Dear Black Lives Matter Protestors,

Something that has truly stood out as one of the worst things happening in our country right now is the complete lack of respect citizens have for our law enforcement. I am outraged by it, and you should be, too. Let’s start with the fact that police are the first people you blame/disrespect at every opportunity, but also the first you call in a time of need. They risk their lives to keep your life, your family's lives, friends' lives, and communities safe, with little to no recognition. I know writing this article might not change the way law enforcement is looked at, but all I can do is try.

Now, let’s talk about the Black Lives Matter movement. The true reality of Black Lives Matter is that black lives don’t matter to black people unless those lives are taken by the police or a white person. If you don’t believe that, let me throw some statistics your way. Blacks make up just 12.3% of the U.S. population, yet are responsible for approximately half (52%) of the homicides. African Americans have made up HALF of the murders in our country for nearly 30 years.

Over 1,400 more African Americans murder other African Americans between 2010 and 2011 than were lynched from 1882 to 1968. Four thousand, nine hundred and six black people murdered other black people in 2010 and 2011, according to FBI statistics. That is 1,460 more black people killed by their own race than in 86 years of lynchings

It would take cops 40 years to kill as many African Americans that have died at the hands of their own race in 2012 alone. An average of 4,472 black men were killed by other black men annually between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2012.

With these facts in front of you, it is obvious that the problem is not law enforcement, but African Americans killing their own race. The Black Lives Matter movement is essentially saying their lives are worth more than the lives of everyone else, especially those in law enforcement. Black people kill more of their own race than police do, so why not turn your movement inward and first focus on your own race and the spilling of blood at the hands of fellow African Americans? If many of the followers of the Black Lives Matter movement do not want to be judged by the actions of a few non-peaceful protestors, then why are all police being judged because of a few officers that, in the eyes of most, haven't made the "right" decision? Also, put yourself in the shoes of an officer; if you were in a life or death situation and came across a non compliant, armed citizen, who is to say what the "right" decision would be? That officer deserves to go home to his family just as much as anyone else.

Thank you to all of those who keep us safe, there are still people who genuinely appreciate it and stand behind you!

Yours Truly,

Concerned Citizen.