Thanks to all the LEOs

[Ry27]

I am fortunate enough to be on vacation with some friends-and lots of good cigars-I was just getting an afternoon cup of coffee at a Starbucks when I witnessed a police officer buy his coffee and as he was leaving a patron yelled Some disparaging comments towards him. 

 

I am not a police officer but I just want to say thank you to anyone on this forum who is. You guys are going through a rough time but I just want to say is it appreciated

[StogieSteve23]

I agree with you completely.  No way our country can run without police despite what people choose to believe... Police have never received the credit they deserve and now people are formulating opinions on an entire country's police force based on the heinous actions of one bad cop. 

If there are any LEOs on this forum that read this, just know that not everyone agrees with the crap being said about you guys in the media.  Many of us still do and always will stand with you.  It is disgraceful what people want to do to defund the police.  All I say to them is, better go get a gun now.. 

[Subcomandante]

Not trying to get political but the “defund the police” is a really poor choice of words to describe it. Its about cutting the budget of police which is usually the largest portion of a city budget and using some of that money to hire teams of social workers, emt’s, drug counselors etc to go out on 911 calls about homeless people and calls for mental health issues. It frees up cops to respond to actual police work and also allows trained professionals to address the other stuff that commonly gets called into 911. It’s not about getting rid of police. Just a little clarification. 

[Bram Smoker]

Defund has one definition. If you mean something else, say something else.

[wine_junkie]

This post is a breath of fresh air. 

[Colt45]

2 hours ago, StogieSteve23 said:

people are formulating opinions on an entire country's police force based on the heinous actions of one bad cop.

Didn't you recently create a topic about how you were glad we weren't having these kind of discussions?

The unfortunate reality is that it's been decade upon decade of "abuse" and unequal treatment of some American citizens by some of those sworn to protect them. This is unarguable. (you certainly don't deserve to die for selling cigarettes on the street).

I support my local PD and FD 100%. Grab your locals some coffee, or some lunch. Put up a lawn sign which shows you support while not denigrating the cause of others. It doesn't have to be only one way or the other. I've been thinking about making some simple shirts - maybe olive drab with thin blue and red horizontal lines - I'll see.

The burners and looters - they're not just stealing from stores. They're stealing from every single person peacefully demonstrating against injustice. They're stealing from every single person those demonstrators are trying to represent. And perhaps worst of all, they've put a value on those lives - of a pair of shoes, a tv, a broken window, a burned car... They don't deserve a pass in any way, shape, or form.

So what do we do for real change? Vote. I have to delve toward U.S. elections... You really want to send a message - about everything? Vote for someone outside of the two major parties - do some research. Clear out the house and senate. Start from the top - let everyone know you mean business.

Sigh......

"with liberty and justice for all"

 

[La_Tigre]

It would be nice if for once a person could post something supportive without those that follow feeling the need to serve up their diatribe. 
 

Over/under on the life of this thread now that it’s been hijacked political....?

[Markspring1978]

I would imagine that many good men and women who have chosen a career in law enforcement are feeling very discouraged right now. If that is you, and you are here looking at this thread, hang in there. We appreciate you. And like any person who is trying to do the right thing, you deserve dignity and respect. 

[Bri Fi]

Thank you guys. I am a cop in the Bay Area and times are very rough moral wise, and they are going to get worse. Not just for me but for citizens as well. Proactive policing is slowing down to a halt, and criminals are getting released from prison at an insane rate. 
 

I will give you an example from this weekend. A male who has a parole warrant and another warrant for going wrong way on the freeway during a police chase was caught after another vehicle pursuit in a stolen vehicle and possession of 7 ounces of meth. After we finally caught him, we issued him a citation for the warrants and sales of drugs. A ticket. No jail. This has been going on for months now due to covid/riots and citizens are at risk. Vigilantism is on the rise, and I totally get it. I don’t encourage it, but you need to protect your family and community. 
 

I do not identify as law enforcement outside of work (social media, talking to strangers, etc) due to fear of retaliation to my family. So admitting this here is not easy. Been that way since I started 6 years ago. 
 

The silent majority are amazing people, and we know you’re out there. Comments like these above are refreshing and moral boosters. I will share with my fellow partners who are avid cigar smokers. 
 

Thank you and stay safe. 

[Islandboy]

2 minutes ago, Bri Fi said:

The silent majority are amazing people, and we know you’re out there.  

Not claiming to be amazing in any way, but I just realized which political party I most affiliate myself with - the silent majority. Thanks for that...and for your service to your community.

[Stanislaw]

I agree with you guys looking for extend a THANK YOU to all members who are law enforcement, fire department, doctors, nurses, EMT, or anyone else who may find their life on the line for their fellow men/women/children:  THANK YOU

 

 

 

 

[StogieSteve23]

1 hour ago, Colt45 said:

Didn't you recently create a topic about how you were glad we weren't having these kind of discussions?

Yes, I did. Here, I didn't think I was getting into "these kind of discussions." My apologies for making it seem that way. 

[Colt45]

1 hour ago, Bri Fi said:

stay safe. 

You stay safe.

5 minutes ago, StogieSteve23 said:

My apologies for making it seem that way. 

There is nothing to apologize for - Given the topic, I couldn't find an emoji I thought appropriate....

[TBird55]

Bri Fi - Thank You

[BoliDan]

Indeed, @bensava29 hope you and your boys in blue are doing well/staying safe. We'll try to find a herf spot closer to your house when this is all over.

@Bri Fi stay safe, my man. That must be a rough location. Best out to you and your family. New Dad Club, brother!

[bassistheplace]

Grateful for all the great LEO's responding to emergencies and helping those that cant help themselves. God bless you for doing the job most couldn't handle or want

[bpm32]

These are certainly interesting times we’re living in. I don’t know that I’ve ever seen the Overton Window shift so radically so quickly in my lifetime.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_window