To read the tribute to SFC Marcus Muralles, please click here
Monday, October 01, 2007
What's Wrong With This Video?
First, go read this article. Don't worry... I'll wait.
Finished? OK... first, the off-duty, plain-clothed police officer was wrong to threaten him and not show his badge. The second officer who threatened him was totally out of line. And the threats are completely uncalled for.
Now that that's out of the way, let me get to what really bugged me about this kid. He's been pulled over how many times in past four years? From my count, 4 that the story detailed, plus "several times for minor moving violations." What is "several"? Far too many, I'm sure.
It's not that difficult to not get pulled over. Let's see... obey the laws? Just sayin'...
I'm not Mario Andretti on the roads, but I'm not Granny, either. I try to stay at or below the speed limit on surface streets, and I follow the flow of traffic most times on the interstate (which means I may go over the speed limit, but not more than a few mph). I have been yelled for going too slow ONCE, and that was uphill with a loaded down car and no cruise control. Mom yells at me all the time to slow down, but she's looking at the speedometer at an odd angle. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.) In my 21 years of driving, I've never had a major accident (a not-even-fender-bender when I still had my learner's permit is it... Dad, did you know about that? Ask Mom... she was there...), and I have been pulled over a grand total of 5 times, resulting in 1 ticket (and I really should have argued that one... the light had barely turned yellow when I went through it). Somehow I've managed (and don't even say it's because I'm female) to not run afoul of local law enforcement.
Yes, it's important to know the laws (which this kid probably knows better than most), but that's in order to be in compliance, not to push the limits. And yes, there are bad cops, and they need to be held accountable.
I just can't help but think this kid is out to get them all. And that won't bode well for him if he ever actually needs them.
Finished? OK... first, the off-duty, plain-clothed police officer was wrong to threaten him and not show his badge. The second officer who threatened him was totally out of line. And the threats are completely uncalled for.
Now that that's out of the way, let me get to what really bugged me about this kid. He's been pulled over how many times in past four years? From my count, 4 that the story detailed, plus "several times for minor moving violations." What is "several"? Far too many, I'm sure.
It's not that difficult to not get pulled over. Let's see... obey the laws? Just sayin'...
I'm not Mario Andretti on the roads, but I'm not Granny, either. I try to stay at or below the speed limit on surface streets, and I follow the flow of traffic most times on the interstate (which means I may go over the speed limit, but not more than a few mph). I have been yelled for going too slow ONCE, and that was uphill with a loaded down car and no cruise control. Mom yells at me all the time to slow down, but she's looking at the speedometer at an odd angle. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it.) In my 21 years of driving, I've never had a major accident (a not-even-fender-bender when I still had my learner's permit is it... Dad, did you know about that? Ask Mom... she was there...), and I have been pulled over a grand total of 5 times, resulting in 1 ticket (and I really should have argued that one... the light had barely turned yellow when I went through it). Somehow I've managed (and don't even say it's because I'm female) to not run afoul of local law enforcement.
Yes, it's important to know the laws (which this kid probably knows better than most), but that's in order to be in compliance, not to push the limits. And yes, there are bad cops, and they need to be held accountable.
I just can't help but think this kid is out to get them all. And that won't bode well for him if he ever actually needs them.
