Abuse of power

I simply have to make a statement about the abuse of power by some people who are supposed to serve and protect our rights. I am not making a jab at all police officers or lawmakers, but this is aimed at the ones who think their badge or title affords them special privileges.

Recently a friend of mine was retained in the Ingram County (MI) jail for back support (I do not condone this, but it is not relevant to this discussion). While there they placed his cell phone, watch and other items in an envelope - which was given back to him when he left. Missing was the watch! Since the only people who had access to this envelope were police personnel, I am not going out on a limb to say that one of them stole it. The watch was not expensive, it had a couple special features, but nothing to brag about. When he complained they found another watch to give him - a cheap Casio, probably taken from another prisoner.

Fifteen years ago, when my husband was killed in a hunting accident, I went to retrieve him new rifle from the police department - only to find it was missing, along with the new case that was in his car. Both items were in separate places when he was found, yet managed to be missing after the police arrived. When I demanded to speak to someone about the theft I was told an officer had taken it home to clean it up for me, and I could come back in a few days to get it. I did get it, but it was not cleaned up. Suffice it to say that if I had not complained this expensive new rifle would still be at the policeman's home.

These are just two examples of the irony of the situation. Police are there to protect the innocent, jail the thieves and criminals, arrest those who speed or break the law, yet feel they are above all of that.

I once rode with a friend, who was a policeman, and he drove right through stop signs. When I said that I would be ticketed if I do that he said, "It's a perk of the job." He was not in uniform, nor was he in a police car at the time.

Lawmakers are just as guilty of usurping their authority in order to get "perks" or special treatment that is not afforded the rest of us.

I have the utmost respect for those who face danger in their jobs every day. Without their service we would have a chaotic society. What I have a problem with is that these people are supposed to be examples - following the law to show others the right way. Is it no wonder that when youths see this they think they have the right to do the same thing?