Seattle Times editorial analysis

The editorial addresses the idea of possibility by stating that there is hope for a peaceful future. The author, Sue Rahr, a King County Sheriff even states that after the all the shootings that was definite potential for an 'us against them' mindset among police enforcements across Washington State -- however, Rahr goes against this claim as she states examples of kindness across the community, that there was a massive support for them. That the kindess of a stranger doesn't necessarily result in open-fire gunshots, but instead cookies and thank-yous; that there is a certain maternal instinct towards police officers from the community and that they do care.

Rahr's language summons up a common unity from the community: we all feel sorrow. She uses the grand example of post-9/11 shock to summarize feelings that law enforcers have been feeling these past few months. The image of waving an American flag is mentioned to reinforce that yes, we are all Americans, and despite wearing a badge or not, we are all in this together.

The discourse is full of emotion; Rahr is saying thanks to the community for coming up to her and her colleagues by saying 'thank you for your service'. The language is heartfelt and her intention was to convey that she is grateful, just simply grateful.

She does tap into the fear that is still among police officers. She mentions that if a stranger were to go up to one of them, they would immediately be on guard and look for free hands first before laying down instinctive guards. However, the symbolic convergance of it all is that despite certain immediate reactions, it should be excused given all that has happened. The audience should not be fazed by this-- America was all on guard post 9/11; we have all felt terror. Police officers are no exception, especially in this day and age.

In conclusion, Rahr's language was emotionally crippling. I felt hairs stand up on my arms as I felt almost guilty for those times that I cursed when I got a parking ticket. Her vocabulary was simple and to the point - but the message was vibrating acorss the article and it was very clear.