In the jumble of activities as the final days of 2014 wound down last week, two serious incidents occurred along the Peninsula that contained disturbing implications.
Patrolling police officers in South San Francisco and East Palo Alto were the targets (by design or not) of shooters.
All of the relevant circumstances have not been revealed. But suffice to say the cops were vulnerable.
None of the law enforcement officers was injured in the separate attacks. But the idea that not one but two such violent situations occurred here was troubling.
And they naturally, inexorably really, brought up a question: In the current national anti-cop climate (two New York City officers were killed by a gunman last month, two more were shot this week and police are now routinely the objects of rocks, bottles, fire bombs, etc. during protest marches), is it going to become open season on the police, no matter the reasons and where they might be located?
In other words, has the present hate-filled atmosphere created conditions in which the security of both the police and the public they are supposed to protect are at increased risk?
Few would deny there are examples of what appears to be deadly malpractice against minorities (African-American males in particular) on the part of certain officers. Some of these cases have been recorded for everyone to view and they are indeed shocking.
Additionally, there isn’t much argument when it’s pointed out there are more than a few dedicated activists intent on undermining and hamstringing the work of the police, especially when it comes to white officers.
That’s a dangerous formula. It creates a milieu that tends directly toward anarchy and lawless chaos.
And, sadly, such an atmosphere, exacerbated by race-baiting demagogues and outrageous, pandering politicians who thrive on these tragic circumstances, disproportionately affects impoverished minority communities where violence is common and professional police protection is absolutely vital for the well-being of the law-abiding citizenry.
Here’s hoping that last week’s pair of local shootings were isolated incidents unrelated to the national mood. Perhaps “regional” would be more accurate, if you consider there are significant parts of the U.S. that support the cops and their work wholeheartedly.
So, for all of those who want to see law enforcement authority diminished, be careful what you wish for.
Quite a show
During that howling wind storm last week, there was one small plus. Jetliners heading for San Francisco International Airport had to utilize an eastbound approach over Millbrae and Highway 101.
That meant alert observers could choose any number of excellent vantage points from which to view the planes, including massive 747s, 777s and A380s, as they glided dramatically down toward SFO.
Some of us headed to the easternmost parking area of the Millbrae BART/Caltrain station off Millbrae Avenue near the Burlingame border to watch the show.
There, aeronautic buffs were able to stare up at the big jets, their landing gear down, and, if the spirit moved the bystanders, record photos and videos in the process. Quite a sight.
That landing pattern isn’t used often, but when it is, it’s worth a trip to Millbrae.
John Horgan’s column appears Thursday. You can contact him by email at johnhorganmedia@gmail.com.or by regular mail at P.O. Box 117083, Burlingame, CA 94011.