Skip to content
  • Subscribe
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Home
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Entertainment
  • Features
  • Subscribe FREE to Ray Hanania’s Columns
  • Advertise
Suburban Chicagoland

Suburban Chicagoland

Original News, Features & Opinion

  • About
    • About
    • Advertise
    • Our Writers
      • Ray Hanania
      • Bill Lipinski
      • Aaron Hanania
      • Steve Metsch
      • Steve Neuhaus
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Reach Out
    • Submit a Press Release
  • Sections
    • Events
    • Opinion
    • News
    • Features
    • Seniors
    • Comic Strip
  • Library
    • “MIdnight Flight” Online Book
      • Midnight Flight Book Overview
      • Midnight Flight Introduction
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 1
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 2
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 3
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 4
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 5
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 6
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 7
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 8
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 9
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 10
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 11
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 12
      • Midnight Flight Chapter 13
    • Villages, Cities & Towns
    • Federal Office Holders
    • County Officials
    • Legislators
  • Seniors
  • Subscribe to Ray’s Columns
  • Comment
  • Podcast
    • Ray Hanania on Politics Podcast
  • Hanania on Tiktok
  • Toggle search form
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 Culture
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? Blogger
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” Baby Boomers
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials Features
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings Government
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers elections
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans Books & Films
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law Baby Boomers
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits Business
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois Business
  • Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker
    Pritzker Administration Announces Chicago Citywide Crisis Prevention & Response Unit Chicago
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment Entertainment
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns Blogger
  • Orland Township Summer Picnic 2023
    Orland Township Youth Commission Summer Picnic Education
  • Illinois Senator Michael Hastings, 19th Senate District
    Senator Hastings shepherds law readying South Suburban Airport opening Federal
World War II Memorial along with Korean War and Vietnam War memorials along the Hawaiian coastline. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

Treat the Police same way we treat veterans

Posted on July 4, 2017November 29, 2019 By Ray Hanania No Comments on Treat the Police same way we treat veterans
SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  

Loading

Treat the Police same way we treat veterans

Veterans are saluted and cheered at every event and holiday in America, and yet most people don’t think twice about the Police Officer who also puts his (and her) life on the line everyday in some of the toughest and most violent places on earth, right here in America. Shouldn’t they get equal billing along with military veterans, not all of whom were on the front lines of violence? I’m a veteran. I can ask this question!

By Ray Hanania

Ray HananiaWhy do we treat military veterans and police differently?

Police put their lives on the line, like veterans, to defend this country in the face of violence.

Sometimes, the danger police face is greater than the danger that soldiers face.

In today’s world of Uber-Patriotism, we seem cheer for the wrong reasons those who defend us. We honor all veterans the same, no matter whether they did or didn’t directly face violence.

We honor all veterans as heroes at every holiday and every commemoration.

As a veteran, I think that’s great. I proudly defended this country during a very unpopular war in Vietnam. Although I did not go overseas – I wanted to and trained for it — the military decided who did or didn’t.

Not everyone enlisted in the military during the Vietnam War. Many did everything they could to avoid service, some justified but many not.

World War II Memorial along with Korean War and Vietnam War memorials along the Hawaiian coastline. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
World War II Memorial along with Korean War and Vietnam War memorials along the Hawaiian coastline. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

 

I say that because I know super patriotic Americans – many of whom probably didn’t serve – might be upset with my suggestion that police and veterans should be treated and honored equally, regardless of whether they faced actual violent circumstances.

Is it possible the enthusiasm of many who never served in the military to honor veterans may have to do with guilt? That would be the wrong reason.

I think police face danger every day, on the streets of violence engulfed big cities like Chicago, in safer suburban communities like Orland Park where I live, and even in counties out in the countryside where population density is so low and crime is not as rampant.

So, why do we treat police differently from military veterans? They both do the same things. When they need to put their lives on the line in a violent circumstance to protect the innocent, they are there. They both don’t shirk their responsibilities.

