Consider Alabama
April 15, 2015
SARAH S. writes:
As the wife of a police officer, I understandably take exception to the harsh criticism of police expressed by some of your readers. My husband is an excellent shot and very calm under pressure. The chief of his department (of about 100 officers) is a sharp guy who keeps a pretty tight rein on the department’s activities. He’s not keen on his officers or investigators arresting people when a warning will suffice, which is most of the time. But then again this isn’t Chicago. The state of things up there sounds pretty alarming, doesn’t it?
And so I would like to invite you all down to the great state of Alabama. We are approximately 40 years behind the times and the cost of living is low. We don’t support sodomy and the police in our state are not unionized, as unions are generally frowned upon here. I could go on about the food and the climate, but just give it some thought… We would love to have you!
—-Comments —
Mark Slater writes:
Fifty years ago people snickered at Alabama while on their way to California. Today, California is a byword and a laughingstock and Alabama is much admired socially, politically, and culturally.
And as for Miss Sarah’s husband; he is, undoubtedly, an Old-Fashioned peace officer: a man most patriotic people like to think is behind the badge and whom we would not hesitate to direct a lost child toward. Regrettably, there is reason to believe that not all modern sworn officers are thus.
Mark Jaws writes:
Sarah S. is right on the money. Northern Alabama is great. We vacationed there ten years ago and enjoyed it very much. We have been back twice to visit friends in Huntsville. It is always a treat. It is one area of the country I could move to.
Paul C. writes:
What a Southern doll. I should first reveal I am a fan of one of her chief Southeastern Conference football rivals, though I pull for Bama (the “Gumps” according to some of my fellow fans) whenever they are faced with a non-SEC opponent. But such pettiness is sometimes fun but meaningless. Her testimony is helpful and in accord with my view of my local large police forces. As I mentioned before, I have no idea how an officer can approach a traffic offender’s window or any other offender without backup. In my view, it is a result of our cheapness and being spoiled.
