"The police are seen as an occupying army, unwanted, hated and feared." So writes Deb Lundgren for America's Voices on "Where Are You Joe Friday?"
There really are two basic worldviews about the police. One as Lundgren describes, and the other as was demonstrated in the aftermath of 9/11 when Americans expressed gratitude and honor for both the police and fire fighters of New York City.
My father was a policeman in Johnstown, Pennsylvania where I was born. It's a tough job. Yes, there are some crooked cops, which is one of the most grievous things a society has to deal with...the very ones empowered to make sure the law is upheld...break it. See a description of "A Perfect Cop" in my article on "Crooked and Straight Cops". There's little worse than a crooked cop.
But the majority of cops are, like our military troops, dedicated and true to the call and responsibilities of their role, which includes dealing with domestic terrorist groups, workplace violence, school shootings, looting, protesters, etc., on a regular basis. My guest on the show today, Officer Bob DeGeorge, who also served as a Special Agent with US Army Counter Intelligence during the Vietnam War, discribes what it's like being a cop in the age of rampant terrorism. If you didn't hear it, I think you'll like it.
Hear today's show (See 9/28/05)
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