To the editor:

As a new transplant to Brown County from the Finger Lakes Region of New York, I was shocked when I saw the “thin blue line” decals adorning the hoods of the local police cruisers. At first, I did not believe those could be the police cars. It seemed so unprofessional and provocative, not to mention aggressive, to make such a statement on the hood of the local police cars.

As we know, in light of many recent events this year, the “thin blue line” flag has come to represent hate — hate for people of color, and hate for those who stand up for, have friends, coworkers, and loved ones, who are people of color. We cannot pretend ignorance on this issue; to do so makes our town feel unfriendly and more unsafe.

I don’t think the message the police should be sending, especially in the current political climate, should be one of aggression and hate. We want people in our community to feel served, respected and represented by our police force, not alienated, afraid and as though “those guys” are enemies, rather than the public servants they are. In a town like Nashville, where we rely on the dollars of visitors, we should be aiming for a friendly, welcoming and warm atmosphere, not one that speaks of violence and hate.

I’m sure I am speaking for many of us here in town. I know some people are afraid to come forward and voice these options, so I will voice them for them. Particularly people of color are afraid to voice their options in Nashville, because the political climate in this town is such that people of color don’t feel safe here. As a white person, I have the privilege of being somewhat “shielded” by the color of my skin, so I will use that privilege to speak up.

Things must change here in Nashville. Hate, even subtitle hate, in the form of a decal, will not be tolerated any longer.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Kimberly Jorgensen, Nashville

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