I believe the key word here is “peaceably.” The protests going on around our country now are in no way considered “peaceful.” What has happened to the rights of the people not protesting? Why do their rights not matter? At least that is what it looks like, that protestors have taken over and destroyed whole city blocks, police departments as well as government buildings, stores, food establishments that those same people now no longer have access to. Again, what about their rights? What about the many people (business owners, employees, senior citizens, and neighbors) that used these now destroyed businesses? Where are their rights? 

This is not just a one-sided amendment that only caters to those who wish to protest — and therein lies the rub. What about those that aren’t redressing grievances with the government? Why do those people now have to live with the destruction and aftermath of those exercising their First Amendment rights?

The Fourth Amendment states that, “The right of people to be secure in their persons ... against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated.” You state that the president’s use of “storm troopers is a flagrant violation of these amendments” and further state he is “only targeting those states and cities with Democratic governors and mayors.” Forgive me if I’ve heard it wrong, but It seems these cities and states are the ones still being overtaken by the protestors and still burning.  These cities and states are also wanting to defund the police. This scenario is turning into real life “The Purge.”  

Are their Fourth Amendment rights being disregarded? Obviously, yes, it has happened. Do I condone this?  Absolutely not. Do the majority of police condone this? Absolutely not. But is this the way to protest and call to defund all police when the vast majority of police are there to serve and protect? Who are you going to call when someone breaks into your house and threatens your family? I am from a police family, my husband worked as a detective, head of child abuse and vulnerable adults, dealing with the worst of the worst and even these worthless individuals had rights.

 What I am saying is be careful what you ask for. I for one support the police. As I stated earlier, most police deal with bad people all day, every day. Bottom line is that a lot of people are their own worst enemy. Listen and do what the police instruct you to do. Don’t run, don’t reach into your pockets,  or car or do anything that may be construed as dangerous for the officer. They are husbands/wives, fathers/mothers, sons/daughters, just normal people doing a job they love. They want to go home after work also. Not all police are bad so why are they all being portrayed as such?

Just my opinion, and contrary to popular belief, we are all entitled to our own opinions.

Vickie DeStefano

Sylva