How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
My father wouldn't tell me their names at first, but he said over and over, Something's got to be done, Toswiah. It isn't justice. It isn't right. (4.10)
Daddy believes in justice, and he wants justice for Raymond Taylor. What is the ultimate reason he decides to testify instead of remaining quiet?
Quote #5
My father said What would you do, T?
I shrugged, and stared down at my hands. What's the right thing, Daddy?
Exactly, he said, frowning into the darkness. He sighed and kissed my head. Both choices seem so damn wrong. (4.13-15)
This is one of those situations in which it's really easy to make a judgment call unless you're right in the middle of it, and then it's a lot harder. What's right and wrong about testifying? What's right and wrong about not testifying? Daddy's in an unenviable position, that's for sure.
Quote #6
There's this think called the Blue Wall of Silence in the police world. It means all cops are brothers and sisters and should never betray one another. You swear to it in your heart when you become a cop. It's not written anywhere, you just know it. You know that cops are there for you no matter what. My father told me you believe in it because you have to. You have to be able to trust your fellow cop. No matter what. (5.11)
Described in this way, the Blue Wall of Silence doesn't sound like such a bad thing: It's a way for you to depend on the people who have your back in dangerous situations. Unfortunately, just because a principle sounds good, doesn't mean it can't turn sour.