It was a kneejerk reaction to a very real security hole. In some ways, the solution was more damaging than the problem.

There are tremendous problems linked with open-carry from both a law enforcement and societal viewpoint. I’ve noticed the trend that, when groups are allowed to open-carry, they tend to wed that into things like political actions (a la the Three Percenters). At that point, it becomes a threat not only to long force…

It’s fine! This is an emotionally charged issue being discussed online: it is very easy to say things in the heat of the moment.

As Lord Dominator and Billie Eilish say, “I’m the bad guy.”

Originally Dallas, but now I’m in West Texas (Big Bend region, basically). Truth be told, my area of law enforcement (federal) actually puts me and my station at odds with the ranchers more often than not (we have good relations with some ranchers, but others butt heads with us a lot). It would be a different story if…

I would caution that this might not actually be a good thing: considering a second officer was fired in this incident, it’s likely that this is not so much a disciplinary action, but something done to try and cut the controversy off before more officers become implicated (if that makes sense). Basically, it’s possibly…

“He accidentally made the death threat! It was an unintended death threat!”

I will not deny my unicorn status. We exist, but are rare. Still, thank you kindly!

It’s not: when I say ranchers, I mean TEXAS RANCHERS (Brian Blessed voice). These are some of the wealthiest individuals in the area, and sometimes the state.

It does, and I appreciate it (though any coffee is a good thing!). I can’t help but think this divisiveness in our culture is not only the fault of bad actors within it (our police agencies do deserve a lot of the blame), but the active actions of nefarious forces outside our country antagonizing our divisions (read…

That’s very kind of you to say!

Thank you very much!

That’s something to consider. I have seen several stories posted where I wanted to contact someone and say, “Hey, this is my profession, I have some insight into this, I could say some things to provide context,” but I get hesitant.

It is a skill, and it is a skill that not a lot of people (police officers included!) exercise with the tenacity they should, given how many of them have dreams of being Wyatt Earp or Wild Bill Hickok. A firearm provides a very false sense of superiority.

...true. Maybe. I don’t know, I’m getting the writing bug again.

Yes, they will.

I think it is, actually: there has always been a pipeline from the military to the police, but military training is VERY different these days. It used to be primarily about how to follow orders (as this was the key deciding factor in whether a person would willingness rush into a dangerous situation to kill someone:…

I was actually wary of interacting with police myself until I became one. It didn’t magically make me more sympathetic towards cops (if anything, it made me more critical whenever I see one in the news. Like, ‘how the hell did this guy get scared enough to shoot? I just did a traffic stop with a rancher that had an AK…

Depending on your age, you could still go into either or both professions. That being said, there are plenty of ways to serve your community beyond carrying a firearm. Homeless outreach, drug rehabilitation, community events...hell, sitting in your city council sessions and being a big thorn in their side. Do you know…

Depending on your age, you could still go into either or both professions. That being said, there are plenty of ways to serve your community beyond carrying a firearm. Homeless outreach, drug rehabilitation, community events...hell, sitting in your city council sessions and being a big thorn in their side. Do you know…