Connecticut Police Officers show the meaning of Christmas

And teach us post-Boomer cynics not to be too quick to judge everything else.  Just a few days back, some Catholics used the story of a woman tased in a shopping mall as proof that our police force is made up of jack-booted thugs who are willing servants of the growing American Police State.  Some pointed out the story was vague, and gave only one real side to what happened.  Not so, several good Catholic commenters said; we know their kind, and as enlightened Catholics, it’s good to suspect any of those blue-suited types, and assume the worst.

Well, it’s egg on face time, as we see just what these thugs are capable of.  It was enough that the mall story was posted only a day or so before the terror of Newtown, when we saw the pits of hell open on a small Connecticut town.  It enough to know what those first responders were going through as they shared the pain and screams of the loved ones confronted with life’s most horrible tragedy.  Now, we see those boys and girls in blue doing a wonderful thing, and banding together from around the state and working on Christmas day to let those officers who experienced the trauma of Newtown have a day off with their loved ones.  Simply beautiful.

Does this mean I don’t think America is on the wrong track?  Does it mean I’m unaware of the fact that the official arms of our government could be turned against us if we’re dumb enough to let it happen?  Does it mean I don’t think we’re dumb enough to let it happen?  All it means is, I realize the dangers, but I also believe that losing perspective could be one of the biggest factors in our country emerging as a police state.  So read and enjoy, and prepare to wipe away a tear or two.