Editor’s Note: This piece was originally written Friday, Sept. 22.

There was less violence in Charlotte, North Carolina, last night. But, sadly, there was more evidence that eight years of left-wing ideology from the Obama Justice Department has affected law enforcement all the way down to individual cities.

We saw it in Baltimore, where police were ordered to stand down. You may recall that the mayor said she “gave those who wished to destroy, space to do that.”

In city after city, there have been few arrests and little interest in going after the professional agitators. Reports indicate that most people arrested in Charlotte have out of state IDs.

Trump/Pence Stand With Police

Speaking in Pennsylvania yesterday, Donald Trump called for a national crime control agenda to make our cities safe again. Here is a brief excerpt of his remarks:

“The violence against our citizens, and our law enforcement, must be brought to an end. The people who will suffer the most as a result of these riots are law-abiding African-American residents who live in these communities. It is their jobs, housing markets, schools and economic conditions that will suffer — and the first duty of government is to protect their well-being and safety…

"Our job is not to make life more comfortable for the violent disruptor, but to make life more comfortable for the African-American parent trying to raise their kids in peace… More law enforcement, more community engagement, more effective policing is what our country needs.”

Trump went on to praise the men and women in law enforcement, saying: “Every day, police officers risk their lives for complete strangers… our men and women in blue also need our support, our thanks, and our gratitude. They are the line separating civilization from total chaos.”

He is right. And that is why the Fraternal Order of Police endorsed the Trump/Pence ticket.

Governor Mike Pence also stood up for our law enforcement officers yesterday. Speaking in Colorado, Gov. Pence said:

“Now, let me be clear: Donald Trump and I … stand by the right of every citizen in this country to peaceably assemble… But there’s no right to engage in violence against our citizens or our police…

"Sadly our opponent once again refers to what she calls the ‘institutional racism’ in law enforcement… Donald Trump and I believe the men and women in law enforcement are not a force for racism in America, they are a force for good. They stand for our families, they protect our homes and they deserve our support and respect.”

Kaepernick Disrespectful Protests Growing

“Kaepernicking” is the latest liberal trend. Initially, just a handful of Kaepernick’s fellow football players joined him.

One left-wing blog noted that “On the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, 14 more NFL players and one WNBA player joined in the protests by taking a knee, locking arms, or raising fists.”

Now college players and entire high school teams, cheerleaders and marching bands are now refusing to stand.

Whether the leadership of the NFL realizes it or not, they are in the process of destroying one of the most popular sports in America. A poll this week found that just 32% of Americans support Kaepernick’s display of disrespect, while 60% say he should choose another form of protest. And 44% of fans say they are willing to boycott NFL games if the protests continue much longer.

Predictably, Time has put Kaepernick on the cover of its latest edition. To add insult to injury, the cover is headlined, “The Perilous Fight,” as if what he is doing in San Francisco is something courageous. But demonstrating disrespect for America is the default position of many in left-wing San Francisco.

Now liberal politicians are getting in on the act. Two members of the Oakland City Council are reportedly refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.

I guarantee you that everyone we have seen following Kaepernick’s example is a pro-Hillary, pro-Obama, pro-Sanders progressive Democrat. This is why Obama and Clinton are not criticizing Kaepernick or the movement he started.

But this is the party and the movement that will be in charge of the country if Hillary Clinton wins. This movement is made up of people who so despise America that they refuse to stand for the Pledge or National Anthem. #NeverTrumpers should keep this in mind on Election Day.

Poll Position

Multiple polls show the Trump/Pence team continuing to gain momentum. Quinnipiac University polls find Trump leading in Iowa by seven points. Obama carried the state twice. Quinnipiac also finds that Trump is leading in Georgia by seven and is tied with Clinton in Colorado.

New Fox News polls show Trump ahead in Nevada, North Carolina and Ohio, while another poll finds Trump narrowly ahead in Florida.

In addition, polls in traditionally Democrat states are surprisingly close: Trump trails by just two in Wisconsin and is tied in Maine.

Here’s the bottom line: The race is extremely close. It is entirely possible that an event that has not yet occurred will decide the election.

Franks Fights For Life

There has been a lot of talk in the news lately about civil rights. On Capitol Hill today, my good friend Rep. Trent Franks held a hearing about “the ultimate civil right” — the right to life. Rep. Franks, who serves as chairman of the Subcommittee on the Constitution and Civil Justice, examined why the Hyde Amendment, which prevents taxpayer funding of abortion in most government programs, is such an important public policy priority.

He also heard testimony from Gianna Jessen, an abortion survivor. Ms. Jessen spoke in support of the Born Alive Abortion Survivor Protection Act. As you may recall, Hillary Clinton said that an unborn baby does not have ANY constitutional rights, not even on her due date.

Incredibly, however, pro-abortion extremists on the left don’t even want to recognize the rights of babies who survive botched abortions. A just society should be able to put an end to infanticide, but as the trial of abortionist Kermit Gosnell demonstrated, the practice continues.

Kudos to Congressman Franks for fighting the good fight for the ultimate civil right — the right to life.