The Axiom Of Respect
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Treating Themselves And Others Respectfully
And Respecting Only Those Who Earn It

On March 18, 2009, 45-year-old Jonetta Collinsworth, mother-in-law of NFL running back Ryan Moats, passed away from breast cancer. ("Exclusive: NFL Player Ryan Moats and Wife Talk to 'GMA'") Dreadfully, in a sickening display of unbridled authority, Dallas Police Officer Robert Powell prevented Moats and Collinsworth's father, Earl Johnson, from reaching her deathbed because Moats "reportedly ran a red light while rushing to Baylor Regional Medical Center":

"Moats said he tried to get his family to the hospital as quickly and as safely as he could, using his hazard lights and trying to make drivers around him aware that he had an emergency. 'I didn't run through a red light,' he said. 'I stopped at the red light and I asked for permission of the other drivers to let me go. They saw me with my hazards on so they let me go.'"

Officer Powell pursued Moats to the parking lot of the hospital, and when Moats' wife, Tamishia, exited their vehicle and tried to explain the situation, Powell pointed his gun at her and "yelled at her, 'Get in there, let me see your hands. Get in there. Put your hands on the car.'"

Luckily, she and her aunt eventually managed to escape inside the hospital. However, Powell "with his gun in his hand, refused to let the 26-year-old football player [and Johnson] go inside." Even though "Moats pleaded for understanding" and "a nurse from the hospital and another police officer" explained to Powell that Moats was telling the truth, Powell continued to detain Moats. By the time Powell wrote Moats a ticket and let them go, 13 minutes later, Collinsworth had died.

Yesterday, Powell resigned from the Dallas Police Department, and he can be sure that everyone is glad to see him go. For those following Magna Sententia, Powell is the epitome of an authority figure unworthy of respect. Unfortunately, his actions make all police officers look bad and cast doubt on the very figures our society counts on "to protect and serve," making it more difficult for honorable police officers everywhere to do their job. Additionally, Powell's young family will undoubtedly face public humiliation because of his ugly behavior when only Powell himself is to blame.

It should be mentioned that Ryan and Tamishia Moats continue to handle this horrid situation with a poise and grace that would be beyond most of us. They set an admirable example, one that our society desperately needs.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society