It’s been quite a long time. Since... I stopped blogging because everything has become so controversial – and potentially could lead to losing or compromising longtime relationships. You see I presently live in a liberal sector of a liberal state. And that can lead to a lonely feeling at times. Nonetheless, life experiences, perhaps even genetics, have made me rather conservative. I am pro-military, pro-law enforcement, and on appropriate holidays I proudly display the American flag. But I best not talk too loudly about those tendencies – not in these parts. I spent four years in the military. I spent 10 years in law enforcement (3 years as a deputy sheriff and seven as a Special Agent in the FBI). Thus noted as an effort to furnish context or relevance to some of my comments.
From what I see, the protestors and hooligans won’t have to hold their breath too long over the dismantling of many city police departments. The departments will rapidly implode. The good people, the quality officers, the ones you might really want to retain, will leave. Corruption will follow. Gang violence, the struggle for dominance will prevail. And who will suffer the most. Well, of course, the same communities suffering now – but it will be worse – much worse, and it will be principally the black communities.
Some thoughts on current topics:
‘No knock warrants’ to be banned: I’m not sure any living (the operative word here) police officer would favor banning ‘No knock warrants.’ Unless, of course, they harbor some sort of death wish. Perhaps, we are talking semantics here, but to me this means no warrant could be ‘served’ without knocking and advising the resident who you are. I have been involved in a few arrests – the ‘No Knock’ version. They almost always involve very dangerous offenders, some of whom have sworn they would not be taken alive. If an officer was to stand outside a door of such an offender, then knock and identify himself, well, that sounds very close to a suicidal tactic as far as I’m concerned. The probable incoming fire will take out everyone standing around outside the door. Just my opinion, but if any Chief of Police prohibited his officers from using this ‘no knock’ tactic with dangerous offenders; what can I say other than – he or she is an idiot.
The ‘infamous choke hold’: I was taught this in SWAT training in the ‘70. Had it tried on me (training purposes) not full on. It isn’t pleasant. Impression: Could be useful in an all-out fight, but not very practical. It is applied from behind. Unless you somehow could get behind a strong, struggling and fighting offender, in a life or death situation, you might be able to apply it. Personally, I never had the occasion to use it, and never met anyone who did. Should it be banned? Probably. There are unknown medical consequences associated with interrupting the carotid arteries.
Shooting a fleeing felon”: In the ‘old days’ a deputy could, under certain circumstances, shoot a fleeing felon. The reason being that the subject could resultingly harm or kill others if he wasn’t stopped. This standard was not supported in the FBI. Their unofficial policy was: If we can’t get him today, we’ll get him tomorrow or the next day.
I’ve just been reading a book for the second time. The first time I read it (a purchase), was a few years back. It is ‘The Thomas Sowell Reader.’ It has helped me focus my thoughts on current events in so many ways. For those of you who do not know of Thomas Sowell and / or haven’t read his book – well, he is an exceptionally brilliant man and a Professor of Economics at Stanford. I highly recommend the book. And, if perhaps it might make a difference to some, he is African American. Great read. The book is so well written and an education for all of us.
