Mike Flood: “As National Law Enforcement Day approaches, I rise today to salute our men and women who keep our communities safe each…”

“As National Law Enforcement Day approaches, I rise today to salute our men and women who keep our communities safe each and every day. It wasn't long ago that law enforcement was almost universally respected in America. The blue uniform was a symbol not just of law and order but also of community peace and harmony. Policemen and policewomen belonged among the most trusted community members, alongside nurses, teachers, firefighters, and postal workers. However, something happened in 2020. Antipolice riots erupted in communities across the country. Places like Seattle, Minneapolis, and Chicago were besieged by violence. Violent protestors set up a law enforcement-free zone in Seattle known as CHAZ. Civil unrest in Minneapolis led to one-half billion dollars' worth of damage while city leadership failed to keep order after George Floyd's death. Folks looked at the Magnificent Mile in Chicago while the world watched America burn. Nevertheless, this destruction wasn't tolerated in Nebraska. When disorder erupted in two of our major cities, then-Governor Pete Ricketts cracked down. He deployed State patrol and National Guard members to assist communities and protected businesses and homeowners. Since the national unrest in 2020, Nebraska has doubled down on our commitment to supporting our men and women in blue. While some States have repealed traditional protections for law enforcement, Nebraska has maintained qualified immunity.…”