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Today, watching the funeral of Detective Chaplain Rafael Ramos, I felt emotions of mourning and grief, but also gratitude and hope.
It might appear strange, but the last time that I could recall watching a funeral in its entirety on television was when President John F. Kennedy was buried a little over fifty-one years ago. It is in the same vein that I not only felt deep sorrow for the family of the person assassinated, but also for our Nation and our City. Just as our nation came together after the assassination of President Kennedy I am hopeful that our City and yes our nation will come together and heal once Detective Ramos and Detective Wenjian Lui are buried and people on all sides have a chance to think rationally and dialogue and understand how others feel and think.
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
The words from the Pastors, Vice President Biden, Governor Cuomo, Mayor de Blasio and Commissioner Bratton were moving and helped soothe the mourning. I felt that Detective Ramos being made an Honorary Chaplain for the 84th Precinct was truly a great honor he well deserved.
Yes, our great City is divided. Too many people are rushing to throw words of hate, words of divisiveness and political rhetoric which only causes strife not only to the families of Detectives Ramos and Liu and those serving in the NYPD, but also to those in our City who encourage understanding through dialogue.
On a personal level, I concur 100% with Mayor de Blasio, Governor Cuomo, other elected officials, religious leaders and many other in suggesting that the protests be stopped until after both of New York’s finest are buried. It is not only about the right to free expression and speech, which are sacrosanct, it is about showing respect. I was appalled by some of the tweets and FB comments directed not only against the NYPD, but also defaming the two assassinated detectives who were protecting all of us. Those who posted threats or carried signs with threats need to be identified, arrested and prosecuted. I was horrified by a post saying “Next, two white police officers”. The 99% of peaceful demonstrators have every right to protest in a lawful manner no matter when. That is guaranteed. Regardless, they should curtail their protests against a judicial system which has to be fixed out of respect for the fallen. Throughout the protests, the NYPD acted with respect and professionalism, even when they were not accorded the same respect.
Police officers turn their backs as New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at the funeral of New York city police officer Rafael Ramos in Queens on Saturday. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
I am similarly appalled by the disrespect shown by some members of the NYPD. The disrespect and words of hate from Patrick Lynch and others who have sworn to protect all only serve to incite a breakdown in respect for the great majority of the officers who serve our City. The words “I Can Breathe” on T-Shirts belittles the life of Eric Garner a man who should still be alive today. The blood of the our slain detectives is strictly on the hands of one man: the assassin. To throw out accusations, to turn their backs on our Mayor and others is showing disrespect for those who try to soothe controversies, protect our rights and our lives. The family of Detective Ramos asked our mayor to attend and to speak. Those members of the NYPD standing outside and turning their backs when our Mayor spoke today showed disrespect for Detective Ramos and for the wishes of his family. For NYPD officers to fly a banner over our City urging that backs be turned on the Mayor shows disrespect for the office of Mayor and for our Mayor. Mr. Lynch and those who call names and instigate disrespect are acting contrary to what their badge stands for. They must respect the laws they have sworn to uphold. That must stop immediately.
Yes, tensions are high. Yes, there is much discord. Yes, people are wrought with emotion. That is understandable. There are times when all of us are drowned in sorrow and directed by our emotions rather than what is moral and rational and right. I know how I have felt at times. Dialogue is needed. As I said in earlier columns, dialogue of hate gets us nowhere. It divides. Much healing is needed. Racial relations continue to be stoked by many, and racism is still permeating way too many segments of our society and our governments on all levels. I applaud the Mayor for speaking and leading as both our Mayor, and as a father. I urge people to identify with those they disagree with; to identify with those who are different than they are.
I do feel more cynical about how fast healing can take place and inequality can end than I did back in the 1960’s. I hope to see some healing and a sense of coming together in whatever few years remain of my life.
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