During a speech at the Republican National Convention on Monday, Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke (D) stated that presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has “consistently and constantly raised his voice, not only in defense of the character of the American police officer, but of the need for all people to feel that that they are being treated fairly and respectfully by law enforcement.” And “understands that what can make our nation safe again is a re-commitment to a system of justice in which no government official…even Hillary Clinton…can claim privilege above the law.”
Clarke began by saying, “Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to make something very clear, blue lives matter in America. I stand before you tonight with a heavy heart, as the law enforcement community prepares to bury three of Baton Rouge, Louisiana’s finest. But there is some good news out of Baltimore, Maryland as Lieutenant Brian Rice was acquitted on all charges in the malicious prosecution of activist State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby.”
He later stated, “What we witnessed in Ferguson and Baltimore and Baton Rouge was the collapse of the social order. So many of the actions of the Occupy movement and Black Lives Matter transcends peaceful protest and violates the code of conduct we rely on. I call it anarchy. You see, American law enforcement officers understand that race is and has been a heated issue in our country. Most appreciate the vital need for thoroughness and transparency and pursuit of the greater good in their actions and in their investigation. These are truths that are self evident to me, and which I practice, and they are the truths the Donald Trump understands and supports.”
Clarke continued, “Donald Trump is the steadfast leader our nation needs. He has spoken passionately to me of his belief in our American system of justice, and he speaks to the values that are at the foundation of our social contract. Throughout his campaign, and over many years before, he has consistently and constantly raised his voice, not only in defense of the character of the American police officer, but of the need for all people to feel that that they are being treated fairly and respectfully by law enforcement. You see, Donald Trump understands that what can make our nation safe again is a re-commitment to a system of justice in which no government official, not even those who have fought their way to the marble and granite halls of Washington, no private citizen, no elected official, even Hillary Clinton, and no group of people, despite the fervor with which they press forward their grievances can claim privilege above the law. It cannot happen in the United States.”
He concluded, “The tradition of the primacy of the rule of law in America is strong. It is in those simple facts, and in our acts, we will move forward toward making America safe again. God bless you, and may God continue to bless these United States of America.”
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