The deaths of the fallen Hattiesburg police officers were unequivocally unnecessary loss of valuable and valued lives. No young man should have his life taken as the result of a violent and vengeful act. Last Sunday, the families and community of the fallen Hattiesburg police officers woke to a new day in our lives without these brave young men. Also and unfortunately last Saturday, Mississippians woke to find that Governor Bryant had chosen to capitalize on this tragedy to spew divisive words instead of encouraging our community mourn and heal together. I was appalled to read his acrimonious words which clearly had been written and submitted for publication even before these brave men were laid to rest.