Not every veteran has faced a life or death circumstance and not every police officer has faced a life or death circumstance. But, we don’t distinguish between the veterans who served, so why distinguish between police who serve and may or may not engage in confronting the bad guys?

In Orland Park, the village board last year approved a vehicle sticker that proudly showcases the American Flag and the words “We Support Our Police.”

In this day and age of Uber-patriotism, you would think the public would be enthusiastic about our police. But they’re not. Many fear that if they display Orland’s new vehicle sticker on their car for the next two years (July 2017 to July 2019), people angry with the police over several terrible incidents, might vandalize their vehicles.

They can cheer at parades, but not on their cars.

In response, Orland Park printed a bar code sticker that they gave with the American Flag/Police Tribune stickers and let the vehicle owner chose which to display.

It’s a no brainer for me. I placed the American Flag/Police Tribute sticker on my car.

If someone has a problem with that, so be it. Just as there have been veterans who have committed atrocities and violated the law, so too have there been some police. And if someone vandalizes my car because of that sticker, they should be prosecuted as criminals, not just vandals.

Should we punish all police for the acts of a few? No. Doing so would be an act of a different kind of racism, which in my book is no longer just about skin color.

The new racism today is discrimination and hate based on skin color, religion, culture, ethnicity, and any other reason that people use to negatively stereotype whole groups because of the actions of a few.

I’m proud to say I support the police this 4th of July weekend. Let’s salute the veterans and let’s salute the equally brave police officer. They deserve it, too.

(Ray Hanania is a columnist, author and former Chicago City Hall reporter. Email him at rghanania@gmail.com.)

  • Author
  • Recent Posts
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania
Ray Hanania is an award-winning columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.  

Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily News criticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.

Follow RayHanania on Gettr.com, the uncensored Twitter Ray Hanania on Gettr, the new Twitter
Ray Hanania
Latest posts by Ray Hanania (see all)
  • Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7 - June 3, 2023
  • Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America? - June 3, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train” - June 2, 2023
  • Tweet

SHARE THIS STORY
            
 
  
 
 
 
           
Opinion, rayhanania, Veterans Tags:commemoration, cops, Holidays, honors, Military, Police, Police officers, soldiers, veterans

Post navigation

Previous Post: Chicagoland among top 10 to be bugged by bugs
Next Post: Bridgeview driver charged in motorcyclist’s death

Related Posts

  • Police Squad Car, courtesy of Wikipedia
    Bridgeview shooting raised fears of another mass killing Blogger
  • Steelworker Constructionman Joseph Synowiec, a Lockport, Ill. native, is participating in Pacific Partnership, the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission in the Indo-Pacific region. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Navy. CHON BURI PROVINCE, Thailand (May 20, 2019) U.S. Navy Steelworker Constructionman Joseph Synowiec, assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4, prepares to weld two pieces of metal together on the roof of a library at the Ban Surasak School project site during Pacific Partnership 2019. The scope of the project includes construction of a library, which is also designed to function as a shelter in the event of a natural disaster. Pacific Partnership, now in its 14th iteration, is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Each year, the mission team works collectively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase stability and security in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships across the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kelsey L. Adams)
    Lockport enlistee serving in Pacific Naval Partnership Features
  • Seaman Recruit Mariana Rodriguez Gonzalez, a native of West Chicago. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jesse Hawthorne
    West Chicago Native Trains to be a U.S. Navy Future Warfighter General Topics
  • Image from author George Orwell's dystopian 1949 novel Nineteen Eighty-Four. Image courtesy of Wikipedia
    Censorship is a weapon of tyranny not freedom Blogger
  • Gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey and his wife
    Pritzker lives in glass house of money and hypocrisy Blogger
  • Face mask signs posted by businesses in Orland Park that are demonstrating concern and leadership is helping to suppress the spread of the coronavirus. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania
    Should you wear two face masks or one in confronting COVID-19? Blogger

