Crosstalk: May 16, 2019

Jim began by noting that he’s received releases from various sources indicating that the U.S. House of Representatives will be voting on the so-called ‘Equality Act’ (HR-5) either tomorrow or Friday.  Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel believes this act will be used as a ‘wrecking ball’ to churches, religious organizations and free speech. He also called it the most dangerous legislation against religious liberty every proposed in Congress.

A recent Crosstalk dealt with Texas Right to Life and the Ten Day Rule.  This rule means that above the objections of a patient or family, a hospital can ‘pull the plug’ of those on a ventilator those receiving dialysis.  

The Crosstalk that dealt with this issue looked at the circumstances surrounding Carolyn Jones, a 61 year old Texas mother who was fighting to remain alive. This past Monday she was removed from her ventilator but she is still fighting to stay alive.  Now the hospital is allegedly withholding dialysis from her.

Jim also reported that mosques in 20 states are going to be hosting Open Mosque Day on May 18th.  It’s an initiative during the month of Ramadan to share the Ramadan experience with neighbors.

May 12-18 is National Police Week.  Today is Peace Officer Memorial Day as we remember officers who have lost their lives while in the line of duty.  The American Police Hall of Fame and Museum reports that an officer is killed in the line of duty every 57 hours somewhere in America.

The question asked by our guest is, ‘Is this open season on cops?’

That guest was Jim Kouri.  Jim is a member of the Board of Advisors and a former vice president of the National Association of Chiefs of Police.  He’s former chief of police at a New York City housing project in Washington Heights that was nicknamed ‘Crack City’ by reporters.  He’s served as a director of public safety and director of security for several major organizations. He’s also served on the National Drug Task Force and trained police and security officers throughout the country.  He’s also a columnist.

Jim covered a lot of ground beginning with what life is basically like when wearing the blue uniform.  The shifts can run from 12-16 hours, there’s a lot of overtime, and then there’s the unpredictability concerning what might take place on the job from day to day.

Unfortunately the stigma that once surrounded the killing of a police officer has lessened over the years.  So now Jim believes it’s open season on cops and that includes even female officers as there were 3 killed in 2018.

As you review this program you’ll learn…

–What has changed this attitude toward law enforcement?

–What is being done for children of officers killed in the line of duty?

–The description of the memorial at The American Police Hall of Fame and Museum in Titusville, Florida.

–Is President Trump’s recognition of police on this day significant enough?

–Is there a connection between the ideas of protecting our borders and respecting and honoring law enforcement?