I’m going to take a break from the ongoing impeachment sitcom to focus on a real-life problem that is, for the most part, being ignored by the mainstream media. I’m referring to the assault on our law-enforcement officers across the country.

Last week alone, four police officers were killed in the line of duty. Two weeks before Christmas, these men were taken away from their families and the media seems to be indifferent. If you did not know this, I’m not surprised.

Under the past administration, law-enforcement officers trying to carry out their duties were portrayed as racists who are prone to violence. Police were not given the benefit of the doubt in questionable situations. They were usually deemed the problem and that attitude began to spread, resulting in growing disrespect for police.

So far this year, 49 officers have been killed in the line of duty by gunfire alone. If this continues, it will be much harder to recruit men and women who are willing to place themselves in harm’s way to protect those who have no respect for them.

Currently, there are between 750,000-850,000 law enforcement officers across the nation serving over 300 million citizens. Yet each year the disrespect for these men and women grows. Starbucks seems to be a frequent offender. On Thanksgiving Day, an officer bought coffee for the 911 operators on duty. The coffee cups had “PIG’ written on them. Starbucks said this did NOT reflect the company’s values. However, two days ago two officers at a Starbucks in California were refused service.

Remember this past summer when police officers in New York City were assaulted with buckets of water when they were simply trying to do their job. Remember the support they received from the mayor? Neither do I because there was none!

I know there will be those who say, "But there are bad police officers!” Really? Out of nearly 850,000 officers, you will find some bad actors! Deal with those officers as they are identified; but don’t paint all with such a broad brush.

Who wants a job where you never know if you are going to make it home at the end of your shift? You don’t know if you pull someone over for a broken taillight or an expired tag if they might pull out a gun and shoot you?

There are so many reasons for what we are seeing, but not enough time to cover them all. Regardless of the reasons, those of us who do care about law and order and respect for authority can make our voices heard.

When my wife and I see law-enforcement officers or first responders, we tell them we are grateful for their service and they are in our prayers. To law enforcement we say, “Be safe out there!” I have never had a negative response, only that of gratitude. It takes so little to communicate so much! Act as if it was someone close to you and you might see them differently.

From my family to yours, we want to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!