Trump's frequent assertion that he upholds "Law and Order" had been telling for someone who has gotten away with breaking the law his whole life. I had not recognized the extent to which "Law and Order" is code for uphold white supremacy at all costs. My dad was life time LEO so I have seen the insider view of the thin blue line and it is to say the least complicated. Thin blue line has always meant protect cops no matter what.
My small town in KS is served by an outstanding Chief of Police who truly does see his calling as service to the community. Last 2 Sundays we have held Black Lives Matter protests. He is there the entire time, makes a point to greet and thank every protestor, genuinely listens to the fears, concerns and hopes expressed by the Black people who organized the protests. His department follows his lead and example.
The militarized Law and Order response by departments around the country and by the current administration testify to what is at stake. This conflict for some is about preserving whiteness as True American. Watching 13th connected the dots about how criminalizing black bodies is a massive wealth generator that continues to function as a form of slavery.