The 'Thin Blue Line' is a term used on behalf of the police to declare their position as one that protects and maintains orderly society from violent chaos. A common visual display of this is a blue line running through a black and white American flag. While this symbol's initial intended meaning has to do with the alleged integrity of law enforcement officers, it has become a symbol of hatred and divisiveness. Today, it is used among white nationalist groups in their protests against Black Lives Matter and in support of law enforcement. It is rightfully viewed as threatening and disrespectful to Black people. 

Thurston County Sheriff John D. Snaza has previously authorized the placement of the 'Thin Blue Line' flag stickers on all of his deputy's vehicles. Snaza relayed his personal views as to what the symbol stands for, as "the line between life and death that deputies, officers, and troopers face every day" and "support for what we (law enforcement) go through each day performing this difficult job." He fails to acknowledge what Black people have gone through every day for centuries in this country. He mentioned that the symbol is "vastly misunderstood as to its true meaning." So, in that, Snaza is aware that it is broadly taken the wrong way from what he believes it to mean. However, he is failing to take responsibility for the message that symbol is sending to his community as he stands by his decision to have them on the vehicles. He is failing to consider what that does to our community's sense of comfort and safety. He is failing to represent their motto 'People First ~ Public Safety Always", as he believes his views are more important than the people of the community he serves. 

Professor of criminology Michael D. White, PhD, of Arizona State University says it best when talking about this symbol in an article published by The Marshall Project:

“It fosters this ‘us versus them’ mentality...The police and community should work together, in order to produce safety."

These bumper stickers and the refusal of their removal only further establish the power divide between law enforcement and citizens. I urge you to sign this petition to help make it understood that our voice and our say matters. 

The Marshall Project article: https://www.themarshallproject.org/2020/06/08/the-short-fraught-history-of-the-thin-blue-line-american-flag