John Ashcroft, former Missouri governor, senator and U.S. attorney general, spoke about the importance of law enforcement and the rule of law as an entity in our culture at a Back the Blue event this week in Springfield.
“Law is not simply the idea of enforcement officials but as a ruling, governing, entity, as it is written,” he said. “The respect for the law is the cornerstone that provides safeguard to our liberty.”
Ashcroft’s comments come as Democrats, say critics, are attempting to rewrite history by saying Republicans are responsible for the “defund the police” movement. The New York Times recently reported Democrats have made an about-face and are now rallying behind a “fund the police” slogan.
READ: Kansas City attempts to defund the police
The topic came up at Ashcroft’s appearance.
Tim Garrison, former U.S. attorney, federal and military prosecutor and Missouri Fraternal Order of Police chairman for the Community Member Team, also spoke. He is on a short list of Republican attorneys who reportedly are being considered to be appointed Missouri attorney general if current Attorney General Eric Schmitt is elected to the U.S. Senate next month. Garrison talked about how the law has an impact on the country in positive ways and that although it may not be perfect, it is needed.
“We live in a country where the rule of law is strong.” He said. “People thrive and advance where the rule of law is strong, not perfect but strong, but for laws to be respected they must be enforced.”
The speakers talked about how more than ever, it seems as if the law is becoming interpretable in severe ways, which is causing more violence against law enforcement, a less- effective judicial system and chaos among many states. Garrison noted that planned attacks against law enforcement have now become more frequent, with more fallen enforcement officers. According to the Officer Down Memorial Page, gunfire deaths in Missouri are up 10 percent in 2022 compared to last year.
“When the law is disregarded, it undermines the respect for the law,” Ashcroft said. “We need to support law enforcement and for it to be enforced as it is written/”
For more information about the Back the Blue PAC, visit. www.mobacktheblue.com.
–Alan Goforth | Metro Voice