What happened to 'protect and serve'?

As we celebrated our nation's birthday, I'd like to propose that we reinstate an old American tradition of having the phrase 'protect and serve' on the top of the door panels on the city and county law enforcement rolling stock.

When our president says that the Constitution is 'a goddamn piece of paper' its important for all of us, police and the public, to think that we're all on the same side.

Can you imagine Barney going from one bullet in his shirt pocket and the sheriff unarmed to having a belt with mace, taser, baton, etc. Don't get me wrong if the situation requires that an officer use that kind of force ' they're the ones with their lives on the line.

The problem is a greatly under-funded court system and the Patriot Act. The judges and prosecutors should be somewhat like the fire department, only used when needed.

The percentage of citizens in the system for 'suspicion' of something is huge. It is an income stream that has to be stopped. Five percent of any group of humans is going to be dealt with by law enforcement and the courts in any society.

That's the best best you're going to get. That includes people who steal thousands and pay back 50 percent. The 'protect and serve' is for me and all of us who are in this together. Let's change the perception that the law enforcement attitude/mission statement (light 'em up) is for us and not against us and to what percentage of tax dollars that it should take to get the job done. From what I've been hearing, there's a lot of room for improvement.

JOHN ROSENBERRY

Sandpoint