Re: RAT Cheese it, the Fuzz!

[TimNGail@aol.com]

Bill,

I must be aching for a gold star, too, because I'm trying hard to understand 
(and not become totally offended, not that it's important whether I'm 
offended or not) what the point is that you are so desperately trying to 
pound into Jonathan's head.

So, if I'm understanding correctly (and I KNOW you'll correct me if I'm 
wrong), you've had experiences with many, many law enforcement officials who 
speak of the violence in their early lives and in the next breath casually 
mention the violence of their present occupations.  Allegedly these 
conversations are taking place "cheek-to-jowel" in the garage of these law 
enforcement buddies.

Is your point simply that, in YOUR experience, you have noted that these 
individuals are drawn somehow to law enforcement, and the violence which is a 
part of that job, because of the violence they experienced earlier in their 
lives?

And if that IS the point (or even if it's NOT), then I would simply re-direct 
the question of who, exactly, is the spoiled brat child that can't read, 
hear, or acknowledge that there is the possibility of experiences beyond your 
own?

My own experience does not involve oil changes or ball fields, but I worked 
for several years for the International Brotherhood of Police Officers (one 
of my many "day" jobs) and also came in contact with a significant number of 
law enforcement officers from across the country.  Many of these individuals 
were idiots.  Many may have even been emotionally scarred at some point in 
their past.  But many were incredibly intelligent and well-balanced 
individuals who felt very strongly that they wanted to make a difference, 
much like the protesters in Seattle did.  I would completely disagree with 
the generalization that you make based on your experiences alone.  

I have two good friends who happen to be police officers - I've known them 
since we were in high school -- and I know what their lives were like when 
they were younger.  I also know that in both cases, they had moments (and 
continue to have moments) where they would be found in circumstances similar 
to those of the protesters, rather than the police, in Seattle.

So, you've got your experience.  And I've got mine.  So does Jonathan.  None 
of our voices, individually, however, mean enough to speak in an overarching 
sense with ANY kind of authority over what the condition as a whole is.

I can speak to the fact, however, that someone here needs to grow up.. and 
it's not Jonathan...  and realize that the world does not, in fact, revolve 
around a single set of experiences.  At least, that's MY experience.....

clearing a space on the door of my refrigerator....

tim