Why are my fellow veterans harming minorities? 

When did I become your enemy? 

by Thomas Manning

As a veteran, it is disconcerting to see fellow veterans who are now law enforcement officers engaged in police brutality against minorities. When did we become your enemy? We loved and respected one another when we served in the same uniforms, Air Force, Army, Marines, Navy and Coast Guard. Right?

We served in distant places, committed to one another and our country. We worked side by side, guarded the safety of each other, ate together, drank together, partied together, laughed together, prayed together and, when needed, we cried together. When did I become your enemy? Was it when we separated upon returning home?

More than likely, we lived in different cities or neighborhoods than one another. However, we did continue to live in the same country, right? We live in the same country that we defended, giving our allegiance to the same constitution. Right?

So, when exactly did we stop being brothers and sisters in arms?

Sometimes we see one another proudly wearing the civilization garb of our military branches. We remember we are brothers and sisters, briefly! We talk of where we served and bonded once again, if only for a moment. When we part, we say, “thank you for your service.”

When veterans join civilization law enforcement agencies, they retake their commitment to the United States Constitution.

When did we become the enemy? Was it when you wore law enforcement uniforms and swore your alliance to a different constitution? You must know there is only one United States Constitution. Right?

It is disturbing because those who have served in the military are still under their first oath. When veterans join civilization law enforcement agencies, they retake their commitment to the United States Constitution.

When did I become your enemy? Was it when you abandoned your oath to the United States Constitution twice?

I am losing faith in my fellow veterans, who are now part of various law enforcement agencies across our nation. I am deeply disturbed that they do not correct and remind their fellow officers of their sacred obligation to the United States Constitution. Moreover, to take their present responsibility to serve and protect, not search and destroy.

Presently, my fellow veterans have switched alliances. Now, all we hear from you is not, “Thank you for your service,” but, “Get on the ground.” 

“Thank you for your service.”

Thomas Manning is a freelance African American activist, retired social worker and Air Force veteran.

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