As we focus on all that is wrong in the world and get so angry at the hatred/ignorance on display, I often find myself questioning the wisdom of that faith.
And then along comes a story like this.
The holidays have been rough for the Newtown Police Department, which is why officers from across Connecticut joining forces, so that not a single Newtown officer has to work on Christmas Day. The plan has been kept on the down low for the past few days, since the various police departments are making the effort not for the press but as a gesture of solidarity with their fellow officers. After whispers of the touching gesture from local law enforcement emerged on Twitter over the weekend, however, the Newtown Police Department confirmed the news in an interview with The Atlantic Wire on Monday. "They've been actually non-stop with their aid. It's pretty amazing," said Newtown police spokesperson Sergeant Steve Santucci said of his fellow Connecticut officers. "And tomorrow, they'll be at our assistance so that Newtown [officers] can be home with their families."I think we tend to hear more of these kinds of stories after a tragedy and/or during the holidays. But it speaks to the goodness in humanity that is at direct odds with the stories we are so often told.
But wait there's more. One of the only perks about working on Christmas Day is overtime and holiday pay. Just as they're not doing it for the press, though, many of the officers filling in at Newtown aren't interested in the money, so they're reportedly donating their paychecks to Newtown and Sandy Hill Elementary School charities. At least, those ones that are even accepting payment are. Santucci said that he knew some of the officers were volunteering their time on Tuesday but wasn't able to say who was making donations or how much money would be raised, since the Christmas Day pay would be coming from officers' hometown departments.
And so I want to say "thank you" to these Connecticut police officers for reminding me that in the midst of all that is wrong in the world - selflessness and compassion are still alive and well too.
Sometimes, "We The People..."
ReplyDeleteAnd, a most blessed and Merry Christmas to you and your family, Ms. Pants.
And, the same sentiments to alla y'all "SP'ers" as well.
Reflect and Enjoy
Peace!
Merry Christmas to you are your family Blackman!!!
DeleteThis is good to read. I don't tend to engage in discussions of what "human nature" is, but it's clear that there's some kind of core impulse that, when not covered by all kinds of mess, is a very good thing. Our problems don't come from some fundamentally wrong intrinsic nature.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting Christmas for me, because I've not enjoyed Christmases generally since I was very young. Today, I feel like giving a lot of thanks. And so to you and those here: thanks for this spot, which has been wonderful and encouraging to me.
I'm not much of one for enjoying Christmas either Bill. But I'm at peace. And that's the most important thing to me.
DeleteThanks for being a part of things here.
Thank you for sharing this!!!!! It's the most hopeful, beautiful thing I've read in months.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this story of giving. I wish the news told more of these inspiring stories instead of the fearful negative ones. Imagine where we'd we?!
ReplyDelete