Riddle me this. Which lives matter?

Riddle me this. Which lives matter? On Saturday, August 29, I was in attendance at a peace march in downtown St. Louis. The march was organized by two St. Louis Metropolitan Police widows, Ann Dorn, whose husband, David Dorn, a retired SLMPD captain, was murdered on June 2, and Kim Kowalski, whose husband Jeff “Lead belly” Kowalski succumbed to gunshot wounds received in 1987. Jeff passed away on October 1, 2008. While there, I spoke with both ladies and saw countless police supporters. I also spoke with many active and retired police officers from the region. It was a peaceful rally at a site nestled between SLMPD headquarters and the White Knight Diner where David Dorn bought his final lunch. He would be gunned down hours later.

There was a small group in attendance carrying anti-Trump signs (declaring the event was a Trump photo-op), but while wearing pro-captain Dave Dorn T- shirts. They were silent, only holding their signs. I have no idea who they were. They walked along with the rest while carrying their signs. Note: Not one person bothered them, nor did they bother anyone in attendance to support the cause. That’s a “peaceful protest.” There was no looting or burning, assaults, not even any angry words.

Chief Hayden Of the SLMPD appeared, but apparently it was only to say howdy and grab a photo op. I learned later he declined an invite to march with the group. Why, I have no idea?. From beginning to end, it was a nice event. I spoke with many old friends, met new ones, and found myself in a discussion with a group of cops who had been shot, and cops who had been in shootings, one who had been shot on the same night Dave Dorn was killed. Another was shot and temporarily paralyzed over ten years ago, overcoming his wounds, and was in uniform working on the day of the event. We had all lived to tell our respective tales.

There were prayers and such and although there was a BLM protest scheduled for the same day, although later in the day. None of the protesters came near the peace march. At the end of the event, I went home. I received a text at 20:00 hours letting me know that two SLMPD officers had been shot in the Tower Grove neighborhood of South St. Louis, one critically. Both were taken to the hospital. One would leave alive; the other would not. The officer’s name is Tamarris L. Bohannon. A beautiful young man only 29 years old, married and the father of three young children. He had only been on the force three years. I didn’t know Tamarris, but he was my little brother. His training officer, Cedric, is also my brother.

The killer of Tamarris was taken into custody after a long standoff. Honestly, I’d be lying if I told you I was happy the bad guy surrendered. I’d much rather he’d chosen suicide, or had died in a continued gun battle with the police. Oh yeah, I didn’t mention race; so let’s clear that up. Tamarris was black and his killer, white. Wait, I’m white too! Yeah, do I give a solitary shit about this guy because we share the same skin color? Absolutely not! Fuck that guy! I hope he gets the death penalty! Dave Dorn’s murderer was black just like him. I hope he gets the death penalty as well. Fuck that guy, too!

Now, here’s where I get a bit confused. Will my brother Tamarris get a gold coffin? Will actors and athletes (all hacks) pay for the show? The funeral cortege is a great photo-op, yes? Will someone display his name on his or her jersey? Will any companies openly declare his murder and the murders of other police officers in The United States of America as tragedies and support Blue Lives Matter while simultaneously condemning his killing because he was a young black man and black lives matter?

Will the BLM terrorists burn some random shit stuff down and steal a bunch of crap because Tamarris was black (except he wasn’t a criminal) and because his killer was white (except he’s not a cop)? Shortly after the peace march I stood in front of the police memorial dedicated to the SLMPD officers killed in the line of duty. I read the names chiseled into the red granite slab. It’s a striking statue and a very moving tribute. There are lots of names on it, and I know some of the fallen personally. There will be more names added to it by year’s end. Some were taken from us before I was born, but understand this.: They are all my brothers. Folks fail to realize that. And, the color of their skin matters not to me.

Will the ANTIFA folks come around and do their misguided thing? I’m so confused. There was no protest for Dave Dorn, or Jeff Kowalski, So none for Tamarris either? Can anyone clarify the issue for me? Asking for myself, but also asking for a friend.

Kirk Lawless is a 28 year, decorated, veteran police officer from the St Louis area. He’s a former SWAT operator, narcotics agent, homicide investigator, detective and Medal of Valor recipient. Off the job due to an up close and personal gunfight, he now concentrates on writing. He’s a patriotic warrior, artist, poet, actor, musician, and man of peace.
Contact : kirklawless@yahoo.com