[MarkinMd]

In 34 years of police work in Baltimore County I worked approximately 60 percent of that time in the hours of darkness. Most of the time I couldn't tell the race or gender of the person I conducted a traffic stop on until I approached the vehicle on foot. One time I stopped a vehicle simply to let the operator know he had left an extra set of keys hanging from his trunk lock. I didn't want to see the person lose his keys. It just so happened to be a high ranking member of a neighboring jurisdiction. He exited his vehicle in full uniform (Major) and proceeded to act like a total jerk. I let him vent and he threatened to call my Captain and Internal Affairs. He was convinced I stopped him because he was African American. I respectfully advised him to call anyone he liked and gave him my name and ID number (required). I then informed him why I stopped him and pointed to the keys hanging from his trunk. I explained I didn't want someone to lose their keys. He then looked embarrassed and tried to laugh off his little tirade. I walked away and he wanted to shake hands with me, I refused and said I don't shake hands (not required) with people that stereotype others. He got my message.

[Rags123]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

All I know is that I have lot more trust in our leaders and faith in the direction in this country than I did six years ago. The fact that we can question authority in open way that would be unthinkable in many countries around the world is to be commended.

Those who are in the know and have covered the last six years disagree quite dramatically, the last being Ann Compton who is retiring.

And cannot wait until the hearings tomorrow and Mr Gruber gets his chance.

And on the subject of the thread.....what is the last we heard on Fast and Furious ?

[JB in TV]

Originally Posted by Rags123

TENNISNUT said "MANY. hold in contempt" No disrespect but you are not many !!

Oh, and even those who have been supporters of the equal rights movement agree with you, but my question was the word MANY !!

I didn't write the post that you are referring to, but perhaps the "MANY" that is being commented on referrs to the House of Representatives? Wasn't Holder held in contempt for not providing documents requested by the House?

[Rags123]

Originally Posted by JB in TV

I didn't write the post that you are referring to, but perhaps the "MANY" that is being commented on referrs to the House of Representatives? Wasn't Holder held in contempt for not providing documents requested by the House?

Sure....that is not a dead issue at all....I was under the impression that the MANY referred to by TENNISNUT was in reference to TOTV, and not the general malaise that surrounds that office at present.

[TexaninVA]

Originally Posted by Tennisnut

All I know is that I have lot more trust in our leaders and faith in the direction in this country than I did six years ago. The fact that we can question authority in open way that would be unthinkable in many countries around the world is to be commended.

Yes, a lot more trust. If you like your health care plan, you can keep it etc. I won't go through all the examples but let's simply say there is a seemingly endless supply, except it's an unwanted gift.

As far as questioning authority, if you're referring to Ferguson or Berkeley or "die ins" in Macys, or stopping traffic on the bridge when people are commuting to work, or to the upcoming CIA "Torture Report" I've noticed a trend. Many of our friends (ie not necessarily you) on one side of the spectrum recoil at the idea of American Exceptionalism, except IMHO when it seems to weaken America further or somehow drive us further apart. Topic for a separate thread so I'm just making a note for now.