Riddle Me This:

Why are so many of you so deferential to law enforcement?

Okay, some context is necessary. Let's go...

First, this does not apply to my "normie" friends - real or Fakebook pseudo. Many of you have had no real interaction beyond a traffic ticket and probably believe that they have the most dangerous job there is, and that all the protections, privileges and policies they enjoy (and only they enjoy) are justified. Until those perks come home to roost on your neck, they paint a pretty compelling picture. For you I'd suggest this: lots of jobs are dangerous and many are statistically more dangerous than being a cop. One of them is being a member of our military in combat. So is a highway worker. However, I'll grant that it is not likely I'll sway you, so I'll leave you with this: They don't close down major interstates for a parade when anyone else dies - in the line of duty or not. Only cops. Ever wonder why...

But there is another major group of both real and virtual friends here, and that group typically has extensive experience with law enforcement. And, no, I am not talking about "bikers," although the same thinking can apply. I am speaking specifically about those of you in the recovery community. The vast majority of you have extensive, often negative experience with law enforcement. I know I have, and I heard literally thousands of your stories. So, why have so many of you suddenly become champions of the thin blue line? Maybe you've been sober (or clean) so long that you forgot. Or, maybe you thought you "had it coming." Y'all seem to think that about many others now.

For some, I'd jump on that bandwagon save this: I AM all about the rule of law and part of those rules are due process. So, while becoming aware of some particularly evil individual getting some well-deserved justice, when that comes at the hands of cops through excessive force under color of law, I am not going to sign onto it. That brings up one of many problems. The so-called "good cops" and their silence about bad cops. I tacitly agree that most cops get into the job for the right reason (not ICE, but I'll get to them shortly) and only a few are the ones who crave the power of the badge and a gun. But if a good cop turns a blind eye to a bad cop, is (s)he still good?

But let's get back to the recovery community and our experience. I know the vast majority of you have seen or been subjected to unconstitutional actions under the color of law. It's not even up for debate, if you've been to jail or prison, you know about it just like "good cops" do. But now that you, personally, are no longer subject to their abuses, you're all part of the "back the blue" club. Weird, but okay. Maybe you figure that what happen to you was due to your own (stupid) actions and had you been behaving yourself, it never would have happened. I am with you on that. I was waving huge red flags in front of my life, basically daring them to come get me. Had I not, I never would have been subject to the good cops OR the bad ones. Here's the rub: That does not excuse the bad ones or the system set up to protect them.

I AM all about the rule of law - for everyone. And seeing police academy rejects (and worse) put on a pseudo-cop uniform wearing a face mask (for their own protection, right?), and violate the 1st, 4th, 5th, 14th and now 2nd Amendments with impunity has to stop. And for you who are so self-centered that, because you're safe, it's okay, know this - they'll be coming after you eventually. Lastly, for those who seem to believe that Constitutional protections are only for citizens, you are absolutely wrong. The Constitution is clear as are several high court rulings. If due process and other Constitutionally enumerated rights can be denied pending proof of citizenship, then once detained, it would be impossible to prove without due process. No phone call, no lawyer, no probable cause, no speedy trial - maybe no trial at all.

Is that what y'all voted for? Because that and a whole shitload more is what you got. But at least eggs are cheaper.