Article: Blue lines in New Jersey for police: Unifying or divisive?

[stringer bell]

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/10/blue_lines_to_support_cops_take_no_sides.html

To the Editor:

To correct any misconceptions, first and foremost, the "blue line" painted in Mantua Township is in Chestnut Branch Park, not on a public roadway. We decided to do this to avoid any confusion to motorists or create a distraction on a public roadway, as Hafner's letter suggests could occur.

Secondly, Mantua's blue line has nothing to do with "protests over so many citizens, mostly black, being killed by police officers," as Hafner writes. This has absolutely nothing to do with "blue lives matter" vs. "black lives matter." In Mantua Township, we strongly believe that ALL lives matter.

Our blue line painted between two yellow lines simply represents our support for our local police as protectors of our community. The added blue center line represents law enforcement. One yellow line represents the public, while the other yellow line represents the criminals. The idea is that law enforcement — the blue line — stands between law-abiding residents and violence or victimization by criminals.

To clarify any questions over the line-painting cost, in Mantua, the labor was donated by a private contractor, as were the paint and all other materials.

We have a great police department in Mantua and Mayor Pete Scirrotto, myself and the township committee want to support these men and women. This was just one small gesture that demonstrates our appreciation for these people who serve with honesty, dignity and respect for all citizens.

We strongly believe this to be indicative of our police department and, therefore, support them wholeheartedly.

Robert T. Zimmerman

Deputy Mayor

Mantua Township

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2016/10/heres_the_deal_with_the_thin_blue_lines_being_pain.html

What does the line stand for?

As many across the country rush to show their support for police in the wake of shootings targeting officers, the thin blue line is showing up more and more. In addition to paint on the street, it's on T-shirts, wristbands, and flags.

Traditionally, the line represents the role law enforcement serves, standing between law-abiding citizens and the criminal element.

But Rodney J. Sawyer, police chief of Mantua Township in Gloucester County, said the blue line painted in Chestnut Branch Park also stands for camaraderie and unity between officers, among other things.

"It stands in support of a profession that in recent months has come under fire and attacked as a symbol of conspiracy, cover ups, and accused of racist behavior," he said in an email. "It represents the solidarity displayed within the profession when a Law Enforcement Officer makes the ultimate sacrifice... It is the thin blue line in the midst of tragedy that rushes in as others rush out."

Some towns have also painted red lines to honor firefighters, but there are different ideas about how to support EMTs and paramedics. In Bergen County, Glen Rock used white paint, while Dumont opted for green.

 

[So ILL]

I'm still trying to figure out how police officers are held with high admiration like they're gods, like it ain't another job. Yeah, they're supposed to protect and serve, but they chose to do that shit, and they take the uniform off everyday. But yeah, I stopped reading after a 5% black population lol.

 

[the dukester]

Those blue lines are paved with red blood, from black bodies, gunned down by racist white officers.

#AllLivesMatter is the new "thug", code-word for nigger.

 

[5th Letter]

I'm still trying to figure out how police officers are held with high admiration like they're gods, like it ain't another job. Yeah, they're supposed to protect and serve, but they chose to do that shit, and they take the uniform off everyday. But yeah, I stopped reading after a 5% black population lol.

Because this country is filled with racists and white supremacists and these race soldiers posing as cops are murdering black people. It's essentially their way to show their support to the race soldiers who harm black people.