Lives Less Worthy
Pursuit Watch.org recently encouraged readers to sign up for a new newsletter begun by VIPS (Voices Insisting on PursuitSAFETY) .
My first reaction was “Awesome!” and I immediately clicked through to add myself to the subscriber list. I read the VIPS mission statement -
“PursuitSAFETY is a national organization that joins communities, police officers, and public officials with 80,000 plus family members who have had blameless children, parents, and brothers and sisters killed or maimed when police chases spun out of control.”
Before I go any further I want to be very clear that I understand why the loved ones of innocent vicitms would hate the suspect who’s actions caused the death of their loved one. I understand why “blameless” is a key part of their mission statement. It should be.
damn - I don’t know how to say this without it somehow sounding ‘wrong’. “Blameless” is emphasized and repeated 5 times on the first page of the VIPS website.
I want to be part of the push for reform. My knowledge of pursuit law is extensive. I think, no - I know I would be an asset in the movement for policy reform. But time and again I feel “unworthy” of seeking change in pursuit policy.
Yes Rick ran - I can’t change that. My husband will never come home again and I was left alone to raise our 10 month old daughter. My grief doesn’t make the distinction between Rick the suspect, and Rick the husband, nor is it proportionate to his degree of guilt.
that’s all - just needed to get that off my chest.
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