Follow Police Instructions

                The liberty principle for this Freedom Friday comes from Evangelist Franklin Graham, the son of Billy Graham, the famed Christian leader. Graham did not mince words when he decided to comment on the issue of police shootings. He has advice for people who are stopped by the police: “Follow their instructions.” Graham said that he posted on Facebook in an effort “to help you survive to live another day.”

                Graham admits that there are “too many avoidable shootings,” but he had some advice to anyone that is stopped by law enforcement. “Listen up, whites, blacks, Latinos, and everybody else. I’ve said it before, and I’m going to say it again…. If you’re stopped by law enforcement, here’s some simple advice – Follow their instructions!” He said that people could “greatly diminish your chances of getting shot” by following directions.

                Graham continues, “Just do what the officer says! … If they say `Stop,’ then stop. If they say, `Lie down,’ then lie down. If they say, `Put your hands up,’ then put your hands up.” He added “Don’t argue” with the officer just because you think he is wrong. “That doesn’t mean mistakes aren’t going to be made, but heeding this advice may save our life…. No matter what our skin color, we all bleed red. We’re all human beings created by God – and every life matters.”

                I totally agree with Graham because his advice makes total sense to me. There may be some bad cops out there patrolling our streets and highways, but the vast majority of them are good people who simply want to do their job – keeping us safe.

                All of us must help them fulfill their duty by simply following their instructions, and parents, grandparents, and teachers must step up and teach the rising generation to obey the instructions. The life we save may be our own or the life of someone we love!