Is there any subject on earth that doesn't launch some around here into a diatribe on government in general and the federal government in particular in under one sentence?

Why else would I be reading the comments section of a political blog? I have an axe to grind and, by God, you're all going to know about it.

Is there any subject on earth that doesn't launch you into a diatribe on George Bush in under one sentence?

Jazz...

Just anecdotally there appear to me to be a lot of former military in the police force. I assume that's because of some similar interests, as well as preferential hires.

That's a factor as well, but it's easy to understand why it's so; such people have a level of discipline and the ability to work under pressure, and given the level of training the military gets anymore in handling people, they're already several rungs up on the usual CJ student.

I guess it all depends on the meaning of the word "is" Anjin-san.

Is there any subject on earth that doesn't launch you into a diatribe on George Bush in under one sentence?

Well, you know how it is; a man with a hammer sees every problem as a nail.
(Muffled laughter)

Is there any subject on earth that doesn't launch you into a diatribe on George Bush in under one sentence?

The fraternity of police officers had bred an us versus them attitude often reinforced by leadership. The availability of military style weapons and increased firepower. The inability of city councils and mayors to differentiate between real world and TV world law enforcement. All of these reasons and others are adding to this problem.

The change is going to have to come from the top. A refocus to serve the public rather than see the public as all potential offenders. The acceptance of risk in the job and the understanding of how power can be abused. A complete unlinking of law enforcement action and revenue generation including the often abused overtime provisions for court appearances.

The causes and many and the cures are many.