Emotions are raw. Rhetoric is hot. And the city is on edge. That’s why de Blasio was absolutely right to advise “everyone step back.” He specifically advised demonstrators to stand down until after the two officers were laid to rest. The funeral for Ramos is set for Saturday; Liu’s burial is not yet scheduled.
Some have criticized the mayor for making this call. But they do themselves a disservice by not heeding de Blasio’s counsel. A call to “step back” is not and should not be construed as a demand to stop exercising the right to protest altogether. The demonstrations that have swamped New York’s streets and the valid concerns about police policies will be as relevant and necessary after the funerals as they are now.
What this time offers is an opportunity for a reset of the conversation, an opportunity for cooler heads to prevail, an opportunity for all to actually hear what is being said and seek ways to make things better. This won’t happen if protesters are swarming the streets as the city is mourning the departed. The visit yesterday to the makeshift memorial to the slain officers by Eric Garner’s daughter to express her condolences should send a message to protesters. The tearful statement of Liu’s widow alone should be enough to persuade folks to hit pause on protest.
“This is a time for every New Yorker to think about these families,” de Blasio said in his speech to the Police Athletic League yesterday. “It’s a time for everyone to put aside political debates, put aside protests, put aside all of the things that we will talk about in all due time.”
Follow Jonathan on Twitter: @Capehartj
