It's a sad and pitiful thing when cops begin to whine. They disgrace themselves, their brethren and especially those who have gone before, bleeding out the last moments of their devoted service to us on some dirty street or filthy crackhouse floor.
For the most part, we Americans prefer the Knights of our Thin Blue Line to be stoic. We expect them to come when we summon them to duty. We expect them to bravely answer the call and to restore order and safety when chaos and terror invade our lives. We expect them to deport themselves in the finest traditions of the police service and then we expect them to go away, like salt in a wound, having prevented the spread of dangerous infection, it no longer draws attention to itself.
We don't mind if officers, who choose to work for us, close ranks when attacked. We expect it, and, to some degree, silently support it. But please, Byron James, quit sniveling about having to work on weekends, holidays and around people who smell bad. We equip and pay you quite well for these sacrifices.
In his reference to Scott Norberg, Byron James makes much of "six officers" having to "put down" (interesting choice of words) one guy. We like to see six officers on one guy, because when a suspect is so outnumbered, it generally means neither he nor our precious officers will be hurt in the encounter. But when six officers bring a restrained and unarmed suspect under control by killing him, something goes horribly wrong, and answers must be provided immediately.
Byron James, big dog from Gilbert, even resorts to the ultimate, time-tested Mother of All Whines by referring to suspects who ". . . walk because of a bullshit technicality." I can only assume that the technicality with which he takes issue is the Constitution of the United States of America, the most perfect and precious document of freedom known to man. Well, at least he used his spell checker.
James opened his letter by defending Joe Arpaio, and I'm certain the sheriff is delighted to have such capable defenders during these turbulent times. I will admit, our sheriff is kind of cute. He's part clown, part street cop, part showman, part con artist. It's like having P.T. Barnum in your living room each night. But, this is Phoenix, the greatest show on Earth. So step right up, only one thin dime, children under 12 must have a note from their mothers.
Daniel Craig
Phoenix
Editor's note: James' letter indicated he lives in Gilbert. However, Gilbert police officials say he is not employed there. In fact, they say, nobody by that name is listed as a certified peace officer in Arizona.
