He Hit Laquan: Why Police Officer Jason Van Dyke Ought to Remain Free

Like an animal on two legs, Laquan McDonald fell in a hail of bullets by officer Jason Van Dyke. This shooting, though it may appear familiar, is actually just another example of a street savage succumbing to the barrage of a capable police man. In a city that is known for its acts of force perpetrated against innocent individuals, Chicago, Illinois also known by the vicious pun Chi-Raq, Killinois, thugs like McDonald only jump up to get shot down in the dirt. While it is tempting to compare this particular incident to that of the cases of Michael Brown and Darren Wilson or Freddie Gray and officers Caesar R. Goodson Jr., William G. Porter, Brian W. Rice, Edward M. Nero, Garrett Miller, Alicia D. White, or Walter Scott and officer Michael Slager, this action by officer Van Dyke is one of out and out heroism.

Instead of resorting to stay politely in the confines of a private residence and get high on phencyclidine (PCP), McDonald chose to brandish a knife and walk in the streets like it was the right thing to do. By breaking into parked cars and trucks, McDonald exhibited a sense of lawlessness and complete disregard for authority or private property. His violations lead to his demise. Officer Van Dyke could have easily dumped more than just a single clip into McDonald. The way that he carried himself in defense of himself and the other officers ought to be commended, not condemned. For protecting his values, officer Van Dyke represented the police force of the city of Chicago and exemplified the character of a man of the law. Upon the review of the video from the night of the shooting, Van Dyke’s arrest marked a twisted day in the annals of justice. At least he was able to post a percentage of the $1.5 million bail that the judge set and broke from the walls of jail.

How is this case different from the incidents listed above? Well, no one can say that the assailant was unarmed here. McDonald wielded a weapon that threatened the lives and property of law enforcement. This barbarian deserved the slugs to the mug which he received. That knife could have been used to issue a swift “buck-fifty” (150 stitches to the face as a result of slashing) to one of the officers that accompanied Van Dyke. In a city where the code of the streets is to cause murder and mayhem, it is only fitting that the police men and women safeguard their own. The constant attacks and shootings and killings that go on in this town must create a sense of urgency within those sworn to serve and protect it. Can Chicago go a holiday without reports of at least one death and dozens of shootings? Has the mayor and the political establishment continued the corruption from the decades past?

The decision to fire the police chief, Garry McCarthy, only exacerbates the situation. This is why the protests were insufficient in representing anything. Rather than push for Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s ouster, packs of dissidents stormed the shopping districts of Chicago to prove...what? Maybe it was to garner media attention. Or maybe the goal was to disrupt the much anticipated holiday commercialism. Regardless of the poor excuses, the protesting failed to bring down the root cause of the backward policies and injustices that the demonstrators alleged: Mr. Emanual. The site of the protests ought to have been city hall. They should have held up signs and chanted for the mayor and his cronies to step down from their positions. No, they rather interrupt the exchange of dollars and goods during the happiest season of all. And where does the money sit with the McDonald family? Their award of $5 million displays the incompetence and injustice involved in the legal system in Chicago. To give this miscreant’s relatives, whom he had broken ties with allegedly as being in foster homes, this kind of cash only worsens the stance of the city.

The uproar is completely unwarranted here. Until the city of Chicago fight the true problem which is gang violence which is drug warfare which can be solved by legalizing all drugs, the city will continue to see the horrid side of inner city life (and death). McDonald was just a pawn in the evil combination of drugs and weapons on the streets. The necessity of his death remains as he perpetrated force against law enforcement. It’s not even tragic. It’s just justice being served. So, for any marching protest group who wants to stir up racial tensions and continue the poor relations of cops and citizens, take heed. There exist laws which govern the actions of individuals in the semi-free country of the United States of America. McDonald signified the brute who chose to go down the wrong path and found bullets to match his wayward intentions. He decided to live the street life and have no reserve for rectitude. For his actions, a cop just wanted to ensure that innocent bystanders, his fellow police officers, and he would make it home safe that night. In the city where the murder rate is so high and the trust for law enforcement is so low, might this incident be a bellwether of what await an ogre of the streets? May this indicate a turning point in how the wolves in the neighborhoods function on a daily basis?

Officer Van Dyke, rather than being lambasted for his actions, ought to be met with every citation and recognition for the bravery and pinpoint accuracy he demonstrated. He ought to have not been charged with any crime. Unless that crime is courage under great stress, he ought to be met with support from his fellow officers and other people who respect the law. First-degree murder is not even close to the truth which the video of the McDonald shooting shows. His quick decision making skills and coolness allowed him to deliver shots into the threat and neutralize it. For a seasoned veteran of the force, Van Dyke continued the tradition of cops who though older in years, can still perform at the highest levels of professionalism. Despite the allegations of misconduct, Van Dyke upholds the position of a citizen on patrol (COP). With the support of Chicago’s Fraternal Order of Police, his lawyer, and his wife, Van Dyke ought to have enough backing to weather these next chilly months. His actions will remain a testament to good stewardship over a city that has seemingly lost its way. For continuing to stay on the right side of the law, Van Dyke and officers like him ought to face the future with confidence, honor, and respect. May the accusers and protesters be damned. The only thing which will stand in time is the will of officer Van Dyke. If he is able to muster up the courage he displayed in taking down McDonald, he just might remain the proud policeman that he set out to be.