Ron Martinelli, Ph.D.

Forensic Criminologist/Law Enforcement Expert

If you read my column, you know that I rarely write a “political” piece, but today is an exception that some of you might reflect upon and appreciate. In fact, I hope you will share it with others if you agree with me.

After the passing of Hurricane Harvey, Houston is under water. Tens of thousands of residents of the nation’s 4^th largest city and its surrounding suburbs have lost their homes and businesses. The water will be in the area for weeks and now the region is bracing for the possible landfall of Hurricane Irma. If Irma brings more rain to the Houston area, the residents and rescuers might very well be back where they started.

Right now, hundreds of thousands of Houston area residents have been displaced is one manner or another. Many have no homes left to return to; no businesses to work at; no way to earn an income; and no way to drive or even walk from one place to another. Thousands are staying in public and private shelters with only the clothes on their backs and metal camping cots to sleep on. They are dependent upon the good will of others for food, water and clothing. The municipal, state and federal governments have so far done a truly remarkable job responding to the safety, security and immediate sustenance needs of the people of Houston. In the Republic of Texas “Texas Strong” spirit, it’s all about neighbors and strangers coming to the aid of each other. Texans don’t complain; they “Get-er-done.” They get their hands dirty. They pitch in. They do what needs to be done to help each other. You have to be a Texan to understand it.

In all of this, I am reminded that Houston residents voted heavily for Hillary Clinton in the last election where Donald J. Trump was ultimately elected as our 45^th President. Houston has been a democratic voting area for a long time. As a retired cop and law enforcement expert, I am keenly aware that number of Houston’s minority residents have been supporters of the anti-police Black Lives Matter movement. Other Houston residents have been supporters on the Antifa movement which is a fascist movement that is also heavily anti-law enforcement.

What struck me as being remarkable in this tragedy for the people of Houston is that the people who have been conspicuously absent from helping those in need are the very people and groups that proport to be all about “The People.” To the point, where are Black Lives Matter, Antifa and their left-leaning, anti-police, anti-President Trump surrogates like Hillary & Bill Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Maxine Waters, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Rev. Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson? None of these so-call “all about the people” people are anywhere to be found getting their hands dirty, or opening their pocketbooks to assist the residents and their supporters in Houston.

We have been reading and watching for months stories about the uber-rich Clinton Foundation. Yet not one dime has been removed from its coffers to fund needed food and supplies for those in need in Houston. Former President Clinton went to Haiti to supposedly aid that nation after their catastrophic earthquake, yet he is a no-show in Houston. While many blacks in Houston are in desperate need of food, clothing, shelter and money just to survive, Black Lives Matter is nowhere to be found to assist in any of their needs. So apparently, Houston black lives don’t matter to them so much.

How about the members and supporters of Antifa who battle with police in the streets while they scream out for “social justice?” Nowhere to be found in Houston. What happened to their idea of social justice here? Democratic Speaker Pelosi, Senator Schumer, Senator Waters? Nope. Haven’t seen em helping their Democratic constituents and I will bet you that none of these elite rich politicians have even written one check to any of the Houston relief funds to offer support.

Anyone seen Reverend Al Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, or Bill DeBlasio in Houston yet? Nope. No need for them because there are no signs of racial discord or police injustice in Houston to be found and politically exploited.

Who’s got Houston’s back? Well, look around because it’s not hard to figure that one out. It’s the cops – law enforcement; that’s who. Yup, those same people that the Mainstream Media and all the conspicuously absent love to criticize are the ones who have been and continue to risk their lives for the people of Houston. They are among the First Responders, the rescuers. They are on the front lines providing food, shelter and emotional support for their fellow citizens; even while many officers have lost their own homes and personal possessions. They have got Houston’s back in their hour of need.

It’s the people and groups who are on TV criticizing law enforcement; the elite rich politicians; the anti-police Marxist groups; the hypocrites and the race baiters who are the prominently absent. And Texas and Texans don’t need them. I think they never did.

So, I hope that Houston citizens’ memories are long to remember who had and continues to have their back when things go south. You might not always agree with law enforcement, but when the chips are down, they’ve got your back with others abandon you.

About the Author

Ron Martinelli, Ph.D., is a nationally renowned forensic criminologist and law enforcement expert who is the author of the popular book, “The Truth Behind the Black Lives Matter Movement and the War on Police,” (Amazon.com). Dr. Martinelli, hangs his cowboy hat in Texas. His forensic site is found at: www.DrRonMartinelli.com.