I know many will disagree, but I support ICE. I think their mission is important.  Like Clinton, Bush and Obama, I believe that those who are unlawfully present should be deported after due process of law. I agree we need comprehensive and sustainable immigration reform. Until that happens, we must enforce the laws we have. The rule of law is the only thing that prevents us from vigilantism and chaos.  The rule of law does not, however, allow federal agents to gun down innocent people who pose no immediate deadly threat to officers. The agent who did this in Minnesota should be dealt with swiftly and with the due process that he did not afford his victim. 

Now it is time for liberal white women to have “the talk.” For generations Black families have been explaining to their children that dealing with an armed law enforcement officer even when you are 100% innocent can be a deadly event. Put your hands at 10 and 2. Be polite to the officers. Comply with officer orders which will not kill you even if they are wrong or unlawful. Live. Live and fight it out in court. It is true Black Lives Matter, but so do yours.

Law enforcement officers deal with dangerous people and often are afraid of not going home. They are also humans who make mistakes. Some are impatient. Some are suffering from mental health, family or professional issues which you don’t know about. Some have been politically radicalized. Some have simply not had enough training. And few but some, like all humans, are genuinely bad people with bad motives. All are carrying deadly weapons and have lethal training. When you insert yourself into law enforcement actions or do not comply with law enforcement orders you are putting your life in danger. It may not be right, but it is true.

Before conservatives start celebrating this victim blaming, don’t be mindless lemmings. I am old enough to remember Ruby Ridge, Branch Davidians and the Bundy stand-off when conservatives were outraged about federal “jackbooted thugs” trampling on American rights. We are told this is why we need the Second Amendment and automatic weapons, to defend ourselves from the tyranny of the government. Before you exercise schadenfreudian for political rivals, remember what you thought with someone else in the White House.

Liberals, don’t get excited at conservative hypocrisy.  I know you are outraged by federal authorities failing to cooperate with Minnesota in their law enforcement responsibilities.  You think that they should work with the state police, to investigate and prosecute what appears to be a second-degree murder. And why wouldn’t they cooperate if they want there to be greater public confidence in the outcome? You know what? You are right. I guess you are now feeling how conservatives do about sanctuary cities. 

It is time for conservatives and liberals to stop cheering when people of a different political persuasion are killed. It is time for people to stop assuming that police are always right or always wrong. It is time for us to understand that petitioning our government for the redress of grievances does not mean confronting law enforcement agents on the street instead of in the court, in the legislature,  in the press or in a political meeting.  

Peaceful civil disobedience has a long tradition of creating social change. It also has a long tradition of people being beaten, bit by dogs, fire-hosed, incarcerated and yes even killed.  Stay safe out there America. Fight for your rights but try not to die while doing it. We need more good people alive in our communities and fewer martyrs.

Isaac Mass is a lawyer and businessman in Greenfield.