board and committee member Ray Wesley seconding the motion. Glasper had asked if there were any questions or comments before a motion was made to proceed to the full board, and there were none.
It was voted on by the Public Safety Committee three days after several Madison County buildings were vandalized. On Nov. 6, "BLM" - Black Lives Matter - was spray painted in three locations on the front of the courthouse building at 155 N. Main. The Edwardsville Township Building at 300 W. Park St. had three doors spray painted; the City Park's bandstand on South Buchanan also was hit.
During last week's board meeting, Moore said that he worked closely with others to ensure that all viewpoints were being considered in the wording of the resolution.
“Difference of opinion is fine. Freedom of speech works both ways,” he said. “I have a right to say what I want to say. They have a right to say what they want to say. Then we should get together and have a conversation, make a compromise and end up at a better place.”
Moore said law enforcement officers receive too much negativity, with mistakes being highlighted and good deeds and heroic efforts going unnoticed.
“I don’t see what’s wrong with saying we support the police because we know what kind of job they do,” Moore said.
“I inherently find it disagreeable to me that I cannot say Blue Lives Matter without receiving emails," he added.
Moore questioned why it was going back to the committee and what will happen if it goes back, saying it had been to the committee twice before being passed.
“My gosh, people, take a stand,” he said. “Have some strength.”
Board member Mike Parkinson, who said he is a 22-year police lieutenant, remarked that the board shouldn't engage in “meaningless rhetoric.”
“We’re all sworn to uphold the law and to treat people equally, so, Don, I think it’s a good idea that we send this back to committee for some meaningful conversations on this important issue,” Parkinson said.
“I don’t think that your attempt was to alienate any groups or to do bad,” he added. “I think your intent was really to just send support to the policemen that do do a good job in this country.”
He said he thinks everyone knows law enforcement officers do a good job, but said there are issues in the country that need to be discussed.
“I believe police in America do want to be divisive," he said. "Police in America want to listen. Police in America want better relationships with all the community and continue positive conversations. And I know we all support that ideology."
During the board meeting, there were several public comments made in opposition to the resolution. They argued that the Blue Lives Matter movement undermines the Black Lives Matter movement.
The resolution reads:
Whereas, the Madison County Board, being elected by the People of Madison County and being duly sworn by their Oath of Office to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Illinois; and
Whereas, the Madison County Board declares its support of the men and women in blue that keep our communities safe by responding to emergencies, traffic enforcement, citizen engagement, education, and neighborhood patrol; and
Whereas, Madison County’s men and women in blue perform a myriad of duties that include solving crimes committed against Madison County residents of homicide, robbery, sexual assault, aggravated battery, burlary, theft, drug trafficking, computer crimes such as child pornography, fraud, identity theft and even online solicitations; and
Whereas, given the recent level of civil unrest across our nation that is inflamed by anarchist groups and their supporters, our men and women in blue are in imminent danger every time they put on their uniform. Yet the rank and file, comprised of these brave men and women, continue to stand for law and order in order to protect us.
Now, therefore be it resolved that County Board of Madison County, Illinois, declares their support for all police officers that protect our families, our friends and our neighbors against those groups that endanger us all by spreading chaos, encouraging civil unrest and destroying our communities in an effort to weaken our democracy.