"Stop and Frisk": At the Intersection of Civil Rights, Sanctity of Life, and Our Constitutional Rights. But is it Right?

As some may already know, I am an avid proponent and forever advocate of all the founding principles of our beloved USA. We do not need as many new laws as we think, but only to stand and build on what is already. To move forward, we need to go back. We need to get back to the basics. I believe in the constitution and all of its' amendments, including the often highly contested 2nd amendment ; the right to bear arms. With "Stop and Frisk" we find ourselves at a peculiar intersection. First, we have the civil rights and liberties of every person that has been or will be stopped and frisked without just or probable cause. Secondly, we have the protection of the right to life that is endangered everyday by criminals and illegal gun carriers. Plus, there is the protection of the right for justice for all those that have already been slain, and their families, at the hands of these same illegal gun carriers. Third and finally, as mentioned above, we have the protection of all of our constitutional right to bear arms. I mention this because this is always a point of contention whenever there is a debate on any subject concerning guns. This three point intersection makes the validity of "Stop and Frisk" extremely difficult to judge. A few things we do know. This is not a case of legal ownership of guns in "God Country" for hunting. Nor, is it about legal ownership of guns anywhere, as is our right. What it is about is the sanctity of life verses civil rights in a small radius, NYC, in this instance. Report after report of person after person being murdered by people that UNLAWFULLY have guns we hear. Statistics show that young men are the primary perpetrators. What is the answer? It is wrong to be moved by emotions and say because this person was killed, even a personal loved one, anothers liberties should be trampled. It is also wrong to ban all guns. Our constitution and the American way says, No! But if you can't ban all arms, and there is a crime spree with guns, what do you do? If most of the crime is being committed by young men ( and yes, though in lesser numbers than blacks and latinos, young white men, too), what do you do? What do you do as those who are commissioned, paid and have sworn to serve and protect the community, ie government officials and law enforcement? Is "Stop and Frisk" the same as Arizona's "status check" which I whole heartedly oppose? Well, I know of ways other than violating civil rights to help stop illegal immigration. I tweeted about a recent ring of illegals that were busted by the New Jersey DMV. No civil liberties had to be violated. But "Stop and Frisk" alternatives? They are not applying for jobs or getting drivers licenses using guns. Where would be the lawful "gotcha" moment? Can it only be after someone is maimed or killed? Do we endanger human life? Will murder have to be the "gotcha" moment? A peculiar intersection indeed. I am not a cop, but I am law enforcement and will always be pro law enforcement. I believe many civilians do not know rules and procedures, and therefore can not correctly judge police actions. Average citizens do not comprehend the difference between profiling using bias and prejudice, and profiling by the facts, use of good detective skills, witness testimonies, statistics and process of elimination. Is "Stop and Frisk" racial profiling? Technically yes. Is it racism or good police work based on facts is the better question. The answer to that takes reading the mind of each and every police officer. I am black. I do not like it when people take the attitude of right is right and wrong is wrong, unless someone of my race is involved. And poverty is not an excuse for any crime. I implore parents of all races to train their children in the way they should go. Judge their behavior. Judge their dress. Judge the company they keep. Build #character. Build #integrity. Build self respect and respect for all others. Build more two parent families with only as many children as you can mentally and financially handle. If you have to, stop and frisk your own children before they leave your house. And start all by examining yourself first. Leaders must first be convinced. And all parents are automatically and instantly leaders. Do these things and you lessen the chances for police, bigotted or not, to have to address your children. In addition, all of society has to ensure that if our young people are rough around the edges, or just look a certain way, none of them is harassed or murdered just because of the way they look. I still have questions and thoughts. I have many concerns. I see all sides. "Stop and Frisk"? When human life is at risk? When statistics show undisputed facts? When the founding principles of this great country is on the line? I do not know yet. This one person jury is still deliberating. Still #thinking. -Yulanda K. Jones.

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