sv_libertarian
State Researcher
imported post
I'm reminded time and time again why it is important to keep up a civil conversation on this board, especially regarding LEO's and also to avoid fringe topics that border on tinfoil hattery, etc...
I personally know of a handful LEO's who read this board, and few of them post here. No I'm not giving names or any other details. Don't bother asking.
I was in Lynnwood yesterday and spoke briefly with the SCSD Sergeant who was part of the stop I was in last December. Briefly a driver tried to get me kicked off the bus for carrying a cased long arm, and I ended up back on the bus. I complimented the Sergeant for the professionalism and low key attitude of the stop. He replied that he had already read about it on the internet and appreciated my positive words. Now I posted that story in two places, one on a local Olympia community forum I own (www.olyforums.org) and here. As it is extremely unlikely that this officer reads Olyforums it was plain he read it here.
Actually he clarified and said a Metro Transit Officer (King County Sheriff) mentioned the story to his department.
What is my point in all of this? It is no surprise that cops read this board, and if I were in their shoes, I would do so as well. We discuss encounters, both good and bad with LEO's, as well as engage in an act that is a bit unusual in some people's eyes.
So just please keep in mind when you are talking about LEO's or a specific agency, or touch on a contreversial topic, assume there are some interested government paid eyes reading this, and ask yourself if this is how you would choose to represent not only yourself in the eyese of the law, but also the entire OC community.
I for one would rather be noted by the Community Transit security staff was "That gun guy" with a bit of a smile and laugh, rather than "that gun guy" with a scowl and distrust. The same goes for any other agency.
Public relations is a tricky subject sometimes and must be carefully handled. If you are happy being viewed as an angry blowhard who distrusts all cops, is suspicious of government, and an arsehole in general, be my guest. It's a free country after all. But keep in mind your attitude may color how a cop treats the next guy he gets a call over OC. And I don't want to be on the receiving end of a bad attitude influenced by someone who can't hold their tongue.
I'll wager a person peaceably OCing a gun in places where concerned, polite and professional acting members have worked will go a lot easier than a place where OC'rs are viewed as nutters and loons.
Just something to keep in mind. Yah, cops read this forum, and I think that's a good thing. I think more would post if the noise to signal ratio was better when they did too.
So when you want to post something angry, or unusual, keep in mind you are probably going to end up having an entire community painted with a broad brush.
Criticism goes a lot further when it is written in a calm, professional sounding fashion, and isn't damaging to the author either.
I'm reminded time and time again why it is important to keep up a civil conversation on this board, especially regarding LEO's and also to avoid fringe topics that border on tinfoil hattery, etc...
I personally know of a handful LEO's who read this board, and few of them post here. No I'm not giving names or any other details. Don't bother asking.
I was in Lynnwood yesterday and spoke briefly with the SCSD Sergeant who was part of the stop I was in last December. Briefly a driver tried to get me kicked off the bus for carrying a cased long arm, and I ended up back on the bus. I complimented the Sergeant for the professionalism and low key attitude of the stop. He replied that he had already read about it on the internet and appreciated my positive words. Now I posted that story in two places, one on a local Olympia community forum I own (www.olyforums.org) and here. As it is extremely unlikely that this officer reads Olyforums it was plain he read it here.
Actually he clarified and said a Metro Transit Officer (King County Sheriff) mentioned the story to his department.
What is my point in all of this? It is no surprise that cops read this board, and if I were in their shoes, I would do so as well. We discuss encounters, both good and bad with LEO's, as well as engage in an act that is a bit unusual in some people's eyes.
So just please keep in mind when you are talking about LEO's or a specific agency, or touch on a contreversial topic, assume there are some interested government paid eyes reading this, and ask yourself if this is how you would choose to represent not only yourself in the eyese of the law, but also the entire OC community.
I for one would rather be noted by the Community Transit security staff was "That gun guy" with a bit of a smile and laugh, rather than "that gun guy" with a scowl and distrust. The same goes for any other agency.
Public relations is a tricky subject sometimes and must be carefully handled. If you are happy being viewed as an angry blowhard who distrusts all cops, is suspicious of government, and an arsehole in general, be my guest. It's a free country after all. But keep in mind your attitude may color how a cop treats the next guy he gets a call over OC. And I don't want to be on the receiving end of a bad attitude influenced by someone who can't hold their tongue.
I'll wager a person peaceably OCing a gun in places where concerned, polite and professional acting members have worked will go a lot easier than a place where OC'rs are viewed as nutters and loons.
Just something to keep in mind. Yah, cops read this forum, and I think that's a good thing. I think more would post if the noise to signal ratio was better when they did too.
So when you want to post something angry, or unusual, keep in mind you are probably going to end up having an entire community painted with a broad brush.
Criticism goes a lot further when it is written in a calm, professional sounding fashion, and isn't damaging to the author either.