Why I Black the Blue but Question the Police Force: A Conservative Christian’s Perspective (Featuring Cookie Monster)
Captured by Mitchell Royel | Now playing: Hide and Seek (Dubstep Remix) by Mt Eden Dubstep (Imogen Heap)
As a conservative Christian, my respect for law enforcement runs deep. I believe in order, justice, and the rule of law—principles that uphold the fabric of our society. I stand firmly with the blue, recognizing the sacrifices officers make daily to protect our communities. Yet, since the Black Lives Matter protests erupted, I’ve wrestled with a growing sense of nuance about the police force. It’s not about abandoning support; it’s about demanding accountability where it’s due.
The protests forced many of us to confront uncomfortable truths. I saw moments where police overstepped, where excessive force was used, and where the system seemed to fail those it was meant to protect. These experiences don’t negate my support for law enforcement—they deepen it by reminding me that true justice requires vigilance, not blind allegiance. The narrative isn’t black and white. It’s a complex battlefield where good officers and flawed systems coexist, and it’s our duty to hold the latter accountable without undermining the former.
This tension is real for many conservatives who “black the blue” but refuse to ignore the cracks. We must reject the false choice between supporting police and demanding reform. True patriotism means standing for both. It means recognizing the humanity in officers while calling out misconduct. It means pushing for policies that strengthen trust between police and the communities they serve.
To my fellow Republicans and conservative Christians, here are 10 tips for questioning the police force responsibly and advocating for accountability without betraying our core values:
Educate Yourself on Local Police Policies — Know how your local force operates, their use-of-force guidelines, and complaint procedures. Knowledge is power.
Support Good Officers Publicly — Celebrate officers who demonstrate integrity and community care. Positive reinforcement encourages accountability.
Demand Transparency — Advocate for body cameras, public reporting of misconduct, and independent investigations of complaints.
Engage with Community Policing Efforts — Encourage programs that build relationships between officers and residents to foster mutual respect.
Hold Elected Officials Accountable — Pressure local leaders to prioritize police reform and oversight as part of their public safety agenda.
Avoid Generalizations — Resist the urge to paint all officers with the same brush. Recognize individual actions and systemic issues separately.
Promote Training Improvements — Support enhanced training on de-escalation, cultural competency, and mental health crisis intervention.
Use Your Voice in Civic Spaces — Attend town halls, write letters, and participate in discussions to influence police policy constructively.
Encourage Accountability Within the Force — Support whistleblowers and internal mechanisms that expose wrongdoing.
Stay Rooted in Faith and Principle — Let your Christian values guide your advocacy—justice, mercy, and humility must lead the way.
And now, a little levity to remind us all: even Cookie Monster knows the importance of accountability. Imagine him saying, “Me want justice, me want truth!” It’s a simple message, but one that resonates deeply. We can support law enforcement while demanding they live up to the highest standards. That’s the balance we must strike.
In the end, standing with the blue means more than loyalty—it means commitment to justice, integrity, and the betterment of our communities. It means being courageous enough to question when necessary and principled enough to seek truth above all else.
Stay informed. Stay principled. And never compromise your convictions for momentary social acceptance.
-Mitchell+Cookie Monster