Dale Jackson: There is a message in Dana Fletcher’s death — As usual, no one is learning from it

As happens most of the time, police officers were determined to be completely justified in shooting Dana Fletcher after he pointed a gun at law enforcement outside of a Planet Fitness in Madison, Alabama.

Despite claims from his wife, Fletcher did have a gun that he apparently raised at law enforcement as they attempted to remove him from a van, ultimately leading to his death.

This case is not complicated; it is not complex.

Fletcher decided he was not going to cooperate with lawful orders. Fletcher chose to resist law enforcement. Fletcher chose to brandish a firearm in this situation. Fletcher was shot and killed as a result.

Dana Fletcher’s wife took to social media and made false claims about what went down, helping to spur protests. There were allegations of police brutality and racism, and some national figures came in to make the case that he was gunned down by overzealous and racist cops.

The facts ultimately showed that she lied.

This isn’t activism.

Now, there is an event being held on the Von Braun Center in Huntsville to “Raise the Stakes,” but what is completely missing, as it usually is, is the acknowledgment that all of this could have been avoided.

No one needs to raise the stakes.

What is needed is de-escalation.

When the police show up, listen to them. Get out of the car. Be respectful. Answer their questions. Let law enforcement know if you have firearms on your person.

Do not aim firearms at police.

The police are not going to go away because you yell at them, fight with them or disrespect them.

You will not win.

None of this is brain surgery.

If you think the cops are treating you poorly, you will not make that situation better by fighting with them verbally or physically. You will make it worse. You will raise the stakes. In an overwhelming majority of cases, you will end up losing that battle. It is not worth it.

Dale Jackson is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News and hosts a talk show from 7-11 am weekdays on WVNN