More Related Articles

Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau and his allies on the board not wearing face masks during the recent lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, Nov. 29, 2020. Photo courtesy of the Village of Orland Park Facebook Page. Massive rise in COVID-19 infections slam Orland Park Blogger
Statue of Vladimir Lenin in Seattle, Washington. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia Some symbols of hate are acceptable to anti-hate protestors Crime
Have a Halal of a time at Pete’s Market, and meet women too Features
The U.S. Congress, west view, courtesy of Wikipedia Was Jan. 6 “insurrection” worse than the post-Floyd “insurrection” against police, and law and order? Blogger
Book Cover "Laptop from Hell" by Miranda Devince Questions remain unanswered about Hunter Biden’s ties to Ukraine Blogger
Christopher Columbus statue Chicago Grant Park. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia American traditions like Thanksgiving should not be broken because of latter day spin Blogger

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Login with your Social ID
  • OPINION COLUMNS
  • Guido Reni - Moses with the Tables of the Law - WGA19289. Photo courtesy of WIkipedia
    Will Moses ever come down from the mountain top and save America?
    June 3, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023
    Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is “off the rails on a crazy train”
    June 2, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss
    Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won’t address his concerns
    May 22, 2023
  • The Berlin Cleopatra, a Roman sculpture of Cleopatra wearing a royal diadem, mid-1st century BC (around the time of her visits to Rome in 46–44 BC), discovered in an Italian villa along the Via Appia and now located in the Altes Museum in Germany. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia
    Was Cleopatra Black or White and why it matters
    April 29, 2023
  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau wears a "Police" badge on his shirt during his political attacks made from his taxpayer funded village pulpit.
    Orland Park Mayor Pekau’s lies cost him the election, again
    April 12, 2023
  • Store destroyed by looters and arsonists who participated in the Black Lives Matter protests in Chicago at the end of May 2020. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has abandoned victims of looting along with the members of the Chicago Police Department. Photo courtesy Ray Hanania
    New and extremist Chicago political Machine takes over
    April 11, 2023

Subscribe

  • Ray-Hanania-Newsletter-300-wide-Banner.jpg

Trending

  • Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau launching into personal attacks at the 2023 State of the Village speech hosted by the politically influenced Orland Chamber of Commerce May 24, 2023 Orland Park Mayor Keith P... Orland Park Mayor Keith Pekau is "off the rails on a crazy train" Orland Pa... posted on June 2, 2023
  • Youth charged with attemp... Youth charged with attempted first-degree murder of fellow Lyons Township s... posted on May 11, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia National Association for... National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies... posted on May 10, 2023
  • Crystal Tree, tree rubbish left near home of Robert Peiss Crystal Tree homeowner fr... Crystal Tree homeowner frustrated Pekau won't address his concerns Dr. Robe... posted on May 22, 2023
  • the proposed map of the Chicago School Board Districts released by Illinois Senate Democrats. Courtesy of the CHicago GOP Proposed Chicago School D... Proposed Chicago School District map is a "gerrymandered disgrace" Chicago... posted on May 7, 2023
  • NEWS
  • The Mosaic at Bolingbrook Town Center, entitled “A Reflection of Bolingbrook.”
    Bolingbrook Town Center Mosaic Ribbon Cutting Scheduled June 7
    June 3, 2023
  • The Orland Fire Protection District hosted a media availability on Thursday May 25, 2023 to review their many achievements as one of the region's and State of Illinois' best Fire Districts.
    Lifesaving achievements focus of media presentation by Orland Fire Protection District officials
    May 27, 2023
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Funding for mental health and education in Tinley Park secured by Senator Hastings
    May 26, 2023
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • The-Kings-Pawn-Book-300-x-300.png

The Political Pundit

Political Pundit Aug. 24, 2021. Taliban thanks president for boxes of MAGA hats
  • WORD PRESS REVIEWS
  • MyCloud by Western Digital, a hard drive that doesn't last. Don't purchase Western Digital.
    Western Digital tubes its loyal customers for profit
    October 17, 2021
  • Macho Themes website front page. Don't buy their themes. They don't work
    Difficulties with Macho Themes for WordPress
    August 21, 2021
  • TECHNOLOGY REVIEWS
  • Illinois State Senator Michael Hastings. Photo courtesy of the Illinois State Senate
    Senator Michael Hastings supports bill to protect consumers from pesky auto-renewal charges
    March 18, 2023
  • Wreaths Across America Radio logo
    Wreaths Across America Radio Announces New Strategic Partnerships with Veteran Radio Programs
    February 6, 2023
  • Dr. Helen Edwards Fermilab particle physicist
    Foster, Durbin, Duckworth introduce resolution to name Fermilab Research Center after renowned physicist Dr. Helen Edwards
    February 3, 2023

