When I turned sixteen, I obtained my Texas driver’s license. I did not own a car, but my parents let me drive one of their cars when I needed transportation. They paid for gasoline, insurance, and maintenance, something I could not afford. In return, I had to run family errands and keep the cars clean. This meant washing and vacuuming both cars on Saturday before church. Another stipulation was that I could not get any traffic tickets. My Dad informed me that if I was caught violating traffic laws, I would not be driving their cars anymore.
One afternoon, I drove a few blocks to a friend’s house to drop off something. I went inside my friend’s house for a few minutes, then walked back to my car parked in front of my friend’s house. When I exited his house, I saw a police car parked behind my car and two policemen next to my car. I asked them what the problem was and learned that my car was not parked close enough to the curb. They handed me a non-moving violation ticket and drove off. I knew right then that my driving days were over.
I drove home and dutifully informed my father. He started laughing and said, “Is that the best you can do to get a ticket?” The fine was $7 and he said I was to pay it. He was not upset and let me continue to drive his car. I told him that I thought I parked correctly and would speak to the Justice of the Peace. My Dad said that he would go with me but appeared dubious about my success.
About a month later, my father and I drove to the local courtroom and waited for my hearing. When my name was called, the Judge said that the police officer did not show and my court hearing would be rescheduled. I thought that this was wrong as I took the time to attend. I spotted a police officer, Randy, who I had met when mowing the lawn of a real estate office.
While working, I spotted syringes in the grass next to a telephone pole. I told the real estate manager and she called the police. Randy stopped by and after listening to me, thanked me and said that the police would monitor the area for drug use.
I walked over to Randy and reminded him of our last meeting. He remembered our encounter and asked me why I was in the courtroom. I told him about my $7 parking ticket, and he said that he would help me. He walked over to the Judge and spoke to him. The Judge called me over, along with my father. He commended me with helping on a drug case and tore up my ticket. My father looked bewildered and on the way home, I told him the whole story. He could not believe that a sixteen-year-old was able to maneuver the legal system. The police and judicial system earned my respect that day.
When I was living in London, I enjoyed walking to Regent’s Park. One weekend afternoon, I passed a pub near the park and there was an angry man shouting at someone. A London policeman (they are called Bobbies in the UK) walked over and listened to the upset man. He did not carry a gun and was professionally dressed. After listening, he quietly spoke to the man who gradually settled down. The two men shook hands and the incident was over. I was struck at how civil the encounter was and how differently it might have gone in my country. I witnessed the community’s respect for the Bobbies and how they earned their trust in British society.
I have watched the ICE protests in Minneapolis these past several weeks; the killing of Renee Good, tear gas shot into groups of protestors, angry individuals shouting at heavily armed ICE officers, school closings … the ugly list goes on. I hang my head with such sadness that we have reached this point. Both sides need to pull back and reflect on how to de-escalate before more people die or are seriously injured.
The United States Constitution gives citizens the right to protest. When black civil rights protestors walked to the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma (Alabama), they marched quietly and were nicely dressed. They were met with horrible police violence, a moment that led to Congress finally passing historic civil rights legislation. Nonviolent respectful protests, as difficult as these can be for those who protest, can lead to positive results in democratic societies. Respecting police, even when you disagree with governmental policies, will solicit sympathy and compassion from observers. Shouting obscenities, sticking phone cameras into faces, and blocking police access will devalue even the best causes.
ICE officers, dressed in face-covering combat gear, wondering through stores, restaurants, and work facilities, do not garner community respect. Our country is not a war zone, at least not now. The federal government has the right to enforce federal border laws. How it is done is also important. Showing respect, even in difficult encounters, will garner community sympathy and compassion. Respect goes both ways.
The Apostle Paul wrote eloquently about the Christian and the state in Romans 13:1–7: “Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgement. …” Paul follows with: “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8) Love and respect are intrinsically bound.
For those who disagree with federal laws and policies, work to change them. Listen to and respect those who disagree with your policy views before advocating different laws. For those who enforce federal and state laws, show your humanity by unmasking and listening. Seek civil solutions rather than brute force on those who are nonviolent. We are all neighbors. As Christ consistently taught through words and examples, love conquers all.
