This story of police turning their backs on Mayor De Blasio is literally being painted only in black and white. There are many more shades to it. See http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-30672097.
Let's step back and look at the big picture over the past few decades. After World War II, we generally respected authority and conformity for a couple decades. The 60s, the civil rights movement, feminism, Vietnam, and Watergate sent the pendulum in the other direction for a couple decades or so, the Reagan era and the fall of the Soviet empire notwithstanding.
The pendulum then swung back, to a point where we almost worshipped authority. Giuliani and Bloomberg successfully cleaned up New York. Other communities followed this example. The War on Terrorism brought us together, seeking the comfort of authority and conformity.
But, has the pendulum swung too far in the direction of authority worship? Can we not find a balance in which we respect authority and are thankful for the gifts it brings -- safety and comfort -- without becoming mindless and unquestioning, without letting even the weakest links in the chain of authority lord it over us unjustly?
Most police deserve respect -- most, not all. Most mean well and think twice about things. But, De Blasio (regardless of his many failings) can't be blamed for talking thoughtfully to his mixed-race son about the dangers of encounters with police. There are just too many stories of children with toy guns being shot, cops shooting men in the back, and cops acting before thinking. These problems are rare, but not rare enough.
Let's work together to educate our police. Let's respect them without worshipping them.
And, to the police, those with a monopoly on the legitimate use of force inside our society, please don't think we disrespect you just because we want an open, honest discussion of how you can better serve democracy and do your jobs more safely and effectively.
Both sides in this rancorous debate are right, and both sides are wrong.
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