Follow Ray Hanania at
Gab.com, MeWe.com
IDobbinate.com,
Twitter, Facebook

Creative Commons License
All works on this website is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. Do not edit original work. Give credit to the original source.

Ziyad Brothers Ad Taste of Middle East

What We’re Reading

Arab News Newspaper Leading English Language Publication in the GulfArab News Newspaper

Ray Hanania on Politics
SW News Newspaper Group

  • SPORTS
  • State Senator Michael Hastings introduces law to revive long dormant and degraded Tinley Park Mental Health Center into a Sports Park for the community. Photo courtesy of the State Senate President Don Harmon
    Senator Michael Hasting ensures degraded former Tinley Park Mental Health Center to be revitalized into a sports park in new law
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Chicago Hounds rugby at Seat Geek Stadium July 8, 2023
    Chicago Hounds rugby announce plans for Dawg Town block party
    May 11, 2023
  • Chicago Fire FC will continue its 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup campaign against St. Louis CITY SC in the Round of 32 at 7 p.m. CT on Tuesday, May 9 at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview, Illinois.
    Chicago Fire FC to Face St. Louis CITY SC in 2023 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Round of 32 at SeatGeek Stadium
    April 29, 2023
  • NEWS RELEASES
  • Orland Fire Protection District Trustees Beth Damas Kaspar, John Brudnak, Jayne Schirmacher (seated), Angela Greenfield and Tina Zekich at May 23, 2023 board meeting
    Orland Fire Protection District swears in two new trustees, elects officers
    May 25, 2023
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with author and Thalassemia researcher and investor Patrick Girondi
    Artist Patrick Girondi lends support to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for Accessible Healthcare for Americans
    May 24, 2023
  • Michael Schofield III Sports Complex, Orland Park. Scoreboard
    Kendall and Michael Schofield Family Foundation Sponsor Park Redevelopment
    May 23, 2023
  • Terrorist Russian tyrant Vladimir Putin who is guilty of massacring civilians in his war against Ukraine. Photo credit Wikipedia
    International Education Delegation Visits Ukraine to Stand with Country’s Children, Teachers
    May 10, 2023
  • Assault weapons, courtesy of WIkipedia
    National Association for Gun Rights Calls Out Illinois’ Semi-Auto Ban Lies
    May 10, 2023
John Kass Columns

Order the book PoweR PR; Ethnic Activists Guide to Strategic Communications

  • BUSINESS NEWS
  • Senator Michael Hastings urges local businesses to apply for Blue Collar Jobs Act Construction Tax Credits
    May 23, 2023
  • Returning for the 12th year, Star Wars Day is back! Join the fun Saturday, June 3rd from 11am - 4pm at the Joliet Public Library - Ottawa Street Branch.
    Star Wars Day is back in Joliet, Illinois
    May 23, 2023
  • Craft Fair photo courtesy of Emily Webster and Unsplash.com
    Artisan and craft vendor’s wanted for Cicero Farmer’s Market and Artisan Fair in June
    May 5, 2023
  • Hyundai Sonata. Photo courtesy of Hyundai
    Hyundai and AAA Insurers Collaborate to Offer Insurance Options for Customers Affected by Method of Theft Popularized on TikTok
    April 14, 2023

YOUTUBE VIDEOS

Click this link to watch or use the widget below:

Click here to view the video on YouTube or use the widget below.
Email Ray Hanania for more information about performing at your event at rghanania@gmail.com.

Copyright © 2022 Suburban Chicagoland & Urban Strategies Group

Powered by PressBook Premium theme