You captured the most dangerous part of the “Blue Wall” — not the overt corruption, but the small, human silence. The bar booth. The glance. The decision to talk about the Cowboys instead.
That’s what makes it unsettling. No villains twirling mustaches. Just ordinary men choosing comfort over confrontation.
The line that stuck with me: “It didn’t matter.” That’s the tragedy. When institutions protect bad actors, the backlash rarely hits the right target. It spills.
You also did something smart structurally — you didn’t preach. You let the consequences do the talking. That funeral scene says more than any argument could.
This is uncomfortable in the way good writing should be. It forces the reader to ask where they’ve stayed quiet — not just in policing, but anywhere silence protects harm.
You absolutely nailed it, though. The fact that it feels plausible is what makes it stick. No theatrics. Just ordinary people making small decisions that snowball.
1. Thank you (for your time reading and comment) 2. Appreciate your service. 3. Wish we could speed up the transition to a more transparent and accountable culture in LE…
Tegan, this one lands heavy.
You captured the most dangerous part of the “Blue Wall” — not the overt corruption, but the small, human silence. The bar booth. The glance. The decision to talk about the Cowboys instead.
That’s what makes it unsettling. No villains twirling mustaches. Just ordinary men choosing comfort over confrontation.
The line that stuck with me: “It didn’t matter.” That’s the tragedy. When institutions protect bad actors, the backlash rarely hits the right target. It spills.
You also did something smart structurally — you didn’t preach. You let the consequences do the talking. That funeral scene says more than any argument could.
This is uncomfortable in the way good writing should be. It forces the reader to ask where they’ve stayed quiet — not just in policing, but anywhere silence protects harm.
Strong piece.
Kelly ❤️
Thank you for the kind words… Precisely how I hoped it would hit intelligent readers!
Intelligent readers,” huh? I’ll take it.
You absolutely nailed it, though. The fact that it feels plausible is what makes it stick. No theatrics. Just ordinary people making small decisions that snowball.
Proud of you for writing it that way.
Outstanding read.
As a retired LEO I recognize, and acknowledge, that we need more who are willing to stand up. Integrity starts with the cop in the mirror.
1. Thank you (for your time reading and comment) 2. Appreciate your service. 3. Wish we could speed up the transition to a more transparent and accountable culture in LE…