Cop killings a bad sign

Every week, we read about another police officer getting shot. Why is this happening? Why are we shooting the people we pay to protect us?

Is it because there are “crazies” out there? If so, let’s see that mental illness is treated.

Is it because of drug abuse? If so, let’s find out why life offers so little that a life on drugs is the only way out.

Is it because some people have a gripe against the police? If so, let’s find out why and do something about it.

Is it because it is too easy to get hold of a gun? If so, let’s support gun control.

When a society starts killing their heroes it is a sign that something serious has gone wrong. All of our new jails and “tough on crime” policies have not helped. Felons come out of jail with so few options that their return to crime can be predicted.

Killing police officers is society’s call for help. We must do better than just locking people up.

Dorothy Mehl

Spokane