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Facts of the case aside, the execution-style killing of a father of five in the middle of a parking lot by a police department shielded by public union contracts and twenty-four hour administrative leaves before questioning is deeply disturbing. Many police officers are responsible and courageous stewards of the law. Many have even risked their lives fighting gang violence and responding to domestic violence calls. But, like our soldiers serving abroad, we should hold our officers to a higher standard and that standard demands restraint in the face of uncertainty, patience in the face of noncooperation and discipline when faced with criticism. When officers fall terribly short of that standard, either in the form of body cameras that mysteriously fall off in Baton Rouge or surveillance footage that mysteriously gets doctored in Chicago, it is only fitting and proper that they be criticized. It is the job of leaders in government and the police force to assure the people that justice will be served and that their communities will be protected in ways that do not perverse the relationship between the governing and the governed.

My heart goes out to the Sterling family this evening. I pray that anyone going down to Baton Rouge over the next few weeks stays safe. While I understand and sympathize with everyone's frustrations, it is important that demonstrations remain peaceful while the investigation is carried out. This is a case that must be battled out in court and a conversation that needs to be carried into state legislatures. The debates may be uncomfortable but that's why it's all the more important that they be had.