Letter: Not behind rallying cry for police officer

Dear Editor:

We the people need to stand up against government entities and their employees for violation of civil and constitutional rights arising from police misconduct and excessive force concerning the interference with the exercise of free speech.

There’s always two sides to every story.

I don’t agree with the rallying of the citizens that are supporting Troy policeman Bob McLeod. Would you feel the same way if a policeman wronged your child or your parents? Or possibly you?

Because a person is a police officer, he is innocent? Because a person is a police officer, he is a good man? Because a person is a police officer, he is incapable of doing wrong? Or better yet, because a person is a good neighbor he is a good cop?

In displaying a blue ribbon in support of Bob McLeod you just might be forgetting the two other colors in the equation, the red and the white. Take a stand for the red white and blue. Throw down your blue ribbons and pick up the flag. Support your constitutional rights.

In the year 2009 I would like to believe we are above stereotypes, and that we would be able to see people for who they are … not for the position that they hold. Have we not seen in the world that just because a person is political or holds a certain position that they can also be dishonest or even corrupt?

Open your eyes and see the truth. Take a stand for what is right. No one is above the law.

Use of Force – A police officer will never employ unnecessary force or violence and will use only such force in the discharge of duty as is reasonable in all circumstances. The use of force should be used only with the greatest restraint and only after discussion, negotiation and persuasion have been found to be inappropriate or ineffective.

While the use of force is occasionally unavoidable, every police officer will refrain from unnecessary infliction of pain or suffering and will never engage in cruel, degrading or inhumane treatment of any person.

A.J. Haflich

Troy